Is Waihee-Waiehu Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waihee-Waiehu

Waihee-Waiehu, a census-designated place on Maui, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community living. Nestled on the eastern side of West Maui, it provides residents with stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This location offers a tranquil escape while remaining connected to the amenities of nearby Wailuku.

The area is characterized by its lush landscapes and a generally pleasant climate, making it an attractive place for those seeking a relaxed island lifestyle. Understanding the various facets of living in Waihee-Waiehu is key for anyone considering a move to this Hawaiian community.

Is it Safe to Live in Waihee-Waiehu?

Waihee-Waiehu experiences crime rates that are generally favorable when compared to national averages. Overall crime in Waihee-Waiehu is reported to be 4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crime rates are significantly lower, standing at 43% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the overall safety is good, it’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate. Year-over-year, crime in Waihee-Waiehu has seen an increase of 17% (as reported by AreaVibes). Despite this, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waihee-Waiehu is about 1 in 50, and the area is considered safer than 38% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).

Climate and Weather in Waihee-Waiehu

The climate in Waihee-Waiehu is consistently warm and inviting throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from a comfortable 64°F to a high of 87°F, rarely dipping below 59°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by AccuWeather). This tropical climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.

Waihee-Waiehu experiences a climate that is described as warm, muggy, and windy, with predominantly clear skies (as reported by AccuWeather). Rainfall is a factor, with a chance of precipitation varying throughout the day and week. For instance, there can be a 70% chance of precipitation with around 0.04 to 0.06 inches of rain predicted in some evening hours (as reported by meteoblue).

Demographics and Population

As of the latest available data, Waihee-Waiehu is home to approximately 9,234 residents (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The population density is around 2,165.6 individuals per square mile (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

The community is notably diverse. In 2000, residents of Asian descent made up 45.54%, Pacific Islanders accounted for 14.62%, White individuals were 13.42%, and Hispanic or Latino individuals were 7.80% (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). A significant portion, nearly 25%, identified as being from two or more races (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

The age distribution shows a substantial younger population, with 32.6% under the age of 18 in 2000 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median age was 33 years in 2000 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau), indicating a community with a notable presence of families and working-age adults.

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The housing market in Waihee-Waiehu reflects the broader high cost of living associated with Hawaii. The median property value in Waihee-Waiehu was approximately $777,000 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is considerably higher than the national average, being 2.34 times larger than the U.S. median of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).

Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw an increase of 4.96%, rising from $740,300 to $777,000 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Waihee-Waiehu is quite high, at 83.7%, which is significantly above the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Waihee-Waiehu are not readily available with specific averages from sources like RentCafe for this particular CDP. However, nearby areas and general Hawaiian rental markets suggest a high cost. For context, the average rent in Honolulu was $2,173 in April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Waihee-Waiehu and the surrounding Maui County is diverse, with key sectors contributing to employment. The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). These sectors employed 983, 572, and 550 individuals, respectively (as reported by Data USA).

Major employers in Maui County, which would encompass opportunities for Waihee-Waiehu residents, are varied. While a specific list for Waihee-Waiehu is not detailed, prominent sectors across Maui County include tourism, healthcare, and government services (as reported by Maui County). The Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) works to broaden the economic base and encourage diverse opportunities (as reported by Maui County).

The unemployment rate in Hawaii has been historically low. As of January 2026, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Hawaii was 2.2 percent (as reported by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism). This indicates a relatively strong job market within the state.

Climate Details

The climate in Waihee-Waiehu is characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunshine, with occasional rainfall typical of a tropical environment. The annual temperature typically fluctuates between 64°F and 87°F, providing a consistently pleasant atmosphere (as reported by AccuWeather). This range rarely sees temperatures drop below 59°F or climb above 90°F.

Rainfall is a common occurrence, especially during certain times of the year. For example, a 70% chance of precipitation can be expected on some evenings, with predictions of light rainfall amounts (as reported by meteoblue). The weather is generally described as warm, muggy, and windy, with mostly clear conditions prevailing throughout much of the year (as reported by AccuWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Waihee-Waiehu is served by local schools that cater to the educational needs of its young population. Waihee Elementary School serves students from Prekindergarten to 5th grade (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This school has an enrollment of 585 students (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Waihee Elementary School’s academic performance places it in the bottom 50% of schools in Hawaii for overall test scores, with math proficiency in the top 50% and reading proficiency in the bottom 50% (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The student-teacher ratio is 15:1, which is slightly higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The school’s diversity score is 0.69, which is below the state average of 0.80 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Minority enrollment at Waihee Elementary is high, at 96% of the student body (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Community and Lifestyle

Waihee-Waiehu offers a lifestyle deeply connected to its natural surroundings, with the majestic West Maui Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. The community is a census-designated place, meaning it’s an area defined for government counting purposes but not an official city or town (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

The area boasts a high homeownership rate of 83.7%, indicating a stable resident population (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 23.2 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA). Car ownership is also prevalent, with an average of 3 cars per household (as reported by Data USA).

The community’s demographics reveal a blend of ethnicities and a significant proportion of families with children. In 2000, over half of the households had children under 18 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau), and the average household size was approximately 3.92 people (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).