| City: | Pahala, Hawaii |
| County: | Hawaii County |
| Timezone: | Hawaii-Aleutian Islands (GMT -10:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:06:10 AM |
| Population: | 1,559 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 808 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 19.2976, -155.5432 |
| Land Area: | 93.491 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Pahala sits on the southeastern slopes of Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island, covering 125 square miles of rural territory. This former sugar plantation town serves as a regional mail hub for the Ka'u District. The post office maintains 615 PO Boxes for 481 households, a 1.28 adoption rate that shows service extending beyond the immediate town to surrounding rural areas.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the territory. Limited rural carrier routes serve just 7 streets with Hawaiian names like Maile, Pikake, and Pakalana, but most residents rely on PO Boxes. The sparse addressing infrastructure (7 streets over 125 square miles) makes PO Boxes the practical choice for this spread-out community.
Pahala's 1,559 residents form a diverse island community. With 37% Asian, 16% Pacific Islander, and 31% identifying as Two or More Races, it shows Hawaii's multicultural character. The population-to-household ratio of 3.24 indicates extended family households common in Hawaiian communities. Median age is 40.4 years.
Employment patterns show 172 workers in agriculture (remnants of plantation days), 400 in transportation and warehousing, and 177 in public administration. Many residents work from home (40%). Median household income is $63,438, with median home values at $227,200. Owner-occupancy is strong at 73% (350 of 481 households).
Nearby communities include Naalehu immediately adjacent, Ocean View 4.5 miles away, and Volcano 15 miles north. The region sits between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the northeast and the Ka'u coast to the south. Wood Valley Road and Punaluu Road connect to surrounding areas.
All mail must be addressed to a PO Box in Pahala, HI 96777. Street delivery is not available for most addresses in this PO Box Only Zone.
Street names use Hawaiian flower names (Maile, Pikake, Pakalana) and geographic features (Wood Valley, Punaluu), with minimal carrier route coverage.
ZIP Code 96777 has 1,559 residents and 481 households (average 3.21 persons per household). The median age is 40.4 years, about the same as the state (40.8) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.3% male and 50.7% female, which is about the same as the state male share (50.0%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Asian (37.0%, much higher than the national average of 6.0%) and Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander (15.5%, much higher than the national average of 0.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 12.1%, which is lower than the national average (18.7%), and Asian share is much higher than the national average (6.0%) and Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander share is much higher than the national average (0.2%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,559Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,822Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 16.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $64,643Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 481Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $233,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.21Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.61Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,405 | 1,333 | 1,442 | 1,382 | 1,501 | 1,444 | 1,987 | 2,061 | 2,026 | 2,265 | 2,418 | 1,949 | 1,838 | 1,822 |
| Decennial Census | 1,479 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,559 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 40.4
Male Median Age: 39.5
Female Median Age: 42
| 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 | 55 | 55 | 44 | 70 | 39 | 49 | 32 | 46 | 35 | 34 | 50 | 35 | 49 | 72 | 46 | 32 | 11 | 15 |
| Female | 47 | 62 | 59 | 52 | 41 | 44 | 37 | 41 | 33 | 37 | 40 | 52 | 70 | 60 | 46 | 32 | 15 | 22 |
| Total | 102 | 117 | 103 | 122 | 80 | 93 | 69 | 87 | 68 | 71 | 90 | 87 | 119 | 132 | 92 | 64 | 26 | 37 |
| White: | 192 | 15.18% |
| Black: | 7 | 0.55% |
| Hispanic:* | 189 | 14.94% |
| Asian: | 577 | 45.61% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.16% |
| Hawaiian: | 242 | 19.13% |
| Other: | 56 | 4.43% |
| Total: | 1,265 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 769 | 49.33% | 39.5 years |
| Females: | 790 | 50.67% | 42.0 years |
| Total: | 1,559 | 100% | 40.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,428 | 78.38% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 27 | 1.48% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 262 | 14.38% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 105 | 20.14% |
| Total Population: | 1,822 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,455 | 79.86% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 367 | 20.14% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $64,643, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $21,771 (50.8%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,391. Family households earn a median of $77,500 versus $24,233 for nonfamily households (a difference of $53,267). By gender, male median income is $60,929 and female is $34,318, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $26,611 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 52.8%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 12.7%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (28.9%).
