Kealakekua, Hawaii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kealakekua
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Location in Hawaii County and the state of Hawaii
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| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Hawaii |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.00 sq mi (25.89 km2) |
| • Land | 10.00 sq mi (25.89 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,427 ft (435 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,307 |
| • Density | 230.75/sq mi (89.09/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−10 (Hawaii–Aleutian) |
| ZIP code |
96750
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| Area code(s) | 808 |
| FIPS code | 15-33950 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0360942 |
Kealakekua is a special kind of community in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. It is called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a place that the government counts as a town for statistics, even though it does not have its own local government.
In 2020, about 2,307 people lived in Kealakekua. This number was higher than in 2010, when 2,019 people lived there.
Kealakekua is famous for being the subject of a popular song from 1933. The song is called "My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii". It was written by Bill Cogswell, Tommy Harrison, and Johnny Noble. This song became a classic in Hawaiian music.
Contents
Geography of Kealakekua
Kealakekua is located on the west side of the island of Hawaii. Its exact location is 19°31′35″N 155°55′22″W / 19.52639°N 155.92278°W.
The community is next to other towns. To the north, you will find Honalo. To the south, it borders Captain Cook. Hawaii Route 11 is the main road that goes through Kealakekua. This road leads north about 10 miles (16 km) to Kailua-Kona. It also goes south about 49 miles (79 km) to Naalehu.
The United States Census Bureau says that Kealakekua covers a total area of about 10 square miles (25.89 km²). All of this area is land.
People and Population
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 2,307 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, Kealakekua had a population of 2,307 people. The community is quite diverse. Many people living here are of Asian, Pacific Islander, or White backgrounds. A good number of people also have mixed racial backgrounds.
About one-quarter of the households in Kealakekua have children under 18 living with them. Many households are made up of married couples. Some households have a single parent, usually a mother. There are also households with people living alone.
The age of people in Kealakekua varies. About 22% of the population is under 18 years old. About 17% of the people are 65 years or older. The average age in Kealakekua is around 42 years old.
Schools in Kealakekua
The Hawaii Department of Education manages the public schools in the area.
- Konawaena Elementary School has a Kealakekua mailing address. However, it is actually located in the Captain Cook CDP.
- Konawaena Middle School and Konawaena High School share a campus. This campus is partly in Captain Cook CDP and partly in Kealakekua CDP.
- Kona Pacific Public Charter School was started in 2008. It teaches students from kindergarten up to 8th grade.
Famous People from Kealakekua
Many interesting people have connections to Kealakekua:
- Brian Adams (1964–2007) was a professional wrestler and boxer.
- Harry Kiyoshi Ishisaka (1927–1978) was important in developing aikido (a Japanese martial art) in southern California.
- Keala Keanaaina (born 1973) is an American football player.
- Henry Ōpūkahaʻia (1792–1818) was a resident of Kealakekua. When he was 15, he traveled to New Haven, Connecticut. He studied at Yale. His story inspired Christian missionaries to come to Hawaii in 1820.
- Ellison Shoji Onizuka (1946–1986) was an American astronaut. He was sadly lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.
- Douglas A. Zembiec (1973–2007) was a U.S. Marine Corps officer. He was a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He received several awards for his bravery.
See also
In Spanish: Kealakekua para niños
