Is Kailua Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kailua
Kailua, a picturesque town on Oahu’s windward coast, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a relaxed island lifestyle. Known for its world-class beaches and lush landscapes, it attracts those seeking a tropical paradise. This guide delves into the practical aspects of living in Kailua, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and the diverse community that calls this Hawaiian gem home.
The town’s name, “Kailua,” translates to “two seas” or “two currents” in Hawaiian, hinting at the dynamic coastal environment. Its allure extends beyond its scenic vistas, encompassing a vibrant community with a distinct character shaped by its history and natural surroundings. Understanding these facets is key for anyone considering a move to this sought-after destination.
Is it Safe to Live in Kailua?
Kailua’s crime rate is considered to be considerably higher than the national average. There is a chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Kailua, with the odds being 1 in 85 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, it is not among the safest communities in America.
Relative to other cities in Hawaii, Kailua’s crime rate is higher than 32% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The violent crime rate in Kailua is about average for all communities in America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at one in 942 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Kailua, however, is above the national average, with a rate of 11 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Statistics Overview
Kailua experiences a crime rate of 15.98 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). This rate is 56% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Kailua is 1 in 107 (as reported by AreaVibes).
Year over year, crime in Kailua has increased by 17% (as reported by AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, residents generally consider the southern part of the city to be the safest, with crime rates ranging from 1 in 31 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 117 in the south (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Kailua
Kailua’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, largely driven by elevated housing expenses. For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $2,722, and for a family of four, they are approximately $5,896 (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Kailua one of America’s more expensive cities.
Housing costs in Kailua are 16.5% higher than the U.S. average, with a single person spending around $1,398 per month and a family of four spending about $2,563 per month (as reported by Salary.com). Food expenses are 8.5% above average, at $434 monthly for an individual and $1,410 for a family (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Market Trends
The median home value in Kailua is approximately $1,522,839 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight increase of 0.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Kailua was $1,587,500 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices in Kailua are also considerably higher than the national average. The median rent for an apartment is $4,400 per month, a 8% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,989, while a two-bedroom apartment costs about $3,000 (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
The average annual salary in Kailua is approximately $49,175, which breaks down to about $23.64 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Kailua range between $35,067 and $60,077 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Hawaii’s overall unemployment rate was 2.3% as of April 2026, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.64% (as reported by YCharts). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in May 2025 (as reported by DBEDT).
Major Employers and Employment Sectors
Information regarding specific major employers in Kailua is not readily available from the provided search results. However, Kailua is primarily a residential community with a centralized commercial district along Kailua Road (as reported by Wikipedia).
The job market in Kailua includes a variety of roles, with some popular jobs like Nanny, Preschool Teacher, and Part-Time positions offering salaries that can be significantly higher than the city’s average (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Top-paying jobs in the area include Psychiatrist, Dentist, and Wound Care Physician Assistant (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Kailua experiences a warm, muggy, and windy climate with mostly clear skies throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from 69°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below 65°F or exceeding 86°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The average annual precipitation in Kailua is around 48 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is typically the wettest month, with an average of 7.2 days of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The driest season runs from April to October, with June seeing the fewest wet days, averaging 1.8 (as reported by Weather Spark).
Temperature and Rainfall Averages
The hottest month in Kailua is September, with an average high of 84°F and a low of 73°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). In contrast, January is the coolest month, with an average high of 78°F and a low of 65°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Average annual rainfall is reported as 32.05 inches (as reported by WorldClimate.com), though other sources indicate closer to 48 inches. The period from October to April sees more frequent rain, with a greater than 15% chance of a wet day (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schools
Public schools in Kailua are generally considered above average (as reported by Niche). Kailua High School has an overall Niche grade of B- and serves students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Kailua Elementary School, serving PK-6, also has a B- overall grade from Niche (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 14% of students at Kailua High School are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). At Kailua Elementary School, 25% of students are proficient in math and 36% in reading (as reported by Niche).
School Performance and Ratings
Kailua Intermediate School, which serves grades 7-8, is rated with an A- by Niche. It has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 50% of students proficient in math and 65% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Other highly-rated public schools serving the Kailua area include Hawai’i Technology Academy Public Charter School (A grade) and Maunawili Elementary School (rated 5 out of 5) (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community
As of the 2020 census, Kailua had a population of 40,514 (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup of Kailua is diverse, with 44.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 19.3% Asian, 4.4% Pacific Islander, and 29.0% from two or more races (as reported by Wikipedia).
The median annual household income in Kailua was $122,706, with a per capita annual income of $51,260 (as reported by Wikipedia). Approximately 5.0% of the population lives below the poverty line (as reported by Wikipedia).
Population and Diversity
Kailua’s population is characterized by a mix of young professionals and retirees, with residents tending to be liberal (as reported by Niche). The median age in Kailua is 42.9 years (as reported by World Population Review).
Demographic data from 2020 indicates that Kailua is 41.8% White, 0.7% Black, 17.6% Asian, 8.7% Hispanic, 6.3% Native American/Other, and 24.9% Multiracial (as reported by Census Dots). Approximately 35.0% of businesses in Kailua are minority-owned, a rate nearly double the national average (as reported by Wikipedia).