Kaunakakai, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kaunakakai, Hawaii had a total population of 4,360, the 66th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $76,131, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 73/100).
Kaunakakai Quick Facts
How Kaunakakai 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 | 3,721 | 4,360 | +17.2% |
| Median household income | $76,944 | $76,131 | -1.1% |
| Median home value | $335,200 | $368,100 | +9.8% |
How Kaunakakai 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+)
Kaunakakai 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 Kaunakakai
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanamaulu | 4,972 | $82,358 | $687,500 | 17.0% | 6.2% |
| Ainaloa | 4,094 | $58,918 | $228,300 | 10.0% | 26.7% |
| Mountain View | 3,756 | $69,299 | $356,800 | 12.8% | 20.9% |
| Kekaha | 3,768 | $84,375 | $682,900 | 15.7% | 18.9% |
| Kalaheo | 4,435 | $110,607 | $956,900 | 41.1% | 11.4% |
Population Overview
Kaunakakai is a small community located in Hawaii, within Maui County. The total population is 4,360. It ranks as the 66th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kaunakakai is 34.4 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 40.9 years. With 29.7% of the population under 18, Kaunakakai has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 10.8% 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 Kaunakakai is $76,131. This is 24% lower than the state median of $100,389. It is also 6% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%. This is 36% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.7%. This is 36% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $368,100. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x. 60.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Kaunakakai is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 12.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (6.6%) is well below the state average of 20.9%. The Black or African American population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Asian population (12.2%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
19.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 88.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kaunakakai, 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 Kaunakakai, Hawaii?
Kaunakakai, Hawaii has a population of 4,360 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kaunakakai, HI?
The median household income in Kaunakakai is $76,131, which is 6% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kaunakakai, HI?
The poverty rate in Kaunakakai is 13.7%. This means approximately 596 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kaunakakai, Hawaii?
Kaunakakai's population is 6.6% White, 0.0% Black, 13.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kaunakakai, HI?
The median home value in Kaunakakai is $368,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
How educated is Kaunakakai, Hawaii?
19.1% of adults (25+) in Kaunakakai hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.