Hawaii County, Hawaii
According to countryaah.com, Hawaii County, Hawaii is located in the southeastern part of the state and is the largest county by area in all of Hawaii. The county seat is Hilo and it is home to over 200,000 people. Hawaii County has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from around 70°F in the winter to 80°F in the summer. The average annual rainfall for Hawaii County is around 127 inches.
The racial makeup of Hawaii County is predominantly Asian at 54%, followed by White at 24%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander at 19%, and other ethnicities making up the remaining 3%. The median age in Hawaii County is 40 years old with a majority of the population between 25 and 44 years old.
The median household income in Hawaii County is $53,946 with 13% of households living below the poverty line. As far as education goes, 78% of adults over 25 have earned a high school diploma or higher while 24% have achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher.
As far as employment goes, major industries in Hawaii County include tourism (18%), health care and social assistance (12%), retail trade (10%), construction (9%), professional, scientific and technical services (5%). The unemployment rate in Hawaii County is 4%.
Hawaii County has several large employers including Queen’s Medical Center which employs over 2,000 people, Kamehameha Schools which employs over 1,500 people, Target Stores which employs over 1,100 people and Wal-Mart Supercenter which employs over 900 people. Other notable employers include University of Hawai’i at Hilo with 600 employees and Big Island Candies with 500 employees.
In terms of housing affordability in Hawaii County it is slightly above average with the median home value being $323k while the median rent price being $1,279/month. There are a variety of housing options available ranging from single-family homes to apartments to townhomes to condos all within various price ranges depending on size and location.
Hawaii County offers its residents an affordable cost of living while still providing plenty of job opportunities for those looking for work as well as plenty of recreational activities like surfing or hiking for those looking for something to do on their days off. With its diverse population and strong economy, it’s no wonder why so many choose to call Hawaii home.
History of Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County, Hawaii has a rich and vibrant history that predates the arrival of Europeans. The county was originally inhabited by Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti and other parts of the Pacific around 1000 AD. These early settlers established communities along the coast and in valleys, relying on fishing, farming and trading for sustenance. Over time, a unique culture began to develop in Hawaii County that blended traditional Polynesian practices with new influences from other cultures.
In 1778, Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii County aboard the HMS Resolution and named the islands he saw “The Sandwich Islands” after the fourth Earl of Sandwich. This marked the beginning of European contact with Hawaii County and brought about a period of increased trade between Europeans and Hawaiians. In 1810, Kamehameha I united all of the Hawaiian Islands under one kingdom with his seat of power on Hawaii Island.
In 1820, Protestant missionaries arrived in Hawaii County bringing with them Christianity and Western ideas which would have a lasting impact on Hawaiian culture. In 1848 King Kamehameha III declared Hawaiian independence from Britain which was recognized by France, Great Britain, Russia, Japan and the United States.
By 1893 Queen Liliuokalani had been overthrown due to American interference which led to US annexation in 1898 making Hawaii an official territory of the United States. During this time sugarcane plantations became increasingly popular as well as pineapple production leading to an influx of Asian immigrants who came to work on these plantations throughout Hawaii County.
In 1959, Hawaii officially became a state making it America’s 50th state while also allowing for increased tourism due to its tropical climate and beautiful beaches making it one of America’s favorite vacation spots today. In recent years, there has been an increase in population growth as more people move to take advantage of all that living in Hawaii County has to offer including its diverse culture, strong economy and beautiful landscape making it an ideal place for many people looking for a new home.
Major cities and towns in Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County, Hawaii is home to a variety of cities and towns. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the county is known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and beautiful landscape. The largest city in Hawaii County is Hilo, which serves as the county seat and offers an array of attractions for visitors and residents alike. Hilo is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and more. It also features a number of historic sites including the Lyman Mission House Museum and Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Kailua-Kona is another popular city located on the west side of Hawaii Island. Kailua-Kona is known for its beaches including Kahalu’u Beach Park which offers excellent snorkeling opportunities as well as its nightlife scene. The city also has a number of restaurants offering up local cuisine as well as international fare. Additionally, Kailua-Kona is home to several annual events such as the Ironman World Championship triathlon which takes place every October.
Waimea town is located in the northern part of Hawaii Island near Waipio Valley and Mauna Kea volcano. Waimea town offers a unique blend of old-world Hawaiian charm with modern amenities such as shopping centers and restaurants. It’s also home to several historic sites such as Parker Ranch which was established in 1847 by John Palmer Parker who was one of the first non-native settlers in Hawaii County. Additionally, there are many outdoor activities available in Waimea town ranging from horseback riding to kayaking on nearby rivers or lakes.
The small village of Honoka’a can be found on the Hamakua Coast near Waipio Valley along Highway 19 north from Hilo towards Waimea town. This charming village offers visitors a glimpse into traditional rural life with its quaint shops and galleries that feature local artisans’ work such as wood carvings or jewelry made from locally sourced materials like shells or lava rock beads. Honoka’a also has some great hiking trails that offer stunning views over the Waipio Valley or out towards Mauna Kea volcano in the distance making it an ideal spot for nature lovers who want to explore all that Hawaii County has to offer.
Other cities located within Hawaii County include Naalehu which lies near South Point at the southernmost tip of the Big Island offering visitors access to some incredible black sand beaches; Pahoa located at the eastern edge of Puna District; Volcano Village nestled at 4200 feet elevation amidst lush rainforest; Hawi town located on Kohala Coast near North Kohala; Kamuela situated between Kawaihae Harbor and Mauna Kea Summit; Kealakekua situated between Captain Cook Monument State Historical Park area; Kapoho found at Waiopae Tidepools Marine Life Conservation District; Laupahoehoe located along Hamakua Coastline north from Hilo; Paauilo found off Mamalahoa Highway between Honokaa & Waimea towns; Pohiki found on southern coast near Kalapana & Kapoho towns; Puako situated along Kohala Coast with great snorkeling spots; South Point found at Ka Lae (South Point) National Historic Landmark area marking southernmost point in US & much more.
Population in Hawaii County, Hawaii
According to Act-Test-Centers, Hawaii County, Hawaii is the largest county in the United States by area and home to an estimated population of 200,000 people. The majority of the population is concentrated in Hilo, the county seat and largest city, with a population of 43,000 people. Other cities within the county include Naalehu (1,500 people), Pahoa (2,500 people), Volcano Village (1,200 people), Hawi Town (1,400 people), Kamuela (3,900 people), Kealakekua (2,200 people), Kapoho (900 people), Laupahoehoe (700 people), Paauilo (700 people), Pohiki (800 people), Puako (700 people) and South Point (400). Collectively these cities comprise approximately 10% of the total county population.
The rest of Hawaii County is made up of small towns and rural communities with a combined population of approximately 190,000. These communities are spread across the Big Island’s diverse landscape which includes coastal areas along the Hamakua Coastline and Kohala Coastline as well as inland areas around Waimea Town and Honoka’a Village. Most residents work in service-related industries such as hospitality or retail while others are employed in agriculture or fishing.
Demographically speaking, Hawaii County is quite diverse with a mix of ethnicities including Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders who make up nearly half of the county’s population along with Asians at 22%, Caucasians at 16%, Hispanics at 8%, African Americans at 6% and other races making up 2%. In terms of religious affiliation nearly half identify as Christian while other faiths practiced include Buddhism and Hinduism.
Hawaii County provides its residents with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation activities ranging from horseback riding to kayaking on nearby rivers or lakes to exploring its numerous historic sites such as Parker Ranch or Captain Cook Monument State Historical Park area. It also offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional rural life coupled with modern amenities such as shopping centers and restaurants making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience.
