Hawaii’s Most Expensive ZIP Codes: A Deep Dive into Luxury Living

Introduction to Hawaii’s Costly Real Estate Landscape

Hawaii has long been known for its breathtaking natural beauty, tropical climate, and high cost of living. As the only state in the U.S. that is an island chain, the challenges of transporting goods and supplies to the islands contribute significantly to its elevated prices. This includes real estate, where home values are among the highest in the nation. In this article, we explore the most expensive ZIP codes in Hawaii, based on the latest data from Zillow’s Home Value Index and the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. These ZIP codes are not just some of the priciest in the state but also among the most desirable places to live in the country.

The Top ZIP Code: 96714 – Hanalei, Kauai

Taking the top spot as the most expensive ZIP code in Hawaii is 96714, centered on the picturesque town of Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore. This ZIP code is small but affluent, with more than 25% of households earning $200,000 or more annually. The median household income in this area is $132,115, while the average household income climbs to $140,126, reflecting the wealth of its residents. Home values in Hanalei have seen remarkable growth over the past five years. In December 2019, the median home value was $1.528 million, but by December 2024, it skyrocketed to nearly $2.708 million—a staggering 77.2% increase. This makes 96714 a prime example of Hawaii’s booming real estate market.

Second Most Expensive: 96754 – Kilauea, Kauai

Just east of Hanalei, ZIP code 96754, centered on Kilauea, takes the second spot. This ZIP code is significantly larger than its neighbor, covering a longer stretch of Kauai’s northern coast. While it remains affluent, its median household income is notably lower at $85,428, with an average household income of $123,311. Home values in this area have also seen substantial growth, rising by 70.9% over five years. In December 2019, the median home value was $1.235 million, but by December 2024, it reached nearly $2.112 million. The most dramatic growth occurred between December 2021 and December 2022, when home values surged from $1.365 million to almost $1.749 million—an impressive 28% increase in just one year.

Third Most Expensive: 96821 – Eastern Honolulu, Oahu

Moving to the island of Oahu, ZIP code 96821, which includes communities like Waialae Iki, Aina Haina, and Kuliouou-Kalani Iki, takes the third position. This ZIP code is home to nearly 6,800 households and is one of the wealthiest areas in Hawaii. More than 40% of households here earn $200,000 or more annually, with a median household income of $174,152 and an average household income of $232,927. While home appreciation rates here were not as dramatic as in the first two ZIP codes, they still saw a significant increase. From a median home value of $1.293 million in December 2019, prices rose by 35.4% to just under $1.750 million by December 2024.

Fourth Most Expensive: 96712 – Haleiwa, Oahu

ZIP code 96712, which covers the northwestern part of Oahu, including Haleiwa, Pupkea, and Waimea Falls, ranks fourth on our list. This area is known for its high incomes, though they are slightly lower than those in the top three ZIP codes. The median household income here is $97,771, with an average household income of $140,046. Home values in 96712 have appreciated at a rate similar to those in ZIP code 96821. Starting from a median home value of $1.221 million in December 2019, prices grew by 31.7% to reach over $1.608 million by December 2024. This area’s natural beauty and proximity to popular attractions make it a sought-after location for homeowners.

Fifth Most Expensive: 96722 – Princeville, Kauai

Rounding out the top five is ZIP code 96722, centered on Princeville on Kauai’s northern coast. This narrow ZIP code stretches from the coast to the interior, near the Halelea Forest Reserve. Over the past five years, home values in Princeville saw the most dramatic increase among the top five ZIP codes. From a median home value of $771,431 in December 2019, prices surged by 92.9% to reach well over $1.487 million by December 2024. This remarkable growth reflects the high demand for luxury properties in this picturesque area, which is known for its gated communities, golf courses, and stunning ocean views.

Conclusion: Insights into Hawaii’s Luxury Real Estate Market

Hawaii’s most expensive ZIP codes paint a vivid picture of the state’s luxury real estate market. From the stunning beaches of Kauai to the affluent neighborhoods of Oahu, these areas attract high-income earners and investors looking for prime properties. The significant increase in home values over the past five years underscores the growing demand for luxury homes in Hawaii, driven by the state’s unique beauty, limited land supply, and high cost of living. Whether you’re a potential buyer or just curious about the state’s real estate landscape, these ZIP codes offer a glimpse into the ultimate island lifestyle.