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

Kailua Kona Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kailua Kona sits on Hawaii's Big Island and draws visitors year-round with its tropical coastline, world-class snorkeling, and events like the Ironman World Championship. With 1,641 active Airbnb listings, a 74% average occupancy rate that outpaces the state average of 67%, and an average annual revenue of $48,159, the market offers a compelling blend of consistent demand and premium nightly rates. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects attractive opportunity tempered by elevated property prices, making strategic property selection especially important here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kailua Kona 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 Kona

Kailua Kona appeals to investors seeking a tourism-driven Hawaiian market with above-average occupancy and strong seasonal revenue peaks, though high property values require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kailua Kona represents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. Strong occupancy stability and a clear seasonal revenue curve—peaking in January at $5,409 and softening to $2,746 in September—reward hosts who price dynamically and plan for shoulder-month variability. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by average home values near $1.69 million, means investors need to target high-performing property sizes or negotiate favorable acquisition prices to hit healthy yield targets. Overall, the market favors well-capitalized investors who can leverage Hawaii's enduring tourism appeal while managing operating costs on island."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kailua Kona

Average revenue by month in Kailua Kona

Kailua Kona exhibits pronounced seasonality, with January leading at $5,409 and September marking the low point at $2,746—a spread of nearly $2,700. The winter months (December–March) consistently outperform, making dynamic pricing during this peak period critical for maximizing annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kailua Kona

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 684 listings, followed by 564 two-bedroom properties, together accounting for roughly 76% of all active inventory. Larger configurations are notably scarce—only 46 four-bedroom and 24 five-bedroom listings exist—suggesting reduced competition and potential pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kailua Kona

ADR scales dramatically with size in Kailua Kona: studios average $190 per night while 4-bedroom homes command $1,129, representing nearly a 6x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($318) to 3-bedroom ($588) is particularly steep, signaling strong group and family demand that may offer the best premium-to-cost trade-off for investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kailua Kona

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $144 for studios to $735 for 4-bedroom properties, with 6+ bedroom units topping the chart at $1,050. Notably, 5-bedroom units dip slightly to $693 RevPAN compared to 4-bedrooms at $735, suggesting that the very largest properties don't always convert their rate premium into proportionally higher effective revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kailua Kona

Smaller units fill most reliably—1-bedrooms lead at 78% occupancy and studios follow at 76%—while 5-bedroom properties see the lowest rate at 59%. Interestingly, 6+ bedroom listings bounce back to 77% occupancy, possibly reflecting a tight supply of just 7 units that caters to niche group demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kailua Kona

Monthly revenue rises sharply with bedroom count, from $2,703 for studios to $24,755 for 6+ bedroom homes. The 3-bedroom tier at $8,378 per month roughly doubles the 2-bedroom figure of $4,378, marking it as a sweet spot where revenue gains accelerate relative to the incremental cost of a larger property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kailua Kona

Annual revenue ranges from $32,438 for studios to $297,071 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom homes generating $185,073—roughly 3.5 times the 2-bedroom figure of $52,539. For investors targeting the strongest return potential relative to available supply, the 3-to-4-bedroom segment stands out by combining high revenue with comparatively low competition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kailua Kona

Kitchens (95%) and parking (94%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-catering vacation stays and the practical realities of Big Island travel. Pool access at 72% and BBQ grills at 67% further signal that outdoor living amenities are table stakes in Kailua Kona—investors lacking these features may struggle to compete on rate and occupancy.

Understanding Kailua Kona'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 Kona's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where solid occupancy stability (rated above average) and consistent tourism demand are balanced against a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by Hawaii's elevated property values. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting steady but not explosive conditions. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and target property sizes where revenue potential best offsets acquisition costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kailua Kona

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

Permit Requirements

Hawaii County, which governs Kailua Kona, generally requires short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register with the county before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements and any applicable zoning restrictions directly with Hawaii County's planning department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaiian STR markets include limits on the number of permitted rentals within certain zones, occupancy caps tied to bedroom count, noise and parking regulations, and minimum-stay requirements in some areas. HOA covenants in condominium complexes—which make up a significant share of Kailua Kona's inventory—may impose additional rules or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before acquisition is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Hawaii are typically subject to the state's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET), along with any applicable county surcharges. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kailua Kona's strong winter seasonality—January through March revenues averaging $5,000–$5,400—should continue anchoring annual returns, while occupancy is expected to hold in the 72–76% range given above-average stability scores. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as demand for larger vacation homes remains robust, though a 117% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing supply that could put moderate pressure on smaller units. Investors entering now should plan around seasonal cash-flow dips in September (historically the softest month at $2,746) and position amenity-rich properties to capture premium rates during peak travel periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kailua Kona, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kailua Kona?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kailua Kona is currently 74%, which exceeds the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios and 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rates at 76% and 78% respectively, while larger 5-bedroom properties tend to see occupancy around 59%. This above-average occupancy reflects consistent visitor demand throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kailua Kona?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kailua Kona earn approximately $4,013 per month or $48,159 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: studios average $32,438 annually, while 3-bedroom homes bring in around $100,536 and 4-bedroom properties can earn roughly $185,073 per year. Peak months like January can push monthly revenue above $5,400, while September typically represents the softest month at about $2,746.

Is Kailua Kona a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kailua Kona earns an ROI score of 58 out of 100, classified as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady tourism-driven demand on Hawaii's Big Island. However, average home values near $1.69 million create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to carefully evaluate property size and pricing strategy. Larger properties (3+ bedrooms) tend to deliver significantly higher annual revenues, which can help offset the higher acquisition costs.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kailua Kona is $337, which is notably lower than the $709 Hawaii state average. ADR increases significantly with property size—studios average $190, 2-bedrooms average $318, and 4-bedroom homes command approximately $1,129 per night. This pricing structure reflects the premium that families and groups are willing to pay for larger vacation rentals on the Big Island.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kailua Kona?

Short-term rentals operate in Kailua Kona under Hawaii County regulations, which generally require hosts to obtain appropriate permits or registrations. Zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and permit caps may apply depending on the property's location and type. Investors should consult directly with Hawaii County's planning department and review any applicable homeowner association covenants before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kailua Kona?

Peak season in Kailua Kona runs from roughly December through March, aligning with mainland winter travel to Hawaii. January is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $5,409, followed by February at $5,224 and March at $5,082. December also performs well at $4,684. The softest period is September, when average monthly revenue dips to $2,746—roughly half of the January peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kailua Kona?

As of April 2026, there are 1,641 active Airbnb listings in Kailua Kona. The supply is concentrated in smaller units, with 684 one-bedroom and 564 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. Larger properties are far less common—only 46 four-bedroom and 24 five-bedroom listings are active—which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue segments with less competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kailua Kona?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kailua Kona are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 for Kailua Kona and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data reflecting current guest expectations in the market

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 as of the stated date and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with Hawaii County authorities before purchasing.