North Hilo Furnished Rentals
A quiet, rural stretch of the Hāmākua Coast, centered on the small plantation town of Laupāhoehoe.
North Hilo in brief: one of the island’s smallest and quietest districts, strung along the cliffs and gulches of the Hāmākua Coast between Hilo and Honokaʻa. It’s green, rural, and deeply local, with very few rentals. Expect long drives for shopping and health care, rain, and some of the most dramatic coastline on the island.
Last reviewed November 2026 · By the Hawaii Monthly Rental team
North Hilo at a Glance
| Good fit for | People who want real quiet, writers and artists, farm stays, and those with ties to the community |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Laupāhoehoe, ʻOʻōkala, Ninole, and rural homes along the Hawaiʻi Belt Road |
| Climate | Mild and wet, with lush green gulches and frequent showers |
| Getting around | A car is essential; Hele-On buses run limited routes along the coast |
| Airport | Hilo International (ITO), about 35 to 45 minutes south |
| Health care | Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo or Hale Hoʻola Hāmākua in Honokaʻa |
| Everyday shopping | Very limited locally; Hilo or Honokaʻa for groceries |
| Internet | Limited in places; ask about speeds and whether the home relies on satellite |
| Rental terms | Listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their minimum. See rental rules by island . |
Living in North Hilo
North Hilo is the Hāmākua Coast at its most rural. Old plantation camps, small farms, and deep gulches line the highway, and the ocean is always somewhere below the cliffs.
There’s not much commercial life here, and that’s the point. You’ll drive to Hilo or Honokaʻa for groceries and errands, and come home to quiet, birdsong, and rain on the roof. Rentals are rare, so this is a place to look early and be flexible.
Neighborhoods
- Laupāhoehoe: the district’s center, with a school, a small train museum, and a dramatic point park.
- ʻOʻōkala: a quiet former plantation town near the Hāmākua border.
- Ninole and Pāpaʻaloa: small rural communities along the coast road.
- Upslope farms: acreage and agricultural lots above the highway.
Worth your time
Highlights
- Laupāhoehoe Point Park, with crashing surf and a memorial to the 1946 tsunami
- The Laupāhoehoe Train Museum and the history of the Hāmākua railroad
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park , a short drive south in Honomū
- Waterfall gulches and old bridges along the Hawaiʻi Belt Road
- Farm stands and small-scale agriculture
Before you sign
Good to Know
- Rentals are rare; expect a small selection and plan ahead.
- Groceries, gas, and health care mean a drive to Hilo or Honokaʻa.
- Some homes use catchment water. Ask how it’s treated.
- The ocean here is rough; most of the coast is for looking, not swimming.
- Ask which utilities are included. Electricity costs far more here than on the mainland.
North Hilo Listings
We’re welcoming our first North Hilo owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here with the monthly rate, the owner’s minimum stay, and availability up front.
Own a furnished rental in North Hilo? List it at no cost during our launch .
North Hilo FAQ
Is North Hilo a good base for a month or more?
Yes, if you want quiet, rural living and don’t mind driving for errands. It’s a better fit for a writing retreat or farm stay than for a busy work schedule.
How long are rentals here?
Our listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their own minimum. County rules shape how long many homes in residential areas can rent for, so see our rental rules by island for the general picture.
How far is Hilo?
About 35 to 45 minutes, including Hilo International Airport and Hilo Benioff Medical Center .
Where is the nearest hospital?
Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo, or the smaller Hale Hoʻola Hāmākua in Honokaʻa, run by Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation .
Can I swim here?
Mostly no. The coastline is rocky with strong surf. Locals swim in Hilo or at protected spots elsewhere and come here for the views.