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

Kaunakakai Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kaunakakai on Molokaʻi offers a niche entry into Hawaii's short-term rental landscape, with just 46 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $150—well below the $709 state average. Annual revenue averages $21,543 against home values around $654,472, creating a tight revenue-to-price ratio that demands careful deal sourcing. The market's small supply and island charm appeal to travelers seeking a quieter Hawaiian experience, but below-average occupancy (62% vs. 67% statewide) means investors should model conservatively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kaunakakai 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 Kaunakakai

Investors are drawn to Kaunakakai's limited competition and Hawaii's enduring appeal as a vacation destination, though tight margins require disciplined property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kaunakakai presents a competitive opportunity that rewards selective investors rather than those casting a wide net. Revenue peaks during winter months—January and March each top $2,100—while September dips to $1,334, creating meaningful seasonality that operators need to plan around. The 62% average occupancy rate and $93 RevPAN sit below state benchmarks, reflecting both the island's quieter positioning and limited traveler throughput. For investors who secure well-located properties with the right amenities and price them strategically, the low-supply environment can work in their favor, but margins leave little room for operational missteps."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kaunakakai

Average revenue by month in Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai's revenue peaks in January ($2,203) and March ($2,192), driven by winter travel demand, then drops to its low point in September ($1,334)—a roughly 39% swing that underscores the importance of maximizing winter bookings to offset quieter summer and fall months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kaunakakai

One-bedroom units dominate the market with 29 of 46 listings (63%), followed by 10 two-bedrooms and just 7 studios. The heavy concentration of 1-bedrooms could signal an opportunity for investors targeting 2-bedroom properties, where supply is thinner relative to the revenue premium they command.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kaunakakai

ADR scales modestly from $113 for studios to $149 for 1-bedrooms and $181 for 2-bedrooms, meaning each step up in size adds roughly $30–36 per night. The 2-bedroom premium of about 60% over studios makes larger units more attractive on a per-night basis, especially given the limited additional competition at that size.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kaunakakai

Two-bedroom properties lead with a RevPAN of $99, narrowly edging out 1-bedrooms at $95, while studios trail at $71. The gap between studios and larger units suggests that even modest increases in property size translate to meaningfully better revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kaunakakai

Studios and 1-bedrooms hold similar occupancy at 63–64%, while 2-bedrooms drop to 55%, likely reflecting higher nightly rates filtering demand. For cash-flow-focused investors, the 1-bedroom sweet spot of solid occupancy and decent ADR offers the most predictable booking cadence.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kaunakakai

Two-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,308, outpacing 1-bedrooms ($1,805) by 28% and studios ($1,414) by 63%. Despite lower occupancy, the 2-bedroom ADR premium more than compensates, making it the top-earning configuration on a monthly basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kaunakakai

Annual revenue ranges from $16,973 for studios to $27,699 for 2-bedrooms, with 1-bedrooms at $21,668 sitting close to the market-wide average. The $10,700 annual gap between studios and 2-bedrooms is worth weighing against acquisition cost differences to determine which size delivers the best return on invested capital.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kaunakakai

Parking (98%), pool access (96%), and a kitchen (94%) are near-universal among Kaunakakai listings, signaling baseline guest expectations that any competitive property must meet. Beach access (67%) and waterfront positioning (63%) also feature prominently, reinforcing that location and outdoor lifestyle amenities are key differentiators in this island market.

Understanding Kaunakakai's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Kaunakakai's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, indicating that while investor interest and traveler demand exist, higher property prices relative to rental income and below-average occupancy stability require more careful underwriting. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—scored at or below average, with only Supply/Demand Balance reaching the Average mark. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling will help investors identify whether a specific property can outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kaunakakai

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kaunakakai, Hawaii should expect to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations from Maui County (which governs Molokaʻi) before listing a property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements and application processes directly with county authorities, as Hawaii's STR regulations can vary by island and zoning district.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include limits on the number of STR permits issued in a given area, occupancy caps, minimum stay requirements, and noise or parking regulations. HOA rules can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain condominium complexes, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes both a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, and Maui County may levy an additional surcharge. Major platforms often collect some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific filing and remittance obligations with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kaunakakai is likely to see modest but steady demand driven by travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path Hawaiian destinations. Seasonal patterns suggest occupancy could range between 55–68% depending on the month, with winter and early spring continuing to command the strongest booking activity. ADR may inch up 1–3% as supply remains constrained on Molokaʻi, though revenue growth will largely depend on operators' ability to maintain strong winter bookings and minimize vacancies during the softer September–October window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kaunakakai, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kaunakakai?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kaunakakai is currently 62%, which falls slightly below the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size: studios and 1-bedroom units hover around 63–64%, while 2-bedroom properties see about 55%. Seasonal demand also plays a role, with stronger bookings during winter and early spring months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kaunakakai?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kaunakakai earn approximately $1,795 per month and $21,543 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size—studios average around $16,973 annually, 1-bedrooms about $21,668, and 2-bedrooms lead at roughly $27,699 per year. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, location, pricing strategy, and seasonal management.

Is Kaunakakai a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kaunakakai scores a 45 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from very limited supply (just 46 active listings) and Hawaii's strong tourism brand, but below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability mean investors need to be particularly selective about property acquisition and pricing. It can work well for operators who find the right deal and manage seasonality effectively.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kaunakakai is $150, which is significantly below the Hawaii state average of $709. ADR scales with property size: studios average $113 per night, 1-bedrooms come in at $149, and 2-bedrooms reach $181. These rates reflect Molokaʻi's positioning as a quieter, more affordable Hawaiian destination compared to resort-heavy islands.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kaunakakai?

Short-term rentals operate in Kaunakakai under Hawaii state and Maui County regulations, which govern Molokaʻi. Permits or registrations are typically required, and restrictions may apply depending on zoning and property type. Investors should verify current rules directly with Maui County planning authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kaunakakai?

Peak season in Kaunakakai runs from roughly January through March, when average monthly revenues reach $2,203 in January and $2,192 in March. This aligns with mainland winter travel patterns and snowbird demand. The softest period falls around September, when average revenue drops to approximately $1,334—a spread of about $870 between peak and trough months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kaunakakai?

As of April 2026, there are 46 active Airbnb listings in Kaunakakai. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 29 are 1-bedroom units, 10 are 2-bedrooms, and 7 are studios. This limited inventory reflects Molokaʻi's small size and regulatory environment, and it means new entrants face relatively little direct competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kaunakakai?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kaunakakai are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like January's $2,203) and slower months (like September's $1,334). 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 the Kaunakakai market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity data reflecting current listing feature prevalence
• Home value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with county and state authorities before purchasing.