The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 96746 sells for about $739,450, or $665 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 61 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,850 a month.
ZIP 96746 — Kapaa
The Kapaa housing market remains stable with limited inventory and sustained demand, keeping prices elevated. Market conditions are driven by the island's geographic constraints and the high desirability of coastal living, though affordability remains a challenge for local residents.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals seeking a coastal lifestyle, though it requires a high tolerance for island-living costs and limited infrastructure expansion.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 61 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 9.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 96746, Kauai County HI
Crime rates in Kapaa are generally consistent with regional averages for Kauai County, with property crime being the primary concern; violent crime remains relatively low compared to mainland urban centers.
Schools serving the 96746 area are part of the Hawaii Department of Education, generally receiving moderate ratings with a focus on community-integrated learning and cultural programs.
The area faces significant exposure to tropical storm and hurricane risks, as well as localized flooding in low-lying coastal and valley regions, necessitating robust property insurance coverage.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, hospitality, and local services, with limited large-scale industrial development due to geographic constraints and land-use regulations.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Hawaii) — Real Property Tax: Tax is calculated by applying county-specific tax rates to the assessed value of the property. The formula is (Assessed Value - Exemptions) * Tax Rate. Exemptions include homestead exemptions for owner-occupants, which vary by county.
Commuting is primarily via Kuhio Highway, which serves as the main artery connecting Kapaa to Lihue; traffic congestion is common during peak hours due to the limited road network.
The area features extensive access to coastal parks, beach paths, and hiking trails, with local shopping centers providing essential services and dining options.
The rental market is highly competitive with low vacancy rates, heavily influenced by the demand for long-term housing for local workers and the prevalence of short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is anchored by the tourism and hospitality sectors, supported by local retail and government services in the nearby Lihue employment hub.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicles, with limited public transit options provided by the Kauai Bus system.
Development is strictly managed by county land-use policies, with a focus on preserving agricultural land and coastal integrity.
The Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division manages valuations, with assessments typically updated annually based on market sales data.
Parcels are subject to county-wide property tax levies and state-level educational funding requirements.
Property insurance premiums are elevated due to high wind and flood risk profiles, with many properties requiring specialized coverage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Smith Family Garden Luau4.711.2 mi
- McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden4.615.9 mi
- Tahiti Nui4.46 mi
- Lu’au Kalamaku4.512.2 mi
- Kalapaki Joe's Poipu417 mi
- Waimea Canyon State Park4.910.9 mi
- Kilauea Lighthouse4.610.2 mi
- Kalalau Lookout4.89.5 mi
- Waimea Canyon Lookout4.910.6 mi
- Hanalei Pier4.86.7 mi
- Hanalei Pier4.86.7 mi
- Smith Family Garden Luau4.711.2 mi
- Kauaʻi Museum4.613 mi
- Warehouse 35404.613.4 mi
- Koke'e Natural History Museum4.410 mi
- Waimea Canyon State Park4.910.9 mi
- Queen’s Bath4.57.9 mi
- Lydgate Beach Park4.711.9 mi
- Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park4.810.6 mi
- Smith Family Garden Luau4.711.2 mi
- Port Allen Marina Center4.615.8 mi
- Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor4.616 mi
- Hanalei Beach4.86 mi
- Hanalei Beach4.86 mi
- Wailua Golf Course4.412.1 mi
- Makai Golf Course4.77.4 mi
- Safeway4.312.6 mi
- Safeway4.212.1 mi
- Coconut Marketplace4.411.9 mi
- Kilauea Fish Market4.59 mi
- Pono Market4.712.1 mi
- Lihue Airport4.113.9 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters4.913.7 mi
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters57.6 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A scenic multi-use coastal path popular for walking and cycling.
A central community park providing beach access and picnic facilities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.