Population and Demographics
South Kona has a population of approximately 11,000 residents according to the 2020 Census data. The population has grown moderately by about 20% since 2000, with much of this growth occurring in the northern areas closer to Kailua-Kona. The district has no major population centers, with residents distributed across small communities along the Māmalahoa Highway including Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Honaunau, and Ocean View (which extends into the Ka'ū District). The demographic composition includes significant Native Hawaiian, Caucasian, Japanese, and Filipino populations. South Kona has a notable mix of multi-generational farming families with deep ties to the region and newer residents attracted by the rural lifestyle and agricultural opportunities. The district has experienced demographic shifts in recent decades, with an influx of mainland transplants and retirees drawn to the area's climate, scenic beauty, and lower housing costs compared to North Kona. This population diversity has contributed to a blending of traditional agricultural practices and innovative approaches to farming and food production.
Geography and Climate
The South Kona District covers approximately 240 square miles on the southwestern slopes of Mauna Loa. The district extends from sea level to approximately 6,000 feet elevation, creating diverse microclimates and agricultural zones. Rainfall increases with elevation, ranging from 30 inches annually at the coast to over 100 inches in higher forest areas. The landscape features young lava flows interspersed with areas of deeper soil development, particularly in the central coffee-growing belt.
Agricultural Profile
South Kona represents one of Hawai’i’s most intact agricultural landscapes, with farming traditions dating back to pre-contact Hawaiian settlement and continuing through to the present day:
Coffee: South Kona extends the famous Kona coffee region southward, with numerous small farms producing specialty coffee.
Macadamia Nuts: Orchards established in the mid-20th century continue to produce for both local and export markets.
Cacao: An emerging crop with several farms developing bean-to-bar chocolate production.
Avocados and Citrus: The district is known for its avocado diversity, with over 100 varieties grown commercially and in home gardens.
Traditional Hawaiian Crops: Taro, breadfruit, sweet potato, and other indigenous crops are cultivated in small farms and traditional agricultural systems.
The district’s agricultural character is defined by small farms averaging 3-7 acres, many operated by multi-generational farming families. Local irrigation infrastructure provides irrigation infrastructure for farmers in the region, though water access remains a challenge in many areas.
Food System and Cultural Context
South Kona maintains strong connections to traditional Hawaiian food systems, with several important cultural and historical sites related to agriculture. The Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park preserves examples of traditional resource management, while sites like Kealakekua Bay feature remnants of pre-contact agricultural terraces. Several small markets support the district's food system and roadside stands along the Māmalahoa Highway, which provides direct marketing opportunities for farmers.
The South Kona Fruit Stand and the monthly Ocean View Farmers Market serve as local food hubs. Limited population and commercial development in the district mean that many agricultural products are transported to North Kona or other areas for sale. South Kona’s agricultural heritage includes traditional Hawaiian farming systems in the coastal areas, historically focused on sweet potatoes and dryland taro, transitioning to coffee cultivation introduced in the 19th century, and diversified agriculture in the modern era. This layered agricultural history creates a unique cultural landscape that continues to evolve while maintaining connections to traditional practices.
Community organizations like the South Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee advocate for policies that protect agricultural land and water resources. Educational initiatives through the Kona Historical Society, including a living history coffee farm, help preserve and transmit agricultural knowledge across generations.