What do you mean hyphenated addresses? If you’ve ever looked at an address on the Big Island of Hawaii—or any of the other Hawaiian islands—you may have noticed something unique. They often include a hyphen, for example our address 75-6082 Alii Drive. This numbering system isn’t a typo or a quirk. It serves a very practical purpose, deeply tied to the island’s geography.
The Origins of Hawaii’s Hyphenated Addresses
Hawaii’s address system is different from that of most places in the United States. While most rely on a traditional city grid, the system is based on tax map key (TMK) zones. This helps identify properties in rural areas where streets may not be laid out in a standard pattern.
Hawaii Island, in particular, is vast and sparsely populated in many areas, making a conventional street-numbering system impractical. Instead, addresses are derived from the mile marker system along the state highways and main roads.
The first number in a hyphenated address refers to the tax map zone or district where the property is located. Hawaii Island is divided into nine districts, numbered from 1 to 9. These correspond to different regions of the island, such as North Kona (zone 7) or Puna (zone 1).
The second number (after the hyphen) represents the specific property number within that district. These numbers are assigned sequentially and are typically based on the distance from a particular reference point. This is usually something such as a highway or a town center.
Why Is This System Useful?
- Helps with Navigation – Since the first number corresponds to a specific region, locals and emergency responders can quickly identify where a property is located without needing to rely on street names alone.
- Reflects the Island’s Rural Layout – Hawaii’s communities are spread out, and many roads don’t follow a uniform numbering system.
- Ties into the Tax Map System – Property records and land ownership in Hawaii are often organized by TMK numbers, making it easier to match addresses with official records.
How to read a TMK:
1. Island Number – 1 for Oahu, 2 for Maui, 3 for the Big Island, 4 for Kauai
2. Zone – Each island is split into 9 zones, like the map above of Hawaii. This is also the first number in the home’s address.
3. Section – Each zone is split into 9 sections. This is the second number in the home’s address.
4 & 5. Plat and Parcel – This denotes the exact location of the home.
6. Condominium Unit – This is optional and only appears on multi-unit structures and communities.
A Unique Addressing System for a Unique Place
Hawaii’s hyphenated addresses are just one of the many things that make living on the islands distinct from anywhere else. While this may seem confusing at first, this system is actually quite logical. It provides a definitive way to make sense of the Big Island’s sprawling and varied landscape. Now the next time you see a hyphen in a Hawaiian address, you’ll know it’s more than just a number. It’s a key to understanding the island’s geography and history!
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