Waimea, Hawaii Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Waimea, Hawaii? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $97,631 per year — at a $831 nightly rate, 42.4% occupancy, and a $341 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Waimea's 421 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 50.4% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is high and 72% of listings show active registration — compliance is the cost of entry. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Waimea?
In Waimea, the headline Airbnb metrics are $97,631 in average annual revenue,42.4% occupancy, $831 ADR, and $341 in RevPAR, and guests book about 102 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Waimea?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Waimea is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Waimea is typically January, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Waimea across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $23,000+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $14,423 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $8,909 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $4,458, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Waimea
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Waimea?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Waimea STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Waimea:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 84%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 68% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 23% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Waimea
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Waimea?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Waimea involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Waimea typically peaks in December and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $1,612+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $932 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $637 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $485 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Waimea
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Waimea?
RevPAR in Waimea is currently $341. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $164 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $286 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $421 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $677 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Waimea
RevPAR Insights for Waimea
- The average RevPAR in Waimea is $341. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($677) and bottom 25% ($164) is $513, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Sep, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Waimea benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $286, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $421+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Waimea?
Waimea's peak Airbnb season falls in January, December, February, while the softest stretch is May, September, October. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (January, December, February)
- Revenue averages $14,502 per month
- Occupancy rates average 54.8%
- Daily rates average $957
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $11,027 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 45.1%
- Daily rates hold near $814
Low Season (May, September, October)
- Revenue drops to average $8,607 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 39.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $747
Seasonality Insights for Waimea
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Waimea shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Waimea's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $15,353, occupancy reaching 59.4%, and ADRs peaking at $986.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $7,580, occupancy could drop to 36.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $734.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Waimea.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing. In a high-regulation market like Waimea, ensure your permit covers the number of nights you plan to book — some jurisdictions cap annual rental days.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Waimea seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Waimea?
Yes, Waimea, Hawaii, United States enforces high STR regulations and 72% of active listings show registration evidence — indicating that enforcement is active and compliance is a prerequisite for operating legally. Hosts entering this market should budget for permit fees, inspections, and potential occupancy tax obligations as part of their startup costs. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Waimea to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 72% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Waimea?
Location within Waimea matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Waimea Beach | A stunning coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing and sunbathing. It's a prime tourist spot that attracts visitors looking for a relaxing beach vacation. | Waimea Bay, Waimea Valley, Shark's Cove, Haleiwa Beach Park, Rocky Point |
| Haleiwa | A charming town with a laid-back atmosphere, famous for its surf culture and local eateries. It's ideal for those seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience and access to some of the best surf spots. | Haleiwa Beach, Waialua Beach Park, Pupukea, Shaka Taco, Haleiwa Art Gallery |
| Kohala Coast | Known for its luxury resorts and beautiful coastlines, this location offers upscale amenities and is popular among affluent travelers seeking a lavish Hawaiian experience. | Mauna Kea Beach, Hapuna Beach State Park, Kohala Historical Sites, Puukohala Heiau, Anaeho'omalu Bay |
| Pololu Valley | A breathtaking and scenic valley that provides stunning views and hiking opportunities. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking adventure and tranquility away from crowded tourist areas. | Pololu Valley Lookout, Hiking trails to the beach, Scenic photography spots |
| Waimea Valley | A lush, tropical valley filled with history and culture, offering beautiful waterfalls, botanical gardens, and hiking trails, attracting visitors interested in nature and Hawaiian culture. | Waimea Valley Waterfall, Botanical Gardens, Cultural events and workshops |
| Kauai's North Shore | Known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches, this area is perfect for nature enthusiasts and offers a more secluded vacation experience. | Napali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Lumaha'i Beach, Na Pali Coast State Park |
| Mauna Lani | A beautiful luxury resort area known for its golf courses and beachfront properties. Great for attracting high-end clientele looking for a premium vacation experience in Hawaii. | Mauna Lani Resort, Golf courses, Beaches, Cultural sites |
| Kona | A popular tourist destination on the Big Island known for its coffee farms and beautiful beaches. It attracts visitors interested in local culture and marine activities like snorkeling and diving. | Kona Coffee Farms, Kona Pier, Honaunau Bay, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Kona Brewing Company |
Because Waimea has a high regulation profile, confirming that short-term rental permits are available in your target neighborhood is a critical first step before committing to a property purchase. Regulation can vary at the neighborhood or district level even within the same city.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Waimea?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Waimea
- The Waimea Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.1% of the 421 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Waimea, House properties are the most common (60.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 60.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others (combined 2.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Waimea Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Waimea
- The dominant room capacity in Waimea is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 39.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 71.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Waimea, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 60.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Waimea.
