Is Kalaheo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kalaheo
Is it Safe to Live in Kalaheo?
Kalaheo, Hawaii, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. While some sources indicate that violent crime rates are lower than the national average, others suggest that overall crime, including property crime, is higher than the national average. It is important to consider that crime statistics can vary significantly by neighborhood within Kalaheo.
Specifically, one report states that Kalaheo’s crime rate is 33% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 60% lower. However, another analysis indicates that Kalaheo has a crime rate that is 28% above the national average. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is cited as 1 in 207, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 40. These figures suggest that while violent crime might be less prevalent, property crime is a greater concern (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit).
Kalaheo’s Housing Market
The housing market in Kalaheo is characterized by high property values and a competitive environment. The median home value in Kalaheo was reported as $1,067,490 as of March 2026, showing a slight increase of 0.2% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Redfin indicates that the average sale price of a home in Kalaheo was $1.3 million in March 2026, an increase of 53.8% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price per square foot at $795, up 52.1% year-over-year.
Homes for sale in Kalaheo are not abundant, and the market is described as not very competitive, scoring 4 out of 100 on a competitiveness scale. Properties can sell for around the list price and go pending in approximately 84 days, though some may take longer, averaging 128 days to go pending. Realtor.com® lists 34 homes for sale in Kalaheo, with a median listing price of $1,099,500.
Rental Market Overview
The rental market in Kalaheo also reflects the high cost of living. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Kalaheo is $3,500, according to Zillow, with a month-over-month decrease of $250 and a year-over-year decrease of $3,300. Trulia reports a different average rent of $4,500 per month as of April 2026, which is 137% higher than the national average. This figure represents a significant increase of $800 year-over-year.
Rental prices vary by the number of bedrooms, with 1-bedroom units averaging $1,900, 2-bedroom units at $3,250, 3-bedroom units at $4,500, and 4-bedroom units reaching $9,000 per month. These figures suggest a wide range in rental costs depending on the size and type of property.
Cost of Living in Kalaheo
Kalaheo’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, particularly concerning household bills. Household bills in Kalaheo are 49% higher than the U.S. median, amounting to approximately $3,116 per month or $37,394 annually (as reported by doxo). This is $12,254 higher per year than the U.S. median of $25,140.
When considering housing affordability, the median home price in Kalaheo is $771,224, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of $682,000 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The average cost of rent is $1,514 per month. For those renting, these costs account for about 23.78% of their income. The average household income in Kalaheo is $6,366 per month.
Utilities and Groceries
Utilities and groceries contribute substantially to the higher cost of living in Kalaheo. Household bills, which include housing expenses, are notably high. For a median-priced single-family home, estimated monthly costs for utilities alone are around $697, with groceries and activities estimated at $2,800 per month (as reported by HiEstates).
Electricity rates in Hawaii are generally more than double the national average due to the reliance on imported petroleum and shipping costs. While solar power is widely adopted, the base rates remain high. Similarly, grocery prices in Hawaii are approximately 31% higher than the national average, with items like milk and eggs being considerably more expensive.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Kalaheo employs approximately 1,912 people, with a notable decline of 5.35% in employment from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The primary industries in Kalaheo are Construction, Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services, and Accommodation & Food Services. These sectors account for a significant portion of the local workforce.
While employment in these sectors is substantial, the highest paying industries are Transportation & Warehousing & Utilities, Public Administration, and Educational Services. The median household income in Kalaheo was $110,607 in 2024, showing a 4.74% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data Commons). The median individual income is reported as $52,667 (as reported by Kalaheo Population 2026), though another source states the median individual income as $51,932 (as reported by Brady Beyers).
Unemployment and Major Employers
Specific data on the unemployment rate for Kalaheo is not readily available in the provided search results, but broader economic trends indicate a recent decline in overall employment. Information regarding specific major employers in Kalaheo is also not detailed in the provided data. However, the dominant industries suggest that local businesses within construction, hospitality, and administrative services are likely significant employment providers.
