Kaanapali, HI
Population 1,216 · Hawaii
About Kaanapali, HI
Kaanapali is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 1,216 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $134,375 per year, which is 79% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61 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 Kaanapali features a median home value of $1,767,400, which is 622% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kaanapali in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,954 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (463 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (69 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kaanapali shows an unemployment rate of 18.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kaanapali have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.2% of Kaanapali 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 2.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.8% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 11.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kaanapali Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kaanapali, HI
Compared to national averages, Kaanapali has a median household income of $134,375 (79% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,767,400, which is 622% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kaanapali's income is 42% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 131% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kaanapali, HI?
Kaanapali offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $134,375, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,767,400. However, Kaanapali’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kaanapali has a population of 1,216 with a median age of 61 years. Compare Kaanapali with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kaanapali
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keaau | 1,210 | $64,688 | $320,000 | Compare |
| Discovery Harbour | 1,198 | $64,286 | $431,700 | Compare |
| Kaaawa | 1,259 | $132,188 | $966,500 | Compare |
| Papaikou | 1,325 | $80,972 | $431,100 | Compare |
| Haliimaile | 1,096 | $81,250 | $830,500 | Compare |
| Wainaku | 1,082 | $72,188 | $532,400 | Compare |
| Kaumakani | 1,361 | $89,637 | $0 | Compare |
| Honalo | 1,057 | $65,000 | $578,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Hawaii
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kaanapali With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaanapali
What is the population of Kaanapali, HI?
The population of Kaanapali, HI is 1,216 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Kaanapali?
The median household income in Kaanapali, HI is $134,375 per year, which is 79% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kaanapali?
The median home value in Kaanapali, HI is $1,767,400, which is 622% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kaanapali?
The median monthly rent in Kaanapali, HI is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kaanapali?
The unemployment rate in Kaanapali, HI is 18.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kaanapali, HI a good place to live?
Kaanapali offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,216 and a median age of 61, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kaanapali, HI?
44.2% of residents in Kaanapali 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 Kaanapali?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kaanapali, HI: median home value is $1,767,400 (622% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $134,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 13.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kaanapali?
The poverty rate in Kaanapali, HI is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kaanapali, HI?
Kaanapali's population is 2.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.8% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 11.9% of residents are foreign-born.