Kaaawa, HI Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Kaaawa, HI Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1500/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index120 (+20% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$640,000
📷 Live Cameras — Kaaawa
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Kaaawa
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kaaawa
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Kaaawa?

Moving to Kaaawa? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Hawaiian Electric Company
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1500/mo
2 Bedrooms$2000/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$640,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Kaaawa’s housing market is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a growing demand for rentals. The area’s natural beauty and limited inventory contribute to higher prices. Residents often prioritize proximity to beaches and outdoor recreation

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

120

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

110

Transportation

105

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax4.166%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 4.166% + No County or City tax</p>

Hawaii has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue description, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and community development
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in agriculture, tourism, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Kaaawa has limited public transportation options, but the area's scenic bike paths and pedestrian-friendly roads make it accessible for families with strollers

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Kualoa Ranch
  • 🎯
    Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park
  • 🎯
    Kahana Bay

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kaaawa are those with easy access to parks, beaches, and outdoor recreation areas, such as the Kaaawa Valley and Kahana Bay. These areas offer a mix of older and newer homes, with a strong sense of community

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Kaaawa based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Kaaawa residents must comply with Honolulu County’s zoning and land-use regulations, as well as environmental rules to protect the area’s natural resources

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Kaaawa — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In Kaaawa, utility costs tend to be higher in the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage, while winter months see lower costs. However, the area's mild climate means that heating costs are relatively low compared to other parts of the country

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 96730 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and scenic bike paths, but limited elevator access in public transit and some areas with uneven terrain

📰 Latest HI Stories
Hawaii Living Report — July 27, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 27, 2026

The dream of trading a mainland commute for the sound of breaking waves is powerful, but anyone considering...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 26, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 26, 2026

Dreaming of paradise often conjures images of Hawaii’s turquoise waters and volcanic landscapes, but for the 1,450,589 residents...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 25, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 25, 2026

The decision to relocate to Hawaii often begins with a postcard image of turquoise water and volcanic peaks,...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 24, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 24, 2026

The dream of trading mainland traffic for gentle trade winds and a daily soundtrack of ocean waves is...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.