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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

65 / 100

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

Koloa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Koloa on Kauai's sunny south shore delivers strong short-term rental fundamentals, with an average occupancy rate of 75%—well above the 67% Hawaii state average—and annual revenue averaging $116,614 per listing. With 921 active Airbnb listings and an ADR of $627, the market benefits from consistent resort-area tourism demand that keeps cash flow relatively steady throughout the year. Property values averaging nearly $2.5 million mean the entry cost is steep, but above-average occupancy stability and solid nightly revenue help offset that premium.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 921
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $709 state avg. $627
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 67% state avg. 75%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $473
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $9,717
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $116,614

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

Why Investors Consider Koloa

Koloa appeals to investors seeking premium nightly rates and high occupancy in one of Hawaii's most sought-after resort destinations.

Key investment factors

  • Occupancy stability rated above average at 75%, outpacing the state average by 8 percentage points
  • Resort-driven tourism on Kauai's south shore supports year-round demand with manageable seasonal dips
  • Larger properties command exceptional revenue—4-bedroom units average over $260K annually
  • High amenity adoption (pools at 82%, BBQ grills at 84%) signals a market where guest expectations reward investment in property upgrades
  • Revenue per available night of $473 reflects strong pricing power relative to comparable Hawaii markets

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 65 out of 100—categorized as an Attractive Opportunity—Koloa presents a compelling but capital-intensive entry point for STR investors. Revenue peaks during the winter months (March tops out at $11,862) and stays respectable even in the softest month of September ($7,716), resulting in a relatively narrow seasonal spread that supports predictable cash flow. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's standout strength, while the revenue-to-price ratio sits at average given elevated home values near $2.5 million. Investors who can manage that acquisition cost and deliver a well-appointed property should find Koloa's demand profile rewarding."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Koloa's ROI Score: 65/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Koloa's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability—the market's strongest factor—alongside average revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. The above-average occupancy metric is particularly noteworthy in a resort market, reflecting deep and consistent visitor demand that reduces the risk of extended vacancies. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research, as Kauai County's permit framework can significantly influence whether a property can legally operate as a short-term rental.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Koloa

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Koloa, Hawaii are generally required to obtain the appropriate permits or registration through Kauai County, which regulates vacation rentals on the island. Investors should verify current permit availability and zoning requirements directly with Kauai County's planning department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaii resort communities can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum stay requirements, occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules in Koloa's resort developments may impose additional restrictions, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before finalizing any investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Hawaii are typically subject to the state's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET), with Kauai County also collecting a county surcharge. Major platforms often handle a portion of tax collection on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm their full filing obligations with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Koloa

Financing an Airbnb investment in Koloa 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 Koloa Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Koloa's year-round tropical appeal and above-average occupancy suggest demand should remain resilient over the next 12–18 months, with ADR likely holding in the $620–$650 range as visitor volumes to Kauai stay healthy. Seasonal revenue patterns indicate winter and early spring will continue to be peak earning periods, while a modest dip in September and October offers a brief soft window. Active listings grew 123% year over year, so investors should monitor whether this supply increase begins to compress occupancy or rates. Overall, Rabbu estimates the market will sustain steady performance, though individual results will depend heavily on property quality and pricing discipline."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Koloa, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Koloa?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Koloa is currently 75%, which is significantly higher than the 67% Hawaii state average. Occupancy rates vary by property size, with studios and 1-bedroom units leading at 80–81%, while larger properties like 4- and 5-bedroom homes still maintain healthy rates around 67–68%.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Koloa?
Airbnb hosts in Koloa earn an average of $9,717 per month, which translates to approximately $116,614 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales considerably with property size—1-bedroom listings average about $84,478 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $260,329 per year.
Is Koloa a good market for Airbnb investment?
Koloa scores 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent resort-area tourism demand on Kauai's south shore. However, the average home value near $2.5 million means the entry cost is substantial, so investors should carefully evaluate whether projected revenue supports their target return after accounting for acquisition and operating expenses.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Koloa?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Koloa is $627, which is slightly below the $709 Hawaii state average. ADR rises sharply with property size—studios average $372 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $565, and 4-bedroom properties command an impressive $1,210 per night. Larger luxury homes with 6+ bedrooms can exceed $2,338 nightly.
Are short-term rentals legal in Koloa?
Short-term rentals operate in Koloa under regulations set by Kauai County and the State of Hawaii. Permits or registrations are generally required, and there may be caps or zoning restrictions on where vacation rentals are allowed. Investors should consult directly with Kauai County's planning department and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Koloa?
Peak season for Airbnb in Koloa runs through the winter and early spring months. March is the highest-earning month at $11,862 in average revenue, followed closely by January ($11,328) and February ($10,479). The softest period falls in September ($7,716) and October ($8,464), though even these off-peak months deliver respectable returns given the year-round tropical appeal of Kauai.
How many Airbnbs are there in Koloa?
As of April 2026, there are 921 active Airbnb listings in Koloa. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom (272 listings) and 2-bedroom (337 listings) properties, which together account for the majority of supply. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms are less common, with only 117 listings combined in that segment.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Koloa?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Koloa 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. 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 because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Koloa market
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property optimization 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. Data reflects trailing performance as of the stated date and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Local short-term rental regulations in Kauai County may affect permit availability and operating conditions; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.

Next Steps

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