Kapaa, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,094
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,477/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,169
-1.6% year-over-year change

Kapaa population

How many people live in Kapaa

Kapaa is home to 11,094 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Kapaa locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
11,094
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
5,651
Female
49.1%
5,443
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,651 50.9% 4.0%
Female 5,443 49.1% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Kapaa is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 29.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
29.9%
Over 65
23.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,519 13.7% -1.8%
15 to 24 1,107 10% 26.9%
25 to 44 2,513 22.6% -11.3%
45 to 64 3,315 29.9% -0.4%
Over 65 2,640 23.8% 14.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Kapaa, 81.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 34.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 6.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 27.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.4%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,054 81.6% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,377 12.4% 9.4%
Non-citizens 663 6% 22.8%
Racial breakdown
White
28.8%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
34.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
6.9%
Two or more races
27.4%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 3,193 28.8%
Black or African American 116 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.1%
Asian 3,813 34.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 764 6.9%
Two or more races 3,035 27.4%
Other 166 1.5%

Households in Kapaa

A peek inside Kapaa households

Kapaa has 3,647 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.9% are families, while the remaining 36.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,647
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,315
Family households
2,332
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,315 36.1% 9.5%
Family households 2,332 63.9% -2.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Kapaa

The housing landscape of Kapaa

Kapaa's housing consists of 4,169 units, with 75.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,169
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,141 75.3%
1 unit, attached 180 4.3%
2 units 179 4.3%
3 or 4 units 163 3.9%
5 to 9 units 18 0.4%
10 to 19 units 60 1.4%
20 to 49 units 190 4.6%
50 or more units 238 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
72
71.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kapaa

In Kapaa, the median construction year is 1984. About 2.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 88 2.1% 6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 170 4.1% -35.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 218 5.2% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 420 10.1% 31.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 641 15.4% -2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,222 29.3% 8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 797 19.1% -7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 315 7.6% -22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 226 5.4% -1.3%
Built in 2020 or later 72 1.7% 71.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kapaa occupancy rates

Out of the 3,647 occupied housing units in Kapaa, 69% are owner-occupied, while 31% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,647
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,130
Owner occupied
2,517
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,130 31% -11.7%
Owner occupied 2,517 69% 8.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Kapaa housing costs

Housing costs in Kapaa come to a median of $1,689 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,020.

Median housing costs per month
$1,689/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Kapaa
$2,020/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Kapaa

Kapaa education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Kapaa went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 18.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 185 2% -9.3%
High school diploma 3,251 35.2% 2.9%
College diploma 2,114 22.9% 18.8%
Associate degree 1,065 11.5% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,731 18.7% -10.4%
Graduate degree 894 9.7% 1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Kapaa

How much people earn in Kapaa

The average annual household income in Kapaa was $113,288 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,477, reflecting a +0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kapaa
$113,288/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kapaa
$89,477/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Kapaa income by age

In Kapaa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,714. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,047 overall. Overall, 92.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,714 -28.6%
45 - 64 $114,047 0.6%
Over 65 $70,989 5.7%
Above poverty level
10,068
Below poverty level
813
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,068 92.5% 0.8%
Below poverty level 813 7.5% 10.8%

Employment in Kapaa

Workforce and job types in Kapaa

The job market in Kapaa is powered by 5,911 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 55% are employed by private companies, and 23.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,911
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
5,022
Blue collar
889
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,022 85% 9.6%
Blue collar 889 15% -30.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
55%
Governmental workers
23.3%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 784 13.3% -10.4%
Private companies 3,251 55% 4.7%
Governmental workers 1,378 23.3% 6.4%
Not for profit companies 498 8.4% -14.3%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
57.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kapaa stands at 2.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Kapaa

How people get around in Kapaa

Commuting methods vary: 92.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,322 92.6% 0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 49 0.8% 0.0%
Walk 33 0.6% -23.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Kapaa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96746 19,329 6,669 $88,802 $126,409

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FAQs about Kapaa demographics 

What is the total population of Kapaa?

Kapaa has a total population of 11,094 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kapaa?

The gender ratio in Kapaa is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (5,651 residents)
  • 49.1% females (5,443 residents)

What is the median age in Kapaa?

The median age in Kapaa is 48.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kapaa?

The age distribution in Kapaa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (1,519 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (1,107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (2,513 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.9% (3,315 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.8% (2,640 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kapaa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kapaa is as follows:
  • White: 28.8% (3,193 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (116 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 34.4% (3,813 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 6.9% (764 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 27.4% (3,035 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (166 residents)

What percentage of the population in Kapaa are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.6% of the population in Kapaa.

How many housing units are there in Kapaa?

There are 4,169 housing units in Kapaa, reflecting a -1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Kapaa and what is the average household size?

Kapaa has a total of 3,647 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kapaa?

Kapaa has a median household income of $89,477, representing a +0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Kapaa?

The employment rate is 97.7% in Kapaa, with a workforce of 5,911 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (5,022 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (889 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (784 residents)
  • Private companies: 55% (3,251 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.3% (1,378 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (498 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025