Kauai, specifically the northern portion of the island, is home to several of the most expensive ZIP … [+] codes in Hawaii.
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On our trek of going state by state, analyzing and identifying the most expensive ZIP codes in each state, we have yet to consider a Pacific state — until now. Hawaii has always been expensive, which should come as no surprise when you consider just how much it must cost to transport life’s necessities to the islands. We wanted to zero-in on the most expensive parts of Hawaii.
Read on to find out the most expensive ZIP codes in Hawaii in 2025, based on the latest data from Zillow’s home value index.
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The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Hawaii
We made use on data from Zillow’s home value index, plus the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, we analyzed thousands of ZIP codes from all over the U.S. We zeroed in on the 78 ZIP codes tracked by Zillow in Hawaii. As part of our analysis, we took into consideration the latest monthly home values Zillow has — December 2024 — as well as the average of 12 months of median home values from January 2024 to December 2024.
The Top 5 Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Hawaii
ZIP code 96714 is the most expensive one in Hawaii. This ZIP code is centered on Hanalei, on the north side of Kauai. Situated on the picturesque Hanalei Bay, ZIP code 96714 is small and wealthy. More than a quarter of households earn $200,000 or more. The median household income is $132,115, while the average household income is $140,126. Home values were already quite high in this ZIP code, with the median home value being over $1.528 million back in December 2019. But the median soared by 77.2% over the next five years, reaching nearly $2.708 million in December 2024.
The second most expensive ZIP code in Hawaii is just east of the No. 1 most expensive ZIP code. Centered on Kilauea, ZIP code 96754 is far larger than its neighbor 96714 and includes a much longer stretch of the northern coast of Kauai. One-fifth of households here earn $200,000 or more per year, though the median household income is notably lower, at $85,428. The average household income is $123,311. Home values in 96754 rose significantly over the last five years: By 70.9%, from a median home value of more than $1.235 million in December 2019 to nearly $2.112 million in December 2024. From December 2021 to December 2022, the growth was incredible: From $1.365 million to almost $1.749 million.
The No. 3 most expensive ZIP code is 96821 and it is centered on eastern Honolulu, including communities like Waialae Iki, Aina Haina, and Kuliouou – Kalani Iki. This is a sizeable ZIP code, home to nearly 6,800 households. or more. This is a very wealthy ZIP code. More than two-fifths of households in 96821 make $200,000 or more. The median household income is a lofty $174,152, while the average household income is $232,927. The home appreciation rate was not as substantial as the first two ZIP codes on our list. From a median home value of close to $1.293 million in December 2019, it rose by 35.4%, to just below $1.750 million.
The No. 4 most expensive ZIP code in Hawaii is 96712. This ZIP code covers a northwestern portion of Oahu, including places like Haleiwa, Pupkea, as well as spots like Waimea Falls. Incomes here are high though not of the spectacular proportions of many of the other ZIP codes we’ve analyzed. The median household income in 96712 is $97,771 and the average household income is $140,046. Home values appreciated at a similar rate to the No. 3 most expensive ZIP code: 31.7%, from close to $1.221 million in December 2019 to over $1.608 million in December 2024.
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The fifth most expensive ZIP code in Hawaii — 96722 — takes us back to Kauai and right next door to the No. 1 most expensive ZIP codes. Each one of these ZIP codes on the northern coast of Kauai saw their home values nearly double over the last five years. Centered on Princeville, ZIP code 96722 is narrow, stretching from northern coast, down toward the Halelea Forest Reserve in the island’s interior. This place really blew up: From a median home value of $771,431 in December 2019, it rose by 92.9%, reaching well over $1.487 million.
At UH Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.
This column is by Pelehonuamea Harman, director of Native Hawaiian engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. In her columns, Pele shares Native Hawaiian protocols on the use of ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), cultural traditions, traditional ways of Indigenous learning, and more. This column is on Mahina ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), celebrated every February to honor the Hawaiian language.Pelehonuamea Harman
Each year, the month of Pepeluali marks Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, a time dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the Hawaiian language. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.
