Real Estate Near Hawaii Preparatory Academy (Waimea, Big Island of Hawaii)

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to one of the state’s top prep schools, Hawaii Preparatory Academy. HPA offers K-12 education on two campuses (K-8 are located at the Village Campus and 9-12 are located at the Upper Campus), which are located about a mile apart from one another in the heart of Waimea town.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy: One of Hawaii’s Top Prep Schools

For over 60 years, HPA has provided both day and boarding (grades 6 – 12) programs for local and international students. The appeal for a school that provides strong academics and sport in an environment free from many common teenage distractions has proven strong.

The Energy Lab at Hawaii Preparatory Academy

HPA and the Big Island offers an endless supply of healthy, adventuresome, organic activities: students have access to a host of extra-curricular activities including scuba diving, golf, turtle tagging, equestrian, surfing, hiking, cliff diving and more.

Making Life in Waimea, Hawaii a Reality

If you are applying for your child to attend HPA or he/she has been accepted and are starting the process of exploring real estate in the surrounding area, the below information should be a good resource for you.

Real estate surrounding HPA is amazingly diverse. At the center of it all is “Waimea Town,” a main street of sorts with two grocery stores, various shops such as Bentley’s, Starbucks, and Waimea Coffee Company, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants including a food court, Merriman’s and Red Water Cafe.

Also in town is the Kahilu Theater, a special part of Waimea Life, hosting incredible visiting artists such as George Winston. A 4 mile walking, biking, and equestrian trail is under construction and a good 1.5 miles are completed that centers through the beautiful Waimea Nature Park.

Waimea’s “Green-Side”

The “green-side of Waimea” starts from the middle of town expanding out to the East. The “green side” is known for light, but frequent precipitation, which can range from 20 inches to 36 inches per year.

Charming home currently listed for sale on Mana Road (MLS# 257574)

The “green side” offers a variety of neighborhoods, many of which have stunning Mauna Kea views (Mokuloa, Mana Road, Puu Nani), and/or access to tropical strolls and hikes (Mud Lane). Some of the most stunning properties on the Big Island are located on the “green side” of Waimea.

Private greenhouse for 5k sq.ft. off-grid estate on Mud Lane (MLS# 256455)

A good friend’s “green side” home backs up to a corner where a stream splits into two, so that half her back windows face one stream and half face the other! The caveat is to be sure that the home is mold-free; and be open to learning about today’s progressive, moisture-resistant building and finish materials.

If you are attracted to lots of green foliage, mystical-looking forests, gentleman’s farms, and lounging next to a warm fireplace in the winter, the “green side” is worth exploring. Single family homes on the “green side” currently listed for sale range from $198,000 to $2,200,000.

Waimea’s “Dry-Side”

The “dry side of Waimea” starts from the middle of town expanding out to the West. Most of my new-to-Waimea clients start their search “on the hill,” an eclectic collection of stunning estates and charming cottages located on the slopes overlooking Waimea Town, at the base of a historic puu (hill) called Buster Brown.

A welcome visit from Sandalwood's Pueo (Hawaiian owl)

Just across town, the Lualai community offers developer-built single-family homes at affordable prices just a short stroll to town. Sandalwood (41 single family homesites on 1-acre parcels) attracts families looking for privacy, charm, and flat streets. There are dozens of other neighborhoods on the dry side, offering views, privacy, walking distance to town and progressively less precipitation heading down the hill toward the Kohala Coast.

A home in the Lualai community

A few miles down the hill are three neighborhoods, starting with kids-galore in Kamuela View Estates and moving into the larger parcels and estates of Kanehoa and Anekona (some incredible streamfront properties).

The dry side can be known for intermittent but sometimes high trade winds, so be sure that your Realtor helps you understand how home placement can mitigate a windy day. Single-family homes on the “dry side” of Waimea currently listed range from $299,000 to $2,450,000.

Interested in Living Further Away From Hawaii Preparatory Academy?

There are a handful of clients with ties to HPA who seek out neighborhoods so special to them that they are willing to do a bit of driving. Have-to-have-beachers will explore the residential life on the Kohala Coast resorts and Puako (20+ minutes from HPA). Additionally, Kohala Ranch and Waikii Ranch are about a 25+ drive (in different directions) and offer grand, unique homes on large acreage parcels within gated communities.

It has been my pleasure to be part of both the HPA and Real Estate communities for years now. If I can assist you with exploring real estate near Hawaii Preparatory Academy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.