City Profile
Lahaina, Hawaii
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Lahaina is a historic town on West Maui renowned for its rich heritage as the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its stunning oceanfront backdrop. The community is defined by its deep cultural roots, scenic beauty, and a powerful sense of resilience following the devastating August 2023 wildfires. Today, the town is undergoing a careful, community-led rebuilding process that honors its past while shaping a sustainable future.
Hawaii is characterized by its unique island geography, diverse cultural heritage, and a pervasive "Aloha Spirit" emphasizing love, compassion, and community. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which is the largest industry, contributing significantly to the state's gross product. Other major industries include military defense, diversified agriculture, and emerging sectors like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Living in Hawaii is notably expensive, with a cost of living index nearly double the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs due to its isolated location and dependence on imports. The climate is tropical with year-round warm temperatures, consistent trade winds, and distinct wet and dry seasons, though local variations can range from humid tropical to alpine. The lifestyle is generally laid-back and deeply connected to outdoor activities and nature, with residents enjoying a high life expectancy.
How this 47/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 30% | 22.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 155.0 | 0.0 | 25% | 0.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $84,000 Income needed to live here: $70,000 Unemployment rate: 5.2% | 55.0 | 20% | 11.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.5% | 50.0 | 15% | 7.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 10% | 6.2 |
| Overall score | 47.2 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 3 (deep think) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Living in Lahaina is notably expensive, driven primarily by its island geography which requires the importation of most goods, energy, and food. Post-wildfire housing constraints have further accelerated living costs, making everyday expenses significantly higher than the U.S. national average. Residents often balance these high costs against the exceptional climate and unparalleled natural surroundings.
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The local economy is heavily anchored by tourism, hospitality, and retail, complemented by a surging construction and rebuilding sector. Employment opportunities largely center around resort operations, ocean recreation, dining, and local small businesses servicing the West Maui region. While remote work has grown, the primary economic drivers remain tied to the hospitality and recovery industries.
The average salary in Lahaina is $62,000 per year. You would need approximately $70,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Lahaina relies heavily on personal vehicles, with the Honoapiilani Highway serving as the essential and sole major thoroughfare connecting West Maui to the rest of the island. Public transit options like the Maui Bus provide regional service, but schedules and routes are limited compared to mainland urban centers. Walkability is favorable within specific historic and resort cores, but overall car dependency remains high.
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