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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

59 / 100

Kihei offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Kihei Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kihei's short-term rental market draws from Maui's year-round resort appeal, with 2,138 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $59,984. Occupancy sits at 73%, well above Hawaii's 67% state average, signaling consistent guest demand even amid a sizable supply base. While property values averaging over $2 million keep the revenue-to-price ratio below average, the market's occupancy stability and tropical draw continue to attract investors seeking premium vacation-rental income.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kihei short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 2,138
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $709 state avg. $392
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 67% state avg. 73%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $285
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,998
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $59,984

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Kihei

Investors are drawn to Kihei for its reliable tropical tourism demand, above-average occupancy rates, and the potential for significant gross revenue from larger properties despite elevated home prices.

Key investment factors

  • Occupancy of 73% outperforms Hawaii's state average of 67%, reflecting strong and consistent visitor demand
  • Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) generate outsized revenue, with 3-bedroom units averaging $146,745 annually
  • Maui's year-round warm climate supports bookings across all seasons, with no month dipping below $3,716 in average revenue
  • Pool, beach access, and resort-style amenities are widespread, reinforcing Kihei's position as a premium vacation market
  • Average market growth trend and balanced supply/demand dynamics suggest room for well-positioned new entrants

Expert Market Assessment

"Kihei presents an attractive but capital-intensive opportunity for short-term rental investors. The market's above-average occupancy stability and year-round demand create a reliable revenue floor, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by median home values exceeding $2 million—means investors need strong per-night earnings to justify entry costs. Seasonality is moderate: January and March lead at roughly $6,100 in monthly revenue, while September dips to around $3,716, creating a manageable spread. Investors targeting larger units (particularly 3-bedroom properties) will find the most compelling gross returns, but careful underwriting against high acquisition costs remains essential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Kihei's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Factor Kihei Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Kihei's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine strengths tempered by high property costs. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout factor, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio—a natural consequence of Maui's premium real estate values—keeps the overall score from reaching higher tiers. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic underwriting to determine whether the market's strong demand translates into an acceptable return for their specific acquisition price.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kihei

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operations in Kihei, Hawaii typically require a valid permit or registration with Maui County, and operators should verify current requirements directly with the county's planning department. Hawaii state law also imposes transient accommodation tax obligations on STR hosts, so confirming compliance at both the county and state level is essential before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in this area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. Investors should also be aware that HOA rules in many Kihei condominium complexes can further restrict or prohibit short-term rental activity, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is critical.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET), and Maui County may levy additional taxes. Many booking platforms remit portions of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm which obligations are handled on their behalf and which require separate filings.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Kihei

Financing an Airbnb investment in Kihei requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Kihei Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kihei's short-term rental market is expected to maintain steady demand driven by Maui's enduring popularity as a leisure destination. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest ADR could see modest 1–3% gains during winter peak months, with occupancy likely holding in the 70–75% range for most of the year. Supply growth has been notable—active listings grew 136% year over year—so investors should watch for potential softening if inventory continues to outpace demand. That said, the market's above-average occupancy stability provides a degree of insulation against short-term fluctuations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kihei, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kihei?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kihei is currently 73%, which outperforms the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies somewhat by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 76%, while 3-bedroom properties come in at 64%. This above-average occupancy reflects Kihei's strong and consistent appeal as a Maui vacation destination.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kihei?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Kihei earn approximately $4,998 per month, or about $59,984 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average $37,765 annually, while 3-bedroom properties earn roughly $146,745 and 4-bedroom units can reach $324,871 per year. Peak earning months are January and March, when average monthly revenue exceeds $6,100.
Is Kihei a good market for Airbnb investment?
Kihei scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and year-round tropical tourism demand. However, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to elevated property values (averaging over $2 million), so investors should carefully underwrite deals to ensure the rental income justifies the acquisition cost. Larger properties tend to generate the strongest gross returns.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kihei?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kihei is $392, which is below Hawaii's state average of $709. ADR scales substantially with property size—studios average $225 per night, 2-bedroom units come in at $451, and 4-bedroom properties command $1,693. The lower market-wide average reflects the heavy concentration of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom condos in Kihei's supply.
Are short-term rentals legal in Kihei?
Short-term rentals operate in Kihei under regulations set by Maui County and the State of Hawaii. Permits or registration are generally required, and specific rules—including zoning restrictions, permit caps, and HOA limitations—can vary by property and location. Investors should verify current legal requirements with Maui County's planning department and review any applicable homeowner association rules before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Kihei?
Peak season for Airbnb in Kihei runs from roughly December through March, aligning with winter travel from the mainland. January is the top-earning month with average revenue of $6,138, closely followed by March at $6,107. The softest month is September at $3,716, creating a roughly 65% spread between peak and off-peak—a moderate level of seasonality that still supports solid year-round income.
How many Airbnbs are there in Kihei?
As of April 2026, there are 2,138 active Airbnb listings in Kihei. The supply is heavily weighted toward smaller units, with 1-bedroom properties making up the largest segment at 1,115 listings, followed by 806 two-bedroom units. Larger properties (3- and 4-bedroom) are much scarcer, with just 101 and 12 listings respectively, which may present an opportunity for differentiated inventory.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kihei?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kihei 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like January's $6,138) and slower months (like September's $3,716), since each month uses its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Kihei market
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform investment 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. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with Maui County and the State of Hawaii before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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