Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kailua, HI
Considering a move to Kailua, HI? This vibrant beachside town of 40,900 offers a relaxed island lifestyle, top-rated schools, and beautiful weather with 77% sunny days each year. While the median home price is high at $1.21M and rents average $2,650, residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (167 per 100K), short 29.8-minute commutes, and a highly educated community. Kailua’s blend of friendly neighborhoods, excellent healthcare, and year-round warm temperatures make it a sought-after spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Kailua, HI
Demographics - Kailua, HI
Kailua is home to about 40,900 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of 42.1 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is a mix of White, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and multiracial backgrounds, and 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This blend creates a welcoming environment with rich cultural influences.
Population:
40,900
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14%

Ethnic Composition
White:
44.5%
Asian:
16.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kailua, HI?
Living in Kailua comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.21 million and average rents around $2,650 per month. Utility and grocery expenses are well above the national average, and the overall cost of living index is 188.3. Residents should budget for premium prices, especially in housing and daily necessities.
Median House Value:
$1,210,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$270
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
188.3
Grocery:
162.1
Housing:
261.0
Utilities:
189.0
Transportation:
140.5
Health Care:
120.8
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is Kailua, HI a safe place to live?
Kailua offers a relatively safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 167 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 599 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is higher, with a 1 in 68 chance, but overall, the city maintains a crime index below national averages. Families and individuals can feel secure while enjoying the area’s amenities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
167
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,460
Crime Index:
1,627
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 599
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Kailua, HI year-round?
Kailua boasts a tropical climate with mild winters and warm summers, where temperatures typically range from 65°F in winter to 86°F in summer. The city enjoys 77% sunny days each year and receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Residents benefit from year-round pleasant weather and abundant sunshine.

Winter
Min:
65°F
Max:
78°F

Spring
Min:
68°F
Max:
81°F

Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
70°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Kailua’s neighborhoods feature a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $123,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%. Nearly 98% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and almost half hold a bachelor’s degree or more. Residents experience short average commutes and a low unemployment rate, contributing to a high quality of life.
Median Income:
$47,600
Household Income:
$123,000
Family Income:
$147,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,200
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
14%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
4.2%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
46.9%
Education
How are the schools in Kailua, HI?
Kailua offers excellent educational opportunities, including highly rated public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also near higher education institutions, such as Windward Community College just 6 miles away and the University of Hawaii at Manoa 13 miles away. Families benefit from a strong emphasis on academic achievement and a variety of schooling options.

Public Schools
Name:
Kailua High School
Street:
451 Ulumanu Dr
Phone:
808-266-7900
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Kailua Intermediate School
Street:
145 S Kainalu Dr
Phone:
808-263-1500
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Enchanted Lake Elementary School
Street:
770 Keolu Dr
Phone:
808-266-7800
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
Le Jardin Academy
Street:
917 Kalanianaole Hwy
Phone:
808-261-0707
Students:
800

Colleges
Name:
Windward Community College
City:
Kaneohe
State:
HI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
City:
Honolulu
State:
HI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
19,200
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is a highlight in Kailua, anchored by Adventist Health Castle and a strong network of local physicians, with 3.1 doctors per 1,000 residents. Over 95% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring that residents can easily obtain medical care. The city’s healthcare index indicates solid overall health resources for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Castle
Address:
640 Ulukahiki St, Kailua, HI 96734
Phone:
(808) 263-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kailua, HI?
Kailua’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.21 million and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68.5%. Rental vacancies are low at 4.7%, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year. The market reflects high demand, making it important for buyers and renters to act quickly.
Median Home Price:
$1,210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Kailua residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits Division, located in nearby Honolulu. The DMV provides comprehensive services for registration, licensing, and permits. For more information, residents can visit the official website or contact the office by phone.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits Division
Address:
1099 Alakea St, Honolulu, HI 96813
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.