Real Estate Investing in Pahoa, Hawaii (96778)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96778 (Pahoa, HI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 15.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 23.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $39,010 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in Pahoa, HI (96778)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 96778 Pahoa
The 96778 ZIP in Pahoa, HI is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $293K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $293K asset, 96778 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In practical terms, 96778 offers a low basis, the region around Pahoa has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Who lives in 96778 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The 96778 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 Pahoa:
Property Strategy for 96778
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $200,044 | $1,520 | 5.5% | +4.2% | $200,044 |
| 2BR | $265,676 | $1,970 | 5.3% | +6.6% | $132,838 |
| 3BR | $316,917 | $2,490 | 5.7% | +6.7% | $105,639 |
| 4BR | $382,908 | $2,870 | 5.4% | +5.9% | $95,727 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96778 Compare?
| Metric | 96778 | Pahoa | Hilo, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $292,823 | $292,823 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.4% | 3.4% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,846 | $1,846 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.9% | 4.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 96778 (Pahoa, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $292,823 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,846 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.6% |
| Cap Rate | 4.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (7.0%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.9%). 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 96778
Population: 14,225
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 96778
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
What do rentals go for in Pahoa, HI?
Rental rates in Pahoa, HI average $1,846/mo. Tenant demand and $293K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
How do experienced investors play Pahoa, HI?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Pahoa, HI. The numbers - $293K homes against $1,846/mo rents - support that play.
What kind of market is Pahoa, HI for investors?
Investors tracking Pahoa, HI will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $293K median home values and $1,846/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting consistent returns.
How strong is the working-renter base in Pahoa, HI?
Tenant demand in Pahoa, HI is solid. The local workforce $1,846/mo rents across most rental classes.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Pahoa, HI?
HI ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Pahoa generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
You know 96778 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 96778 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 96778 ranks in Hilo, HI
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