Kaunakakai, HI
Population 3,721 · Hawaii
About Kaunakakai, HI
Kaunakakai is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 3,721 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kaunakakai features a median home value of $335,200, which is 37% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kaunakakai in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $905, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,455 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (624 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (476 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kaunakakai shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kaunakakai have an average one-way commute time of 13.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.8% of Kaunakakai residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kaunakakai Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kaunakakai, HI
Compared to national averages, Kaunakakai has a median household income of $76,944 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $335,200, which is 37% above the national median. Monthly rent at $905 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kaunakakai's income is 19% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 56% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kaunakakai, HI?
Kaunakakai offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,944, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $905/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.3 minutes.
Kaunakakai has a population of 3,721 with a median age of 33.7 years. Compare Kaunakakai with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Kaunakakai
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Cook | 3,751 | $124,551 | $642,500 | Compare |
| Waikapu | 3,645 | $121,618 | $837,700 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Ocean View | 3,809 | $45,917 | $239,200 | Compare |
| Whitmore Village | 3,821 | $102,155 | $776,200 | Compare |
| Mountain View | 3,833 | $63,882 | $350,400 | Compare |
| Ainaloa | 3,493 | $51,757 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Kekaha | 3,482 | $73,011 | $516,800 | Compare |
| Hauula | 3,473 | $113,571 | $915,800 | 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 Kaunakakai With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaunakakai
What is the population of Kaunakakai, HI?
The population of Kaunakakai, HI is 3,721 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 Kaunakakai?
The median household income in Kaunakakai, HI is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kaunakakai?
The median home value in Kaunakakai, HI is $335,200, which is 37% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kaunakakai?
The median monthly rent in Kaunakakai, HI is $905, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kaunakakai?
The unemployment rate in Kaunakakai, HI is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kaunakakai, HI a good place to live?
Kaunakakai offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,721 and a median age of 33.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kaunakakai, HI?
16.8% of residents in Kaunakakai 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 Kaunakakai?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kaunakakai, HI: median home value is $335,200 (37% above national), median rent is $905/month, and median household income is $76,944. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kaunakakai?
The poverty rate in Kaunakakai, HI is 18.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Kaunakakai, HI?
Kaunakakai's population is 7.0% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.