Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hawi, HI
Thinking of moving to Hawi, HI? This friendly town of about 1,120 residents offers a laid-back island lifestyle with a median home price around $480,000 and average rents near $1,350. Enjoy a mild, sunny climate year-round, short 26-minute commutes, and access to local schools and healthcare. While the cost of living is higher than the mainland average, Hawi’s unique blend of Hawaiian culture, scenic beauty, and welcoming community make it a great spot for those seeking tranquility and small-town charm.
Demographics - Hawi, HI
Hawi is a small and diverse community of about 1,120 residents with a median age of 46.2. The town features a rich mix of White, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander backgrounds, contributing to its vibrant cultural atmosphere. A notable portion of the population speaks languages other than English, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
1,120
Density:
90 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%

Ethnic Composition
White:
32%
Asian:
22%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hawi, HI?
Living in Hawi comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, highlighted by a median home value of $480,000 and average rent of $1,350 per month. Utilities and groceries also run above the national average, though residents benefit from Hawaii’s unique lifestyle and natural beauty. State taxes range widely, so budgeting carefully is important for new arrivals.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
165
Grocery:
160
Housing:
180
Utilities:
185
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
122
Miscellaneous:
112
Crime
Is Hawi, HI a safe place to live?
Hawi maintains a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 230 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 435 chance of experiencing violent crime. However, property crime is more common, with a 1 in 46 chance, so residents should take standard precautions. Overall, the town remains a safe place to live compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Hawi, HI year-round?
Hawi enjoys a mild, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The area sees about 36 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny conditions nearly 70% of the time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are subtle, ensuring comfortable weather for residents and visitors alike.

Winter
Min:
62°F
Max:
75°F

Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Residents of Hawi typically have a household income around $62,200 and a family income near $74,800, with a poverty rate of 12.7%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and about 22.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is tight-knit, with low unemployment and average commute times of just 26 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$62,200
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
12.7%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
26 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Hawi, HI?
Hawi’s educational offerings include local public schools with small class sizes, such as Kohala High, Middle, and Elementary, fostering a supportive learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, nearby Hawaii Community College in Kailua-Kona provides higher education opportunities just 36 miles away. The town’s strong educational foundation supports families and lifelong learners alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Kohala High School
Street:
54-3611 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7117
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Kohala Middle School
Street:
54-4155 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7119
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Kohala Elementary School
Street:
54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7100
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College - Palamanui
City:
Kailua-Kona
State:
HI
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Hawi offers access to quality healthcare services, including the local Kohala Hospital and North Hawaii Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, both providing emergency care. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from solid medical support. The area’s healthcare index reflects reliable local services for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kohala Hospital
Address:
54-383 Hospital Rd, Kapaau, HI 96755
Phone:
(808) 889-6211
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
North Hawaii Community Hospital
Address:
67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone:
(808) 885-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
69
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hawi, HI?
The housing market in Hawi is robust, with a median home price of $480,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 70%. Renters can expect to pay around $1,350 for a two-bedroom, while low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a stable and desirable market. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, making it attractive for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Hawi residents can access vehicle registration and licensing services through the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles in Kailua-Kona. The DMV provides comprehensive support for driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and related services. Convenient online resources and phone assistance are available for scheduling and inquiries.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
75-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone:
(808) 323-4818
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.