Real Estate Investing in Kaunakakai, Hawaii (96748)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96748 (Kaunakakai, HI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 28.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.2% CAGR).
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 4.2% in the last year.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Kaunakakai, HI (96748)?
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Market Analysis: 96748 Kaunakakai
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Kaunakakai's 96748 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $391K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 96748 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Statewide comparisons place 96748 among HI's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
A durable renter share of 40% in 96748 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The right play in 96748 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Kaunakakai:
Property Strategy for 96748
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $224,247 | $1,610 | 5.2% | +2.6% | $224,247 |
| 2BR | $403,815 | $2,110 | 3.8% | +1.5% | $201,908 |
| 3BR | $447,461 | $2,800 | 4.5% | +2.2% | $149,154 |
| 4BR | $520,792 | $3,400 | 4.7% | +2.6% | $130,198 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96748 Compare?
| Metric | 96748 | Kaunakakai | Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $390,697 | $402,647 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.2% | 1.2% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,899 | $1,904 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% | 3.7% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 96748 (Kaunakakai, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $390,697 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,899 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -4.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -4.3% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.8%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 96748
Population: 5,168
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 96748
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kaunakakai, HI favor landlords or tenants?
Kaunakakai, HI falls under HI landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
What is the typical renter like in Kaunakakai, HI?
Tenant demand in Kaunakakai, HI is solid. The local workforce $1,899/mo rents across most rental classes.
What is the average home sale price in Kaunakakai, HI?
Kaunakakai, HI median home values land near $391K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,899/mo-per-month rentals.
Is Kaunakakai, HI suited for a house hack?
House hacking in Kaunakakai, HI is reasonable to execute. Prices around $391K and rents of $1,899/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
What is the investability score for Kaunakakai, HI?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Kaunakakai, HI ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $391K and rents of $1,899/mo drive the underlying numbers.
You know 96748 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 96748 ranks in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI
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