Waimea Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Waimea
- The most common guest capacity trend in Waimea vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (36.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Waimea STR market, accounting for 68.4% of listings.
- 73.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Waimea.
- On average, properties in Waimea are equipped to host 6.1 guests.
How Do Listings in Waimea Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Waimea can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Waimea
- At 48 photos per listing on average, Waimea hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 34.4% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Waimea averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Waimea?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Waimea
- Essential amenities in Waimea that guests expect include: TV, Wifi, Pool, Kitchen, Washer, Air conditioning, Dryer, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Waimea: TV, Wifi, Pool, Kitchen, Washer, Air conditioning, Dryer, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Wifi, Pool, Kitchen, Washer, Air conditioning, Dryer, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Waimea to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Waimea?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Waimea, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dishes and silverware | 92.6% | $103,550 | $23,169 | 346.9% |
Essentials | 94.1% | $101,920 | $29,704 | 243.1% |
Hot tub | 82.7% | $109,003 | $43,421 | 151.0% |
Game consoleHigh opportunity | 1.7% | $219,466 | $95,571 | 129.6% |
Cooking basics | 89.3% | $103,874 | $45,473 | 128.4% |
HammockHigh opportunity | 2.6% | $213,004 | $94,536 | 125.3% |
BidetHigh opportunity | 2.6% | $205,226 | $94,745 | 116.6% |
Babysitter recommendationsHigh opportunity | 4.0% | $193,698 | $93,589 | 107.0% |
Luggage dropoff allowedHigh opportunity | 5.7% | $187,119 | $92,222 | 102.9% |
Free parking on premises | 96.2% | $99,517 | $49,916 | 99.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Waimea
- Dishes and silverware tops the revenue impact list with a 346.9% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $103,550 vs. $23,169 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Game console, Hammock, Bidet — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Dishes and silverware, Essentials, Hot tub, Cooking basics, Free parking on premises — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Game console — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Waimea.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Waimea STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Waimea. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWaimea Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Waimea
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Waimea consists of primarily domestic travelers (93%), often arriving from nearby Seattle, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 93.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93.2%) and Canada (2.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (65.3%) followed by Spanish (11.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Seattle and San Francisco.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Waimea?
Listings in Waimea average 4.89 out of 5 overall, with about 24.6 reviews per active listing and 39.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Waimea
- With an overall rating of 4.89, Waimea listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.91), while Value (4.74) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 39.0% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Waimea Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Waimea
- The most common availability pattern in Waimea falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 42% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 76.2% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Waimea (34.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 24.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Waimea?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Waimea
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Waimea is 102 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 125 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 81 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (121 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (82 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (102 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Waimea.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 125 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 121 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Waimea averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Waimea?
Guests in Waimea stay about 6.1 nights on average, generating roughly 7,652 reservations and 18.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Waimea
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Waimea
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- 18.2 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (8.1 nights) and shorten in Apr (5.5 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Waimea Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
4 listings
1% of total
2 Nights
6 listings
1.4% of total
3 Nights
22 listings
5.2% of total
4-6 Nights
175 listings
41.6% of total
7-29 Nights
8 listings
1.9% of total
30+ Nights
206 listings
48.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Waimea is 30+ Nights, adopted by 48.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (2.4%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (48.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Waimea, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 48.9% of Waimea hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 1% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 48.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Waimea.
Waimea Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
104 listings
24.7% of total
Limited
2 listings
0.5% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
54 listings
12.8% of total
Flexible
6 listings
1.4% of total
Moderate
9 listings
2.1% of total
Firm
118 listings
28% of total
Strict
128 listings
30.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Waimea
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Waimea is Strict, used by 30.4% of listings.
- A majority (58.4%) of hosts in Waimea utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 30.4% market standard in Waimea.
- With 30.4% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Waimea, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Waimea.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Waimea?
