Inside the Most Expensive ZIP Code in Hawaii

by Jessica Flint

Of the five main regions on Kauai, Hawaii’s northernmost island in the Pacific Ocean, the North Shore is known for its beaches, mountains and greenery. The rural, rugged area, where farming also takes place, is home to about a half-dozen small communities, each with their own vibes: Princeville, for example, is a popular vacation destination; Hanalei is an iconic surfing spot. Then there is Kilauea, which was developed in the late 1800s in conjunction with the Kilauea Sugar Plantation. Today, Kilauea has a locals-oriented atmosphere, where children freely ride bikes and roadside fruit stands are seasonally plentiful. Yet despite its low-key feel, Kilauea’s 96754 ZIP Code has Hawaii’s priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, at $4.1 million in December 2024, according to Realtor.com. (News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, also operates Realtor.com.)

Opened in 2004, this lunch and dinner spot is known for its local fish. The ahi tuna wrap is the No. 1 seller. There is also fresh fish for sale.
Nani Welch Keliihoomalu for WSJ

This 30-acre park has an 18-hole mini golf course surrounded by a Hawaiian botanical garden and a playground with a volcano, sailing canoe and a sugar cane train.
Nani Welch Keliihoomalu for WSJ

This natural grocery store has a café that serves smoothies, juices and açaí bowls.
Nani Welch Keliihoomalu for WSJ

The Wai Koa Loop trail is about five miles long.
Nani Welch Keliihoomalu for WSJ

Popular hike

The roughly five-mile Wai Koa Loop Trail travels through lush scenery, including a mahogany tree forest, to a stone dam, which was built in the late 1800s by the Kilauea Sugar Plantation. The trail is owned and managed by a private landowner but the Hawaii Land Trust holds a conservation easement preserving access.

Event of the week

On Saturdays, a farmers market is held in Anaina Hou Community Park. There are more than 30 vendors selling Kauai-grown produce as well as locally-made crafts.

3,000

Kilauea’s approximate population, according to census data.

Advice for the buyer

In town, there are smaller residential lots with plantation- and-ranch-style houses, and two-story houses. Demand is high and inventory is low. In town, you might not be able to find a home under $1 million, says Julie A. Black, principal broker and owner of Kauai Dreams Realty. Elsewhere in Kilauea, there is agriculturally-zoned land, where large acreage goes for $2 million and above. There are also areas closer to the ocean with large, custom homes on big lots where prices are currently up to around $12.5 million. “In town, since there isn’t much inventory, buyers should be aggressive,” Black says. “If you are looking at a higher price range, there is probably more selection.”

A house with a Pacific Ocean view in Kilauea.
Nani Welch Keliihoomalu for WSJ

On the market

Kilauea Road

$12.45 Million

4 beds | 4 baths

3,315 sq. ft. | 2.9 acres

This property was built in 1989. The main house has a private pool and a large screened lanai. There is a separate 510-square-foot guest cottage. The property is on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has terrific sunset views. Agent: Danette Andrews, Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty.

Kuhio Highway

$9.7 Million

4 beds | 5 baths

3,554 sq. ft. | 13.45 acres

This Bali-style gated estate was built in 2007. The fully furnished house, which was designed for indoor-outdoor living, features natural materials, including limestone and sapele wood. There is an infinity pool, spa and pavilion. Views are of the Waiakalua Reservoir and surrounding mountains. Agent: Amy Frazier, Hawaii Life.

Anini Vista Drive

$7.995 Million

4 beds | 5 baths

3,649 sq. ft. | 3 acres

This uniquely designed house was influenced by Bali architecture. The primary suite opens to a lanai. The kitchen has stainless steel countertops. There is a pool with a covered pavilion. Views are of the Pacific Ocean. Agents: Brian Axelrod and Doreen Trudeau, Aloha Sotheby’s International Realty; Danette Andrews, Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty.