Hilo and Honokaa are leading the Big Island in the percentage of the population vaccinated for COVID-19.
Each of the areas has reached “herd immunity” with more than 70.1% of residents age 12 and older fully inoculated, according to data from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Close behind Hilo and Honokaa are Hawi, Papaikou and Pepeekeo, each of which reports having 60.1% to 70% of eligible residents vaccinated.
The majority of the island isn’t faring as well, with most areas reporting less than 60% of eligible residents fully vaccinated as of Monday.
Nearly all of West Hawaii, from Kealakekua and Kailua-Kona to Waimea and Kapaau, has just 45.1% to 60% of the eligible population vaccinated. A large chunk of the Hamakua Coast as well as Keaau fall in the same category.
Areas reporting 35.1% to 45% of the population vaccinated are Paauilo, Volcano, Kurtistown and Pahala. Most of the southern portion of the island, including Pahoa, Naalehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook and Honaunau, has less than 35% of the eligible population vaccinated.
More than 114,000 eligible Big Island residents were fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as of Monday, according to the state data.
To date, including state and federal resources, 1,784,561 shots have been administered across Hawaii, health officials said. That equates to about 68.3% of the state’s population having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 60.8%, or more than 864,000 people, having completed the inoculation process.
On the Big Island, more than 239,579 doses have been given to residents. Some 114,179 people — 57% of the island’s population — are fully vaccinated while another 135,605 have received their first shot.
The state is currently in Phase 2 of its vaccination plan, with all individuals 12 years of age and older eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Only Pfizer has been approved for persons under age 18. Johnson &Johnson and Moderna are only available to adults over age 18.