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 | $42,872 | $35,313 | $41,406 | $28,611 | $32,132 | $33,906 | $56,250 | $50,000 | $66,034 | $50,273 | $53,750 | $55,395 | $63,438 | $64,643 |
| Median Family Income | $44,464 | $49,271 | $57,692 | $57,981 | $60,313 | $64,808 | $72,917 | $71,071 | $85,833 | $90,341 | $74,250 | $78,393 | $90,694 | $77,500 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $20,357 | $20,441 | $20,885 | $19,485 | $19,625 | $19,188 | $20,893 | $19,750 | $24,444 | $20,711 | $21,925 | $22,875 | $24,129 | $24,233 |
| Median Male Income | $32,566 | $32,697 | $30,536 | $32,708 | $32,188 | $32,262 | $34,394 | $35,943 | $35,845 | $37,325 | $38,386 | $54,000 | $44,792 | $60,929 |
| Median Female Income | $24,250 | $35,000 | $34,750 | $39,028 | $39,861 | $42,083 | $0 | $40,813 | $0 | $37,188 | $37,404 | $32,143 | $33,864 | $34,318 |
| Employed: | 603 | 46.10% |
| Unemployed: | 88 | 6.73% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 617 | 47.17% |
| Total: | 1,308 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 130 | 21.56% |
| Service: | 174 | 28.86% |
| Sales and Office: | 65 | 10.78% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 112 | 18.57% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 122 | 20.23% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 603 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $233,200, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $55,700 (31.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $59,600. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $740 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $825. Of occupied housing, owners make up 80.49% (52.53% with a mortgage, 47.47% free-and-clear) and renters 19.51% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 13.84%, which is considerably 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 | $177,500 | $162,000 | $173,300 | $189,100 | $177,300 | $208,800 | $216,400 | $199,000 | $173,600 | $186,300 | $176,900 | $214,400 | $227,200 | $233,200 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 37 | 38.54% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 23 | 23.96% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 36 | 37.50% |
| Total: | 96 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $740 | $710 | $716 | $690 | $698 | $681 | $773 | $732 | $825 | $528 | $615 | $605 | $650 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 208 | 42.28% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 188 | 38.21% |
| Renter Occupied: | 96 | 19.51% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 492 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 492 | 86.16% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 79 | 13.84% |
| Total Housing Units: | 571 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 523 | 91.59% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 48 | 8.41% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 571 | 100% |
In 2024, 26.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 95.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 63.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 12.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 6.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.70 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 (53.18%). College enrollment is 30.06%, 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: | 50 | 4.59% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 365 | 33.52% |
| Some college, no degree: | 295 | 27.09% |
| Associate's degree: | 90 | 8.26% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 173 | 15.89% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 116 | 10.65% |
| Total: | 1,089 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,039 | 95.41% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 289 | 26.54% |
| Private Insurance: | 977 | 46.00% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,137 | 53.53% |
| No Insurance: | 10 | 0.47% |
| Total: | 2,124 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,114 | 99.53% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 13.7% | 9.6% | 10.1% | 12.5% | 11.5% | 10.7% | 12.3% | 10.8% | 12.3% | 9.9% | 13.6% | 10.6% | 7.6% | 12.9% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 13 | 3.76% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 184 | 53.18% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 45 | 13.01% |
| College or graduate school: | 104 | 30.06% |
| Total: | 346 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 13 | 3.76% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 242 | 69.94% |
ZIP Code 96777 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 10 business establishments, employing about 263 people with an annual payroll of $15,432,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 655Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 10Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,841,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $15,432,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 263Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 96777 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 0.84% of whom live in ZIP Code 96777. It covers 93.491 sq mi of land and a water area of 3.697 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: | 93.491 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 3.697 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: | 1559750Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Pahala CDP; HawaiiSource: Census |
ZIP Code 96777 is in the Hawaii Department of Education, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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.