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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

54 / 100

Wailuku presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Wailuku Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wailuku sits on Maui's north shore and draws steady visitor demand year-round, making it a market worth watching for short-term rental investors. With 262 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $54,852 and a 65% occupancy rate, the numbers reflect a healthy vacation-rental ecosystem—though average home values near $1.24 million mean deal selection is critical. An ROI score of 54 out of 100 signals a competitive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability can reward well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 262
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $709 state avg. $337
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 67% state avg. 65%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $219
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,571
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $54,852

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

Why Investors Consider Wailuku

Maui's perennial draw as a top U.S. vacation destination underpins Wailuku's appeal, though elevated home prices and growing supply require investors to be strategic about property selection and positioning.

Key investment factors

  • Year-round tourism on Maui supports consistent booking demand across seasons
  • Above-average occupancy stability reduces cash-flow volatility for operators
  • Two-bedroom units hit a sweet spot with $310 RevPAN and 70% occupancy, offering strong returns relative to acquisition cost
  • Average daily rate of $337 sits well below the $709 Hawaii state average, signaling room for rate optimization
  • High prevalence of resort-style amenities (pool at 76%, parking at 95%) sets a clear bar for competitive listings

Expert Market Assessment

"Wailuku represents a competitive but viable STR market where selectivity matters. Revenue peaks sharply in January ($5,614) and March ($5,585), then softens through summer before bottoming out in September ($3,398)—a roughly 39% swing that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and reserve planning. The combination of above-average occupancy stability and average revenue-to-price ratios means investors can generate reliable income, but outsized returns will depend on acquiring below-market properties or operating at premium efficiency. A below-average supply/demand balance, driven by 64% listing growth, suggests the market is absorbing new inventory quickly—further reason to focus on differentiation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Wailuku's ROI Score: 54/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Wailuku's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, where strong demand coexists with higher entry costs and increasing competition. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's standout strength, while the revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend rate as average, and supply/demand balance sits below average due to rapid listing growth. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research—particularly around Maui County's permitting landscape—will help investors determine whether a specific property can outperform in this competitive environment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wailuku

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wailuku and Maui County are generally required to obtain a permit or registration before listing a property. Hawaii state law also mandates a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) registration, so investors should verify both county and state requirements with the Maui County Planning Department and the Hawaii Department of Taxation before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Maui County include zoning-based limitations on where STRs are permitted, caps on the total number of permits issued, occupancy limits tied to property size, and minimum-night-stay requirements in certain areas. Noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants can also apply—prospective hosts should review all layers of regulation before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Hawaii imposes a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and a General Excise Tax (GET) on short-term rental income, with Maui County adding its own TAT surcharge. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with all state and county obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Wailuku

Financing an Airbnb investment in Wailuku 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 Wailuku Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wailuku's STR performance is expected to remain anchored by Maui's enduring tourism appeal, with winter and spring continuing to drive the revenue cycle. ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% as demand remains solid, while occupancy is estimated to stay in the 63–67% range market-wide. The 64% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests increasing competition, which may compress margins for undifferentiated properties—investors who dial in amenities, pricing, and guest experience should fare better than the field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wailuku, HI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wailuku?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wailuku is currently 65%, just slightly below the Hawaii state average of 67%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 70% and studios trailing at 48%. This relatively strong occupancy suggests consistent visitor demand across much of the year.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wailuku?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Wailuku earn approximately $4,571 per month and $54,852 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—studios average around $1,320 per month, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $9,077 per month. Peak months like January and March can push monthly revenue above $5,500.
Is Wailuku a good market for Airbnb investment?
Wailuku earns an ROI score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and Maui's year-round tourism appeal, but elevated home values averaging $1,241,430 and a growing supply of listings mean investors need to be selective. Properties that are well-located, competitively priced, and equipped with in-demand amenities tend to outperform in this environment.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Wailuku?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wailuku is $337, which is notably lower than the $709 Hawaii state average. ADR scales with property size: studios average $114, 1-bedrooms average $276, 2-bedrooms average $443, and 3-bedrooms command around $529 per night.
Are short-term rentals legal in Wailuku?
Short-term rentals operate under both Maui County and Hawaii state regulations. Permits or registrations are typically required, and zoning restrictions may limit where STRs are allowed. Investors should consult the Maui County Planning Department and the Hawaii Department of Taxation to confirm current rules, as regulations in Hawaii can be subject to change.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Wailuku?
Peak season in Wailuku runs from roughly December through March, with January ($5,614) and March ($5,585) posting the highest average monthly revenues. The softest period is late summer into early fall, with September averaging just $3,398. This seasonal pattern aligns with Maui's winter tourism surge driven by mainland visitors escaping colder weather.
How many Airbnbs are there in Wailuku?
There are currently 262 active Airbnb listings in Wailuku. The supply is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom units (149 listings) and 2-bedroom units (96 listings), with only 11 studios and 5 three-bedroom properties. Active listings have grown 64% year over year, reflecting strong investor interest in this market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wailuku?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wailuku 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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 winter and slower periods like September. 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 Wailuku market
  • Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu 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. Data is current as of April 27, 2026 and may not reflect subsequent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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