Kaunakakai, Kihei, HI
Kaunakakai — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kaunakakai, Kihei, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kaunakakai Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kaunakakai is not a neighborhood in Kihei; it is the main town and county seat on the island of Molokai. Located on Molokai's south shore, it serves as the primary commercial and social hub for the Friendly Isle, offering a glimpse into old Hawaii with its rustic charm and slow-paced lifestyle.
Character & Lifestyle
Kaunakakai embodies a genuine, unpretentious Hawaiian small-town atmosphere. Life here is quiet and community-focused, centered around the iconic Molokai Wharf and the town's simple, historic storefronts, reflecting the island's strong cultural roots and resistance to overdevelopment.
Housing
The housing in Kaunakakai consists primarily of modest single-family homes, plantation-style houses, and some older apartment buildings. Real estate is generally more affordable than on Maui, with a focus on functional living rather than resort-style luxury, catering mostly to local residents.
Getting Around
Kaunakakai is easily navigated by car along its main thoroughfare, Ala Malama Avenue. The town is very walkable, and a personal vehicle is essential for exploring the rest of Molokai, as there is no public transportation and the island's airport is just a short drive away.
Dining & Shopping
Essential dining includes Kanemitsu Bakery, famous for its hot bread, and local favorites like Hiro's Ohana Grill. Shopping is practical, centered on Misaki's Market and the Molokai Fish & Dive shop, providing groceries, fishing gear, and unique local crafts.
Parks & Recreation
The Kaunakakai Wharf is the focal point for fishing, socializing, and watching sunsets. Nearby, the Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove offers a historic landmark, and the town provides access to Molokai's southern reefs for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Kaunakakai Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $348K |
| Median Gross Rent | $994/mo |
| Median Household Income | $71K |
| Homeownership Rate | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 17.9% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96748 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Kaunakakai, Kihei
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kaunakakai, Kihei, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-16