What to know when moving to Kula, HI
Kula at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and about 29% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $92,313, reflecting a relatively affluent area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,147, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.8% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,147/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kula has a population of 9,463, with a higher education rate of 32.4%. This area has a median household income of $92,313, suggesting a financially stable community. With 29% of residents renting, there's a mix of homeowners and renters, but housing costs are significant, with a median home value of $1,039,900. The area receives about 16.5 inches of rain annually, with most falling in winter.
Probably not your spot if you're looking for low housing costs, as rents here are relatively high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,147, which is on the higher end of the spectrum.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,039,900, indicating a costly housing market.
- 32.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to community education levels.
- Poverty rate stands at 11.3%, reflecting some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Hawaii has a relatively low violent crime rate compared to the national average, with a state annual rate of 201.9 per 100,000 people, down 26.8% from 2022. Property crime is at 1,601.9 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national average of 1,546.9 but has decreased by 38.2% in the same period.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k (Hawaii) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national average).
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k (Hawaii) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national average).
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 56% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 2 postsecondary institutions nearby, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage in Kahului.
- University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Kula experiences about 16.5 inches of rain annually across 53 rainy days. The area sees the most precipitation in winter with 8.8 inches. Spring and fall are wetter than summer, which has only 0.3 inches of rain.
- Haleakalā National Park - 4.9 stars, 11,821 reviews.
- Mākena State Park - 4.8 stars, 3,262 reviews.
- Kamaole Beach Park III - 4.7 stars, 3,203 reviews.
- Baldwin Beach Park - 4.7 stars, 2,060 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Maui County has a labor force of 82,041, with an employment figure of 80,037, showing a strong local economy.
- Unemployment rate: 2.4% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 80,037 individuals.
- Labor force: 82,041 individuals.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.