Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Big Island market averaged 7,329 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 4% from a year earlier and up 17% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

An average Big Island listing earns $69K/year. High-performing listings earn $203K, while low-performing listings earn $27K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Median Big Island home prices by size are 1-bedroom $259K, 2-bedroom $510K, 3-bedroom $526K, and 4+ bedroom $884K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Big Island is 40%, producing RevPAR of $140 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Big Island. Kailua-Kona: Strict. Hawaii County bans new short-term rentals; only pre-2019 permitted properties allowed. Active enforcement with fines.
Hilo: Strict. Same Hawaii County ban applies; grandfathered permits only. Enforcement active, illegal operators fined.
Waikoloa: Moderate. Resort zones allow vacation rentals with permits. Registration required. Moderate enforcement in designated areas.
Volcano: Strict. Hawaii County short-term rental ban applies; limited grandfathered permits exist. Active enforcement in residential zones. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Big Island Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Big Island Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 21%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in March and February; it is lowest in October and November.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (97%), Internet (96%), TV (94%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+86%), Bicycles (+75%), Air Conditioning (+60%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Big Island is $454, up 19% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in October.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Big Island book an average of 50 days in advance, down 1% from last year. Booking windows range from 44 days for 1-bedroom listings to 61 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekend occupancy is 8% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Puna Coast	$29.9K 200 listings	12.3% 200 listings
2.South Kona	$47.6K 162 listings	12.2% 162 listings
3.Keaʻau–Volcano Corridor	$36.0K 281 listings	11.4% 281 listings
4.Hāmākua Coast	$61.5K 39 listings	10.1% 39 listings
5.Hawaiian Paradise Park	$37.4K 230 listings	9.7% 230 listings
6.Hilo Area	$41.0K 296 listings	9.6% 296 listings
7.Kohala Resort Coast	$89.0K 1,617 listings	9.5% 1,617 listings
8.Kailua-Kona Area	$50.0K 1,826 listings	9.2% 1,826 listings
9.Kaʻū	$29.2K 21 listings	8.9% 21 listings
10.South Kohala	$78.0K 448 listings	8.8% 448 listings
11.Kahaluʻu-Keauhou	$56.7K 1,041 listings	8.3% 1,041 listings
12.North Kohala	$43.2K 40 listings	5.3% 40 listings