Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Lahaina and Waipahu, Hawaii. Using Hawaii's 0.28% property tax rate and $1,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Waipahu edges out Lahaina in affordability, saving you roughly $1,449/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 Waipahu saves you approximately $1,449/month ($17,388/year) compared to Lahaina, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Waipahu is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $695K versus $925K in Lahaina. That's $230K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $24K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Waipahu, compared to $32K in Lahaina. Hawaii offers the HHFDC Hula Mae Program program (Below-market rate mortgages) which applies in both cities.
Waipahu has the better price-to-rent ratio at 26.9x versus 29.9x in Lahaina. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Waipahu is $2,150/month on a $695K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Waipahu (pop. 38,216) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Lahaina (pop. 12,702) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Waipahu offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.