Average Rent in Kahului, HI↑ Rents rising 7.9% YoY

Kahului, HI has rental prices ranging from $1,750/month to $3,584/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,762/month — 26% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $95,049/year, spending $1,762/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Kahului Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,309/month, Kahului ranks #2 most expensive of the 7 cities tracked in Hawaii — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Kahului Rental Market

The Kahului, HI area has a population of about 164,675 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Kahului, HI have risen by $170/month (7.9%) over the past year, from $2,139 to $2,309. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kahului, HI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $70,480. The local median household income of $95,049 exceeds that threshold by $24,569, making Kahului relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Kahului, HI is $1,034,119, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 37.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 37 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is Kahului, HI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Kahului?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Kahului

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.