What to know when moving to Kahului, HI
Kahului at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 25,889 with a median household income of $94,360 and 36.6% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is $1,479, which is relatively affordable compared to the median owner-occupied home value of $832,700.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 2.3% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for an average of 53 rainy days each year, so investing in rain gear is wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kahului features a community with a relatively high income level, where 26% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With 36.6% renting, the housing market offers a mix of options, but the high median home value might be a barrier for some. The area experiences 53 rainy days annually, so newcomers should be ready for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transport system, as only 2.3% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,479, while the median owner-occupied home value is $832,700.
- 26% of the population has a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a median household income of $94,360.
- The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- 36.6% of residents are renters, suggesting a sizable rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii's crime statistics show a downward trend in both violent and property crimes, with the state annual rate for violent crime at 201.9 per 100k, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k. Property crime in Hawaii is reported at 1,601.9 per 100k, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k, with a 26.8% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k, down 38.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 56% since 2022, now at 1.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kahului has access to a couple of educational institutions, providing nearby options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Kahului experiences approximately 16.5 inches of rainfall annually, with 53 days classified as rainy. Prepare for wet conditions especially in winter, which sees about 8.8 inches of rain over 15 rainy days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Ho'okipa Beach Park, rating 4.8 from 6,563 reviews
- Baldwin Beach Park, rating 4.7 from 2,060 reviews
- Kanaha Beach Park, rating 4.6 from 1,646 reviews
- Kalama Park, rating 4.6 from 1,639 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Maui County reflects a low unemployment rate of 2.4% as of December 2025, indicating a healthy local economy.
- Unemployment rate: 2.4% as of December 2025
- Employed: 80,037
- Labor force: 82,041
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).