While Pepeluali gives us a focused moment of celebration, the Hawaiian language should not live only within a single month. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi thrives when it is used every day.
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One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to begin is by pronouncing the words we already encounter daily with accuracy and care. Hawaiian is an oral language carried through voice and relationship. When we take the time to say words correctly, we demonstrate respect for the language and for the poʻe (people) who have worked tirelessly to ensure its survival.
Across our own campus, we have opportunities to do this every day.
Let us honor the names of our places by using them fully:
An attendee at celebrations on May 6, 2023, takes a photo of the new Edith Kanakaʻole mural by artist Kamea Hadar. The mural is located at Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, named after beloved educator Aunty Edith, on the campus of UH Hilo. (Photo: UH System News)
Kanakaʻole Hall, not “K-Hall.” (Formally Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, named after our beloved kumu.)
Waiʻōlino, not “CoBE,” for our College of Business and Economics. (Formally Hānau ʻO Waiʻōlino; waiʻōlino literally means sparkling waters, alluding here to bringing forth waters of wellbeing and prosperity.)
These names are not merely labels for buildings. They carry ʻike (knowledge), history, and meaning. Speaking them in their entirety acknowledges the stories and values embedded within them.
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Using ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi does not require fluency. It simply requires willingness. Each of us already knows words we can begin using more intentionally.
Greet one another with aloha.
Express gratitude with mahalo whenever possible.
Small choices like these help normalize Hawaiian language in our daily interactions and strengthen UH Hilo’s identity as a place grounded in Hawaiʻi.
One of the most common questions I am asked is: How do you respond in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi when someone says “mahalo” to you?
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Here are three simple and appropriate responses:
ʻAʻole pilikia — It’s no problem.
He mea iki — It is just a little thing.
Noʻu ka hauʻoli — The pleasure is mine.
There is no single correct answer. What matters most is participating in the exchange and allowing the language to live through conversation.
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Aerial view of the UH Hilo campus with Hilo Bay in the distance. UH Hilo’s commitment to Native Hawaiian success and place-based education calls on all of us to help create an environment where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is visible, audible, and welcomed. (Archive photo)
UH Hilo holds a unique and important role as Hawaiʻi Island’s university. Our commitment to Native Hawaiian success and place-based education calls on all of us to help create an environment where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is visible, audible, and welcomed.
You do not need to wait until you feel ready. You do not need to know many words. The language grows stronger each time it is spoken.
So during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and throughout the entire year I encourage the UH Hilo ʻohana to:
Use the Hawaiian words you already know.
Pronounce names and places with intention and care.
Greet others with aloha.
Share mahalo often.
Because when we use ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, we are doing more than speaking words, we are helping to perpetuate and uplift the native language of our home.
E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Let the Hawaiian language live.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Tread Rosenthal, Trevell Jordan and Louis Sakanoko put up a triple block against BYU Cougars Trevor Herget during Wednesday’s NCAA men’s volleyball match at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
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Kainoa Wade came on strong to lead another balanced Hawaii attack with 16 kills and the third-ranked Rainbow Warriors responded to a rare set loss in a big way to defeat No. 6 Brigham Young 27-25, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18 tonight.
A Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 4,800, who showed up for a match scheduled just three weeks ago as a late addition to the schedule, saw Hawaii (13-1) drop the second set despite hitting .538.
UH had full command of the rest of the match and finished the night hitting .460 as a team. Louis Sakanoko added 15 kills, six digs and three aces and Adrien Roure had 14 kills in 24 swings.
Middle Travell Jordan posted a season-high seven kills in 11 swings with four blocks and Ofeck Hazan, who came into the match to start the third set, had four kills and two blocks.
Trent Moser had 18 kills to lead the Cougars (13-3), whose previous two losses came in five sets against No. 4 UC Irvine.
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UH’s loss in the second set was just its sixth of the season and third in its 13 wins. Hawaii has won 10 matches in a row.
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The two teams will play again on Friday night at 7.
