Is Hawaiian Ocean View Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hawaiian Ocean View

Hawaiian Ocean View, a census-designated place on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a unique blend of rural charm and natural beauty. Situated on the southwestern slopes of Mauna Loa, it provides a more affordable entry into island living compared to many other Hawaiian locales. The community is characterized by its vast lava fields, ocean vistas, and a slower pace of life, attracting those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

This area, often referred to simply as Ocean View, is part of the Kaʻū District and comprises several subdivisions like Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos. It’s a place where residents can experience a more authentic side of Hawaii, away from the bustling tourist hubs. The unique landscape and the spirit of the community contribute to its appeal for retirees, remote workers, and individuals looking for a peaceful retreat.

Is it Safe to Live in Hawaiian Ocean View?

Hawaiian Ocean View presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that require careful consideration. The overall crime rate is higher than the national average, though violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. Property crime rates, however, are above the national average.

Your personal safety can depend on the specific neighborhood within Hawaiian Ocean View. While some areas are considered safer, others experience more crime. It’s advisable to research specific areas and be aware of your surroundings, as with any community.

Crime Statistics

The crime rate in Hawaiian Ocean View is reported at 49.00 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is higher than the national average. Violent crimes are notably lower, being 37% below the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, property crime rates are 15% above the national average (according to AreaVibes).

The total projected cost of crime in Hawaiian Ocean View is substantial, reflecting tangible costs such as criminal justice system expenses, direct victim costs, and lost economic contributions from offenders (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the eastern part of the CDP to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Hawaiian Ocean View is known for its relative affordability within the Hawaiian real estate market. The median home value is considerably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking to own property in Hawaii without the exorbitant costs found elsewhere.

The rental market in Hawaiian Ocean View is quite limited, with very few listings available at any given time. This scarcity can lead to increased competition for renters.

Home Prices

The median home value in Hawaiian Ocean View is approximately $210,600 (according to Kurby AI). This is significantly lower than the national average. More recent data from Redfin in March 2026 indicates a median sale price of $288,000, which was down 14.7% year-over-year (according to Redfin). Zillow’s data shows an average home value of $265,892 as of April 30, 2026, a decrease of 2.9% over the past year (according to Zillow).

The median listing price for homes for sale is around $329,000 (according to realtor.com®). Homes in Hawaiian Ocean View sell, on average, after about 196 days on the market, a longer duration compared to the previous year (according to Redfin).

Rental Market

The rental market in Hawaiian Ocean View is notably tight. Realtor.com® reported only one active rental listing in May 2026, indicating extremely limited supply (according to realtor.com®). Zillow also noted a lack of average rent data due to limited listings (according to Zillow).

When rentals are available, the average rent can be around $578 per month (according to Zillow). This price point is significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,930 (according to Zillow).

Cost of Living and Economy

While Hawaiian Ocean View offers more affordable housing, the overall cost of living and economic indicators present a more challenging picture. The median household income is considerably lower than the national average, and the poverty rate is significantly higher.

Employment opportunities within Hawaiian Ocean View are concentrated in specific sectors, and the unemployment rate can be a concern for residents.

Income and Poverty

The median household income in Hawaiian Ocean View is reported as $36,462 (according to Kurby AI), which is substantially below the national average. Another source indicates a median household income of $45,043 (according to Census Dots). The poverty rate is high, with 25.4% of the population living below the poverty line (according to Census Dots), which is much higher than the national average of 12.5%.

The average per capita income is $33,158 (according to Census Dots). This economic landscape suggests that while housing may be more accessible, other costs of living and income levels require careful budgeting for residents.

Employment and Unemployment

The local economy employs a modest number of residents, with growth observed in recent years. The most common employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Construction (according to Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Hawaiian Ocean View has been reported at 11.9%, which is significantly above the national average (according to Kurby AI). Another source notes an unemployment rate of 7.7% (according to Niche). This higher unemployment rate indicates a less robust job market within the immediate area.

