Let the numbers do the talking.
Honolulu, HI vs Kihei, HI
Honolulu, HI vs Kihei, HI: What the data shows
Honolulu, HI is in Honolulu, HI while Kihei, HI is in Kihei, HI — both in the same state. On home prices, Honolulu, HI is the more affordable option at $759,000 median — $86,900 less than Kihei, HI's $845,900. WYLT rates Honolulu, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Kihei, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Kihei, HI has the stronger safety profile of the two. Honolulu, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Kihei, HI has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Honolulu, HI has Low flood risk and Kihei, HI has Low flood risk.
Honolulu, HI is the more walkable neighborhood. Honolulu, HI scores 38/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Kihei, HI's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Kihei, HI has the higher school rating — Honolulu, HI rates 8/10 and Kihei, HI rates 8.1/10.
| Category | Honolulu, HI | Kihei, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $759K ✓ Lower price | $846K |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $86K | $90K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 38/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 12 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | B ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8/10 | 8.1/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Urban lifestyleFood loversYoung professionals | Beach loversFamilies seeking good schoolsRetirees wanting a laid‑back lifestyle |
Bottom line
Honolulu is slightly better for young professionals who can handle a high cost of living and prefer an urban environment, while Kihei is more suitable for families or retirees seeking beach access and good schools, but both come with high costs and limited walkability. If your priority is proximity to work and nightlife, Honolulu may be the better pick; if you value beach living and a quieter setting, Kihei could be preferable
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