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

Kealakekua Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kealakekua, on Hawaii's Big Island, presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity anchored by steady visitor demand and above-average occupancy. With just 29 active Airbnb listings and a 71% occupancy rate that outpaces the 67% state average, this small market benefits from limited supply meeting consistent traveler interest. Average annual revenue sits at $40,056, and while property values averaging $1,231,970 temper the revenue-to-price ratio, the market's tight inventory and occupancy stability make it worth a close look for investors targeting Hawaii's vacation rental segment.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kealakekua 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 Kealakekua

Investors are drawn to Kealakekua for its constrained supply, strong occupancy fundamentals, and year-round appeal as a Big Island destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kealakekua earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its above-average occupancy stability and favorable supply/demand balance. The market's compact size — just 29 listings split between 1- and 2-bedroom properties — means individual operators can carve out meaningful market share without intense competition. Seasonality is pronounced, with January revenue ($4,500) roughly double September's low ($2,285), so investors should budget accordingly for leaner months. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects Hawaii's elevated property values, but for buyers who can absorb the entry cost, reliable occupancy and limited supply create a defensible income stream."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kealakekua

Average revenue by month in Kealakekua

Revenue peaks sharply in January at $4,500 and stays elevated through March ($4,227), then drops to its lowest point in September at $2,285 — a nearly 50% swing that underscores Kealakekua's strong winter-driven seasonality. December ($3,896) marks the start of the high-demand window, giving investors a clear four-month revenue peak to optimize pricing around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kealakekua

The market's 29 active listings skew heavily toward 1-bedroom units (18 listings), with just 7 two-bedroom properties listed. This concentration in smaller properties could signal an opportunity for investors to enter the 2-bedroom segment, which currently shows stronger occupancy and revenue metrics with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kealakekua

ADR increases modestly from $201 for 1-bedroom units to $237 for 2-bedroom properties, a roughly 18% premium. Given that 2-bedroom listings also enjoy higher occupancy, the step up to a second bedroom appears to offer a favorable rate-to-cost trade-off in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kealakekua

Two-bedroom properties deliver $193 in RevPAN compared to $141 for one-bedroom units, a 37% advantage that reflects both their higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy. This gap makes the 2-bedroom configuration the clear leader in per-night revenue efficiency for Kealakekua investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kealakekua

Two-bedroom properties maintain an impressive 81% average occupancy, well above the 70% rate for 1-bedroom units. The 11-percentage-point gap suggests that couples and small families seeking a bit more space drive particularly strong demand in this market, translating to more consistent cash flow for 2-bedroom operators.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kealakekua

Two-bedroom listings earn $3,713 per month on average, outpacing 1-bedroom properties at $2,752 — a 35% revenue advantage. For investors weighing acquisition costs, this roughly $960 monthly difference can materially improve return timelines on a 2-bedroom investment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kealakekua

At $44,563 annually, 2-bedroom properties generate about $11,500 more per year than their 1-bedroom counterparts ($33,032). This positions the 2-bedroom configuration as the stronger revenue play in Kealakekua, though investors should weigh this against the potentially higher purchase price and furnishing costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kealakekua

Kitchens (97%) and parking (93%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-catering vacation stays and the practical reality of getting around the Big Island. Outdoor living amenities — patios/balconies (83%), backyards (62%), and BBQ grills (52%) — dominate the mid-tier, signaling that guests strongly value indoor-outdoor island living, while pools (17%) and hot tubs (14%) remain differentiators rather than table stakes.

Understanding Kealakekua's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Kealakekua's ROI Score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability (71% vs. 67% statewide) and a healthy supply/demand balance offset a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by Hawaii's premium property values. The market growth trend registers as average, suggesting steady but not explosive expansion — a reasonable profile for investors seeking dependable income rather than rapid appreciation. Pairing these metrics with thorough research into Hawaii County permit availability and zoning regulations will help investors build a realistic return model.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kealakekua

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kealakekua, Hawaii, are generally required to obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) or a valid permit through Hawaii County before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit availability and application requirements directly with the Hawaii County Planning Department, as the county has historically limited new STR permits in certain zones.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaii County include caps on the number of STR permits issued in residential areas, minimum stay requirements in some zoning districts, and occupancy limits tied to property size. Noise ordinances, parking requirements, and HOA covenants may impose additional constraints — particularly in planned communities or condo associations. Prospective hosts should confirm that their specific property is eligible for short-term rental use before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kealakekua's small listing count and above-average occupancy stability suggest steady demand with limited downside risk. Seasonal patterns point to winter months (January through March) continuing to drive peak revenues in the $4,200–$4,500 range, while shoulder months may see modest ADR gains of 1–3% as Hawaii tourism continues its post-pandemic maturation. Supply growth appears measured — the market's compact size and Hawaii County's regulatory environment help constrain new entrants. Investors should plan for softer revenue during September and October but can expect reliable cash flow through the high season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kealakekua, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kealakekua?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kealakekua is currently 71%, which outperforms the Hawaii state average of 67%. Two-bedroom properties lead at 81% occupancy, while one-bedroom units average 70%. This above-average occupancy reflects consistent demand in a market with limited supply.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kealakekua?

Airbnb hosts in Kealakekua earn an average of $3,338 per month and approximately $40,056 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Two-bedroom properties tend to earn more, averaging $3,713 monthly ($44,563 annually), while one-bedroom listings bring in about $2,752 per month ($33,032 annually). Individual results will vary depending on property quality, pricing, and management approach.

Is Kealakekua a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kealakekua scores 57 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 favorable supply/demand balance, with only 29 active listings competing for guest bookings. The primary consideration is Hawaii's high property values — average home values sit around $1,231,970 — which create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. For investors who can manage the upfront cost, the market offers reliable demand and limited competition.

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

The average daily rate in Kealakekua is $229, which is significantly below the Hawaii state average of $709. This reflects the market's composition of smaller 1- and 2-bedroom properties rather than luxury resorts. One-bedroom listings average $201 per night, while two-bedroom properties command $237 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kealakekua?

Short-term rentals operate in Kealakekua under Hawaii County regulations, which generally require a valid permit or Nonconforming Use Certificate. The county has historically limited the number of new STR permits in certain residential zones, so prospective investors should verify permit availability and zoning eligibility with the Hawaii County Planning Department before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kealakekua?

Peak season in Kealakekua runs from December through March, coinciding with winter travel to Hawaii. January is the highest-earning month at $4,500 in average revenue, followed by February ($4,343) and March ($4,227). The slowest period falls in September, when monthly revenue dips to about $2,285. This seasonal spread is typical of Hawaii vacation rental markets driven by mainland winter escapes.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kealakekua?

There are currently 29 active Airbnb listings in Kealakekua as of April 2026. The market is composed primarily of 1-bedroom properties (18 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (7 listings). This small inventory means competition is limited, which can work in favor of well-managed listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kealakekua?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kealakekua 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 remaining data 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. 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 Kealakekua 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 the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax requirements may change; always verify current rules with Hawaii County and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.