Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kapaau, HI
Considering a move to Kapaau, HI? This charming town of about 1,900 residents offers a relaxed island lifestyle, with a median home price of $525,000 and average rent around $1,500. Enjoy year-round warm weather and above-average sunny days, while benefiting from short 22-minute commutes and access to local schools and healthcare. Crime rates are moderate for Hawaii, and the cost of living is higher than the national average, but the area’s unique mix of cultures and natural beauty make it a special place to call home.
Demographics - Kapaau, HI
Demographics - Kapaau, HI
Kapaau is a small, close-knit community of about 1,900 residents, known for its diverse mix of White, Asian, and Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander populations. The median age of 46.5 suggests a mature community, and with 16% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, the town enjoys a rich blend of cultures.
Population:
1,900
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
31.0%
Asian:
29.0%
Others:
12.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kapaau, HI?
Living in Kapaau comes with a higher-than-average cost, as reflected in its cost of living index of 155 and median home values around $525,000. Housing, groceries, and utilities are particularly expensive, but many residents find the unique island setting and lifestyle worth the investment.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$260
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
155.0
Grocery:
156.0
Housing:
180.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
122.0
Miscellaneous:
128.0
Crime
Is Kapaau, HI a safe place to live?
Kapaau experiences moderate crime for Hawaii, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. While the risk of property crime is relatively higher, the overall sense of safety remains strong for this small town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Kapaau, HI year-round?
Kapaau offers warm, pleasant weather year-round, with winter lows around 63°F and summer highs up to 84°F. The area enjoys about 67% sunny days and receives an average of 58 inches of rainfall annually, creating a lush and inviting tropical environment.

Winter
Min:
63°F
Max:
79°F

Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
81°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $67,500 and a family income of $73,000, with about 13% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the area maintains a relaxed pace with typical commutes of about 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$67,500
Family Income:
$73,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
16.0%
Rent:
$1,500
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
25.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kapaau, HI?
Kapaau is served by public schools like Kohala Elementary, Middle, and High, which maintain small student bodies and favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Hawaii Community College – Palamanui is located about 33 miles away, providing accessible options for continued learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Kohala High School
Street:
54-3611 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7117
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Kohala Middle School
Street:
54-4155 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7119
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Kohala Elementary School
Street:
54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy
Phone:
808-889-7117
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Colleges
Name:
Hawaii Community College - Palamanui
City:
Kailua-Kona
State:
HI
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to Kohala Hospital and North Hawaii Community Hospital, both offering emergency services within a short drive. With 93% health insurance coverage and nearly two physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare in Kapaau is accessible and reliable for a town of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kohala Hospital
Address:
54-383 Hospital Rd, Kapaau, HI 96755
Phone:
(808) 889-6211
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
North Hawaii Community Hospital
Address:
67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Phone:
(808) 885-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kapaau, HI?
Kapaau’s housing market is characterized by a median home price of $525,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,500. With 67% owner occupancy and a 5.2% annual home appreciation rate, the market remains stable and attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Kapaau are conveniently handled at the local Hawaii County office on Akoni Pule Hwy, making it easy for residents to manage driving-related needs without leaving town.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Hawaii County Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Address:
54-3900 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI 96755
Phone:
(808) 889-5613
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.