Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kailua Kona, HI
Considering a move to Kailua Kona, HI? With a population of about 23,600, this sunny coastal town offers a relaxed island lifestyle, warm weather year-round, and a rich blend of cultures. Median home prices are around $700,000 and average rents are $2,000, reflecting Hawaii’s higher cost of living. Crime rates are moderate for the region, while commute times are short at just under 20 minutes. Residents enjoy access to quality healthcare, local schools, and abundant outdoor activities, making Kailua Kona an appealing choice for those seeking a vibrant community amid stunning natural beauty.
Demographics - Kailua Kona, HI
Demographics - Kailua Kona, HI
Kailua Kona is home to approximately 23,600 residents, with a population density of about 1,400 people per square mile. The community is diverse, with significant Native Hawaiian, Asian, and White populations, and nearly 19% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age of 42 reflects a mix of families and retirees enjoying the island lifestyle.
Population:
23,631
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
34.2%
Asian:
18.4%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kailua Kona, HI?
Living in Kailua Kona comes with a higher cost of living, with a cost of living index of 168 and median home values around $700,000. Average rents are about $2,000 per month, and utility and grocery costs are notably above the national average. State taxes range from 1.4% to 11%, so budgeting for daily expenses is important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$700,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$270
Auto Insurance:
$1,360
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,660
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$760
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
168.3
Grocery:
158.6
Housing:
242.1
Utilities:
180.3
Transportation:
136.2
Health Care:
120.4
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Kailua Kona, HI a safe place to live?
Kailua Kona experiences moderate crime rates for Hawaii, with a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,480 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 40, while violent crime risk is lower at 1 in 309. Residents generally find the area safe, especially when taking common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
324
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,480
Crime Index:
2,804
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 309
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Kailua Kona, HI year-round?
The city enjoys a warm, sunny climate year-round, with average highs ranging from 81°F in winter to 86°F in summer and about 75% sunny days annually. Rainfall is moderate, averaging just over 24 inches per year, and temperatures rarely dip below the mid-60s. This pleasant weather supports an outdoor, active lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
66°F
Max:
81°F
Spring
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
69°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Kailua Kona’s neighborhoods are a blend of working professionals, families, and retirees, with a median household income of about $73,100. The area has a low unemployment rate of 3.6% and a poverty rate just over 10%, while most adults have completed high school and nearly a third hold bachelor’s degrees. Commute times are short, averaging under 19 minutes, and public transport use is limited.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$73,100
Family Income:
$83,900
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
18.7%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
30.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kailua Kona, HI?
Kailua Kona offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a local community college just five miles away. Kealakehe High School and Kona Pacific Public Charter School serve the area, while Makua Lani Christian Academy provides a private alternative. The community values education, with a high rate of high school graduates and diverse learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Kealakehe High School
Street:
74-5000 Puohulihuli St
Phone:
808-313-3600
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Kona Pacific Public Charter School
Street:
79-7595 Mamalahoa Hwy
Phone:
808-322-4900
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Makua Lani Christian Academy
Street:
74-4966 Kealakaa St
Phone:
808-329-0596
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Hawai‘i Community College – Palamanui
City:
Kailua-Kona
State:
HI
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Kona Community Hospital offering emergency and surgical services. Healthcare coverage is high, with over 94% insured and a solid ratio of 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. The area’s health care index reflects reliable medical support for both routine and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kona Community Hospital
Address:
79-1019 Haukapila St, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone:
(808) 322-9311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kailua Kona, HI?
The housing market in Kailua Kona is competitive, with median home prices at $700,000 and an average rent of $2,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Just over half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen steady appreciation of nearly 7% over the past year. Rental vacancies are low, making both buying and renting in demand.
Median Home Price:
$700,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local vehicle registration and licensing services are provided by the Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing office in Kailua Kona. Residents can visit the office on Ane Keohokalole Highway or access many services online. The DMV offers essential support for vehicle registration, licensing, and renewals.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Address:
74-5044 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.