Lawai, HI
Population 2,775 · Hawaii
About Lawai, HI
Lawai is a small town located in Hawaii with a population of 2,775 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,826 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lawai features a median home value of $853,700, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lawai in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,917, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 933 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (604 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (230 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lawai shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lawai have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.5% of Lawai 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 11.6% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lawai, HI
Compared to national averages, Lawai has a median household income of $104,826 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $853,700, which is 249% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,917 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Lawai's income is 11% above the state average of $94,535, and home values are 11% above the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Lawai, HI?
Lawai offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,826, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, 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 $853,700. However, Lawai’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lawai has a population of 2,775 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Lawai with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Lawai
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holualoa | 2,825 | $109,444 | $1,056,500 | Compare |
| Paia | 2,629 | $120,735 | $881,100 | Compare |
| Kurtistown | 2,928 | $78,750 | $441,200 | Compare |
| Honaunau-Napoopoo | 2,554 | $75,884 | $724,200 | Compare |
| Wailua | 2,544 | $68,548 | $697,300 | Compare |
| Waialua | 3,015 | $84,656 | $942,300 | Compare |
| Keokea | 3,049 | $119,464 | $749,100 | Compare |
| Anahola | 3,098 | $96,207 | $524,900 | 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 Lawai With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lawai
What is the population of Lawai, HI?
The population of Lawai, HI is 2,775 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 Lawai?
The median household income in Lawai, HI is $104,826 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lawai?
The median home value in Lawai, HI is $853,700, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lawai?
The median monthly rent in Lawai, HI is $1,917, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lawai?
The unemployment rate in Lawai, HI is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lawai, HI a good place to live?
Lawai offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,775 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lawai, HI?
35.5% of residents in Lawai 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 Lawai?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lawai, HI: median home value is $853,700 (249% above national), median rent is $1,917/month, and median household income is $104,826. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lawai?
The poverty rate in Lawai, HI is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lawai, HI?
Lawai's population is 11.6% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.