True Cost of Renting in Hilo
Hilo is the Big Island's largest city and Hawaii County seat, situated on the rainy eastern flank of Mauna Kea. It's the most affordable major Hawaiian city for renters, with significantly lower rents than Honolulu or Maui. HELCO (Hawaii Electric Light Company) rates are high, though better than O'ahu in some tiers. UH Hilo's 3,000 students and the state and county government create stable employment demand. Scientists working at Mauna Kea Observatory and Subaru Telescope make up an unusually educated community for a small city.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Downtown Hilo
- Studio:
- $1,100/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,100/mo
Historic bayfront district with the Farmers Market, galleries, and older storefronts converted to lofts; mix of vintage plantation-era buildings and newer construction. HELCO electric. Walking distance to UH Hilo. Hilo receives 130+ inches of rain per year — factor in umbrella and waterproofing costs.
Keaukaha / Hilo Bayfront
- 1 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,300/mo
Residential area along Hilo Bay with views of Mauna Kea; mix of older homes and small apartment complexes. Hawaiian homelands area nearby. HELCO electric. Tsunami inundation zone risk — ask landlord about flood and tsunami insurance requirements.
Kaumana
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Residential neighborhood above Hilo on the slopes of Mauna Loa; cooler temperatures reduce AC use and HELCO bills. Mix of homes for rent and small complexes. Car-required. Puna District access via Highway 130 to geothermal areas.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- HELCO (Hawaii Electric Light Company)
- Water
- Department of Water Supply, Hawaii County
- Internet
- Spectrum, Hawaiian Telcom, SpaceX Starlink (popular in rural areas)
Commute & Transportation
Hilo's primary highway is Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 19 north to Kohala, Highway 11 south and west to Kona, 100 miles). Hilo International Airport (ITO) serves inter-island and mainland flights. Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency (Hele-On Bus) provides limited bus service — not practical for regular commuters. UH Hilo is within biking or walking distance from most central Hilo neighborhoods. Hilo Medical Center and Waimea Memorial Hospital are major healthcare employers. Hilo serves as the government and services hub for the entire Big Island east side.
Rental Market Overview
Hilo is Hawaii's affordability leader — rents are 40–50% below Honolulu for comparable units. HELCO electric rates are high (Hawaii imports virtually all energy) but lower demand for cooling (cooler temperatures at elevation) partially offsets the rate premium. Big Island has seen significant migration from Oahu and mainland since 2020, pushing rents up 20–30%. No rent control in Hawaii. The Puna area's volcanic activity (2018 eruptions) affected eastern Big Island property markets but Hilo proper was not directly impacted. Renters insurance should include tsunami zone coverage if near the coast ($25–35/month). GET passthrough from landlords is common.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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