Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kalaupapa, HI
Thinking of moving to Kalaupapa, HI? This remote, historic community offers an exceptionally quiet and safe lifestyle with a population of just 82, virtually no crime, and nearly year-round sunshine. Housing is limited and the median home price is around $375,000, with rents averaging $1,200. Cost of living is high due to its isolation, but the commute time is almost nonexistent and the natural beauty is unmatched. While educational options are limited on-site, nearby schools and a strong local clinic provide essentials for residents seeking tranquility and a unique Hawaiian experience.
Demographics - Kalaupapa, HI
Demographics - Kalaupapa, HI
Kalaupapa is a small, close-knit community with just 82 residents and a low population density, offering a peaceful lifestyle. The median age is 58, and nearly half the population identifies as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage. A notable portion of residents speak languages other than English, adding to the town's diversity.
Population:
82
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.0
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18%
Ethnic Composition
White:
25%
Asian:
23%
Others:
7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kalaupapa, HI?
Living in Kalaupapa comes with a high cost of living index of 170, well above the national average, mainly due to its remote location. Housing is relatively limited, with median home values around $375,000 and average rents of $1,200 per month, while utilities and groceries also tend to be more expensive. State taxes range widely, and residents should be prepared for higher everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.0
Grocery:
160.0
Housing:
172.0
Utilities:
185.0
Transportation:
148.0
Health Care:
136.0
Miscellaneous:
140.0
Crime
Is Kalaupapa, HI a safe place to live?
Kalaupapa is an exceptionally safe place to live, with no reported violent or property crimes in recent data. The crime index is zero, making it one of the safest communities in Hawaii. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with extremely rare incidents of crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Kalaupapa, HI year-round?
Kalaupapa enjoys a mild and pleasant climate year-round, with winter lows around 64°F and summer highs reaching 86°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 74% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate a sunny, coastal lifestyle. Temperatures remain comfortable throughout all seasons, supporting a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
64°F
Max:
77°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
69°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Kalaupapa's households typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $41,000 and a poverty rate of 12.5%. Most residents own their homes, and commute times are minimal, reflecting the area's relaxed, small-town feel. Public transportation is not used, and the community is characterized by a high school graduation rate of over 80%.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
18%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.0%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Kalaupapa, HI?
Educational options within Kalaupapa are limited, but nearby Kaunakakai offers public schooling and a local branch of the University of Hawaii Maui College is accessible about 10 miles away. Public schools in the area maintain manageable class sizes, and there are no local private schools. Residents seeking higher education or specialized programs typically travel to neighboring communities.
Public Schools
Name:
Kaunakakai Elementary School
Street:
30 Ailoa St, Kaunakakai
Phone:
808-567-6900
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii Maui College – Molokai Education Center
City:
Kaunakakai
State:
HI
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Residents have access to the Kalaupapa Health Center, providing both clinic and emergency services locally. With a physician-to-population ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people covered by health insurance, basic healthcare needs are well supported despite the town's isolation. The area's healthcare index suggests reliable access to essential medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kalaupapa Health Center
Address:
Kalaupapa, HI 96742
Phone:
(808) 567-6248
Type:
Clinic & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kalaupapa, HI?
The housing market in Kalaupapa is small and stable, with a median home price of $375,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,200 per month. Owner-occupied homes make up 70% of the market, and foreclosure rates are very low, indicating a steady, tight-knit community. Home appreciation remains modest, and new construction is rare.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Kalaupapa residents are managed through Maui County, with the nearest DMV office in Lihue, Kauai. Residents can access registration and licensing services by phone or online via the Maui County DMV website. Due to the town's remote location, some services may require planning ahead.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Registration
Address:
Kauai: 4444 Rice Street, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766 (Molokai's DMV administered via Maui County)
Phone:
808-553-3430
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.