Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Kapaa and Mililani, Hawaii. Using Hawaii's 0.28% property tax rate and $1,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Mililani edges out Kapaa in affordability, saving you roughly $189/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Hawaii, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Hawaii's 0.28% property tax rate.
Buying in Mililani saves you approximately $189/month ($2,268/year) compared to Kapaa, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Mililani is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $815K versus $845K in Kapaa. That's $30K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $29K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Mililani, compared to $30K in Kapaa. Hawaii offers the HHFDC Hula Mae Program program (Below-market rate mortgages) which applies in both cities.
Mililani has the better price-to-rent ratio at 27.7x versus 29.6x in Kapaa. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Mililani is $2,450/month on a $815K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Mililani (pop. 28,608) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Kapaa (pop. 10,699) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Mililani offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.