[3] It sits at an elevation of 730 feet (220 m) atop cliffs overlooking Waipio Bay.

Hawaii Route 240 passes through the southern part of the community, ending less than 1 mile (1.6 km) to the west at an overlook into the Waipio Valley, and leading east 7 miles (11 km) to Honokaa.

The racial makeup of the CDP was 22.40% White, 1.26% Native American, 25.55% Asian, 16.40% Pacific Islander, and 34.38% from two or more races.

22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Kukuihaele is the site of the original Hawaiian Island stand of cinchona trees, from which quinine is made.

During the migratory period of Hawaii, a healing priest (Kahuna la'au lapa'au) lived here and trained many to become healers.