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

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-11-01

Is Airbnb profitable in Lihue in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Lihue, Hawaii, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Lihue, based on AirROI data from November 2024 to October 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 305 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Lihue, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Lihue 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 Lihue Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$388
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Lihue.
Occupancy Rate(?)
43.9%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$47,274
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Lihue. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
13.3%
Strong growth (13.3%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Lihue.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Lihue.
STR Regulation Level(?)
High
Strict regulations. Compliance is crucial (licensing, taxes, stay limits may apply).
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
305
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

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

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lihue 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 Lihue is typically February, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lihue across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,977+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $7,298 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $4,643 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,312, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lihue

Lihue Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

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

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 87%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 73% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 48%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 23% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lihue

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

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lihue involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lihue typically peaks in June 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 $561+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $422 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $326 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $250 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lihue

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Lihue (2025)

Peak Season (February, March, January)
  • Revenue averages $6,286 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 56.6%
  • Daily rates average $384
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $5,470 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 48.1%
  • Daily rates hold near $383
Low Season (September, October, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $4,526 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 41.7%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $375

Seasonality Insights for Lihue

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Lihue 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 Lihue's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $6,423, occupancy reaching a high of 61.2%, and ADRs peaking at $395.
  • 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 $4,475, occupancy could drop to 40.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $373.
  • 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 Lihue.

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 Lihue seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Lihue (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lihue? 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
Kalapaki Beach
Stunning beach known for its calm waters, ideal for families and those looking to relax or engage in water activities. Close to hotels, dining, and shopping options, making it a favored spot for tourists.
Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kukui Grove Center, Coconut Marketplace, Lihue Lighthouse
Lihue Town Center
The main commercial hub of Kauai with a mix of local shops, eateries, and historical sites. Offers a unique look into local culture and is conveniently located for visitors.
Kauai Museum, Lihue Town Park, Vidinha Stadium, Cook Island, Local restaurants and cafes
Nawiliwili Harbor
A working harbor that's picturesque and offers cruises and water activities. Attractive to travelers arriving by cruise ships and looking for adventures on the water.
Nawiliwili Harbor, Wailua Falls, Pedal Kayak Tours, Boat excursions
Puhi
A developing area close to industrial and business sectors, ideal for longer-term stays for those in business or working at local companies, with access to local dining.
Puhi Sand Dunes, Local shops and eating establishments, Garden Isle Bicycles
Hanamaulu
A quaint community with scenic views of the coastline, known for its beautiful beaches and local charm. Great for travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
Hanamaulu Beach Park, Kealia Beach, Local fish shacks
Hanalei
A little more distant from Lihue, but a stunning bay area known for its lush scenery and magical sunset views. Attractive to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, Hanalei Bay, Na Pali Coast Hiking
Kapa'a
A vibrant town with a lively arts scene and tourism-friendly atmosphere. Offers beautiful beaches, shopping, and dining options, great for visitors and retreats.
Kapaʻa Beach Park, Kealia Beach, Local markets and shops
Wailua
Renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes, Wailua attracts those wanting to explore Kauai's nature and culture. Great for adventure seekers and families.
Wailua Falls, Secret Falls, Wailua River Kayaking, Local luaus

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

Yes, Lihue, 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 Lihue to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 74% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Lihue (2025)

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

Kalapaki Cliffside Penthouse

Kalapaki Cliffside Penthouse

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$345,098
Revenue
66.6%
Occupancy
$1428.21
Daily Rate
4 bedrooms & 2 sleepers @ Kalapaki Bay Oceanfront

4 bedrooms & 2 sleepers @ Kalapaki Bay Oceanfront

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$242,869
Revenue
71.8%
Occupancy
$913.65
Daily Rate
Private Cliffside Ohana Retreat at Kalapaki Beach!

Private Cliffside Ohana Retreat at Kalapaki Beach!

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$238,053
Revenue
57.6%
Occupancy
$1341.35
Daily Rate
Spectacular Oceanfront Getaway at Kalapaki Beach

Spectacular Oceanfront Getaway at Kalapaki Beach

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$223,370
Revenue
62.2%
Occupancy
$895.37
Daily Rate
Oceanfront AC Living, Sleeps 10!

