| City: | Honomu, Hawaii |
| County: | Hawaii County |
| Timezone: | Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:05:33 AM |
| Population: | 606 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 808 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 19.8627, -155.1349 |
| Land Area: | 4.158 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Honomu sits along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, a former sugar plantation town that has reinvented itself around tourism and remote work. The post office serves 606 residents across 3.3 square miles of lush tropical landscape. This is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no alternative to picking up mail at the Honomu post office.
The post office maintains 353 PO Boxes for 232 households. That 152% adoption rate tells you something about how the community functions. Residents keep boxes even when they could theoretically share, and neighboring areas without their own post offices rely on Honomu too. Rural carrier routes exist here, but they serve businesses and specific addresses rather than providing universal home delivery.
Street names point to what draws visitors: Akaka Falls Road leads to the famous 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park. Old Mamalahoa Highway runs through town, the historic route that connected plantation communities before the Hawaii Belt Road was built. Hawaiian place names like Kokoke Kai Place and Kahalono appear throughout the area.
Honomu's demographics show the typical Hawaii mix. About 35% of residents identify as two or more races, with significant Asian (19%), White (34%), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (8%) populations. The median age of 44.6 years suggests an established community rather than a transient one. An unusually high 36.2% of workers work from home, reflecting both the pandemic shift and Honomu's appeal as a rural retreat. Median household income runs $69,063, and homes are valued around $433,800. Eighty percent of housing is owner-occupied, reinforcing the sense of a rooted community.
Street names reflect the area's identity: the famous waterfall, the historic plantation-era highway, and Hawaiian place names.
ZIP Code 96728 has 606 residents and 232 households (average 2.61 persons per household). The median age is 44.6 years, older than the state (40.8) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.5% male and 49.5% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%). Largest groups are White (33.7%, much higher than the state average of 22.9% and well below the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (18.6%, much lower than the state average of 37.2% and well above the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 15.0%, which is higher than the state average (9.5%), and Asian share is much higher than the national average (6.0%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 606Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 376Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 145.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $67,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 232Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $427,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.61Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.84Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 718 | 553 | 554 | 496 | 427 | 498 | 515 | 453 | 520 | 458 | 418 | 413 | 370 | 376 |
| Decennial Census | 610 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 606 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 44.6
Male Median Age: 45
Female Median Age: 44.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 17 | 13 | 24 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 21 | 22 | 25 | 14 | 25 | 24 | 28 | 19 | 13 | 2 | 3 |
| Female | 16 | 24 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 21 | 19 | 35 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 12 |
| Total | 33 | 37 | 39 | 36 | 28 | 27 | 31 | 40 | 35 | 38 | 30 | 46 | 43 | 63 | 31 | 20 | 14 | 15 |
| White: | 204 | 42.15% |
| Black: | 8 | 1.65% |
| Hispanic:* | 91 | 18.80% |
| Asian: | 113 | 23.35% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.41% |
| Hawaiian: | 46 | 9.50% |
| Other: | 20 | 4.13% |
| Total: | 484 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 306 | 50.50% | 45.0 years |
| Females: | 300 | 49.50% | 44.5 years |
| Total: | 606 | 100% | 44.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 347 | 92.29% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.80% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 10 | 2.66% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 16 | 6.91% |
| Total Population: | 376 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 350 | 93.09% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 26 | 6.91% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $67,500, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $11,625 (20.8%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $2,708. Family households earn a median of $114,583 versus $36,875 for nonfamily households (a difference of $77,708). By gender, male median income is $72,917 and female is $50,000, which is far less than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $22,917 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 56.1%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (37.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $55,875 | $39,792 | $53,750 | $51,750 | $56,389 | $61,477 | $67,679 | $70,119 | $70,208 | $71,000 | $65,625 | $69,306 | $69,063 | $67,500 |
| Median Family Income | $66,250 | $54,615 | $66,406 | $60,714 | $77,813 | $69,196 | $72,250 | $72,440 | $74,583 | $80,000 | $76,875 | $84,375 | $86,667 | $114,583 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $30,066 | $31,750 | $33,750 | $33,750 | $36,250 | $33,750 | $32,321 | $39,375 | $30,625 | $36,250 | $37,500 | $43,500 | $45,417 | $36,875 |
| Median Male Income | $27,434 | $38,889 | $42,250 | $46,667 | $0 | $0 | $74,063 | $43,393 | $46,250 | $45,750 | $63,125 | $61,875 | $63,333 | $72,917 |
| Median Female Income | $52,891 | $35,156 | $25,893 | $24,583 | $0 | $23,359 | $25,909 | $32,188 | $38,250 | $42,500 | $49,167 | $48,750 | $51,875 | $50,000 |
| Employed: | 179 | 56.11% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 140 | 43.89% |
| Total: | 319 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 67 | 37.43% |
| Service: | 50 | 27.93% |
| Sales and Office: | 37 | 20.67% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 13 | 7.26% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 12 | 6.70% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 179 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $427,600, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $141,200 (49.30%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $130,700. The median gross rent is $1,333, which is lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $234 (21.29%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $125. Of occupied housing, owners make up 77.71% (60.47% with a mortgage, 39.53% free-and-clear) and renters 22.29% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 20.19%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $286,400 | $304,200 | $324,500 | $295,800 | $246,900 | $232,700 | $255,000 | $239,300 | $296,900 | $308,300 | $353,700 | $380,600 | $433,800 | $427,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 6 | 16.22% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 14 | 37.84% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 6 | 16.22% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 6 | 16.22% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 5 | 13.51% |
| Total: | 37 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,099 | $1,109 | $1,121 | $1,155 | $0 | $1,130 | $1,150 | $1,375 | $1,458 | $1,609 | $1,583 | $1,708 | $1,450 | $1,333 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 78 | 46.99% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 51 | 30.72% |
| Renter Occupied: | 37 | 22.29% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 166 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 166 | 79.81% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 42 | 20.19% |
| Total Housing Units: | 208 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 200 | 96.15% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 8 | 3.85% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 208 | 100% |
In 2024, 39.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 95.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 50.80%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 4.90 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.90 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (46.30%). College enrollment is 24.07%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 4 | 1.33% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 11 | 3.65% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 67 | 22.26% |
| Some college, no degree: | 56 | 18.60% |
| Associate's degree: | 45 | 14.95% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 69 | 22.92% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 49 | 16.28% |
| Total: | 301 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 286 | 95.02% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 118 | 39.20% |
| Private Insurance: | 264 | 57.02% |
| Public Insurance: | 191 | 41.25% |
| No Insurance: | 8 | 1.73% |
| Total: | 463 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 455 | 98.27% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 4.9% | 6.2% | 11.3% | 13.2% | 13.8% | 10.5% | 10.2% | 7.0% | 7.9% | 3.3% | 3.7% | 4.7% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 10 | 18.52% |
| Kindergarten: | 3 | 5.56% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 25 | 46.30% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 3 | 5.56% |
| College or graduate school: | 13 | 24.07% |
| Total: | 54 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 13 | 24.07% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 31 | 57.41% |
ZIP Code 96728 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 8 business establishments, employing about 35 people with an annual payroll of $808,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 523Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 8Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $172,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $808,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 35Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96728 is located in Hawaii County, Hawaii, within the Hilo-Kailua, HI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 25900) and Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 185,079 people, about 0.33% of whom live in ZIP Code 96728. It covers 4.158 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.047 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Hilo-Kailua, HISource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 25900Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 185,079Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 4.158 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.047 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 6213.4 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 1517450Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Honomu CDP; HawaiiSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 96728 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.