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

Keaau Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Keaau, on Hawaii's Big Island, presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 64 out of 100 — landing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. With 232 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $207 (well below the $709 state average), and a solid 66% occupancy rate, this market offers investors an affordable entry point into the Hawaii vacation rental landscape. Average annual revenue of $34,613 against an average home value of $574,836 reflects a favorable revenue-to-price ratio, making Keaau a market worth serious consideration for investors seeking Big Island exposure without the premium pricing of resort destinations.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Keaau 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 Keaau

Keaau's combination of above-average revenue-to-price ratios and stable occupancy in a popular Hawaiian destination makes it a compelling option for investors seeking cash-flow-oriented vacation rental properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Keaau earns its "Attractive Opportunity" designation through a blend of above-average revenue relative to property prices and dependable occupancy throughout the year. Seasonality is moderate — January peaks near $3,888 in average monthly revenue while September dips to around $1,974 — meaning investors can expect roughly 50% revenue swings between the strongest and softest months rather than the extreme boom-bust cycles seen in some mainland vacation markets. The main headwind is supply/demand balance, which is rated below average, suggesting that competition among listings may intensify. Still, for investors who select the right property size and maintain competitive amenities, Keaau offers a realistic path to meaningful returns in a Hawaiian setting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Keaau

Average revenue by month in Keaau

Keaau's revenue cycle peaks strongly in the winter months, with January leading at $3,888 and tapering to a low of $1,974 in September — a roughly 50% swing that indicates meaningful but manageable seasonality. December ($3,365) and February ($3,753) round out the high season, while summer months hover in the $2,400–$2,800 range, still providing reasonable baseline income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Keaau

One-bedroom units dominate Keaau's supply at 89 listings, making up more than a third of the 232 total active properties. Studios (13) and 4-bedroom homes (17) are notably underrepresented, which could present less-saturated niches for investors — particularly given the strong revenue potential of larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Keaau

ADR scales meaningfully with property size in Keaau, climbing from $104 for studios to $379 for 4-bedroom homes — a 3.6× premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 1-bedroom ($115) and 2-bedroom ($251) units, suggesting that the move to a true multi-guest configuration unlocks substantial rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in Keaau

Revenue per available night increases steadily with size, from $65 for studios to $248 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes not only command higher nightly rates but maintain occupancy well enough to convert that pricing power into actual revenue. Three-bedroom units deliver $174 in RevPAN, representing a strong middle-ground option for investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Keaau

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes in Keaau, ranging from 61% (2-bedroom) to 68% (1-bedroom and 3-bedroom), suggesting that demand is broadly distributed rather than concentrated in any single configuration. This stability is a positive signal for cash-flow predictability regardless of the property type an investor chooses.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Keaau

Monthly revenue nearly quadruples from studios ($1,709) to 4-bedroom homes ($6,530), with the most dramatic jump occurring between 1-bedroom units ($1,740) and 2-bedroom properties ($3,444). Three-bedroom homes at $4,288 per month offer a compelling balance of revenue and likely more moderate acquisition costs compared to 4-bedroom properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Keaau

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $78,361, more than 3.7× the $20,508 generated by studios. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income potential, 3-bedroom homes producing $51,457 annually may offer the strongest balance of attainable purchase price and robust returns in the Keaau market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Keaau

Parking (96%), kitchen (94%), and self check-in (82%) are virtually table stakes for Keaau listings, reflecting the area's car-dependent, residential character and guests' expectations for a home-like experience. Outdoor living amenities like patios (81%), backyards (80%), and outdoor furniture (63%) are also highly prevalent, while differentiators like pools (12%), hot tubs (10%), and pet-friendliness (11%) remain uncommon — offering potential competitive advantages for properties that include them.

Understanding Keaau's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Keaau's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — the two most heavily weighted factors. Market growth trend sits at average and the supply/demand balance is rated below average, suggesting that while current economics are favorable, rising competition could moderate returns over time. Investors should pair this data with up-to-date local regulatory research and a clear property-specific underwriting strategy to maximize their likelihood of success.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Keaau

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Keaau, Hawaii may need to obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) or a transient vacation rental permit through the County of Hawai'i, depending on the property's zoning district. Investors should verify current permit availability and application requirements directly with the Hawai'i County Planning Department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaii County can include limits on the number of STR permits issued per zone, minimum stay requirements, occupancy caps based on property size, and noise and parking regulations. HOA covenants and deed restrictions may impose additional limitations in certain subdivisions around Keaau, so thorough due diligence at the property level is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in Hawaii are generally required to collect and remit the state Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET), along with any applicable Hawai'i County surcharges. Major booking platforms often handle a portion of this collection automatically, but operators should confirm their full compliance obligations with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Keaau's short-term rental market is expected to maintain steady demand supported by its year-round tropical appeal and proximity to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The strong winter seasonality — with January revenues reaching $3,888 and a gradual taper into a September low of $1,974 — suggests ADR increases of 2–4% during peak months are plausible as visitor interest in the Big Island continues. Occupancy is estimated to hold in the 63–68% range across property sizes, though investors should note the supply/demand balance is rated below average, indicating that listing growth may slightly outpace demand expansion. Market growth trends remain average, so returns are likely to be driven more by smart property selection and pricing strategy than by broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Keaau, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Keaau?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Keaau is currently 66%, which is just a hair below the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy ranges from around 61% for 2-bedroom properties up to 68% for 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, indicating consistent demand across most property sizes year-round.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Keaau?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Keaau earn approximately $2,884 per month or $34,613 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedroom units average around $1,709–$1,740 per month, while 4-bedroom properties bring in an average of $6,530 per month ($78,361 annually). Peak months like January can push monthly revenue to $3,888, while September tends to be the softest month at around $1,974.

Is Keaau a good market for Airbnb investment?

Keaau scores 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy, though the supply/demand balance is rated below average, meaning competition among listings is something to watch. Investors targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) may find the strongest return potential, as these configurations generate meaningfully higher annual revenue. Pairing the data with local regulatory research and careful property selection is advisable.

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

The average daily rate in Keaau is $207, which is significantly below the Hawaii state average of $709. This reflects Keaau's positioning as a more affordable alternative to resort-heavy areas on the Big Island. ADR scales with property size from $104 for studios up to $379 for 4-bedroom homes, offering a wide range of investment entry points.

Are short-term rentals legal in Keaau?

Short-term rentals may be operated in Keaau subject to permits and regulations administered by the County of Hawai'i. Requirements can include obtaining a Nonconforming Use Certificate or transient vacation rental permit depending on the property's zoning classification. Because regulations in Hawaii can change and vary by district, prospective investors should verify current rules directly with the Hawai'i County Planning Department before making any purchase decisions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Keaau?

Peak season for Airbnb in Keaau runs from December through March, with January topping the chart at $3,888 in average monthly revenue. February ($3,753) and March ($3,653) follow closely, reflecting strong winter visitor demand from mainland travelers escaping colder climates. The slowest period is September, when average monthly revenue dips to $1,974, though even the off-peak months maintain decent revenue compared to many mainland markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Keaau?

There are currently 232 active Airbnb listings in Keaau as of April 2026. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom units (89 listings), followed by 3-bedroom (55) and 2-bedroom (52) properties. Studios (13) and 4-bedroom homes (17) represent smaller segments of the supply, which could signal less competition — and potentially more opportunity — for investors targeting those property sizes.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Keaau?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Keaau 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Trailing 12-month revenue data reflecting actual booking performance by month
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for active listings 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 and market conditions as of the dates indicated; actual conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax requirements change frequently — always verify current rules with the appropriate government agencies before investing.