Real Estate Investing in Kula, Hawaii (96790)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 96790 (Kula, 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.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 44.2 — 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 Kula, HI (96790)?
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Market Analysis: 96790 Kula
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Kula's 96790 ZIP clocks in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $1.3M pricing implies.
For an experienced owner, 96790 can be a a viable market for hunting ground — but the discount at $1.3M reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Regionally, 96790 sits on the difficult end of the HI spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
Demographically, 96790 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.
New investors are better served looking at Kula's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 96790. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Kula:
Property Strategy for 96790
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $963,420 | $2,120 | 1.6% | — | $963,420 |
| 2BR | $1,171,127 | $2,780 | 1.7% | +8.3% | $585,564 |
| 3BR | $1,323,336 | $3,600 | 2.0% | +8.4% | $441,112 |
| 4BR | $1,577,257 | $4,490 | 2.0% | +9.2% | $394,314 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 96790 Compare?
| Metric | 96790 | Kula | Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,327,798 | $1,327,798 | N/A | $824,731 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.7% | 4.7% | N/A | 5.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,502 | $2,502 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% | 1.5% | - | - |
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 96790 (Kula, HI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $1,327,798 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,502 |
| Price-to-Rent | 44.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.3% |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.1% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
🏠 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 (1.5%). 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 96790
Population: 9,463
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 96790
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 kind of market is Kula, HI for investors?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Kula, HI ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $1.3M and rents of $2,502/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Kula, HI?
Expect rents around $2,502/mo per month in Kula, HI. With home values at $1.3M, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
Is housing expensive in Kula, HI?
Homes in Kula, HI typically sell near $1.3M. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which steady long-term demand.
How should investors approach Kula, HI?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Kula, HI. The numbers - $1.3M homes against $2,502/mo rents - support that play.
Is Kula, HI landlord-friendly?
Rental owners in Kula, HI deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 96790 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 96790 ranks in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI
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