Hilo, HI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Hilo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hilo sits on Hawaii's Big Island and offers investors a distinctive entry point into the state's short-term rental market at a significantly lower average daily rate of $227 compared to the $709 state average. With 321 active listings generating an average annual revenue of $34,670 and above-average occupancy stability, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on Hawaii's year-round tourism appeal without the premium pricing pressure found in resort-heavy areas like Maui or Kona. Average home values of $733,576 pair with a revenue-to-price ratio rated as average, making this a market that demands smart property selection to hit strong returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hilo 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 Hilo

Hilo appeals to investors seeking affordable exposure to Hawaii's tourism-driven rental market with stable year-round occupancy and manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hilo presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength, meaning revenue doesn't swing as wildly as in more speculative vacation markets — but the below-average growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest the competitive landscape is tightening. Seasonality is clearly defined, with January through March generating roughly 50% more monthly revenue than September's low of $1,977, so investors should model conservatively for the quieter months. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom homes — stand out as the highest-performing segment, combining the market's best occupancy rate (72%) with substantial revenue potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hilo

Average revenue by month in Hilo

Revenue peaks sharply in January at $3,895 and remains strong through March ($3,658) before dropping to a low of $1,977 in September — a nearly 2:1 spread that underscores Hilo's winter-heavy seasonality. December marks the start of the upswing at $3,371, giving investors a roughly four-month window of premium earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hilo

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 129 of 321 listings (40%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 80 and 3-bedrooms at 52. Only 19 listings have 4 or more bedrooms, signaling a potential supply gap where larger properties could capture strong demand with less head-to-head competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hilo

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $143 for studios to $448 for 4-bedrooms and $954 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($339) to 4-bedroom ($448) is particularly notable — a 32% premium — and pairs well with the 4-bedroom category's superior occupancy, suggesting guests are willing to pay more for the added space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hilo

RevPAN scales decisively with property size, from $89–$90 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $321 for 4-bedrooms and $506 for 6+ bedroom properties. The gap between smaller and larger units is substantial, indicating that bigger homes convert their higher nightly rates into significantly stronger revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hilo

Four-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 72%, meaningfully above every other size category and well above the market average of 61%. Studios (63%) and 2-bedrooms (64%) hold steady mid-range, while 6+ bedroom homes lag at 53%, suggesting the largest properties may face narrower demand despite commanding premium rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hilo

Monthly revenue rises sharply with bedroom count — studios and 1-bedrooms earn roughly $2,100/month, while 4-bedrooms generate $7,240 and 6+ bedrooms reach $13,617. The 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom step ($3,465 to $4,382) represents a 26% revenue increase, making mid-size properties a practical sweet spot for investors seeking strong returns without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hilo

Four-bedroom homes stand out with $86,882 in average annual revenue — more than triple what studios ($25,142) and 1-bedrooms ($25,255) produce — while 6+ bedroom properties reach $163,408. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income potential, the 3-bedroom tier at $52,586/year offers a solid middle ground with more modest property prices than the largest configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hilo

Parking tops the amenity list at 94%, reflecting Hilo's car-dependent geography, followed by kitchens (86%) and self check-in (71%). Outdoor living features — patios (59%), backyards (55%), and BBQ grills (26%) — are common enough to be expected by guests, meaning investors should prioritize these to stay competitive rather than treat them as differentiators.

Understanding Hilo's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Hilo's ROI Score of 59 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market with genuine income potential balanced by some headwinds. The above-average occupancy stability is a standout positive, while the average revenue-to-price ratio means returns depend heavily on property selection and operational efficiency. The below-average scores for market growth trend and supply/demand balance signal that investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a careful read on competition before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hilo

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

Permit Requirements

Hawaii County, which encompasses Hilo, requires short-term rental operators to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Hawaii County Planning Department and confirm compliance with state-level transient accommodations regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaii's short-term rental landscape include zoning-based limitations on where STRs are permitted, potential caps on the number of non-owner-occupied rental permits, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. HOA rules can add another layer of restriction, particularly in condominium developments, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes both a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and a General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, and hosts should confirm current rates with the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit a portion of these 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 Hilo can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hilo's revenue trajectory will likely follow its established seasonal pattern, with winter months (January through March) driving the strongest bookings and a softer stretch through late summer and early fall. ADR may see modest movement in the 1–3% range, though the below-average market growth trend suggests new supply could continue entering the market, tempering gains. Occupancy should hold relatively steady around 59–64% for most property sizes, supported by the above-average stability factor in Rabbu's analysis. Investors entering now should plan around the seasonal revenue swing — roughly $1,900 between peak and trough months — and price accordingly to maintain cash-flow through the quieter periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hilo, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hilo?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Hilo is currently 61%, compared to the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom homes leading at 72% and 6+ bedroom properties sitting lower at 53%. Studios and 2-bedrooms hover in the 63–64% range, offering relatively consistent fill rates for smaller investments.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hilo?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Hilo earn approximately $2,889 per month or $34,670 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $2,100/month, while 4-bedroom homes bring in roughly $7,240/month and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $13,617/month. Seasonality also plays a role, with January peaking at $3,895 and September dipping to $1,977.

Is Hilo a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hilo earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 59 out of 100, rated as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though its market growth trend and supply/demand balance score below average. Investors who target the right property size — particularly 4-bedroom homes with their 72% occupancy and $86,882 annual revenue — and manage seasonal pricing effectively can find solid returns in this market.

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

The current average daily rate in Hilo is $227, well below the Hawaii state average of $709. ADR scales with property size, starting at $143 for studios and climbing to $448 for 4-bedroom homes and $954 for 6+ bedroom properties. This lower price point relative to the state average helps Hilo maintain respectable occupancy rates and attracts budget-conscious visitors to the Big Island.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hilo?

Short-term rentals operate in Hilo under Hawaii County and state regulations, which typically require hosts to obtain permits or registrations before listing a property. Zoning restrictions, permit caps, and tax obligations may apply, and the regulatory environment can evolve. Investors should consult the Hawaii County Planning Department and a local real estate attorney to confirm current requirements before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hilo?

Peak season in Hilo runs from December through March, when average monthly revenue climbs to between $3,371 and $3,895 — driven largely by mainland visitors seeking warm-weather escapes during winter. The slowest period falls in September, with average revenue dropping to $1,977. This roughly 2:1 ratio between peak and trough months means investors should budget and price strategically to maintain positive cash flow year-round.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hilo?

As of April 2026, there are 321 active Airbnb listings in Hilo. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest share at 129 listings, followed by 80 two-bedroom and 52 three-bedroom properties. Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) account for only 19 listings total, which may represent a less competitive niche for investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hilo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Hilo 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Hilo market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics drawn from current and trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield breakdowns by property size and month
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions as of April 2026; future results may differ. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.