Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kapaa, HI
Thinking of moving to Kapaa, HI? This charming coastal town of 11,652 offers spectacular island living, mild year-round temperatures, and abundant sunshine. While housing costs are high, with a median home price of $720,000 and average rents around $2,250, residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, low commute times, and a tight-knit, diverse community. Schools are well-rated, crime rates are moderate for Hawaii, and healthcare is accessible locally. Explore detailed housing, education, and lifestyle info below to see if Kapaa is your next paradise.
Demographics - Kapaa, HI
Kapaa is home to about 11,650 residents, offering a diverse community with a blend of Asian, White, Native Hawaiian, and multiracial backgrounds. The median age is just over 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and retirees, while nearly 15% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.
Population:
11,652
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
27.3%
Asian:
29.4%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kapaa, HI?
Living in Kapaa comes with a high cost of living, with the median home value at $720,000 and average monthly rent around $2,250. Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are significantly above national averages, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$720,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$260
Auto Insurance:
$1,315
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$760
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
166.1
Grocery:
158.0
Housing:
229.0
Utilities:
174.0
Transportation:
139.5
Health Care:
119.7
Miscellaneous:
111.2
Crime
Is Kapaa, HI a safe place to live?
Kapaa experiences moderate crime rates for Hawaii, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 40 and violent crime at 1 in 313. While the area is generally safe, residents should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
319
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,485
Crime Index:
2,804
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Kapaa, HI year-round?
Kapaa enjoys a mild, tropical climate year-round, with winter temperatures ranging from 63°F to 78°F and summers reaching up to 85°F. With 68% sunny days and about 49 inches of annual rainfall, residents experience plenty of sunshine alongside occasional island showers.

Winter
Min:
63°F
Max:
78°F

Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
The community in Kapaa has a median household income of $81,250 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, and commute times are short, averaging around 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,950
Household Income:
$81,250
Family Income:
$91,600
Per Capita Income:
$34,300
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$34,600
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.8%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Kapaa, HI?
Kapaa offers a strong educational environment with well-rated public schools, including Kapaa High, Middle, and Elementary, each maintaining moderate class sizes. Local families also have access to private education at St. Catherine School and higher education opportunities just 8 miles away at Kauai Community College.

Public Schools
Name:
Kapaa High School
Street:
4695 Mailihuna Rd
Phone:
808-821-4400
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Kapaa Middle School
Street:
4867 Olohena Rd
Phone:
808-821-4460
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Kapaa Elementary School
Street:
4886 Kawaihau Rd
Phone:
808-821-4424
Students:
890
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Catherine School
Street:
5021 Kawaihau Rd
Phone:
808-822-4212
Students:
150

Colleges
Name:
Kauai Community College
City:
Lihue
State:
HI
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare locally, including Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital and nearby Wilcox Medical Center. With a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.5% and about 2 physicians per 1,000 people, medical services are accessible for most families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital
Address:
4800 Kawaihau Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746
Phone:
(808) 822-4961
Type:
General & Long-Term Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Wilcox Medical Center
Address:
3-3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 245-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kapaa, HI?
Kapaa’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $720,000 and a homeownership rate just above 54%. Rents average $2,250 for a two-bedroom unit, and housing values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$720,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Kapaa residents are managed by the Kauai County Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Lihue, offering comprehensive licensing and registration support. Residents can access up-to-date information and make appointments online through the county’s official DMV website.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Kauai County Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4444 Rice St, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 241-4256
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.