Is Wailua Homesteads Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wailua Homesteads
Wailua Homesteads, located on the eastern side of Kauai, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of tranquil living with convenient access to amenities. This census-designated place is known for its natural beauty, lush surroundings, and elevated setting, providing sweeping views of the ocean, valley, and mountains. The community provides a slower pace of life, encouraging residents to embrace outdoor activities and the stunning natural landscape that defines the area.
The area is characterized by a mix of residential and rural appeal, with streets featuring homes on both smaller lots and larger acreage parcels. Residents often enjoy the presence of fruit trees and tropical foliage, contributing to the picturesque environment. Wailua Homesteads is a place where community bonds are strong, fostering a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.
Is it Safe to Live in Wailua Homesteads?
Wailua Homesteads boasts a strong safety record, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The area experiences very little crime, making it an appealing location for those prioritizing safety and security. Residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, contributing to the community’s overall sense of well-being.
Specifically, violent crimes in Wailua Homesteads are substantially lower than the national average. Property crime rates also remain well below the national benchmark. While there may be year-over-year fluctuations in crime statistics, the overall trend indicates a secure environment for its residents. This low crime rate is a significant factor contributing to the desirability of Wailua Homesteads as a place to live.
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Wailua Homesteads presents a unique investment opportunity, with a median home value of $943,400 (as reported by Niche). This figure is considerably higher than the national median home value, reflecting the desirability and unique location of properties in this Hawaiian community. Despite the high median home value, most residents in Wailua Homesteads own their homes, with 72% of residents being homeowners (as reported by Niche).
Rental costs in Wailua Homesteads are also notable, with the median rent price at $1,990 per month (as reported by Niche). This is a significant figure, but it aligns with the overall cost of living in Hawaii, which is known to be among the most expensive globally. For context, the average cost of living in Kauai is $2,821, placing it in the top 4% of expensive cities worldwide (as reported by Livingcost.org).
The median listing price for homes in Wailua Homesteads is $1,285,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This indicates a robust real estate market where properties are valued highly. The housing market is not considered highly competitive, with homes selling in an average of 98 days and typically for about 1% below the list price (as reported by Redfin).
Demographics and Community
Wailua Homesteads has a population of approximately 5,431 residents (as reported by Niche). The median age in Wailua Homesteads is 49.3 years (as reported by Census Reporter). This median age is higher than the national average, suggesting a community with a significant proportion of older adults. The gender distribution shows a higher percentage of females, with 58% identifying as female and 42% as male (as reported by Niche).
The racial composition of Wailua Homesteads is diverse, with White residents making up 47% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 24% (as reported by Niche). Other significant demographic groups include those identifying with two or more races (13%), Hispanic (10%), and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (7%). A small percentage of the population identifies as Black or African American (0%) and Native American (0%) (as reported by Niche).
In terms of household income, the median household income in Wailua Homesteads is $89,717 (as reported by Niche), which is higher than the national median household income. The poverty rate in Wailua Homesteads is 9.9% (as reported by Niche), which is slightly lower than the national average. The community is described as having a rural feel, with many residents owning their homes and a significant number of parks nearby.
Economy and Employment
The economic landscape of Wailua Homesteads is supported by a median household income of $113,306 (as reported by Kurby AI). This figure suggests a strong local economy that provides a good livelihood for its residents. The unemployment rate in Wailua Homesteads is reported at 2.5% (as reported by Niche), which is very low and indicative of a healthy job market. This low unemployment rate is consistent with the broader Kauai County, where the unemployment rate was 2.3% as of February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).
Major employment sectors on Kauai County, where Wailua Homesteads is located, include Accommodation & Food Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). These industries provide a range of job opportunities for residents. The average annual salary across Kauai is approximately $52,491 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), though specific salaries can vary greatly based on industry, experience, and role.
While specific major employers within Wailua Homesteads are not detailed, the overall economic activity on Kauai is significantly driven by tourism, which is the island’s largest industry (as reported by Wikipedia). This industry supports numerous jobs in accommodation and food services, contributing to the overall employment opportunities available to residents.
Climate and Environment
Wailua Homesteads experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average high temperatures typically hover around 80°F (27°C) during the summer months and drop to around 70°F (21°C) in the winter. Rainfall is abundant, with an average annual precipitation of over 60 inches, contributing to the lush, green environment for which Kauai is known.
The area benefits from consistent trade winds that help to moderate the tropical heat, making the climate generally pleasant. Humidity levels are typically high, which is common in tropical regions. The natural beauty of Wailua Homesteads is a significant draw, with its proximity to scenic lookouts, tropical landscapes, and natural attractions like ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls.
Environmental factors such as air quality are rated as good in Wailua Homesteads (as reported by Kurby AI). The community’s location within Kauai’s natural landscape offers residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including numerous hiking trails and local parks, such as Wailua Homesteads Park, which features a dog park, playground, and sports fields.
Education and Schools
The public schools serving Wailua Homesteads are considered above average (as reported by Niche). This indicates that the educational opportunities for children in the community are of good quality. While specific school ratings for individual institutions within Wailua Homesteads are not detailed, the general assessment suggests a positive environment for K-12 education.
The higher-than-average school ratings contribute to the area’s family-friendly reputation. Families looking to raise children often consider the quality of local schools as a primary factor in their decision-making process. The positive school environment in Wailua Homesteads supports its appeal to families seeking a well-rounded community.
The community’s commitment to providing good educational resources is a key aspect of its livability. This focus on education enhances the overall quality of life for residents and supports the development of young minds within the Wailua Homesteads area.