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

Waialua Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waialua on Oahu's North Shore offers a compelling short-term rental opportunity, earning an ROI score of 75 out of 100 — placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" tier. With an average occupancy rate of 72% (well above Hawaii's 67% state average) and average annual revenue of $62,617 across just 35 active listings, this small but high-performing market rewards investors who can secure the right property. The combination of above-average revenue-to-price ratios, strong occupancy stability, and positive growth trends makes Waialua worth serious consideration for STR-focused portfolios.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waialua 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 Waialua

Waialua combines limited supply with strong occupancy and above-average revenue metrics, creating favorable conditions for investors seeking yield in a premium Hawaiian coastal market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waialua represents a strong opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate Hawaii's regulatory environment. The market's 72% occupancy and $351 RevPAN demonstrate that guests are both finding and booking these properties at healthy rates. Seasonality is present but manageable — revenue peaks in July and August around $5,965–$6,027 per month, while the softest months (October–November) still generate roughly $4,467–$4,550, keeping the floor relatively high. With above-average scores across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth, the fundamentals here reward operators who deliver quality guest experiences in a supply-constrained coastal setting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waialua

Average revenue by month in Waialua

Revenue in Waialua follows a dual-peak pattern, with summer months (July–August at $5,965–$6,027) and winter months (January–February at $5,699–$5,714) delivering the strongest returns. The softest stretch runs from September through November, bottoming out at $4,467 in November — a spread of roughly $1,560 between peak and trough that reflects manageable seasonality for a vacation market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waialua

One-bedroom units dominate Waialua's supply with 15 of the 35 active listings, followed by 7 two-bedrooms and just 5 three-bedroom properties. The scarcity of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors who can acquire 2- or 3-bedroom properties, particularly given the revenue premiums those sizes command.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waialua

ADR scales meaningfully with property size in Waialua, rising from $257 for 1-bedrooms to $383 for 2-bedrooms and $486 for 3-bedroom listings. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms represents the steepest relative increase, suggesting that adding a second bedroom delivers outsized pricing power without the cost profile of a larger home.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waialua

Two-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $331 per available night, significantly outperforming both 1-bedrooms ($201) and 3-bedrooms ($226). The lower RevPAN for 3-bedroom units — despite their higher ADR — reflects the impact of a 47% occupancy rate, making 2-bedrooms the clear efficiency winner in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waialua

Two-bedroom listings in Waialua achieve a remarkable 87% occupancy rate, followed by 1-bedrooms at 78%, while 3-bedroom properties drop sharply to 47%. Investors targeting larger properties should be prepared for more volatile booking patterns and consider whether premium nightly rates compensate for substantially fewer booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waialua

Two-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $5,224, edging out 3-bedrooms ($4,552) and well ahead of 1-bedrooms ($3,134). The fact that 2-bedrooms outperform larger units on a monthly basis — driven by their superior occupancy — makes them the most productive configuration for consistent cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waialua

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties lead at $62,690, followed by 3-bedrooms at $54,631 and 1-bedrooms at $37,609. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition and operating costs, the 2-bedroom segment offers the strongest annual revenue with the occupancy stability to support reliable income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waialua

Every listing in Waialua offers a kitchen (100%), and parking is nearly universal at 94%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the North Shore. Beach access (57%), backyards (71%), and BBQ grills (66%) signal that guests expect an outdoor-oriented, residential vacation experience — investors who deliver these amenities are meeting baseline expectations rather than differentiating.

Understanding Waialua's ROI Score: 75/100

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

Waialua's ROI Score of 75 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven by above-average marks in revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with an average rating for supply/demand balance. This combination suggests the market delivers stronger-than-typical returns relative to property costs while maintaining consistent demand — a profile that favors investors seeking reliable income in a premium Hawaiian setting. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research is essential, as Oahu's permitting landscape can significantly impact an investment's viability.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waialua

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Waialua, Hawaii are generally required to obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) or a Transient Vacation Unit (TVU) permit through the City and County of Honolulu, as the North Shore falls under its jurisdiction. Investors should verify current permit availability and application requirements directly with the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, as the regulatory landscape in Hawaii can be complex and subject to change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions for STR properties on Oahu include zoning limitations that may restrict vacation rentals to specific districts, occupancy caps based on property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking requirements. HOA rules can impose additional constraints — particularly relevant for condominiums — and minimum stay requirements may apply depending on the property's zoning classification.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Hawaii are typically subject to the state's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) as well as the General Excise Tax (GET), and Oahu also collects an Oahu Transient Accommodations Tax surcharge. Many booking platforms collect and remit portions of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waialua's STR market is expected to sustain its momentum, supported by above-average growth trends and steady demand from visitors drawn to the North Shore lifestyle. Occupancy rates are likely to remain in the 70–75% range, with ADR potentially seeing modest increases of 2–4% as the listing count — which has grown 67% year over year — begins to stabilize. Summer months (July–August) and the winter holiday season should continue to deliver peak revenue, while shoulder months like October and November may see softer but still respectable performance. Investors entering now should plan for seasonal variability but can reasonably expect the market's fundamentals to hold."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waialua, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waialua?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waialua is currently 72%, which is notably higher than the Hawaii state average of 67%. This strong occupancy reflects consistent visitor demand on Oahu's North Shore and suggests that well-managed listings can maintain reliable booking activity throughout much of the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waialua?

Airbnb hosts in Waialua earn an average of $5,218 per month and approximately $62,617 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead with about $62,690 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $37,609 per year.

Is Waialua a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waialua earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 75 out of 100, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, strong occupancy stability, and positive growth trends. With only 35 active listings and 72% occupancy, the supply-demand balance is favorable, though investors should account for average home values of approximately $1,507,003 and carefully research local STR regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Waialua is $485, which is below the Hawaii state average of $709. ADR scales with property size — 1-bedroom units average $257, 2-bedrooms come in at $383, and 3-bedroom properties command $486 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state average partly reflects the market's mix of smaller properties but is offset by Waialua's higher-than-average occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waialua?

Short-term rentals in Waialua fall under the jurisdiction of the City and County of Honolulu, which regulates vacation rentals on Oahu. Operators are generally required to hold appropriate permits such as a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) or Transient Vacation Unit (TVU) permit. Regulations in Hawaii can be complex, so prospective investors should consult the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting and potentially a local attorney to confirm compliance requirements before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waialua?

Peak season in Waialua occurs during the summer months of July and August, when average monthly revenue reaches $5,965–$6,027. A secondary peak happens during the winter holiday season, with January and February generating around $5,699–$5,714 per month — likely driven by North Shore surf season and holiday travel. The softest months tend to be October and November, though revenue remains above $4,400 even during these quieter periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waialua?

There are currently 35 active Airbnb listings in Waialua as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (15 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (7 listings) and 3-bedrooms (5 listings). Year-over-year listing growth of 67% indicates increasing investor interest, though the market remains relatively small and supply-constrained.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waialua?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waialua 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, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Waialua, 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 pricing for the Waialua market
• Average daily rates and revenue per available night segmented by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and market conditions as of the stated date; future results may differ due to regulatory changes, economic shifts, or market dynamics. Investors should independently verify local short-term rental regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations before making any purchase decisions.