Climate and Environment

Hawaiian Ocean View experiences a tropical oceanic climate, characterized by relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. The area has a notably wet climate with substantial precipitation, particularly during certain seasons.

The environment offers a unique landscape shaped by volcanic activity, with vast lava fields and ocean views contributing to its distinct character. While generally pleasant, the humidity can be noticeable during the summer months.

Temperature and Precipitation

Temperatures in Hawaiian Ocean View typically range from a low of 54°F to a high of 79°F throughout the year (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is August, with average highs around 78°F and lows around 60°F. January sees the lowest temperatures, with average highs of 74°F and lows of 54°F.

Annual precipitation averages about 27 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). January is typically the wettest month, with around 3 inches of rain, while March can also experience significant rainfall. The climate is described as warm, humid, windy, and partly cloudy, with temperatures rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 85°F (according to Niche).

Education and Schools

Educational opportunities in Hawaiian Ocean View are provided through the Hawaii Department of Education. While there are specific charter schools serving the area, the broader school district is headquartered in Honolulu.

The quality of schools serving Hawaiian Ocean View is varied, with some institutions receiving higher ratings than others. Parents often rely on rankings and reviews to assess the best options for their children.

School Ratings and Districts

Schools in Hawaiian Ocean View belong to districts headquartered in other communities, primarily the Hawaii Department of Education School District in Honolulu. Some schools serving the area include Kaʻu High School & Pahala Elementary School, which has a rating of 3.16 out of 5 (according to Niche and NeighborhoodScout). Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Public Charter School has a rating of 3.48 out of 5 (according to Niche).

Connections Public Charter School is rated 4.31 out of 5, and Hawaiʻi Technology Academy Public Charter School is rated 4.58 out of 5 (according to Niche). The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences receives a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 (according to Niche).

Demographics and Community

Hawaiian Ocean View is a community with a diverse population, though it has experienced a population decrease in recent years. The demographic makeup includes various racial and ethnic groups, with a significant portion identifying as White and Multiracial.

The median age in Hawaiian Ocean View is higher than the national average, suggesting a community with a notable retiree population. The area is generally considered rural, and most residents own their homes.

Population and Diversity

As of 2024, Hawaiian Ocean View has a population of approximately 4,431 people, reflecting a decrease from the 4,864 recorded in the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots and Data USA). The population is composed of various racial and ethnic groups, with White individuals forming the largest single group at 35.7% (according to Census Dots). Multiracial individuals constitute a significant portion of the population at 29.5% (according to Census Dots).

Other demographic groups include Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (13.41%), Native American/Other (16.1% combined, per Census Dots), Asian (3.7%), and Black or African American (2.7%) (according to Census Dots). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 12.3% of the population (according to Census Dots).

Age and Household Composition

The median age in Hawaiian Ocean View is notably high, reported at 53.9 years overall (according to Census Dots). This indicates a significant presence of older adults and retirees within the community. The median age for males is 54.3 years, and for females, it is 50.5 years.

Household composition shows that about 78% of residents own their homes, while 22% rent (according to Niche). The average household size is 2.31 people, and the average family size is 2.97 people (according to Data USA).

Major Employers and Job Market

The primary employers in Hawaiian Ocean View are concentrated in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction. While these industries provide employment, the overall job market within the immediate area may be limited compared to larger urban centers.

For those seeking employment, major companies within Hawaii include those in tourism, agriculture, and finance. However, specific large-scale employers directly within Hawaiian Ocean View are not prominently listed.

Local and Regional Employers

Within Hawaiian Ocean View, key employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Construction (according to Data USA). These industries support the local economy and provide job opportunities for residents.

Broader employment in Hawaii includes major companies like Hawaiian Airlines, Bank of Hawaii, and various healthcare systems (according to Hawaii Business Magazine and Wikipedia). The Hawaii State Department of Education is also a significant employer across the islands (according to Livability.com).