Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and luxurious living, boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the United States. From breathtaking oceanfront properties to secluded mountain retreats, Hawaii’s diverse geography offers a range of upscale living options.
On Kauai’s north shore, Hanalei’s 96714 ZIP code offers upscale homes surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, with proximity to Hanalei Bay and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Kilauea’s 96754 ZIP code, located on Kauai’s north shore, features luxury properties near Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and pristine beaches, offering a secluded yet upscale lifestyle.
Princeville’s 96722 ZIP code on Kauai’s north shore is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses and upscale homes with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
Art Wager / Getty Images
Honolulu: 96821
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $9,919
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $151,272
With its prestigious neighborhoods like Kahala and Waialae Golf Course, Honolulu’s 96821 ZIP code tops the list as one of Hawaii’s most expensive areas. Homes here often feature panoramic ocean views and unparalleled luxury.
Pgiam / Getty Images
Haleiwa: 96712
Median household income: $92,173
Average mortgage cost: $9,381
Average monthly expenses: $2,723
Total annual cost of living: $145,243
Haleiwa’s 96712 ZIP code on Oahu’s North Shore features luxury homes near world-renowned surf spots, charming boutiques and a laid-back beach town atmosphere.
Known for its pristine beaches and upscale communities, Kailua’s 96734 ZIP code is a magnet for affluent buyers seeking a blend of tranquility and sophistication.
Honolulu’s 96822 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Manoa and Tantalus, attracts buyers with its lush landscapes, proximity to downtown Honolulu and prestigious homes.
SMJoness / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Kihei: 96753
Median household income: $89,892
Average mortgage cost: $8,101
Average monthly expenses: $2,576
Total annual cost of living: $128,1230
Kihei’s 96753 ZIP code on Maui’s south shore offers luxury beachfront properties and upscale residences with stunning ocean views and access to Maui’s attractions.
Art Wager / iStock.com
Honolulu: 96825
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $7,959
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $127,746
Another Honolulu gem, the 96825 ZIP code encompasses Hawaii Kai, offering waterfront living, marina access and proximity to the city’s amenities.
anouchka / Getty Images
Honolulu: 96816
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $7,850
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $126,447
Nestled in Honolulu’s lush hills, the 96816 ZIP code features exclusive neighborhoods like Kahala and Diamond Head, boasting some of the state’s most coveted properties.
Upcountry Maui’s Kula, in the 96790 ZIP code, offers luxury homes with panoramic ocean and mountain views, creating a peaceful retreat amid Maui’s natural beauty.
simonkr / Getty Images
Laie: 96762
Median household income: $108,965
Average mortgage cost: $7,641
Average monthly expenses: $2,715
Total annual cost of living: $124,272
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Laie’s 96762 ZIP code features upscale properties near BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center, offering a blend of cultural richness and luxury living.
Paia’s 96779 ZIP code on Maui’s north shore is known for its artistic community, boutique shops and luxury homes with stunning ocean views and easy access to outdoor activities.
pawel.gaul / Getty Images
Koloa: 96756
Median household income: $72,143
Average mortgage cost: $7,274
Average monthly expenses: $2,589
Total annual cost of living: $118,349
Located on Kauai’s south shore, Koloa’s 96756 ZIP code offers luxury homes and estates surrounded by tropical gardens, with easy access to beaches, golf courses and outdoor activities.
Known for its diverse culture and vibrant energy, Honolulu’s 96826 ZIP code features upscale residences near the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Ala Moana Center.
agaliza / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Honolulu: 96817
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $6,685
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $112,464
Honolulu’s 96817 ZIP code encompasses neighborhoods like Nuuanu and Punchbowl, offering upscale homes with panoramic city and mountain views.
zorazhuang / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Kaneohe: 96744
Median household income: $120,451
Average mortgage cost: $6,627
Average monthly expenses: $2,700
Total annual cost of living: $111,923
Kaneohe’s 96744 ZIP code, situated on Oahu’s eastern shore, showcases upscale homes with stunning views of Kaneohe Bay and the lush Ko’olau Mountains, appealing to those who value natural beauty and waterfront living.
gcgebel / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Honolulu: 96818
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $6,569
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $111,077
Honolulu’s 96818 ZIP code, including areas like Salt Lake and Aliamanu, features luxury homes with easy access to Honolulu International Airport, shopping centers and military bases, making it a convenient yet upscale residential area.
Aiea’s 96701 ZIP code, located in central Oahu, features upscale homes with convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants and major highways, making it a desirable area for luxury living.
BackyardProduction / Getty Images
Koloa: 96765
Median household income: $72,143
Average mortgage cost: $6,621
Average monthly expenses: $2,589
Total annual cost of living: $110,516
Koloa’s 96765 ZIP code is both historic and picturesque which lends itself to its expensive cost of living.
simonkr / Getty Images
Kaaawa: 96730
Median household income: $130,257
Average mortgage cost: $6,345
Average monthly expenses: $2,707
Total annual cost of living: $108,631
Nestled along Oahu’s windward coast, Kaaawa’s 96730 ZIP code features upscale properties with breathtaking oceanfront views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a secluded yet luxurious lifestyle.
The 96813 ZIP code in downtown Honolulu features upscale condominiums and historic homes, combining urban convenience with luxury living.
jhorrocks / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Honolulu: 96819
Median household income: $82,772
Average mortgage cost: $6,191
Average monthly expenses: $2,687
Total annual cost of living: $106,539
Honolulu’s 96819 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Kalihi and Sand Island, features waterfront properties and upscale homes with convenient access to downtown Honolulu.
Photos are for representational purposes only and may not reflect the exact ZIP code listed.
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities in Hawaii to find the most expensive ZIP codes in the state. First GOBankingRates found the ZIP codes with the most expensive home values as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index for Hawaii ZIP codes. The average mortgage cost was calculated by assuming a 10% down payment and using the 30-year national fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data. The cost of living indexes were found for each ZIP code as sourced from Sperlings Best Places and using the average expenditure costs for all residents, the average expenditure costs can be calculated for each city. The average expenditure cost and the average mortgage cost can be summed to find a total cost of living. The monthly total cost of living can be calculated into an annual cost of living by multiplying the monthly cost by 12. The total population and median household income were sourced from the US Census American Community Survey and included as supplemental information. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes and included as supplemental information. The cities were sorted by the most expensive to least expensive total cost of living. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 2, 2024.
