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

Kailua Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kailua on Oahu's windward coast is a compelling short-term rental market where steady visitor demand meets a relatively small supply of just 95 active Airbnb listings. With an average occupancy rate of 68% — slightly above the Hawaii state average — and an average daily rate of $504, hosts are generating roughly $61,522 in annual revenue. The market's ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects attractive potential tempered by Hawaii's famously high property values, which compress the revenue-to-price ratio.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kailua 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 Kailua

Kailua appeals to STR investors seeking Hawaii's premium nightly rates and above-average occupancy in a market with limited but growing supply.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kailua represents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who can navigate Hawaii's elevated property values. The market's above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trend are genuine strengths, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a natural byproduct of average home values near $2.15 million — means cash-on-cash returns require careful underwriting. Seasonality is present but manageable: revenue peaks in July–August around $5,900 and dips to roughly $4,400 in November, a spread of about 35% that's narrower than many resort markets. Investors targeting larger properties stand to capture significantly higher gross revenue, with 4-bedroom listings averaging over $125,000 annually."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kailua

Average revenue by month in Kailua

Kailua exhibits a dual-peak seasonality pattern, with revenue peaking in August at $5,925 and a secondary winter peak in January at $5,613, while the softest months — October ($4,470) and November ($4,391) — still deliver meaningful income. The roughly 35% spread between peak and trough months suggests manageable seasonality for investors planning year-round operations.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kailua

One-bedroom units dominate Kailua's supply with 44 of the 95 total listings, while larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) represent only 20 listings combined. This scarcity in the upper end of the size spectrum could represent opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert larger homes, given the premium rates those properties command.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kailua

ADR scales aggressively with property size in Kailua, jumping from $204 for studios to $1,710 for 5-bedroom homes — an eightfold increase. The steepest premium jump occurs between 2 bedrooms ($364) and 3 bedrooms ($671), suggesting that crossing into the 3+ bedroom category unlocks a significantly different guest segment willing to pay for space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kailua

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $145 for studios to $1,023 for 5-bedroom listings, confirming that larger properties generate more revenue even after accounting for their lower occupancy rates. Four-bedroom listings offer a particularly strong RevPAN of $785, backed by the highest occupancy rate in the market at 77%.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kailua

Occupancy rates across property sizes in Kailua are remarkably consistent, ranging from 60% (5 bedrooms) to 77% (4 bedrooms), with most categories clustering near the 67–71% range. The standout is 4-bedroom properties at 77%, suggesting strong group and family demand that keeps these listings booked more consistently than any other size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kailua

Monthly revenue in Kailua ranges from $2,274 for studios to an impressive $25,745 for 5-bedroom properties, with a notable jump at each size tier. For investors targeting mid-range budgets, 3-bedroom units at $7,175 per month offer nearly double the revenue of 2-bedroom listings ($4,290) and represent a solid middle ground.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kailua

Annual revenue potential increases dramatically with property size: 5-bedroom homes generate an estimated $308,948 per year, roughly six times the $48,538 earned by 1-bedroom units. Four-bedroom properties at $125,263 annually also stand out as strong performers, especially given their market-leading 77% occupancy rate.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kailua

Parking (96%) and a full kitchen (90%) are near-universal among Kailua listings, reflecting the practical needs of visitors renting homes rather than hotel rooms. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (62%), BBQ grills (60%), and backyards (52%) are also common, signaling that guests expect a relaxed, residential experience — while beach access (21%) and pools (21%) remain differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Kailua's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Kailua's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend are partially offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by Hawaii's premium home values. The supply/demand balance also scores below average, a signal that the 81% year-over-year listing growth warrants attention. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic underwriting model that accounts for Kailua's high acquisition costs alongside its strong nightly rates.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kailua

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

Permit Requirements

The City and County of Honolulu, which governs Kailua, has specific short-term rental regulations that typically require hosts to obtain a permit or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting, as Hawaii's STR rules have evolved in recent years.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the Kailua area may include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum stay requirements, occupancy limits based on property size, and noise and parking provisions. HOA rules in many Kailua neighborhoods can impose additional limitations, so investors should review community covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes both a General Excise Tax (GET) and a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on short-term rentals, and Honolulu County applies an additional surcharge. Major platforms like Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their specific obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kailua's STR market is expected to benefit from above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend, both flagged as strengths in the ROI analysis. Seasonal data suggests summer months (July–August) and the winter holiday period will continue commanding the highest nightly rates and occupancy, with monthly revenue estimates likely ranging between $4,400 and $6,000 depending on the time of year. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as visitor demand to Oahu's windward side remains resilient, though the 81% year-over-year growth in active listings bears watching — if new supply outpaces demand, rate pressure could emerge. Investors entering now should plan for softer shoulder months in September through November when revenue dips below $4,600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kailua, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kailua?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kailua is currently 68%, which is slightly above the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings leading at 77% and studios also performing well at 71%. This relatively stable occupancy across property types suggests consistent demand from both couples and larger groups visiting the windward coast.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kailua?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kailua earn approximately $5,126 per month or $61,522 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average about $2,274 monthly while 5-bedroom properties can earn upwards of $25,745 per month. Peak earning months are July and August, when average monthly revenue reaches nearly $5,900.

Is Kailua a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kailua scores 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, making it appealing for investors seeking steady demand. However, with average home values around $2.15 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors need to carefully evaluate whether the gross revenue potential aligns with their acquisition costs and return targets.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kailua is $504, which is below the Hawaii state average of $709. ADR scales substantially with property size: studios average $204 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command approximately $1,710 per night. This pricing structure reflects Kailua's appeal to a broad range of travelers, from budget-conscious couples to larger groups willing to pay premium rates for spacious beachside homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kailua?

Short-term rentals in Kailua are subject to regulations set by the City and County of Honolulu. Hosts are generally required to obtain appropriate permits or registrations before operating. Because Hawaii's STR regulations have been subject to changes, investors should consult directly with Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kailua?

Peak season in Kailua spans two windows: summer (July–August) when average monthly revenue reaches $5,861–$5,925, and the winter holiday season (December–February) when revenue ranges from $5,431 to $5,613. The softest months are September through November, with October and November averaging around $4,400–$4,470. This dual-peak pattern provides a more balanced revenue stream than markets with a single high season.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kailua?

There are currently 95 active Airbnb listings in Kailua. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 44 listings, followed by studios (13) and 2-bedroom units (14). Larger properties with 3–5 bedrooms are less common, totaling just 20 listings combined — a scarcity that contributes to the premium ADRs these properties command.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kailua?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kailua are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not a forward-looking projection. 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Kailua market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Property size breakdowns covering studios through 5-bedroom listings
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 averages and market conditions as of April 2026; current performance may differ. Local regulations in Honolulu County may restrict or limit short-term rental operations — investors should verify compliance requirements before purchasing.