Cleaning fees in Waimea are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Waimea
- 94.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Waimea. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($647) and median ($549) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 11.6% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Waimea median of $549. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Waimea Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Waimeabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Mauna Lani Oasis| Beach Club, Pool, Spa, Golf Cart
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Stunning Ocean View Villa with Concierge Services
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Fabulous Pauoa Beach Ocean Views
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Balinese-style home in Pauoa Beach Hawaii
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Blue Lagoon
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Blue Lagoon - Massive estate on the Kona Coast
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Waimea?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Waimea based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff And Suzanne | 103 | $11,935,736 | 2217 | 4.90/5.0 |
| South Kohala | 50 | $4,036,088 | 221 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Resortica | 23 | $2,115,805 | 517 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Gather Vacations | 14 | $1,720,629 | 171 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Allyson Micheals-Simmons | 12 | $1,324,472 | 601 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Peter | 2 | $1,129,373 | 63 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Julie | 3 | $1,081,932 | 36 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Abita Luxury Rentals | 6 | $963,662 | 115 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Equity Residences | 4 | $957,339 | 23 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Krish | 6 | $872,275 | 61 | 4.98/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Waimea.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Waimea?
Waimea is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Waimea
- With 77.7% Superhosts, Waimea has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 45.1% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 8.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 69.6% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Waimea averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Waimea
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Waimea, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Kohala | 50 | $4,036,088 | $1,132 | 30.4% | 4.89/5 |
| Resortica | 23 | $2,115,805 | $502 | 57.0% | 4.86/5 |
| Gather Vacations | 14 | $1,720,629 | $1,289 | 42.9% | 4.96/5 |
| Equity Residences | 4 | $957,339 | $1,979 | 47.8% | 4.89/5 |
| Krish | 6 | $872,275 | $1,126 | 54.0% | 4.98/5 |
| CoralTree Residence Collection | 20 | $757,087 | $700 | 26.1% | 4.87/5 |
| Mauna Kea Residences | 9 | $605,521 | $1,452 | 21.6% | 5.00/5 |
| Lanui Realty Inc | 5 | $537,530 | $437 | 71.3% | 4.84/5 |
| Kona Coast Vacations | 15 | $506,543 | $633 | 23.0% | 4.93/5 |
| Island Beach Rentals | 6 | $478,901 | $473 | 36.7% | 4.88/5 |
Management Company Insights for Waimea
- The leading management company, South Kohala, operates 50 listings with $4,036,088 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Waimea.
- Top managers average 15 properties each, suggesting professional management in Waimea still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.91/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Waimea's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Waimea Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Kula, Waimea has 34 percentage points lower occupancy and about $433 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kula | 11 | $9,049 | $398.16 | 76% |
| Wailea-Makena | 12 | $8,975 | $867.76 | 46% |
| Puakō | 65 | $7,693 | $939.23 | 43% |
| Makawao | 19 | $7,645 | $443.19 | 66% |
| Hana | 69 | $7,513 | $413.90 | 64% |
| Honalo | 23 | $6,915 | $437.19 | 54% |
| Kapalua | 308 | $6,814 | $734.68 | 40% |
| Paia | 87 | $6,626 | $556.77 | 48% |
| Waikoloa Beach Resort | 27 | $6,526 | $560.16 | 47% |
| Kaanapali | 1,634 | $6,031 | $871.74 | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Waimea
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Waimea.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waimea?
Waimea hosts earn about $97,631 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $831 and RevPAR of $341. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Waimea, Hawaii, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Waimea market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waimea?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waimea is 42.4%. January is the strongest month and September is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Waimea?
Listings in Waimea average $831 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Waimea?
Waimea currently has about 421 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Waimea?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Waimea as High. The dataset also shows about 72.2% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Waimea?
RevPAR in Waimea is about $341. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Waimea?
At 42.4% occupancy, Waimea can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $97,631, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Waimea?
The average booking lead time in Waimea is about 102 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Waimea?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Waimea include Waimea Beach, Haleiwa, Kohala Coast. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Waimea?
entire_home listings make up 97.1% of the active supply in Waimea. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Waimea compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kula posts $108,584 in average annual revenue with 75.7% occupancy, compared to Waimea's $97,631 and 42.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Waimea?
The average Airbnb stay length in Waimea is about 6.1 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Waimea?
Airbnb listings in Waimea average 4.89 out of 5 overall. About 39.0% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Waimea?
Dishes and silverware and Essentials are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Waimea. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Waimea?
Yes. About 94.5% of active Airbnb listings in Waimea charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $647. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Waimea?
A 77.7% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.