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

Lihue Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lihue on Kauai's eastern shore presents an attractive entry point into Hawaii's short-term rental market, with an average daily rate of $364 — roughly half the statewide average — paired with a solid 67% occupancy rate. The market's 138 active listings generate an average of $65,620 in annual revenue per property, supported by year-round tourism demand driven by Kauai's beaches, hiking trails, and natural beauty. With an ROI score of 61 out of 100, Lihue balances healthy guest demand against elevated property values averaging $1,167,790, making it a market worth careful evaluation for investors seeking island exposure.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lihue 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 Lihue

Lihue draws investor interest because it offers lower entry ADRs relative to the broader Hawaii market while still delivering reliable occupancy driven by the island's enduring tourism appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lihue represents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for short-term rental investment, underpinned by resilient tourism demand on an island with limited lodging supply. Seasonality is present but manageable — March peaks near $6,674 in average monthly revenue while September dips to around $4,341, a spread that still keeps off-peak months productive. The market's above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics help offset the challenge of high property acquisition costs. Investors who secure properly permitted properties in desirable locations should find the revenue profile compelling, particularly in the 2-bedroom segment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lihue

Average revenue by month in Lihue

Lihue shows clear winter-spring seasonality, with March topping out at $6,674 in average monthly revenue and September marking the low point at $4,341 — a roughly $2,300 spread. The relatively moderate seasonal swing means cash flow remains viable year-round, though investors should budget for softer returns from September through November.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lihue

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 58 of the market's 138 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 38 and studios at 35. The comparatively thinner inventory of 2-bedroom properties, combined with their superior revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors targeting that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lihue

ADR in Lihue scales non-linearly with size: 2-bedroom listings command the highest rate at $389, while studios actually out-price 1-bedrooms at $319 versus $269. This suggests that studios may leverage premium positioning or resort-style appeal, while 1-bedroom units face stiffer rate competition.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lihue

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $289, far outpacing studios ($181) and 1-bedrooms ($183), which perform nearly identically on this metric. The gap underscores how the combination of higher ADR and superior occupancy makes 2-bedroom units the most efficient revenue generators in Lihue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lihue

Occupancy rises steadily with property size in Lihue — studios fill 57% of available nights, 1-bedrooms reach 68%, and 2-bedrooms lead at 74%. The strong occupancy for larger units points to robust demand from couples and small families seeking more space, which also supports more consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lihue

Two-bedroom listings are the clear top earners at $6,692 per month on average, outpacing studios ($5,333) by roughly $1,350 and 1-bedrooms ($4,609) by over $2,000. Notably, studios outperform 1-bedroom units on monthly revenue despite lower occupancy, reflecting their higher nightly rate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lihue

Annualized, 2-bedroom properties generate approximately $80,307 — about 45% more than 1-bedroom units at $55,319 and 25% more than studios at $64,005. For investors prioritizing gross revenue potential, 2-bedroom configurations offer the best return profile in Lihue, though acquisition and furnishing costs should be factored into the equation.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lihue

Parking (88%) and self check-in (88%) are virtually standard for Lihue listings, reflecting practical guest expectations on an island where a rental car is essential. Amenities like pool access (71%), patio or balcony (71%), and outdoor furniture (65%) also feature prominently, signaling that guests expect a resort-like experience — and listings without these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Lihue's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Lihue's ROI Score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand conditions outweigh an average revenue-to-price ratio constrained by Hawaii's elevated property values. Market growth trends are steady rather than exceptional, which suggests stable rather than rapidly appreciating returns. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research — particularly around Kauai County's permit availability — to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lihue

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operations in Lihue and the broader County of Kauai typically require a nonconforming use certificate or transient vacation rental permit; Hawaii state law also mandates registration with the Department of Taxation. Investors should verify current permit availability and zoning requirements directly with the County of Kauai Planning Department, as permit caps and moratoriums have been enacted in the past.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaiian vacation rental markets include limits on the number of allowable permits per zone, occupancy caps tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA or condominium association rules that may prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Kauai has historically been one of the more tightly regulated islands, so verifying that a specific property is eligible for STR use before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, and Kauai County may levy an additional surcharge. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit TAT and GET on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and county requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lihue's STR market is expected to maintain steady performance with occupancy rates hovering in the 65–70% range, buoyed by above-average occupancy stability and consistent visitor interest in Kauai. Seasonal peaks in winter and spring — when monthly revenues approach $6,400–$6,700 — should continue to anchor annual returns, while summer and fall months may see softer but still meaningful bookings in the $4,300–$5,800 range. ADR growth of 1–3% is a reasonable estimate given average market growth trends and Hawaii's persistent appeal as a leisure destination. Investors should monitor listing supply, which grew 9% year-over-year, to gauge whether competition begins to compress margins."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lihue, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lihue?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lihue is currently 67%, which matches the Hawaii statewide average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 74% and studios coming in at 57%. This level of occupancy reflects consistent visitor demand across much of the year, though individual results depend on factors like location, pricing strategy, and property quality.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lihue?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lihue earn approximately $5,468 per month and $65,620 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings average about $80,307 annually, while 1-bedroom units come in closer to $55,319. Peak months like March can push monthly revenue above $6,600, while slower periods like September may see around $4,300.

Is Lihue a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lihue earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given elevated home values around $1,167,790. Investors who secure permitted properties — particularly 2-bedroom units — stand to earn competitive returns, but should carefully weigh acquisition costs against projected revenue.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lihue is $364, which is significantly below the Hawaii statewide average of $709. ADR varies by property size: studios average $319, 1-bedroom units average $269, and 2-bedroom listings command the highest rate at $389. This pricing structure makes Lihue a more accessible option for guests compared to other Hawaiian markets while still generating meaningful nightly revenue for hosts.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lihue?

Short-term rentals can be operated legally in Lihue, but they are subject to permitting and zoning regulations administered by the County of Kauai. Hawaii requires STR operators to register with the state Department of Taxation, and Kauai has historically maintained some of the stricter vacation rental regulations in the state, including permit caps in certain zones. Prospective investors should consult the County of Kauai Planning Department and a local real estate attorney to confirm that a specific property is eligible for short-term rental use before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lihue?

Peak season for Airbnb in Lihue runs from roughly January through March, aligning with mainland winter travel to Hawaii. March is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $6,674, followed by January at $6,375 and February at $5,895. The softest period falls in September and October, when average monthly revenue dips to $4,341 and $4,762 respectively. Even during the off-peak months, revenue remains meaningful thanks to Kauai's year-round appeal.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lihue?

As of April 2026, there are 138 active Airbnb listings in Lihue. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 1-bedroom units make up the largest share at 58 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units (38 listings) and studios (35 listings). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 9%, indicating a gradually expanding but still relatively contained market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lihue?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lihue 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, drop 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 rather than to forecasts, 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, location, 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, occupancy rates, and daily rate data for the Lihue market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue derived from trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue to help investors compare configurations
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context
• Amenity prevalence data showing how listings in this market are equipped relative to guest expectations

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 is current as of April 2026 and may not reflect subsequent market changes, regulatory shifts, or seasonal adjustments. Short-term rental regulations in Hawaii and Kauai County are subject to change; investors should verify permitting eligibility before purchasing any property.