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

Honokaa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Honokaa, on Hawaii's Big Island, presents a niche short-term rental market with just 39 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $28,473 per property. While the average daily rate of $218 sits well below the Hawaii state average of $709, property values averaging over $1 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful evaluation. A favorable supply/demand balance and steady occupancy create a foundation worth exploring for investors drawn to Hawaii's enduring appeal.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Honokaa

Honokaa attracts STR investors seeking a small, supply-constrained Hawaiian market where limited competition and consistent leisure travel demand create opportunities despite higher property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Honokaa represents a moderate-opportunity market where the fundamentals are encouraging but the economics require careful underwriting. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $28,473 against home values exceeding $1 million — tempered by an above-average supply/demand balance and stable occupancy. Seasonality is pronounced: January peaks at $3,197 in average monthly revenue while September dips to $1,623, a spread investors need to plan around. For buyers who can acquire property below the market average or target the higher-earning two-bedroom segment, the math improves meaningfully."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Honokaa

Average revenue by month in Honokaa

Revenue in Honokaa peaks sharply in winter, with January ($3,197) and February ($3,090) delivering nearly double what hosts earn in September ($1,623), the market's slowest month. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner summer and fall months while capitalizing on the strong December-through-March corridor.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Honokaa

One-bedroom units dominate Honokaa's supply with 20 of 39 total listings, followed by 7 studios and just 6 two-bedroom properties. The scarcity of two-bedroom listings — despite their superior revenue and occupancy metrics — may represent a meaningful opportunity for investors willing to target that underserved segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Honokaa

ADR in Honokaa scales predictably with size: studios command $131 per night, one-bedrooms $158, and two-bedrooms jump to $248. The two-bedroom tier offers the steepest premium jump, nearly doubling the studio rate and signaling strong guest willingness to pay for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Honokaa

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $192, far outpacing studios ($94) and especially one-bedrooms ($73), which suffer from lower occupancy pulling down their effective per-night yield. This makes two-bedrooms the clear efficiency leader in Honokaa on a revenue-per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Honokaa

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 78%, closely followed by studios at 72%, while one-bedrooms lag notably at just 47%. The low one-bedroom occupancy — despite that segment representing over half the market's supply — suggests oversaturation in that tier relative to demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Honokaa

Two-bedroom properties generate $3,376 per month on average, nearly 2.6 times the $1,299 earned by studios and almost double the $1,785 one-bedroom average. For investors focused on monthly cash flow, the two-bedroom configuration stands out as the clear revenue leader in Honokaa.

Average annual revenue by property size in Honokaa

At $40,523 annually, two-bedroom properties earn roughly 2.6 times what studios ($15,597) bring in and 89% more than one-bedrooms ($21,422). This significant revenue advantage, combined with strong occupancy, makes two-bedrooms the most compelling configuration for return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Honokaa

Parking and a kitchen appear in 100% of Honokaa listings, reflecting essential guest expectations in a rural Hawaiian setting where dining options are limited and car travel is necessary. Backyards (92%) and patios or balconies (74%) further signal that outdoor living space is a baseline expectation rather than a differentiator — investors looking to stand out should consider amenities like hot tubs (only 3%) or pet-friendliness (5%).

Understanding Honokaa's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Honokaa's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, indicating real potential tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — annual revenue of $28,473 against home values over $1 million means the income yield requires close scrutiny. On the positive side, the market benefits from above-average supply/demand balance and average occupancy stability, suggesting demand is holding up relative to the small pool of listings. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and target the higher-performing two-bedroom segment to improve their return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Honokaa

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Honokaa, Hawaii, should expect to obtain permits or register with Hawaii County before listing a property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current requirements with the Hawaii County Planning Department, as STR regulations on the Big Island have evolved in recent years.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaiian STR markets include limits on the number of permitted rentals in certain zones, minimum stay requirements, occupancy caps, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term use. Zoning designations in Hawaii County can significantly impact whether a property is eligible for STR permitting, so due diligence on the specific parcel is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and a General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, and Hawaii County may levy additional surcharges. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Honokaa's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with winter months (January through March) continuing to drive the strongest bookings and revenue. Occupancy rates may hold in the 55–60% range, with modest ADR increases of 1–3% possible as supply remains limited. The 118% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the small absolute count of 39 listings means the market can absorb new entrants without immediate saturation. Investors should monitor whether demand keeps pace with supply growth to preserve current yield levels."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Honokaa, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Honokaa?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Honokaa is currently 58%, compared to the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios average 72%, one-bedrooms 47%, and two-bedrooms lead at 78%. These figures suggest that well-configured properties, particularly two-bedroom units, can achieve strong and consistent bookings throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Honokaa?

Airbnb hosts in Honokaa earn an average of $2,372 per month, or approximately $28,473 annually, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary by property size: studios average $15,597 per year, one-bedrooms bring in about $21,422, and two-bedroom properties lead at $40,523 annually. Peak months like January can push monthly revenue above $3,000, while slower periods such as September may dip to around $1,623.

Is Honokaa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Honokaa earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, classified as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and average occupancy stability, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values over $1 million. Two-bedroom properties offer the strongest return profile, generating about $40,523 per year. Investors who secure property below the market average valuation and manage seasonality effectively are best positioned to see solid returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Honokaa is $218, which is significantly below the Hawaii state average of $709. ADR scales with property size: studios average $131, one-bedrooms $158, and two-bedrooms command $248 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Honokaa's positioning as a more affordable, off-the-beaten-path Hawaiian destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Honokaa?

Short-term rentals may be operated in Honokaa subject to Hawaii County permitting and zoning requirements. Hawaii has specific regulations governing STRs, including the Transient Accommodations Tax and county-level permit processes. Investors should consult directly with the Hawaii County Planning Department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Honokaa?

Peak season in Honokaa runs from December through March, with January delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,197 and February close behind at $3,090. This aligns with Hawaii's traditional high season when mainland visitors seek warm-weather escapes during winter. The slowest month is September, when average revenue drops to $1,623, creating a nearly 2:1 spread between peak and off-peak earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Honokaa?

There are currently 39 active Airbnb listings in Honokaa as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in smaller property sizes: 20 one-bedroom listings, 7 studios, and 6 two-bedroom units. Active listings have grown 118% year-over-year, indicating rising investor interest, though the market remains quite small in absolute terms.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Honokaa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Honokaa 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 meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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, tracked by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before acquiring property.