The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96716 sells for about $850,000, or $650 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 75 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,800 a month.
ZIP 96716 — Hawi
The housing market in 96716 remains stable with limited inventory and steady demand, characteristic of a remote, supply-constrained island market. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, though sales volume remains low due to the small geographic footprint. Market conditions are primarily driven by local lifestyle preferences and the high cost of construction.
This ZIP is best suited for those seeking a rural, nature-oriented lifestyle, including retirees and remote workers who prioritize environmental access over proximity to urban amenities. It is less ideal for traditional commuters or those requiring high-density urban services.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 75 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.8% · poverty 14.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net outflow — more people moved out than in
ZCTA 96716, Kauai County, HI
Crime rates in this rural Kauai area are generally low compared to urban centers, with property crime being the primary concern. Trends remain stable, consistent with broader regional patterns in Hawaii's less populated districts.
Schools serving this area are part of the Hawaii Department of Education, which operates as a single statewide district. Local schools are generally characterized by small class sizes and strong community integration, though performance metrics vary.
The area faces significant exposure to tropical storm and hurricane winds, as well as localized flooding risks in low-lying valleys. Insurance premiums are high due to these environmental factors and the remote nature of the island geography.
Economic momentum is driven primarily by tourism, agriculture, and local services. Development is constrained by strict land-use regulations and environmental protections, limiting large-scale infrastructure expansion.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Hawaii) — Real Property Tax: Tax is calculated by applying county-specific tax rates to the assessed value of the property. The formula is (Assessed Value - Exemptions) * Tax Rate. Exemptions include homestead exemptions for owner-occupants, which vary by county.
Commuting is primarily via private vehicle along the island's main coastal highway, with limited public transit options. Travel times to major employment hubs in Lihue can be significant due to traffic congestion and limited road capacity.
The area offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal lookouts. Shopping and dining are concentrated in nearby small towns, providing essential services and local artisan goods.
The rental market is tight with high demand from both local residents and seasonal workers. Short-term rental presence is significant, which exerts upward pressure on long-term rental rates and limits housing availability for residents.
The local economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agricultural operations, and government services. Employment opportunities are largely localized, with many residents working in hospitality or public sector roles.
Transportation is dominated by the island's primary highway system, which serves as the sole artery for most travel. Public transit is limited to infrequent bus service, making personal vehicle ownership essential.
Development is highly restricted by state and county land-use policies, with a focus on preserving agricultural land and natural resources. No major large-scale commercial or residential developments are currently approved.
The Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division manages all property valuations, conducting annual assessments based on market data and property characteristics.
Parcels are subject to county-level property taxes and may fall within specific water or utility service districts. There are no major MUD or PID districts common in mainland US markets.
Property insurance is a critical concern due to high hurricane and flood risk, with many properties requiring specialized coverage. Market health is stable but premiums remain among the highest in the nation.
Net domestic migration to Hawaii has been volatile, with recent trends showing a slight outflow of long-term residents balanced by an influx of remote workers and retirees.
Hawaii is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring court intervention for all foreclosure proceedings. This process typically results in longer timelines for lenders to complete the foreclosure process.
Hawaii law requires sellers to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement regarding the condition of the property, including any known material defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Smith Family Garden Luau4.716.2 mi
- McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden4.612.5 mi
- Tahiti Nui4.413.2 mi
- Kalapaki Joe's Poipu414.7 mi
- Lu’au Kalamaku4.513.9 mi
- Waimea Canyon State Park4.95 mi
- Kalalau Lookout4.88.4 mi
- Waimea Canyon Lookout4.94.7 mi
- Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor4.58.1 mi
- Pu’u O Kila Lookout4.97.9 mi
- Hanalei Pier4.813.7 mi
- Smith Family Garden Luau4.716.2 mi
- Kauaʻi Museum4.615.3 mi
- Warehouse 35404.69.8 mi
- Koke'e Natural History Museum4.47.5 mi
- Waimea Canyon State Park4.95 mi
- Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park4.89.8 mi
- Salt Pond Beach Park4.79.5 mi
- Polihale State Park4.811.1 mi
- Waimea Canyon Trail4.86.8 mi
- Port Allen Marina Center4.69.4 mi
- Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor4.612.7 mi
- Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course4.49.4 mi
- Hanalei Farmers' Market at Hale Halawai4.413 mi
- Warehouse 35404.69.8 mi
- 'Ele'ele Shopping Center4.29.2 mi
- Lihue Airport4.116.8 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters4.916.6 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters515.5 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, offering extensive hiking and scenic vistas.
High-elevation forest area with numerous trails and native bird watching opportunities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.