Pepeekeo City Healthcare

Pepeekeo, Hawaii is a small community on the Big Island, with healthcare primarily accessed through nearby Hilo, approximately 8 miles away. Hilo Medical Center (276 beds) is the main hospital serving Pepeekeo residents. Local clinics, such as Hamakua-Kohala Health, provide primary care. Approximately 86% of Hawaii County residents have health insurance. The population is diverse, with 38% Asian, 22% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 20% White. Common health issues include diabetes (11% prevalence), hypertension, and obesity. Healthcare provider shortages are noted, with a physician-to-population ratio below the national average, impacting access to timely care.

Education in Pepeekeo City

Pepeekeo, Hawaii, is served primarily by the Hawaii Department of Education, with nearby schools such as Hilo High School and Ha’aheo Elementary. There are no colleges or universities within Pepeekeo itself; the closest is the University of Hawaii at Hilo, about 9 miles away, where 27% of residents over age 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School safety ratings in the region are moderate (scoring around 6/10), and educational programs offer STEM, Hawaiian culture, and adult education. Overall, Pepeekeo has access to 5 public schools within a 10-mile radius.

Pepeekeo City Housing

Pepeekeo, Hawaii, is a small coastal community with a homeownership rate of around 64%, while about 36% of residents rent. Median home values are approximately $400,000, with monthly rents averaging $1,300. The housing market in Pepeekeo has shown steady growth, with property values rising around 4% in the past year. Most homes are single-family houses, with some plantation-style units reflecting the town’s history. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, offering scenic ocean or mountain views. Property tax rates in Hawaii average about 0.3% of assessed home value, among the lowest in the U.S.

Transportation in Pepeekeo City

Pepeekeo, Hawaii is a small community where transportation is primarily car-dependent; about 90% of commuters drive alone, with less than 1% using public transit. The average one-way commute time is approximately 27 minutes. There is limited public transportation, mainly serviced by the Hele-On Bus, but most residents rely on private vehicles—about 2 cars per household. Major employment hubs include Hilo, located roughly 8 miles south. Road infrastructure is centered around Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 19), providing regional connectivity. Non-motorized options like biking or walking comprise less than 5% of commute modes.

Pepeekeo City Demographics

Pepeekeo, Hawaii, is a small census-designated place with a 2020 population of about 1,826. The median age is 41.3 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, Pepeekeo is diverse: about 19% White, 30% Asian, 23% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 17% identifying with two or more races, and roughly 7% Hispanic or Latino. This blend reflects the multicultural heritage of the Big Island.