Wainaku, HI

Wainaku is a quiet residential community perched along the bluffs just north of Hilo Bay. Home to around a thousand residents, it sits right at the southern start of the scenic Hāmākua Coast, offering steady ocean breezes and lush tropical surroundings. The neighborhood originally grew around the Wainaku sugar mill during the late 1800s, and that heritage is still visible today in the classic plantation-style cottages scattered across the hillside.

For anyone moving to the area, Wainaku offers a relaxed, local feel with easy access to city amenities. Highway 19 runs straight through the community, putting downtown Hilo's shops, restaurants, and farmers markets only a five-minute drive away. At the same time, heading north opens right up to coastal parks and scenic lookouts, making it a convenient spot for people who want peaceful living close to town.