Oceanfront AC Living, Sleeps 10!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$207,960
Revenue
57.1%
Occupancy
$1084.85
Daily Rate
Honu Oceanfront Beach Home: sleeps 9!

Honu Oceanfront Beach Home: sleeps 9!

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$188,790
Revenue
48.0%
Occupancy
$1163.83
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 Lihue (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lihue 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
Kanani15$1,126,3503534.75/5.0
Susanne6$790,4344114.76/5.0
LiveSuites9$645,0591044.89/5.0
⁨Extra Holidays®⁩12$526,7162474.40/5.0
Plushy3$522,9981354.73/5.0
Briana7$487,7119654.92/5.0
Live Suite14$473,919674.78/5.0
Jennifer10$464,4986414.82/5.0
Eich8$413,56710Not Rated
Mick8$376,9741524.91/5.0

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 Lihue.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Lihue STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

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

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Lihue

  • The Lihue Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.6% of the 305 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Lihue, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (76.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • The presence of 15.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

Lihue Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Lihue

  • The dominant room capacity in Lihue is 1 bedroom listings, making up 46.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 77.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Lihue, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • Listings with 3+ bedrooms (3.6%) represent a smaller niche, potentially indicating an underserved market for larger group accommodations in Lihue.

Lihue Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Lihue

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Lihue vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (41.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
  • Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Lihue STR market, accounting for 66.2% of listings.
  • 25.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lihue.
  • On average, properties in Lihue are equipped to host 4.0 guests.

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

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Lihue

  • The most common availability pattern in Lihue falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 43% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 68.6% 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 Lihue (25.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 32.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Lihue Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (6.9%)

1 Night

21 listings

6.9% of total

2 Nights (34.4%)

2 Nights

105 listings

34.4% of total

3 Nights (7.9%)

3 Nights

24 listings

7.9% of total

4-6 Nights (9.5%)

4-6 Nights

29 listings

9.5% of total

7-29 Nights (2%)

7-29 Nights

6 listings

2% of total

30+ Nights (39.3%)

30+ Nights

120 listings

39.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lihue is 30+ Nights, adopted by 39.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (39.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Lihue, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 39.3% of Lihue hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 6.9% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (34.4%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 39.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lihue.

Lihue Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days (8.5%)

Super Strict 60 Days

26 listings

8.5% of total

Refundable

5 listings

1.6% of total

Non-refundable

8 listings

2.6% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

2 listings

0.7% of total

Flexible

4 listings

1.3% of total

Moderate (13.8%)

Moderate

42 listings

13.8% of total

Firm (35.7%)

Firm

109 listings

35.7% of total

Strict (35.7%)

Strict

109 listings

35.7% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Lihue

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lihue is Firm, used by 35.7% of listings.
  • A majority (71.4%) of hosts in Lihue utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 35.7% market standard in Lihue.
  • With 35.7% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Lihue, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Lihue.

Lihue STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Lihue

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lihue is 59 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 75 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 53 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Fall (67 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (55 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (59 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lihue.
  • For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 75 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 67 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lihue averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Lihue (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Lihue

  • Essential amenities in Lihue that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like TV, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Lihue.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Lihue: Wifi.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Smoke alarm 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 Lihue to stay competitive.

Lihue 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 Lihue

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lihue consists of primarily domestic travelers (90%), 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 89.9% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (89.9%) and Canada (4%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (66.6%) followed by Spanish (11.4%).
  • 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 Seattle.
  • 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 Lihue 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
Anahola23$14,186$850.4858%
Mākaha Valley96$13,504$698.3369%
Haena12$12,396$1119.7051%
Kilauea39$11,286$1050.7953%
Koloa195$10,438$1073.8449%
Kekaha15$9,008$548.0562%
Poipu1,142$7,020$591.6950%
Kapolei502$6,988$693.0144%
Hanalei424$6,902$562.1750%
Kapaa232$5,895$432.5255%

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