Kauai Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Kauai, Hawaii - HI, USA)

Kauai is the northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and it is touted as the 'Garden Isle'. Much older than its counterparts, this island features a spectacular landscape and an overall remote and rustic environment.

As with all of the Hawaiian Isles, property and rentals in Kauai are very expensive and the general cost of living is high. However, this is offset by a high minimum wage, free healthcare and virtually zero unemployment. The high costs of rent, petrol and groceries may shock visitors, but they are well within the financial means of those who live and work here.


Properties average mid six-figure to seven-figure sums between Lihue and Princeville, respectively. The northern rim of the island is dotted with luxury resorts and upmarket properties, which are among the most exclusive and expensive on the island.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are available on Kauai, and almost all of them fit into the holiday niche. The most desirable units are on the north shore near Princeville. These range from condominiums and long-stay resort rooms to private villas. In every case, prices are high, though they work out to well under hotel and resort rack rates.

These apartments invariably feature ample space and access to resort-style facilities, such as one or more swimming pools, spas, dining facilities and a fitness center. Private villas may sacrifice some of these amenities in exchange for unparalleled privacy and coastal access.

Buying Apartments and Houses

The most expensive properties for sale or rent are in on the northeast shore of the island, where the average listing price is over a million dollars. Properties across most of the island run at just below or over this level, except in the southeast quarter, where the atmosphere is more residential.

Closing costs in Hawaii are well above those of the mainland, but international visitors are likely to find that the burden on the buyer is low by their home standards. Generally, buyers can expect to pay upwards of two percent for fees at the closing table, though this figure increases in the upper brackets.

Real Estate Agents

Securing the services of a real estate agent and a property lawyer are in order on Kauai, as so much of the land is held by private leases and resorts. Choose the agency you deal with based on their speciality, whether in private residences, resort holdings or timeshares and condominiums.

Check out the following Kauai realtors and real estate agents:

Re / Max Kauai
Address: 5-4280 Kuhio Highway C-203, Princeville, Hawaii HI, 96722, USA
Tel: +1 808 826 9675
Email: aloha4@hawaiiantel.net
Website: www.remaxkauai.com
Re / Max has a solid network of properties available on Kauai, with offices in Princeville, Kapaa and Koloa.

R and R Realty and Rentals
Address: 1763 Pe'e Road, Koloa, Hawaii HI, 96756, USA
Tel: +1 808 742 7555
Email: randr@r7r.com
Website: www.golf-kauai.com
This agency deals specifically in rental and for-sale condominiums near the major golf courses and resorts of Kauai.

Summers Realty
Address: 1310 Inia Street, Kapaa, Hawaii HI, 96746, USA
Tel: +1 808 822 5876
Email: rentals@summersrealty.net
Website: www.summersrealty.net
This husband and wife realtor team has nearly 40 years of combined real estate experience.