Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Kauai market averaged 5,472 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 6% from a year earlier and up 25% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

An average Kauai listing earns $95K/year. High-performing listings earn $188K, while low-performing listings earn $46K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Kauai home prices by size are 1-bedroom $712K, 2-bedroom $1.0M, 3-bedroom $950K, and 4+ bedroom $1.2M.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Kauai is 48%, producing RevPAR of $187 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Kauai. Lihue: Strict. Kauai County bans new short-term rentals outside resort zones. Only grandfathered permits allowed. Active enforcement with fines.
Kapaa: Strict. Same county-wide ban applies. Existing permits only in designated areas. Heavy enforcement, illegal operators face penalties.
Princeville: Moderate. Resort area allows STRs with permits. Registration required, tax compliance checked. Moderate enforcement.
Poipu: Moderate. Resort zone permits STRs with proper licensing. Transient accommodations tax mandatory. Moderate enforcement activity. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Kauai Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Kauai Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 13%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are TV (99%), Internet (97%), Kitchen (95%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+46%), Air Conditioning (+28%), Bicycles (+18%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Kauai is $525, up 11% 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 Kauai?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Kauai book an average of 54 days in advance, down 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 51 days for 1-bedroom listings to 67 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday.

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.Līhuʻe Area	$72.0K 234 listings	13.5% 234 listings
2.Kapaʻa	$85.9K 377 listings	10.2% 377 listings
3.Northeast Kauaʻi	$71.3K 415 listings	9.3% 415 listings
4.West Kauaʻi	$67.8K 33 listings	9.2% 33 listings
5.Poʻipū South Shore	$103K 1,807 listings	9.1% 1,807 listings
6.North Kauaʻi Coast	$131K 227 listings	6.8% 227 listings
7.Princeville	$75.4K 1,835 listings	6.0% 1,835 listings