Kawela Bay, HI
Population 371 · Hawaii
About Kawela Bay, HI
Kawela Bay is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 371 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,094 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 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 Kawela Bay features a median home value of $848,400, which is 246% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kawela Bay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,609, 124% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 551 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (139 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (40 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kawela Bay shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kawela Bay have an average one-way commute time of 41.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
52.7% of Kawela Bay 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 0.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 11.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kawela Bay Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Kawela Bay, HI
Compared to national averages, Kawela Bay has a median household income of $76,094 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $848,400, which is 246% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,609 is 124% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Kawela Bay's income is 20% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 11% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Kawela Bay, HI?
Kawela Bay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,094, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a well-educated community where 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $848,400. However, Kawela Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kawela Bay has a population of 371 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Kawela Bay 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 Kawela Bay
What is the population of Kawela Bay, HI?
The population of Kawela Bay, HI is 371 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 Kawela Bay?
The median household income in Kawela Bay, HI is $76,094 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kawela Bay?
The median home value in Kawela Bay, HI is $848,400, which is 246% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kawela Bay?
The median monthly rent in Kawela Bay, HI is $2,609, which is 124% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kawela Bay?
The unemployment rate in Kawela Bay, HI is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kawela Bay, HI a good place to live?
Kawela Bay offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 371 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kawela Bay, HI?
52.7% of residents in Kawela Bay 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 Kawela Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kawela Bay, HI: median home value is $848,400 (246% above national), median rent is $2,609/month, and median household income is $76,094. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kawela Bay?
The poverty rate in Kawela Bay, HI is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kawela Bay, HI?
Kawela Bay's population is 0.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.1% of residents are foreign-born.