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

Pahoa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pahoa sits on Hawaii's Big Island and offers investors an accessible entry point into the Hawaiian short-term rental market, with average home values around $395,342 — a fraction of the statewide norm. The market currently hosts 279 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $22,706, supported by a 62% occupancy rate and an ADR of $168. While rates and occupancy trail the Hawaii state average, the favorable revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability make Pahoa a compelling option for investors seeking tropical market exposure without the premium price tag.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pahoa 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 Pahoa

Pahoa attracts STR investors because of its relatively low property costs for a Hawaiian market, stable occupancy, and consistent visitor interest driven by Big Island tourism.

Expert Market Assessment

"Pahoa presents an attractive opportunity for investors willing to navigate Hawaii's regulatory landscape, earning a ROI score of 58 out of 100. The market shows clear seasonality, with peak revenue months from January through March pulling in $2,395–$2,550 per month, while September dips to around $1,295 — a spread that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. Occupancy stability stands out as a strength, rated above average among the ROI factors, and the revenue-to-price ratio offers reasonable returns relative to acquisition costs. The primary headwind is a below-average supply/demand balance, suggesting the market may be approaching saturation in some property segments."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pahoa

Average revenue by month in Pahoa

Pahoa's revenue peaks sharply in winter, with January leading at $2,550 and gradually tapering to a low of $1,295 in September — a spread of nearly $1,255 that signals meaningful seasonality investors should plan around. December ($2,209) marks the start of the high season, making Q1 the most critical revenue period for hosts in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pahoa

One-bedroom listings dominate Pahoa's supply at 158 of 279 total listings (57%), while 4-bedroom properties account for just 7 listings. The scarcity of larger properties — only 29 three-bedrooms and 7 four-bedrooms — paired with their significantly higher revenue potential suggests an underserved niche that could reward investors willing to acquire or develop bigger units.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pahoa

ADR scales substantially with size in Pahoa, jumping from $123 for studios to $411 for 4-bedroom properties — more than a 3x premium. The steepest rate jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($196) and 4-bedrooms ($411), indicating that larger group-friendly properties command a significant pricing advantage in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pahoa

RevPAN climbs steadily with property size, from $73 for studios to $279 for 4-bedroom listings — nearly a 4x difference that reflects both higher rates and solid occupancy for larger units. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($149) to 4-bedrooms ($279) is especially notable, suggesting outsized per-night revenue efficiency for the largest properties.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pahoa

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes in Pahoa, ranging from 60% for studios to 68% for 4-bedroom listings. This uniformity means revenue differences are driven primarily by rate rather than fill rate, and investors across all size categories can expect reasonably stable booking volumes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pahoa

Monthly revenue increases sharply with property size: studios generate about $1,316 per month, while 4-bedroom properties bring in $6,533 — nearly five times as much. Even the step from 2-bedrooms ($2,402) to 3-bedrooms ($2,817) represents a meaningful jump, reinforcing the revenue advantage of targeting larger configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pahoa

Four-bedroom properties stand out dramatically, generating an estimated $78,404 annually compared to $33,806 for 3-bedrooms and $17,754 for 1-bedrooms. With only 7 four-bedroom listings in the market, the combination of limited supply and high revenue makes larger properties the strongest return potential play in Pahoa.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pahoa

Parking (96%) and kitchen access (90%) are near-universal in Pahoa's listings, reflecting the rural, self-sufficient character of Big Island stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (81%), patios (76%), and outdoor furniture (54%) are also highly prevalent, while differentiators like hot tubs (11%), pools (8%), and beach access (15%) are relatively rare — offering potential competitive advantages for listings that include them.

Understanding Pahoa's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Pahoa's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability that together support a reasonable return profile relative to acquisition costs. Market growth trends are average and the supply/demand balance is rated below average, indicating that while demand is consistent, the market may be nearing a saturation point in certain property segments. Investors should pair this score with thorough research into Hawai'i County's STR regulations and zoning restrictions to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pahoa

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

Permit Requirements

Operators of short-term rentals in Pahoa and Hawai'i County are generally required to obtain a nonconforming use certificate or vacation rental registration, and the State of Hawaii mandates a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Hawai'i County Planning Department and the Hawaii Department of Taxation before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaii's STR markets include zoning-based limits on where vacation rentals can operate, caps on the number of permits issued in certain areas, occupancy limits tied to property size, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay regulations may also apply depending on the specific property location within Hawai'i County.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes both the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and the General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, and Hawai'i County may levy an additional transient accommodations surcharge. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with all applicable state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pahoa's short-term rental market is expected to maintain steady demand driven by its appeal as an affordable Hawaiian destination with unique volcanic landscapes and natural attractions. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will continue peaking in January through March — historically the strongest months — with softer performance through the late summer and early fall. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 1–3% as supply growth appears to be tapering (year-over-year listing growth at 97%), though investors should monitor the supply/demand balance, which currently rates below average, to ensure new inventory doesn't outpace demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pahoa, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pahoa?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pahoa is currently 62%, which trails the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings leading at 68% and studios at 60%. While slightly below the statewide benchmark, the consistency of occupancy across property types suggests stable demand throughout the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pahoa?

Airbnb hosts in Pahoa earn an average of $1,892 per month, translating to roughly $22,706 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average about $1,316 per month while 4-bedroom properties can generate approximately $6,533 monthly. Peak earning months are January through March, when monthly revenue can exceed $2,400.

Is Pahoa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pahoa scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $395,342 — significantly lower than many Hawaiian markets. However, investors should be aware of the below-average supply/demand balance and factor in seasonal revenue fluctuations when projecting returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Pahoa is $168, compared to the Hawaii state average of $709. Rates scale with property size: studios average $123 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command around $411 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Pahoa's positioning as a more affordable Big Island destination rather than a luxury resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pahoa?

Short-term rentals can operate in Pahoa, but they are subject to Hawai'i County regulations and State of Hawaii licensing requirements. Operators generally need appropriate permits or registrations from Hawai'i County's Planning Department and a Transient Accommodations Tax license from the state. Regulations can vary by zoning district, so prospective investors should consult directly with local authorities to confirm their specific property's eligibility before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pahoa?

Peak season for Airbnb in Pahoa runs from December through March, with January being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,550, followed by February at $2,462 and March at $2,395. The slowest month is September, when average revenue dips to about $1,295. This winter peak aligns with mainland travelers seeking warm-weather escapes, making it essential for hosts to optimize pricing and availability during these high-demand months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pahoa?

As of April 2026, there are 279 active Airbnb listings in Pahoa. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (158 listings), followed by 2-bedroom units (62 listings). Larger properties like 3-bedrooms (29 listings) and 4-bedrooms (just 7 listings) are far less common, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue, group-friendly accommodations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pahoa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Pahoa 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 remaining data 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, 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 Pahoa market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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 may change; always verify current requirements with Hawai'i County and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.