Rentals in Hawaii

What to Know Before Renting in Hawaii

As one of the most popular resort destinations in the U.S., demand for Hawaii rentals is driven by its coastal markets, rural communities across the islands, and O'ahu's dense urban pocket. Due to the booming tourist economy, there's a consistently low supply of apartments and houses for rent in Hawaii. Additionally, military families, healthcare workers, and students attending the University of Hawai'i create further inventory constraints.

Pricing for Hawaii rentals varies dramatically depending on location and island. Honolulu, Waikiki, and Maui's luxury resort areas have some of the most expensive rents in Hawaii. To the other extreme, inland towns on the Big Island are generally the most affordable places to rent in Hawaii. Because these areas are less tourist-heavy, rents are often around $1,000/mo lower than in the most expensive hubs. From Moloka'i to Kaho'olawe, Rentler lists rental properties across Hawaii, updated daily as new inventory hits the market.

How to Find Affordable Rentals in Hawaii

Retirees and remote or hybrid workers are best positioned to avoid premium pricing. These renters have the flexibility to seek out Hawaii apartments and homes in small, rural communities, rather than high-priced metros and luxury resort towns. On the Big Island, Hilo, Pahoa, and Kailua-Kona are great places to find cheap apartments in Hawaii, where rent runs $500–$1,200/mo lower than in premium luxury hubs. On Maui, Wailuku and Kahului also have affordable apartments in Hawaii. In exchange for proximity to job markets and high-end amenities, these low-cost areas offer more access to the remote natural beauty that Hawaii is known for.

Frequently Asked Questions by Renters in Hawaii

What is the average rent in Hawaii?

There's a notably wide price gap across the islands. Honolulu is typically the most expensive market, for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. On the other hand, Hilo typically has the most affordable rents, with considerably lower prices for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Are there pet-friendly rentals in Hawaii?

While many Hawaii rentals allow dogs and cats, the limited rental inventory can make it difficult to find pet-friendly apartments. Hawaii's island lifestyle and natural recreation attract renters with pets, so single-family homes in rural areas with yards generally have the highest pet acceptance rates. Many apartments and condo towers in dense urban areas have strict association rules and restrictions regulating breed and weight. To avoid delays, speak with the landlord or property manager early to make sure you qualify.

Is there senior housing available in Hawaii?

Because of the large retiree community, there are many senior housing opportunities on the islands. Hawaii areas with the best healthcare access tend to have age-restricted communities, including Kapolei and Kailua-Kona. Similar to all Hawaii rentals, inventory is low — so be wary of long waitlists and competition. When scoping out the options, confirm whether the community is actually age-restricted, as some places are only senior-oriented. And remember, senior housing in rural areas is often less expensive, but there may be fewer medical facilities and long commute times to local businesses and services.

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Hawaii?

With many seasonal renters, military relocators, remote workers, and tourists on extended vacations, landlords frequently list short-term and furnished rentals. Hawaii's urban and resort markets tend to have the most options, such as Kihei, Waikiki, and Ala Moana. Whether it's condos or Hawaii townhouse rentals, use Rentler's filters to find furnished and short-term listings. Use the 'furnished amenities' and 'lease length' filters for fast results.

Can I find luxury apartments in Hawaii?

Hawaii's luxury rental market is driven by high-end beach towns with oceanfront condos, new builds, and modern amenities. While Kaka'ako and Wailea have many luxury apartments, Hawaii's inventory can be found throughout resort-driven islands. These units typically feature infinity pools, premium gyms, and concierge services. Find luxury apartments using Rentler's 'year built' filter, paired with 'highest price first' sorting.