Keaau is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii. located in the District of Puna. The population was 1,195 at the time of the 2020 census. The population decreased by roughly 50% from 2,253 at the time of the 2010 census.
History
thumb|left|The Olaa Sugar Company was Hawaii's Largest Sugar Plantation (c. 1902)
Keaau was called Ōlaa and in 1899, the Olaa Sugar Company leased about 4,000 acres of land, for growing sugarcane.
Geography
Keaau is on the east side of the island of Hawaii at (19.621072, -155.041706). It is bordered to the southwest by Kurtistown. Hilo is to the north. The junction of Hawaii Route 11 (the Hawaii Belt Road) and Hawaii Route 130 (Keaau-Pahoa Road) is in the northern part of the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all of it land.
The Board on Geographic Names officially designated the populated place as Keaau in 2003.
Demographics
2010 Census data
At the 2010 census there were 2,253 people in 701 households residing in the CDP. The population density was . There were 757 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the CDP was 12.38% White, 0.22% African American, 0.18% American Indian & Alaska Native, 52.02% Asian, 7.50% Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 27.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.74%.
Of the 701 households, 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 3.21. Area schools include:
- Keaʻau High School - Opened in 1999
- Keaʻau Middle School
- Keaʻau Elementary School
The Hawaii State Public Library System operates the Keaau Public and School Library.
Points of interest
- Hiiaka's Healing Herb Garden
- Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation visitors center between Hilo and Keaau