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

Waikoloa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waikoloa on Hawaii's Big Island delivers a compelling mix of resort-driven demand and above-average occupancy, making it a standout among Hawaiian STR markets. With 470 active listings averaging 75% occupancy — well above the 67% state average — and an ADR of $367, the market generates roughly $58,840 in annual revenue per listing. Property values averaging nearly $1.2 million mean entry costs are significant, but the consistent demand from vacation travelers looking for sun, beaches, and resort amenities helps offset that premium.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waikoloa 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 Waikoloa

Waikoloa attracts investors because its resort-area location on the Big Island's Kohala Coast generates reliable vacation demand and above-average occupancy rates year-round.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waikoloa presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate Hawaii's premium property prices. The market's 75% occupancy rate and $276 RevPAN reflect healthy, sustained demand driven by the Kohala Coast's resort infrastructure and year-round appeal to leisure travelers. Seasonality is meaningful — January peaks at $6,608 in average revenue while September dips to $3,355 — but the spread is manageable compared to many mainland vacation markets, keeping cash flow relatively predictable across the calendar. With an ROI score of 65 out of 100, the fundamentals are solid, though investors should carefully evaluate acquisition costs against realistic revenue expectations given average home values near $1.2 million."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waikoloa

Average revenue by month in Waikoloa

Waikoloa shows clear winter-weighted seasonality, with January ($6,608) through March ($6,208) forming the revenue peak and September ($3,355) marking the low point — a spread of nearly $3,250 between the best and worst months. December ($5,722) also outperforms, giving investors a strong four-month high season to anchor annual cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waikoloa

Two-bedroom units overwhelmingly dominate supply at 278 of 470 total listings (59%), followed by 3-bedrooms (96) and 1-bedrooms (54). With only 8 four-bedroom listings in the entire market, larger properties represent a notably underserved segment that could offer differentiation and premium pricing for investors willing to pursue them.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waikoloa

ADR scales sharply with size in Waikoloa — from $231 for 1-bedrooms up to $852 for 4-bedroom properties, a nearly 4x premium. Studios ($263) actually command a higher ADR than 1-bedrooms, likely reflecting boutique or well-appointed units, while the jump from 2-bedrooms ($323) to 3-bedrooms ($473) represents the steepest absolute increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waikoloa

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with property size, from $171 for 1-bedrooms to $546 for 4-bedroom listings, confirming that larger properties capture more revenue even after occupancy is factored in. Studios deliver a respectable $230 RevPAN, outperforming 1-bedrooms and approaching 2-bedroom levels ($247), making them an efficient option for investors seeking lower acquisition costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waikoloa

Smaller properties stay fullest in Waikoloa: studios lead at 87% occupancy, while 2-bedrooms (76%) and 1-bedrooms (74%) also outperform the market average. Larger 3-bedroom (71%) and 4-bedroom (64%) units trade some occupancy for significantly higher nightly rates, a pattern investors should weigh when modeling cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waikoloa

Four-bedroom properties are far and away the top monthly earners at $15,325, more than double the $7,048 generated by 3-bedrooms. Studios ($4,591) and 2-bedrooms ($4,516) cluster near the market average, while 1-bedrooms lag at $3,190 — suggesting that the sweet spot for revenue relative to unit availability may lie in the 3-bedroom segment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waikoloa

Annual revenue ranges from $38,287 for 1-bedroom units up to $183,910 for 4-bedroom properties, illustrating the dramatic premium larger homes can capture. Three-bedroom properties at $84,587 per year offer arguably the best balance of strong revenue and moderate competition (96 listings vs. just 8 for 4-bedrooms), making them a particularly compelling investment target.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waikoloa

Parking (96%), kitchen (95%), and laundry facilities (92% washer, 89% dryer) are near-universal, reflecting a market where guests expect full home comforts during extended vacation stays. Pool access (89%) and hot tubs (80%) are also standard rather than differentiators, signaling that investors need these resort-style amenities as table stakes — with features like beach access (17%) and dedicated workspaces (46%) serving as potential ways to stand out.

Understanding Waikoloa'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

What This Means for Investors

Waikoloa's ROI Score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability pairs with average revenue-to-price ratios and balanced supply-demand conditions. The strongest factor is occupancy stability, rated above average, which gives investors greater confidence in consistent booking volume throughout the year. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting steady but not explosive momentum — investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and property-level financial modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waikoloa

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

Permit Requirements

Hawaii County requires short-term rental operators in Waikoloa to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations before listing a property, and operators should also register for a state General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements directly with Hawaii County's planning department, as rules can vary by zoning district.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Hawaiian STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued in certain zones. HOA rules are particularly relevant in Waikoloa's resort communities, where many condominiums have their own rental policies governing minimum stays, guest behavior, and amenity usage.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Hawaii are subject to both the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and the state General Excise Tax (GET), with Hawaii County also assessing its own TAT surcharge. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit portions of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with a tax professional that all obligations are fully covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waikoloa's STR market is expected to maintain steady performance driven by its strong winter peak season and resilient year-round resort demand. Monthly revenue data suggests January through March will continue to be the highest-earning window, with ADR potentially ticking up 2–4% as traveler demand for Hawaii remains robust. Occupancy should hold in the 73–77% range across the year, though September may continue as the softest month. Investors entering now should plan for moderate supply growth — listing counts have expanded notably — so pricing strategy and guest experience will be key differentiators."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waikoloa, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waikoloa?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Waikoloa is currently 75%, which notably exceeds the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 87% and 4-bedroom properties averaging 64%. This above-average occupancy reflects Waikoloa's consistent appeal as a resort destination on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waikoloa?

Airbnb hosts in Waikoloa earn an average of $4,903 per month, which translates to approximately $58,840 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average about $4,591/month, 2-bedrooms bring in roughly $4,516/month, and 3-bedrooms earn around $7,048/month. Larger 4-bedroom properties are the top earners at approximately $15,325 per month, though there are far fewer of them in the market.

Is Waikoloa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waikoloa earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply and demand dynamics. Average home values of roughly $1.2 million mean higher entry costs, but the combination of strong winter peak-season revenue and consistent year-round demand from resort visitors makes Waikoloa a market worth serious consideration for investors who can manage the upfront investment.

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

The average daily rate in Waikoloa is $367, which is significantly lower than the $709 Hawaii state average — reflecting the market's mix of condo-heavy inventory rather than luxury standalone homes. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios average $263, 2-bedrooms command $323, 3-bedrooms reach $473, and 4-bedroom properties top the scale at $852 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waikoloa?

Short-term rentals can operate legally in Waikoloa, but operators must comply with Hawaii County's permitting requirements and state tax registration. Rules vary depending on the property's zoning classification and whether it falls within a resort-designated area. Additionally, many Waikoloa properties are part of HOA-governed communities that may impose their own rental restrictions. Investors should verify the current regulatory landscape with local authorities and their HOA before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waikoloa?

Peak season in Waikoloa runs from December through March, with January being the strongest month at an average revenue of $6,608, followed by February at $6,382 and March at $6,208. December also performs well at $5,722. The slowest month is September, averaging $3,355. This pattern aligns with winter escape demand from mainland travelers seeking warm weather and sunshine during the colder months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waikoloa?

There are currently 470 active Airbnb listings in Waikoloa. The supply is heavily concentrated in 2-bedroom properties, which account for 278 listings — nearly 59% of the market. Three-bedroom units make up 96 listings, 1-bedrooms total 54, studios number 29, and 4-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 8 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waikoloa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waikoloa 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like the strong January–March window) and slower periods (like September). Individual host results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities, 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 Waikoloa market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.