Hilo Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Hawaii, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Hilo in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Hilo, Hawaii, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Hilo, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 358 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Hilo, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Hilo Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Hilo Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$182
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Hilo.
Occupancy Rate(?)
52.0%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$32,445
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Hilo. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
4.1%
Positive growth (4.1%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Hilo.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Hilo.
STR Regulation Level(?)
High
Strict regulations. Compliance is crucial (licensing, taxes, stay limits may apply).
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
358
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Hilo (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,416+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,225 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,561 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,294, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Hilo

Hilo Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Hilo STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Hilo:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 76% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 55%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 30% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Hilo

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Hilo (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Hilo involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Hilo 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 $317+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $200 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $145 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $100 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Hilo

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Hilo (2025)

Peak Season (January, December, June)
  • Revenue averages $3,721 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 54.9%
  • Daily rates average $187
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,271 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 52.5%
  • Daily rates hold near $180
Low Season (September, October, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,829 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 49.6%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $175

Seasonality Insights for Hilo

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Hilo shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Hilo's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,024, occupancy reaching a high of 61.7%, and ADRs peaking at $194.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,567, occupancy could drop to 46.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $173.
  • 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 Hilo.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Hilo seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Hilo (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Hilo? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Downtown Hilo
Charming downtown area with a rich history and local shops. It's a great spot for tourists looking to explore Hilo's cultural sites and waterfront parks.
Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo Farmers Market, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Hilo Art Museum, Coconut Island
Hilo Bay
Scenic bay area known for its beautiful views and water activities. Ideal for guests wanting to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with proximity to beaches.
Hilo Bay, Carlsmith Beach Park, Reeds Bay Beach Park, Coconut Island, Hilo Harbor
Keaau
A growing area close to Hilo with a blend of local lifestyle and access to nature. Attractive for families and those wanting a quieter stay near Hilo.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, Mauna Loa Observatory
Laupahoehoe
A picturesque coastal area known for stunning cliffs and waterfalls. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Laupahoehoe Point, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Akaka Falls State Park
Pahoa
A unique town known for its eclectic community and access to natural wonders. Appeals to visitors looking for a more offbeat experience.
Pahoa's Black Sand Beach, Lava Tree State Monument, Ahalanui Park
Volcano Village
Close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, ideal for visitors wanting easy access to hiking and volcanic landscapes.
Kilauea Volcano, Thurston Lava Tube, Jaggar Museum
Onomea Bay
Known for its lush landscapes and scenic views. Attractive to those looking for a retreat in nature, away from the hustle of city life.
Onomea Bay Trail, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Bernice P. Bishop Museum
Hamakuapoko
A coastal area that offers access to beautiful cliffs and ocean views. Great for adventure seekers and those looking to explore Hawaii's unique environment.
Hamakuapoko Bay, Waipi'o Valley, Akaka Falls

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Hilo (2025)

Yes, Hilo, Hawaii, United States enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Hilo to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 43% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Hilo (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Hilobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

The Falls at Reed's Island: Luxury Waterfall Oasis

The Falls at Reed's Island: Luxury Waterfall Oasis

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$266,303
Revenue
77.6%
Occupancy
$894.96
Daily Rate
Eccentric Historic Mansion steps to beach with AC

Eccentric Historic Mansion steps to beach with AC

Entire Place • 8 bedrooms

$216,103
Revenue
73.5%
Occupancy
$802.63
Daily Rate
Lux.Beach House-5 Bdrm, 5 Bth, Sleeps 16. Hilo Bay

Lux.Beach House-5 Bdrm, 5 Bth, Sleeps 16. Hilo Bay

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$174,124
Revenue
67.6%
Occupancy
$700.48
Daily Rate
Hilo Villa w/pool- 16 guests max

Hilo Villa w/pool- 16 guests max

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$155,193
Revenue
73.4%
Occupancy
$526.13
Daily Rate
Oceanfront House with Panoramic Views of Hilo Bay!

Oceanfront House with Panoramic Views of Hilo Bay!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$153,163
Revenue
66.9%
Occupancy
$610.19
Daily Rate
Hilo Nui home, free parking

Hilo Nui home, free parking

Private Room • N/A

$142,101
Revenue
67.2%
Occupancy
$632.42
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Hilo (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Hilo based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Richard6$644,4742854.81/5.0
Jessica8$500,4691184.76/5.0
Maggie11$473,8857784.75/5.0
Terry10$449,9884194.82/5.0
Garden Manor5$339,8263194.87/5.0
Jeffrey Keith1$266,30375.00/5.0
Robert And Erinn2$245,941524.99/5.0
Robert9$212,2122234.64/5.0
Travis & Shauna3$185,0013054.73/5.0
Issa9$177,4729584.58/5.0

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 Hilo.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Hilo STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Hilo. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Hilo Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Hilo

  • The Hilo Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 76.5% of the 358 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Hilo, House properties are the most common (41.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 41.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 13.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 3.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Hilo Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Hilo

  • The dominant room capacity in Hilo is 1 bedroom listings, making up 33.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 60.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Hilo, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

Hilo Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Hilo

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Hilo vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (26.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Hilo STR market, accounting for 48.3% of listings.
  • 23.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Hilo.
  • On average, properties in Hilo are equipped to host 3.6 guests.

Hilo Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Hilo

  • The most common availability pattern in Hilo falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 30.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 52.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Hilo (30.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 48.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Hilo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (29%)

1 Night

99 listings

29% of total

2 Nights (29%)

2 Nights

99 listings

29% of total

3 Nights (16.7%)

3 Nights

57 listings

16.7% of total

4-6 Nights (4.1%)

4-6 Nights

14 listings

4.1% of total

7-29 Nights (5%)

7-29 Nights

17 listings

5% of total

30+ Nights (16.1%)

30+ Nights

55 listings

16.1% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Hilo is 1 Night, adopted by 29% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (16.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Hilo, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 29% of Hilo hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 29% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Hilo.

Hilo Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days

1 listings

0.3% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

3 listings

0.9% of total

Flexible (16.4%)

Flexible

56 listings

16.4% of total

Moderate (20.8%)

Moderate

71 listings

20.8% of total

Firm (29.3%)

Firm

100 listings

29.3% of total

Strict (32.3%)

Strict

110 listings

32.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Hilo

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Hilo is Strict, used by 32.3% of listings.
  • A majority (61.6%) of hosts in Hilo 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 32.3% market standard in Hilo.
  • With 32.3% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Hilo, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Hilo.

Hilo STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Hilo

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Hilo is 62 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 90 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 54 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (78 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (61 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (62 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Hilo.
  • For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 90 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 78 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Hilo averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Hilo (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Hilo

  • Essential amenities in Hilo that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Hilo: Wifi.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Smoke alarm or Free parking on premises to increase appeal.
  • 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 Hilo to stay competitive.

Hilo Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Hilo

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Hilo consists of primarily domestic travelers (83%), often arriving from nearby Honolulu, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 83.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (83%) and Canada (4.4%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (62.9%) followed by Spanish (9.8%).
  • 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 Honolulu and Los Angeles.
  • 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.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Hilo 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Nīnole10$10,470$1172.5656%
Hana68$7,428$408.4166%
Honalo22$7,294$405.3759%
Waimea361$7,118$715.6644%
Paia84$6,976$509.7754%
Kula14$6,937$333.1671%
Puakō63$6,697$669.6447%
Waikoloa Beach Resort26$5,982$480.3249%
Makawao20$5,793$405.1651%
Kapalua311$5,555$669.5538%

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