Pahala Public RecordsHawaii

Pahala, Hawaii (ZIP code 96777), is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 1,386 as of 2020. The median age is about 44 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 51% male and 49% female. Racially and ethnically, Pahala is diverse: 28% Asian, 23% Pacific Islander, 25% White, 24% two or more races, and 11% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting the multicultural heritage of Hawaii.

Pahala, Hawaii is a small rural community with limited transportation infrastructure. Most residents rely on personal vehicles, reflected in a high vehicle ownership rate—over 90% of households have access to a car. Public transit options are scarce, primarily served by the Hele-On Bus, which sees limited daily ridership. The average one-way commute time in Pahala is about 28 minutes, slightly above the national average. Due to the town’s remote location, major employment hubs are agriculture and local services, with many residents traveling to nearby towns such as Naalehu and Volcano for work.

Pahala, Hawaii, a small rural town with a population of around 1,400, lacks hospitals within city limits, relying on Kaʻū Hospital—a 21-bed critical access hospital—located nearby for emergency and inpatient care. Outpatient clinics, such as Hālau Ola and Bay Clinic, offer primary care and limited specialty services. Nearly 80% of residents have health insurance, but provider shortages and geographic isolation challenge healthcare access. The population is predominantly Native Hawaiian and Asian. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, with chronic diseases reflecting state and local trends. Telemedicine has increasingly supplemented local healthcare services.

Pahala, Hawaii, is served primarily by Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School, catering to grades pre-K through 12, with an enrollment of around 450 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 88%. Only about 17% of adults in Pahala hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school offers some career and technical education programs, but options are limited. School safety scores are average, with no major incidents reported in recent years. There are no dedicated adult education centers in Pahala, but distance learning and GED programs are available through district resources.

Pahala, Hawaii, has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with median home values around $230,000. Median monthly rent is approximately $850. The area mainly features single-family homes and plantation-style residences. Property values have seen modest annual growth, around 3% recently. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, with a strong sense of community. Property tax rates are relatively low in Hawaii County, averaging 0.28%, equating to roughly $650 annually for a median-value home. The rental market is limited but affordable, attracting those seeking a tranquil lifestyle in a historic town setting.