Real Estate Investing in Keaau, Hawaii (96749)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96749 (Keaau, HI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.9% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Keaau, HI (96749)?
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Market Analysis: 96749 Keaau
The 96749 ZIP in Keaau, HI is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $471K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 96749 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Meanwhile, 96749 offers a low basis, the region around Keaau has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
A robust renter share of 22% in 96749 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
The 96749 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Keaau:
Property Strategy for 96749
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $277,619 | $1,460 | 3.8% | +6.2% | $277,619 |
| 2BR | $371,793 | $1,870 | 3.6% | +6.7% | $185,896 |
| 3BR | $463,778 | $2,440 | 3.8% | +7.4% | $154,593 |
| 4BR | $544,125 | $2,730 | 3.6% | +6.2% | $136,031 |
| 5BR | $603,298 | — | — | +5.4% | $120,660 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96749 Compare?
| Metric | 96749 | Keaau | Hilo, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $471,067 | $471,067 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.0% | 5.0% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,465 | $2,465 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 96749 (Keaau, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $471,067 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,465 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.3% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.1%). 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 96749
Population: 19,449
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 96749
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,312 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is rent in Keaau, HI?
Keaau, HI rentals go for roughly $2,465/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $471K acquisition costs.
Are tenants stable in Keaau, HI?
Working renters make up the core of the Keaau, HI tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How quickly do rentals get leased in Keaau, HI?
Vacancy risk in Keaau, HI is elevated. That supports steady cash flow for typical rental holds.
What investment strategy works best in Keaau, HI?
Most investors in Keaau, HI run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
Is Keaau, HI a smart market for rental property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Keaau, HI ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $471K and rents of $2,465/mo drive the underlying numbers.
You know 96749 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 96749 ranks in Hilo, HI
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