Transportation in Kapaau City

Kapaau, Hawaii, relies heavily on personal vehicles, with over 90% of workers commuting by car and carpooling accounting for around 15%. Public transit usage is minimal, with less than 1% depending on bus services, largely provided by Hele-On. The average commute time is approximately 34 minutes, surpassing the national average. The area lacks extensive transportation infrastructure, with no rail services and limited bus frequency. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two vehicles. Major employment hubs include healthcare, retail, and agriculture, with many residents commuting to nearby towns like Waimea or Kailua-Kona for work.

Kapaau City Housing

Kapaau, Hawaii, boasts a homeownership rate of around 69%, with median home values near $475,000 as of 2023. Rentals make up about 31% of homes, with average rents at approximately $1,300 monthly. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, alongside some condos and small apartments. Notable neighborhoods include Kapaau Village and Hawi Road. The real estate market has seen steady appreciation, about 5% annually in recent years. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.28% of assessed value, resulting in an average annual tax bill of $1,330 for a median-priced home.

Kapaau City Demographics

Kapaau, located in Hawaii County, Hawaii, has a population of approximately 2,012 residents. The community is about 50% male and 50% female, with a median age of around 43 years. Racially and ethnically, Kapaau is diverse: about 31% Asian, 27% two or more races, 22% White, 9% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 10% Hispanic or Latino. This multicultural blend reflects Hawaii’s broader demographic profile, contributing to Kapaau’s unique cultural character.

Education in Kapaau City

Kapaau, Hawaii, part of Hawaii County, has limited schooling options with 1 public school, Kohala High & Elementary, serving grades K-12. The school enrollment is approximately 700 students, with a graduation rate around 88%. Adult residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher make up about 26%. The area reports a moderate school safety score (B- per niche.com). Educational programs include Hawaiian language immersion, STEM, and various vocational courses. There are no higher education institutions within Kapaau; residents often commute for college.

Kapaau City Healthcare

Kapaau, Hawaii, a small town on the Big Island, lacks major hospitals; the nearest facility is Kohala Hospital (28 beds, critical access) serving the North Hawaii region. Primary care is available at the Kohala Hospital Rural Health Clinic. The area’s population (approx. 2,000; 33% Native Hawaiian, 19% Asian) faces higher rates of diabetes (11.5%) and hypertension. Healthcare provider density is low, with limited specialists. Around 7.5% of residents are uninsured, while 29% use Medicaid. Access challenges include geographic isolation and transportation barriers, impacting preventive care and chronic disease management.