Keaau at a Glance
Keaau,
formerly known as Ola’a, is located on the eastern part of the Big
Island approximately 30 minutes away from Hilo. Situated on the
slopes of the Kilauea Volcano, Keaau is surrounded by the Ohia
forest. Nearby are black and white sand beaches, and a plethora of
botanical gardens. The town’s 20-hectare greenhouse Pacific Floral
Exchange and Hi’aka Healing Herb Garden are the most visited.
Situated in the Puna District, Keaau was once connected to its
neighboring towns such as Hilo and Pahoa by the Hawaiian
Consolidated Railroad. The railroad was used to transport
agricultural products and passengers in the 19th century until it
was destroyed by the historic 1946 tsunami.
During the 1800s, Keaau was also a flourishing sugar mill. It had
the once famous Ola’a Sugar Mill, owned by the entrepreneur B.F.
Dillingham, who commissioned the construction of the Consolidated
Railroad. The Puna Sugar Town by tycoon WH Shipman was also here.
According to the latest July 2007 census survey, 2,333 citizens had
chosen to reside in the 2.47-square mile town. With Filipinos
rounding up a 34.9% total, Asians are the largest group in Keaau.
Altogether, Asians comprise 57.6% of the entire population.
Hispanics (10.4%), Caucasians (9.7%), and American Indians also
represent a significant number in the community. Meanwhile, people
from two or more races are 25.6% of the population.
This once-flourishing sugar town now gets most of its economic boost
from its million-dollar flower business as well as from tourism. Its
estimated average household income in 2007 was $59,000.
Keaau’s zip code is 96749. Keaau in Bullet Points
Keaau Location
Keaau Map (top)
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Keaau Weather (top)
Now
65°F
Windchill:
65°F
Cloudy
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Location: Keaau, HI, US
Wind: 3 mph SW
Humidity: 81%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.07 in steady
Sunrise: 6:24 am
Sunset: 6:31 pm
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Fri
Hi: 74°F
Low: 64°F
Showers
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Sat
Hi: 76°F
Low: 64°F
Scattered Showers
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Keaau Photos (click to enlarge) (top)
Keaau Reviews and Comments (top)
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