Captain Cook, HI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Captain Cook Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Captain Cook on Hawaii's Big Island presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity, earning an ROI score of 56 out of 100. With 158 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $288, and 64% occupancy, the market generates roughly $36,299 in average annual revenue per listing. While property values averaging $1,045,530 create a meaningful entry barrier, above-average occupancy stability and steady visitor demand from Hawaii's year-round tourism appeal help offset the higher acquisition costs.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Captain Cook short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Captain Cook

Captain Cook appeals to investors seeking exposure to Hawaii's reliable tourism economy with a property mix that allows entry at various bedroom counts and price points.

Expert Market Assessment

"Captain Cook represents a moderately attractive STR market that benefits from Hawaii's enduring visitor appeal and above-average occupancy consistency. Revenue follows a clear seasonal curve — January leads at $4,077 in average monthly revenue while September dips to $2,069 — so investors should budget for meaningful off-peak softness. The supply/demand balance is the market's weakest factor, with 61% year-over-year listing growth signaling increasing competition that could pressure individual returns. Still, the combination of stable occupancy and meaningful revenue potential, particularly for larger properties, makes this a market worth evaluating with careful attention to unit size and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Captain Cook

Average revenue by month in Captain Cook

Captain Cook shows pronounced seasonality, with January ($4,077) and February ($3,937) delivering the strongest revenue and September ($2,069) marking the annual low — a spread of nearly $2,000 between peak and trough. Investors should plan for roughly 40–50% revenue swings between the winter high season and the late-summer lull.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Captain Cook

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 74 of 158 total listings, while studios (5) and 3-bedroom properties (20) are comparatively scarce. The limited supply of larger units relative to their strong revenue performance could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 3- or 4-bedroom properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Captain Cook

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count, jumping from $105 for studios to $606 for 4-bedroom properties — nearly a 6x increase. The most notable premium appears between 3-bedroom ($363) and 4-bedroom ($606) units, suggesting that larger group-oriented properties command outsized nightly rates in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Captain Cook

Revenue per available night climbs consistently from $59 for studios to $364 for 4-bedroom units, confirming that larger properties not only charge more but also convert enough bookings to deliver strong per-night returns. Three-bedroom units at $244 RevPAN offer a compelling middle ground for investors seeking strong yield without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Captain Cook

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 68%, followed closely by 3-bedroom units at 67%, while studios trail at 56%. This suggests mid-sized properties hit the sweet spot of guest demand in Captain Cook, offering more reliable year-round booking consistency for cash-flow planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Captain Cook

Monthly revenue varies dramatically by size — 4-bedroom properties average $10,036 per month, more than four times the $2,238 earned by 1-bedroom units. Even 2-bedroom listings at $3,903 per month meaningfully outperform the overall market average of $3,024, making them a strong mid-tier option.

Average annual revenue by property size in Captain Cook

Four-bedroom properties generate an impressive $120,437 in average annual revenue, dwarfing studios at $17,591 and representing the clearest path to high gross income. Three-bedroom units at $56,596 annually offer a solid balance of revenue potential and likely lower acquisition costs compared to the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Captain Cook

Parking is nearly universal at 99% of listings, followed by kitchens (89%) and patios or balconies (77%), reflecting guest expectations for self-contained, home-like stays in a rural Hawaiian setting. Premium differentiators like hot tubs (13%), beach access (17%), and waterfront locations (11%) remain uncommon, presenting potential competitive advantages for properties that can offer them.

Understanding Captain Cook's ROI Score: 56/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Captain Cook's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine potential tempered by a few headwinds. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive, while the revenue-to-price ratio and growth trend come in at average levels and the supply/demand balance registers below average — likely influenced by the 61% year-over-year increase in active listings. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and a careful property-specific financial analysis to determine whether individual deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Captain Cook

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Captain Cook. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Captain Cook, Hawaii may need to obtain permits or register with Hawaii County, which regulates vacation rentals in unincorporated areas of the Big Island. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the County of Hawai'i Planning Department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions for short-term rentals in Hawaii can include zoning-based limitations on where vacation rentals are permitted, caps on the number of permits issued in certain districts, occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. HOA rules may also apply and can be more restrictive than county regulations, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes both a General Excise Tax (GET) and a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on short-term rental income, and hosts should confirm current rates and filing requirements with the state Department of Taxation. Major platforms often collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators remain responsible for ensuring full compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Captain Cook can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Captain Cook's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with winter months continuing to drive the strongest revenue and a softer stretch from late spring through early fall. Occupancy rates are estimated to hold around 62–66%, supported by consistent demand from travelers seeking the Big Island's less commercialized western coast. ADR may see modest growth in the range of 1–3% as supply growth — currently at 61% year-over-year — begins to stabilize. Investors should watch the supply/demand balance closely, as continued listing growth without proportional demand increases could compress per-listing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Captain Cook, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Captain Cook?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Captain Cook is currently 64%, which sits slightly below Hawaii's statewide average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 68% and studios the lowest at 56%. This suggests that mid-sized properties tend to attract the most consistent bookings in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Captain Cook?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Captain Cook earns approximately $3,024 per month or $36,299 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average $17,591 per year, while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $120,437 annually. These figures represent market-wide historical averages, and individual results will depend on property quality, pricing, and management.

Is Captain Cook a good market for Airbnb investment?

Captain Cook earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio, though the supply/demand balance is currently below average due to significant year-over-year listing growth. Investors who target the right property size and manage seasonality well can find solid potential here, but should pair this data with thorough local regulatory and financial analysis.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Captain Cook?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Captain Cook is $288, which is notably lower than Hawaii's statewide average of $709. ADR scales significantly with property size, from $105 for studios up to $606 for 4-bedroom listings. This lower-than-state-average ADR reflects Captain Cook's positioning as a more affordable Big Island destination, which can help sustain demand among budget-conscious travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Captain Cook?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Captain Cook, but hosts typically need to comply with Hawaii County's vacation rental regulations, which may include obtaining a permit or registration. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the County of Hawai'i Planning Department and review any HOA restrictions that may apply to a specific property before proceeding.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Captain Cook?

Peak season in Captain Cook runs from December through March, with January generating the highest average monthly revenue at $4,077 and February close behind at $3,937. The slowest period falls from May through September, with September hitting the lowest point at $2,069. This pattern aligns with typical Hawaii tourism trends, where mainland visitors escape winter weather during the first quarter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Captain Cook?

As of April 2026, there are 158 active Airbnb listings in Captain Cook. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom units (74 listings), followed by 2-bedroom properties (39 listings). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 61% year-over-year, which investors should factor into competitive analysis.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Captain Cook?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Captain Cook are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Captain Cook market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and amenity prevalence across active listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax requirements are subject to change; always verify current rules with the appropriate county and state authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.