Hanalei, HI
Population 239 · Hawaii
About Hanalei, HI
Hanalei is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 239 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,375 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 65.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hanalei features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hanalei in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,500, 115% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 321 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (75 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hanalei shows an unemployment rate of 16.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hanalei have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.8% of Hanalei residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hanalei Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Hanalei, HI
Compared to national averages, Hanalei has a median household income of $114,375 (52% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,500 is 115% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Hanalei's income is 21% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 161% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Hanalei, HI?
Hanalei offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,375, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Hanalei’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hanalei has a population of 239 with a median age of 65.3 years. Compare Hanalei with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hanalei
What is the population of Hanalei, HI?
The population of Hanalei, HI is 239 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Hanalei?
The median household income in Hanalei, HI is $114,375 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hanalei?
The median home value in Hanalei, HI is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hanalei?
The median monthly rent in Hanalei, HI is $2,500, which is 115% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hanalei?
The unemployment rate in Hanalei, HI is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hanalei, HI a good place to live?
Hanalei offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 239 and a median age of 65.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hanalei, HI?
64.8% of residents in Hanalei aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hanalei?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hanalei, HI: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,500/month, and median household income is $114,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 17.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Hanalei?
The poverty rate in Hanalei, HI is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hanalei, HI?
Hanalei's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.