Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Puunene, HI
Thinking about a move to Puunene, HI? This small community of around 1,200 residents sits in central Maui with sun-filled days (85% sunshine) and mild temperatures year-round. While the median home price is high at $820,000 and average rents are about $2,000, residents enjoy quick commutes (22.5 minutes on average) and access to reputable schools and healthcare. Crime rates are typical for the island, and the laid-back lifestyle and proximity to Maui attractions make Puunene a unique spot for those seeking island living with convenient amenities.
Demographics - Puunene, HI
Demographics - Puunene, HI
Puunene is a close-knit community of about 1,200 people, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.8 years. The town is ethnically diverse, with roughly 28% White, 25% Asian, and a significant percentage from other backgrounds, and about one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a friendly, small-town atmosphere while reflecting Maui’s multicultural vibe.
Population:
1,200
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.8
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
25.0%
Others:
45.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Puunene, HI?
Living in Puunene comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $820,000 and average rents near $2,000 per month. Essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average, and state taxes range from 1.4% to 11%. This area is ideal for those seeking a Hawaiian lifestyle and are prepared for the associated costs.
Median House Value:
$820,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.0
Grocery:
160.0
Housing:
235.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
170.0
Health Care:
140.0
Miscellaneous:
135.0
Crime
Is Puunene, HI a safe place to live?
Puunene experiences crime rates typical for Maui, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,350 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 455 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance of property crime. The area remains generally safe, with most incidents being non-violent.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Puunene, HI year-round?
Puunene offers pleasant weather year-round, with winter lows around 64°F and summer highs up to 87°F. The area enjoys 85% sunny days and receives about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities and a relaxed island lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
64°F
Max:
80°F
Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
85%
Neighbors
Residents of Puunene benefit from a median household income of $78,500, and the area maintains a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 22.5 minutes. The community has a low poverty rate and is known for its friendly, multicultural environment.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$78,500
Family Income:
$92,300
Per Capita Income:
$35,400
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
9.6%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
26.0%
Education
How are the schools in Puunene, HI?
Families in Puunene have access to reputable public schools like Maui Waena Intermediate School and Kahului Elementary School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features private education at St. Anthony School and higher education at the nearby University of Hawaii Maui College. These options support a range of academic needs from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Maui Waena Intermediate School
Street:
795 Onehee Ave
Phone:
808-727-4200
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Kahului Elementary School
Street:
410 S Hina Ave
Phone:
808-873-3050
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony School
Street:
1618 Lower Main St
Phone:
808-244-4190
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii Maui College
City:
Kahului
State:
HI
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Puunene residents have access to quality healthcare, with the Maui Memorial Medical Center nearby offering comprehensive emergency services. The community enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95%, and physician availability is solid at 2.2 doctors per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are reliable and well-rated for a town of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maui Memorial Medical Center
Address:
221 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone:
(808) 244-9056
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Puunene, HI?
The Puunene housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $820,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $2,000. Homeownership is common, with 61% of residents owning their homes, and the market has shown steady appreciation over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$820,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Puunene can access vehicle and licensing services at the Maui County Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing in nearby Kahului. The office offers essential DMV services, and more information can be found on the Maui County website. It provides convenient service for new arrivals and established residents alike.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Maui County Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing
Address:
110 Ala'ihi Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone:
(808) 270-7363
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.