Hawi, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hawi, Hawaii had a total population of 2,070, the 97th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $84,457, which is 16% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.2x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 72/100).
Hawi Quick Facts
How Hawi Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,720 | 2,070 | +20.3% |
| Median household income | $85,197 | $84,457 | -0.9% |
| Median home value | $662,500 | $693,600 | +4.7% |
How Hawi Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Hawi Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Hawaii County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo | 50,404 | $81,779 | 14.5% | $483,000 |
| Kailua (Hawaii County) | 21,818 | $88,211 | 14.3% | $667,400 |
| Hawaiian Paradise Park | 13,203 | $88,348 | 10.4% | $457,100 |
| Kaiminani | 11,465 | $110,560 | 9.8% | $772,800 |
| Waimea (Hawaii County) | 9,286 | $100,198 | 12.3% | $677,400 |
| Waikoloa Village | 7,543 | $81,703 | 12.3% | $802,600 |
| Kahaluu-Keauhou | 5,150 | $96,212 | 8.6% | $886,900 |
| Hawaiian Ocean View | 4,431 | $45,043 | 25.4% | $318,200 |
| Ainaloa | 4,094 | $58,918 | 26.7% | $228,300 |
| Hawaiian Beaches | 3,947 | $29,295 | 40.4% | $272,700 |
Cities Similar to Hawi
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler AFB | 2,097 | $91,667 | N/A | 33.1% | 1.4% |
| Honokaa | 1,963 | $87,019 | $610,600 | 19.4% | 6.3% |
| Kapaau | 2,224 | $83,750 | $660,900 | 12.1% | 8.8% |
| Pepeekeo | 2,056 | $70,625 | $463,400 | 30.5% | 21.7% |
| Princeville | 2,020 | $102,109 | $1,421,000 | 56.6% | 6.2% |
Population Overview
Hawi is a small community located in Hawaii, within Hawaii County. The total population is 2,070. It ranks as the 97th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hawi is 44.6 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 40.9 years. 11.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hawi is $84,457. This is 16% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 5% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%. This is about the same as the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $693,600. Housing costs are 17% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 85.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Hawi is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 12.7%. The Asian population (12.7%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
30.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 36.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hawi, Hawaii is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Hawaii state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Hawi, Hawaii?
Hawi, Hawaii has a population of 2,070 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hawi, HI?
The median household income in Hawi is $84,457, which is 5% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hawi, HI?
The poverty rate in Hawi is 10.1%. This means approximately 210 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hawi, Hawaii?
Hawi's population is 20.6% White, 0.0% Black, 5.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hawi, HI?
The median home value in Hawi is $693,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x.
How educated is Hawi, Hawaii?
30.3% of adults (25+) in Hawi hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.