Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kaaawa, HI
Considering a move to Kaaawa, HI? With a small, close-knit population of about 1,350, Kaaawa offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle, lush tropical climate, and stunning natural beauty. While the cost of living is high—median home prices approach $925,000 and average rents are $2,400—the area boasts a low crime rate, 67% sunny days, and welcoming schools like Kaaawa Elementary. Residents enjoy relaxed island living, easy access to outdoor recreation, and proximity to healthcare and higher education options, all within a scenic commute to Honolulu.
Demographics - Kaaawa, HI
Demographics - Kaaawa, HI
Kaaawa is a small, close-knit community of about 1,350 residents, characterized by a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 44. The population is diverse, with significant Native Hawaiian, White, and Asian representation, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This blend creates a culturally rich environment ideal for those seeking a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle.
Population:
1,350
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
44
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13%
Ethnic Composition
White:
30%
Asian:
15%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kaaawa, HI?
The cost of living in Kaaawa is notably high, with a median home value near $925,000 and average monthly rents around $2,400. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs exceed the national average, while state taxes can range from 1.4% to 11%. Prospective residents should budget carefully for island living expenses.
Median House Value:
$925,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
170
Grocery:
157
Housing:
225
Utilities:
145
Transportation:
130
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Kaaawa, HI a safe place to live?
Kaaawa maintains a relatively low crime profile, with a violent crime rate of 250 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 400 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 40 chance, but overall, the area is considered safe by Hawaii standards. Many residents value the community’s sense of security and small-town atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,500
Crime Index:
2,750
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Kaaawa, HI year-round?
Kaaawa enjoys a lush tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, typically ranging from the mid-60s to upper 80s. The area receives about 75 inches of rainfall annually but still experiences 67% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents benefit from gentle winters, warm summers, and beautiful coastal breezes.
Winter
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F
Spring
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
69°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
75 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of Kaaawa typically earn a household income of around $93,000, with a poverty rate of 7.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. The community is well-educated, with 91% holding a high school diploma or higher, and most households enjoy a family-oriented, relaxed pace of life. Average commute times are about 38 minutes, and only 5% use public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$93,000
Family Income:
$103,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,000
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
13%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
5%
Commute Time:
38 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91%
Bachelors or More:
28%
Education
How are the schools in Kaaawa, HI?
Kaaawa offers quality public education through local options like Kaaawa Elementary and Kahuku High & Intermediate, both with supportive student-to-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents are within easy reach of Windward Community College and Brigham Young University – Hawaii. This provides families with strong educational resources from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Kaaawa Elementary School
Street:
51-296 Kamehameha Hwy
Phone:
808-237-7757
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Name:
Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Street:
56-490 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI
Phone:
808-293-8950
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Colleges
Name:
Windward Community College
City:
Kaneohe
State:
HI
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
City:
Laie
State:
HI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Kaaawa residents have access to nearby facilities like Kahuku Medical Center and Adventist Health Castle, both offering emergency services. The area maintains a strong healthcare presence with 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a high insurance coverage rate of 93%. This ensures reliable and accessible medical care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kahuku Medical Center
Address:
56-117 Pualalea St, Kahuku, HI 96731
Phone:
(808) 293-9221
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Adventist Health Castle
Address:
640 Ulukahiki St, Kailua, HI 96734
Phone:
(808) 263-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93%
Health Care Index:
72
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kaaawa, HI?
The housing market in Kaaawa is competitive, with a median home price of $925,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,400. About 75% of homes are owner-occupied, and the annual home appreciation rate is 6.2%, indicating steady demand. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable, desirable community for homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$925,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
75%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Kaaawa are handled by the City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits Division, located in nearby Kailua. Residents can access services, renewals, and information online or by phone, making DMV processes straightforward for new arrivals. The central location serves the North Shore and Windward Oahu communities efficiently.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits Division
Address:
130 Oneawa St, Kailua, HI 96734
Phone:
808-768-9100
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.