The economic landscape appears to be driven by these key sectors, with opportunities for those in skilled trades, service industries, and administrative roles. Further research into local business directories or economic development reports would be necessary to identify the largest employers in Kalaheo.
Climate in Kalaheo
Kalaheo experiences a warm, tropical climate with mild temperature variations throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from a low of 62°F in January to a high of 85°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area has a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, with temperatures typically varying between 65°F and 83°F, rarely falling below 60°F or exceeding 85°F (as reported by Kalāheo Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).
Annual precipitation in Kalaheo is around 44 inches, with March being the wettest month, receiving approximately 6.2 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Other sources indicate an annual average precipitation of 38.28 millimeters (1.51 inches) and 72.01 rainy days annually (as reported by Kalaheo, Hawaii, US Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data). Humidity levels are generally high, especially from May through December.
Temperature and Rainfall Patterns
The warmest month in Kalaheo is typically August, with an average high of 85°F and a low of 70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January sees the lowest temperatures, with an average high of 77°F and a low of 62°F. The climate is characterized by breezy conditions year-round, with average wind speeds around 12 mph, which helps to moderate the tropical humidity.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, though some months are significantly wetter than others. January is noted as the wettest month with an average rainfall of 4.9 inches, while June is the driest with only 0.9 inches (as reported by Kalāheo Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). Despite the rainfall, Kalaheo enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, with over 3,000 annual sunshine hours.
Education in Kalaheo
Kalaheo is served by a few educational institutions, with Kalaheo Elementary School and Kalaheo High School being prominent. Kalaheo Elementary School has a GreatSchools rating of 8 out of 10, reflecting strong performance in various quality indicators (as reported by Homes.com). Its proficiency rates in math are 62%, and in reading, they are also 62% (as reported by Homes.com).
Kalaheo High School holds a ranking within the top 50% of all schools in Hawaii. While its reading proficiency is strong, at 70-74% (ranking in the top 10% in Hawaii), its math and science proficiency rates are lower, falling within the bottom 50% (as reported by Kalaheo High School (Ranked Top 50% for 2026)). The student-teacher ratio at the high school is 18:1, which is higher than the state average of 14:1.
School Performance and Ratings
Kalaheo Elementary School is recognized for its academic performance, with a GreatSchools rating of 8 and strong test scores in reading and math. Niche data also indicates positive attributes for the elementary school, contributing to its overall standing. The school is noted for its diversity, ranking among the top public elementary schools in Hawaii for diversity.
Kalaheo High School, while having strong reading proficiency, faces challenges in math and science scores. It ranks within the top 50% of Hawaii’s high schools overall, with specific strengths in reading. Niche provides Kalaheo High School with an “A minus” grade and ranks it among the best public high schools in Hawaii for college preparation.
Demographics of Kalaheo
Kalaheo is a diverse community with a population that includes various racial and ethnic backgrounds. As of the latest available data, the racial composition includes a significant White population, followed by Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander demographics (as reported by Kalaheo Population 2026). Other race and multiracial populations are also represented.
The median age in Kalaheo is around 45 years, with a slightly higher male population. The median household income is reported as $110,607, with a poverty rate of 11.36% (as reported by Kalaheo Population 2026). Data from 2020 indicated a population of 4,996, an increase from 3,913 in 2000 (as reported by Wikipedia).
Population Trends and Diversity
Kalaheo’s population has seen fluctuations, with a reported decrease from 5,333 in 2020 to an estimated 4,616 in 2026, though it is currently growing at a rate of 0.02% annually (as reported by Kalaheo Population 2026). Historical census data from 2000 showed a population of 3,913, with a racial makeup of 40.0% White, 29.6% Asian, and 3.9% Pacific Islander (as reported by Wikipedia).
The community is also home to residents of Hispanic or Latino origin, comprising about 11.5% of the population in 2000 (as reported by Wikipedia). This diversity contributes to the unique cultural fabric of Kalaheo. The median age has also shifted, with some sources indicating it as 42.8 years (as reported by Brady Beyers) and others as 45 years (as reported by Kalaheo, HI – Data USA).