Kaunakakai, HI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,360
17.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,131/yr
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,488
2.3% year-over-year change

Kaunakakai population

How many people live in Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai is home to 4,360 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53% of Kaunakakai locals are male, and 47% are female.

Total population
4,360
17.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53%
2,311
Female
47%
2,049
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,311 53% 17.6%
Female 2,049 47% 16.8%
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 Kaunakakai is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.3% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
23%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
18.3%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
21.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,003 23% 20.3%
15 to 24 675 15.5% 22.1%
25 to 44 796 18.3% -2.3%
45 to 64 941 21.6% 13.7%
Over 65 945 21.7% 36.8%
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 Kaunakakai, 87.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 45.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,833 87.9% 17.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 392 9% 21.7%
Non-citizens 135 3.1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
8.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.1%
Asian
12.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
32.3%
Two or more races
45.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 353 8.1%
Black or African American 1 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 92 2.1%
Asian 533 12.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,409 32.3%
Two or more races 1,972 45.2%

Households in Kaunakakai

A peek inside Kaunakakai households

Kaunakakai has 1,236 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 73.6% are families, while the remaining 26.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,236
12.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
326
Family households
910
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 326 26.4% 0.6%
Family households 910 73.6% 17.3%
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 Kaunakakai

The housing landscape of Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai's housing consists of 1,488 units, with 80.2% 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. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,488
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,194 80.2%
1 unit, attached 64 4.3%
2 units 66 4.4%
3 or 4 units 32 2.2%
5 to 9 units 49 3.3%
10 to 19 units 28 1.9%
20 to 49 units 53 3.6%
Mobile home 2 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kaunakakai

In Kaunakakai, the median construction year is 1976. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 26 1.8% 4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 4.2% 6.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 179 12% 47.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 137 9.2% -23.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 545 36.6% -13.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 259 17.4% 28.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 132 8.9% -20.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 122 8.2% 134.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 1.7% 19.1%
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.

Kaunakakai occupancy rates

Out of the 1,236 occupied housing units in Kaunakakai, 60.2% are owner-occupied, while 39.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,236
12.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
492
Owner occupied
744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 492 39.8% 3.4%
Owner occupied 744 60.2% 19.2%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
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.

Kaunakakai housing costs

Housing costs in Kaunakakai come to a median of $873 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $879.

Median housing costs per month
$873/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 Kaunakakai
$879/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 Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai education at a glance

About 39.7% of the population in Kaunakakai went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 14.3% earned an associate degree and 11.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 2.1% -5.9%
High school diploma 1,217 39.7% 8.7%
College diploma 797 26% 28.8%
Associate degree 439 14.3% 10.6%
Bachelor's degree 360 11.7% 22.0%
Graduate degree 190 6.2% 43.9%
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 Kaunakakai

How much people earn in Kaunakakai

The average annual household income in Kaunakakai was $110,640 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,131, reflecting a -1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kaunakakai
$110,640/year
12.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kaunakakai
$76,131/year
-1.1% year-over-year change

Kaunakakai income by age

In Kaunakakai, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,101. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $95,101 1.1%
Over 65 $75,197 -18.7%
Above poverty level
3,696
Below poverty level
596
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,696 86.1% 24.6%
Below poverty level 596 13.9% -14.6%

Employment in Kaunakakai

Workforce and job types in Kaunakakai

The job market in Kaunakakai is powered by 1,628 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,628
9.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,262
Blue collar
366
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,262 77.5% 11.4%
Blue collar 366 22.5% 4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 143 8.8% 10.0%
Private companies 1,010 62% 13.0%
Governmental workers 219 13.4% 17.7%
Not for profit companies 256 15.7% -6.2%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
52.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kaunakakai stands at 6.7%, 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 Kaunakakai

How people get around in Kaunakakai

Commuting methods vary: 74.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% 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 1,200 74.1% 11.1%
Bus or trolleybus 42 2.6% -10.6%
Walk 96 5.9% -4.0%
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 Kaunakakai by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96748 5,609 1,655 $77,422 $102,740

Explore more communities

FAQs about Kaunakakai demographics 

What is the total population of Kaunakakai?

Kaunakakai has a total population of 4,360 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 +17.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kaunakakai?

The gender ratio in Kaunakakai is as follows:
  • 53% males (2,311 residents)
  • 47% females (2,049 residents)

What is the median age in Kaunakakai?

The median age in Kaunakakai is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kaunakakai?

The age distribution in Kaunakakai is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23% (1,003 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (675 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.3% (796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (941 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.7% (945 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kaunakakai?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kaunakakai is as follows:
  • White: 8.1% (353 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.1% (92 residents)
  • Asian: 12.2% (533 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 32.3% (1,409 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 45.2% (1,972 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.9% of the population in Kaunakakai.

How many housing units are there in Kaunakakai?

There are 1,488 housing units in Kaunakakai, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kaunakakai has a total of 1,236 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kaunakakai?

Kaunakakai has a median household income of $76,131, representing a -1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.3% in Kaunakakai, with a workforce of 1,628 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.5% (1,262 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.5% (366 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (143 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (1,010 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (219 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.7% (256 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