Kalaupapa, HI Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Kalaupapa, HI Utility & Living Guide

Living in Kalaupapa, HI offers a unique and historic experience with stunning natural beauty, but comes with challenges due to its remote location.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$420/mo
1BR Rent$1500/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index120 (+20% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$450,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kalaupapa
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$250/mo

Hawaiian Electric Company
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

Kalaupapa Water Company
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

County of Kalawao
📶 Internet

$80/mo

Combined Average Overhead $420/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1500/mo
2 Bedrooms$2000/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$450,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Kalaupapa is limited due to its small size and remote location. Most residents are employees of the state or federal government, or work in the healthcare industry. Rentals are scarce and often have long waiting lists.

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 tax + No City tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries in healthcare and government services
Top Local Concerns
Access to healthcare, cost of living, preservation of historic and cultural sites
🚌 Transit for Families

Kalaupapa has limited public transportation, but the community is small and walkable, making it accessible for families with strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Kalaupapa National Historical Park
  • 🎯
    Molokai Mule Ride
  • 🎯
    Papohaku Beach

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kalaupapa are the historic district and the area surrounding the national park. These areas offer a sense of community and access to outdoor activities. However, housing options are limited, and families often have to wait for vacancies.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Kalaupapa has strict regulations regarding visitor access and residency due to its historic and cultural significance.

The cost of living in Kalaupapa is high due to its remote location and limited access to goods and services. However, the community is tight-knit and offers a unique quality of life. Currently, there is a trend towards increasing costs for utilities and groceries, making it essential for residents to budget carefully.

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📊 Kalaupapa — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Kalaupapa fluctuate seasonally, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to increased air conditioning usage. In the winter, costs are lower, but residents may still experience higher costs due to the need for heating and hot water.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 96757 has a property tax millage rate of 1.1, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Kalaupapa's sidewalks and parks are generally well-maintained, but the community's small size and limited accessibility can make it challenging for families with strollers to navigate.

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