Let the numbers do the talking.
Lahaina, HI vs Waipahu, HI
Lahaina, HI vs Waipahu, HI: What the data shows
Lahaina, HI is in Lahaina, HI while Waipahu, HI is in Waipahu, HI — both in the same state. On home prices, Lahaina, HI is the more affordable option at $869,300 median — $60,700 less than Waipahu, HI's $930,000. WYLT rates Lahaina, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Waipahu, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Lahaina, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Waipahu, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Lahaina, HI has Low flood risk and Waipahu, HI has Low flood risk.
Waipahu, HI is the more walkable neighborhood. Lahaina, HI scores N/A/100 versus Waipahu, HI's 11/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Waipahu, HI has the higher school rating — Lahaina, HI rates 7/10 and Waipahu, HI rates 8.2/10.
| Category | Lahaina, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $869K ✓ Lower price | $930K |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $93K | $105K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 11/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 24/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | N/A | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7/10 | 8.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | RetireesSmall familiesRemote workers with budget | Families with childrenPeople seeking a strong school districtResidents who plan to drive to work |
Bottom line
For someone with a young family looking for good schools, a diverse community, and not too much concern about walkability or public transit, Waipahu might be a slightly better fit, but both neighborhoods are a think-twice situation for many budgets. If you're a retiree on a limited budget or prioritize tourism industry opportunities, Lahaina could be the way to go. For most people, though, neither neighborhood offers the best combination of value, convenience, and lifestyle.
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