Kapaa, HI
Population 10,886 · Hawaii
About Kapaa, HI
Kapaa is a mid-sized city located in Hawaii with a population of 10,886 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,440 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Kapaa features a median home value of $821,500, which is 235% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kapaa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,997, 72% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,239 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,319 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,279 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kapaa shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kapaa have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.0% of Kapaa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kapaa Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kapaa, HI
Compared to national averages, Kapaa has a median household income of $89,440 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $821,500, which is 235% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,997 is 72% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kapaa's income is 5% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 7% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kapaa, HI?
Kapaa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,440, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $821,500. However, Kapaa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kapaa has a population of 10,886 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Kapaa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kapaa
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaneohe Base | 10,973 | $70,000 | $390,600 | Compare |
| Waipio | 11,196 | $106,164 | $709,500 | Compare |
| Waihee-Waiehu | 11,369 | $128,266 | $740,300 | Compare |
| Lahaina | 11,423 | $85,988 | $841,400 | Compare |
| Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), Hawaii | 10,242 | $89,268 | $652,900 | Compare |
| Kaiminani | 11,542 | $101,320 | $761,300 | Compare |
| Makaha | 9,898 | $63,291 | $416,100 | Compare |
| Maili | 12,236 | $104,375 | $633,100 | 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 Kapaa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kapaa
What is the population of Kapaa, HI?
The population of Kapaa, HI is 10,886 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Kapaa?
The median household income in Kapaa, HI is $89,440 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kapaa?
The median home value in Kapaa, HI is $821,500, which is 235% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kapaa?
The median monthly rent in Kapaa, HI is $1,997, which is 72% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kapaa?
The unemployment rate in Kapaa, HI is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kapaa, HI a good place to live?
Kapaa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,886 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kapaa, HI?
33.0% of residents in Kapaa aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kapaa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kapaa, HI: median home value is $821,500 (235% above national), median rent is $1,997/month, and median household income is $89,440. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kapaa?
The poverty rate in Kapaa, HI is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kapaa, HI?
Kapaa's population is 2.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.