What to know when moving to Kapolei, HI
Kapolei at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $121,409, which supports a high standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,551, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 3.5% use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $772,400 if you're considering buying.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kapolei is a growing area characterized by its high median household income of $121,409 and a notable percentage of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community skews predominantly owner-occupied, with 73.5% of the population owning their homes. With 222 rainy days per year, it's wise to invest in rain gear.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low rent; the median gross rent is $2,551, which is above the national average.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,551, while the median home value is $772,400, indicating a high cost of living.
- 33.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, which is relatively low.
- Renter percentage is 26.5%, suggesting most residents own their homes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average, with an annual rate of 201.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 37.9% lower than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is also above the national average, with a rate of 1,601.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 3.6% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, down 26.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, down 38.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 56% since 2022, with a current rate of 1.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kapolei has access to several educational institutions, providing opportunities for higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Nearby options include: Hawaii Tokai International College, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, and University of Phoenix-Hawaii.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Kapolei experiences approximately 50.3 inches of annual rainfall with about 222 rainy days each year. This climate supports lush greenery and outdoor activities, though it may require residents to be prepared for rain.
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum - 4.6 stars (6,422 reviews)
- Coral Crater Adventure Park - 4.9 stars (3,994 reviews)
- Ko Olina Beach Park - 4.7 stars (2,757 reviews)
- Makaha Beach Park - 4.7 stars (2,221 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Honolulu County shows a strong employment rate with a low unemployment rate of 2.1% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 2.1% (December 2025)
- Employed: 468,964
- Labor force: 479,138
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.