Real Estate Investing in Lihue, Hawaii (96766)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96766 (Lihue, HI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 12.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.8 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Lihue, HI (96766)?
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Market Analysis: 96766 Lihue
The 96766 ZIP covers a section of Lihue that demands careful diligence. Prices near $844K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
The investment case in 96766 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $844K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
From an investor standpoint, 96766 offers a low basis, the region around Lihue has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Demographically, 96766 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
The 96766 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 Lihue:
Property Strategy for 96766
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $503,936 | $1,870 | 2.7% | +6.3% | $503,936 |
| 2BR | $569,051 | $2,460 | 3.1% | +8.0% | $284,525 |
| 3BR | $906,472 | $3,020 | 2.4% | +6.5% | $302,157 |
| 4BR | $1,059,598 | $3,350 | 2.3% | +7.9% | $264,899 |
| 5BR | $1,065,039 | — | — | +7.9% | $213,008 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96766 Compare?
| Metric | 96766 | Lihue | Kapaa, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $844,196 | $844,196 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.0% | 6.0% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,214 | $2,214 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 96766 (Lihue, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $844,196 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,214 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.0% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 96766
Population: 16,924
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 96766
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lihue, HI a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Yes - Lihue, HI a 3.0/5 investability score. With $844K home prices against $2,214/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Where do rents currently stand in Lihue, HI?
Rental rates in Lihue, HI average $2,214/mo. Tenant demand and $844K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What is the renter demographic in Lihue, HI?
Working renters make up the core of the Lihue, HI tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Lihue, HI?
House hacking in Lihue, HI is a challenging. With home values around $844K and rents at $2,214/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
Is vacancy a concern in Lihue, HI?
Lihue, HI carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect predictable absorption at market rents of $2,214/mo.
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How 96766 ranks in Kapaa, HI
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