Let the numbers do the talking.
Kailua, HI vs Kihei, HI
Kailua, HI vs Kihei, HI: What the data shows
Kailua, HI is in Kailua, HI while Kihei, HI is in Kihei, HI — both in the same state. On home prices, Kihei, HI is the more affordable option at $845,900 median — $368,000 less than Kailua, HI's $1,213,900. WYLT rates Kailua, 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. Kailua, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Kihei, HI has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Kailua, HI has Low flood risk and Kihei, HI has Low flood risk.
For families weighing school quality, Kailua, HI has the higher school rating — Kailua, HI rates 8.2/10 and Kihei, HI rates 8.1/10.
| Category | Kailua, HI | Kihei, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.21M | $846K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $122K ✓ Higher income | $90K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 24/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 45 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 | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.2/10 ✓ Better schools | 8.1/10 |
| Best for | Young families seeking quality schoolsBeach lovers and outdoor enthusiastsRemote workers who value scenic surroundings | Beach loversFamilies seeking good schoolsRetirees wanting a laid‑back lifestyle |
Bottom line
For young families prioritizing quality schools and scenic surroundings, Kailua's better school rating (8.2/10 vs 8.1/10) and stronger community vibe make it a marginally better choice. However, for those seeking affordability or convenience, Kihei's lower median home price ($845,900 vs $1,213,900) and potentially shorter commute to nearby towns (though the commute to Honolulu is still 45 minutes) make it a slightly more viable option. Ultimately, weigh the importance of these factors and your own needs to decide.
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