Population and Demographics
South Kohala has a population of approximately 17,000 residents according to the 2020 Census, making it the third most populous district on Hawai'i Island. The population has grown significantly over recent decades, increasing by more than 30% since 2000. The district's population is concentrated in several distinct communities: Waimea (Kamuela), with approximately 10,000 residents, serves as the district's main population center and commercial hub, while the coastal resort areas of Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Kawaihae account for most of the remaining population. The demographic composition varies considerably between communities, with Waimea having a diverse mix of Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Caucasian residents, many with multi-generational ties to the ranching industry. The coastal resort areas have a higher proportion of newer residents, including retirees, second-home owners, and workers in the tourism industry. The district has experienced significant demographic shifts due to tourism development, with a growing population of service industry workers, many of whom commute from other districts due to high housing costs in South Kohala.
Geography and Climate
The South Kohala District covers approximately 300 square miles on the northwestern side of Hawai'i Island. The landscape transitions from the verdant slopes of Kohala Mountain in the north to the arid volcanic plains near Kawaihae and the resort developments of the Kohala Coast. Rainfall varies dramatically, from less than 10 inches annually along the coast to over 60 inches at higher elevations. The district’s western coastline features white sand beaches and coral reefs, while the eastern portion rises to the grasslands of Waimea at approximately 2,600 feet elevation.
Agricultural Profile
South Kohala encompasses one of Hawai’i’s most diverse agricultural landscapes, ranging from large-scale ranching operations to intensive horticultural production:
Cattle Ranching: Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned ranches in the United States, dominates the landscape around Waimea, producing grass-fed beef for local and export markets.
Vegetable Production: The cool upland climate of Waimea supports year-round production of temperate vegetables including lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and root crops.
Specialty Crops: The district produces herbs, microgreens, and specialty vegetables that supply high-end restaurants and resorts.
Aquaculture: The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) near the district boundary hosts innovative aquaculture operations.
The agricultural community is supported by infrastructure including the Waimea Farmers Market, which is one of the most established on the island. The cool climate and rich volcanic soils of the Waimea area create unique agricultural opportunities not found elsewhere on the island.
Food System and Cultural Context
South Kohala’s food system reflects its position at the nexus of multiple influences: traditional Hawaiian food culture, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) traditions, agricultural innovation, and tourism development. Waimea serves as an agricultural hub with processing facilities, distribution networks, and educational resources including the Mala'ai School Garden at Waimea Middle School. The district’s western coastal areas have experienced intensive tourism development, creating a significant market for agricultural products through hotels and restaurants. This development has both benefited local agriculture through market opportunities and challenged it through increased land costs and water competition.
Traditional Hawaiian fishing and coastal gathering practices continue in areas like Puakō and Kawaihae, though access has been affected by development. The ahupua’a (traditional land division) system that connected upland agricultural areas to coastal fishing grounds is being revitalized through educational initiatives and land management practices.
South Kohala’s food culture also reflects the influence of the paniolo tradition, which introduced ranching practices and food traditions from Mexico and elsewhere. Annual events like agricultural and cultural festivals celebrate the district's agricultural diversity and the contributions of ethnic communities, particularly Japanese, to the local food system.