Kaanapali, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kaanapali, Hawaii had a total population of 1,170, the 117th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $129,167, which is 29% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.5% — among the lowest in Hawaii.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 15.1x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 17.6% is notably above the national average.
Kaanapali Quick Facts
How Kaanapali 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 | 1,216 | 1,170 | -3.8% |
| Median household income | $134,375 | $129,167 | -3.9% |
| Median home value | $1,767,400 | $1,952,200 | +10.5% |
How Kaanapali 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kaanapali Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Maui County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului | 28,288 | $98,077 | 8.7% | $862,600 |
| Kihei | 21,567 | $87,772 | 7.4% | $919,900 |
| Wailuku | 16,926 | $102,942 | 4.6% | $855,700 |
| Waihee-Waiehu | 10,988 | $126,735 | 6.0% | $777,000 |
| Lahaina | 10,162 | $88,889 | 11.5% | $881,700 |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 9,178 | $101,396 | 8.3% | $1,093,800 |
| Pukalani | 8,679 | $102,976 | 10.6% | $973,700 |
| Makawao | 7,353 | $96,444 | 10.2% | $888,000 |
| Napili-Honokowai | 7,308 | $105,565 | 8.1% | $878,900 |
| Kula | 6,791 | $100,433 | 12.3% | $1,127,700 |
Cities Similar to Kaanapali
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poipu | 1,175 | $143,333 | $1,110,000 | 50.5% | 8.5% |
| Halaula | 1,033 | N/A | $573,700 | 20.5% | 14.7% |
| Kaaawa | 1,328 | $131,750 | $973,300 | 50.1% | 11.0% |
| Mahinahina | 1,027 | $162,813 | $1,224,600 | 43.6% | 1.8% |
| Haliimaile | 1,105 | $88,259 | $874,000 | 14.6% | 7.9% |
Population Overview
Kaanapali is a small community located in Hawaii, within Maui County. The total population is 1,170. It ranks as the 117th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kaanapali is 61.4 years. This is 50% higher than the state median of 40.9 years. Only 13.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 14.9% 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 Kaanapali is $129,167. This is 29% higher than the state median of $100,389. It is also 60% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%. This is 55% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 17.6%. This is 257% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $1,952,200. Housing costs are 133% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 15.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 89.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 42% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Kaanapali is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (72.5% vs 20.9%). The Asian population (7.0%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
45.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% higher 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 95.6%. Notably, 19.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kaanapali, 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 Kaanapali, Hawaii?
Kaanapali, Hawaii has a population of 1,170 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kaanapali, HI?
The median household income in Kaanapali is $129,167, which is 60% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kaanapali, HI?
The poverty rate in Kaanapali is 4.5%. This means approximately 53 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kaanapali, Hawaii?
Kaanapali's population is 72.5% White, 0.9% Black, 9.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kaanapali, HI?
The median home value in Kaanapali is $1,952,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 15.1x.
How educated is Kaanapali, Hawaii?
45.6% of adults (25+) in Kaanapali hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.