Performance indicators for the Hilo short-term rental market based on reliable data.
Listings
Reliable / Active
Cap Rate
Middle-Earners Gross Yield
Revenue
Middle-Earners Revenue
Occupancy
Middle-Earners Occupancy
Home Value
Median Home Sale Price
Top Earners
Top-Earners Revenue
The highest-performing listings in Hilo.
Loading top listings...
Challenging to Investors
Hilo's STR regulations are challenging for investors due to strict zoning restrictions that limit operations to specific districts (V, CG, CV, limited resort areas, RM condos), effectively prohibiting most residential properties. The $500 initial registration fee, $1M insurance requirement, NUC program for pre-2019 properties, and comprehensive documentation/compliance obligations create significant barriers to entry and ongoing operational complexity.
Local STR Agent
STR specialist · Hilo, HI
Hilo is a charming city located on the northeastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, known for its lush, tropical landscapes and rich cultural history. With a population of approximately 45,000 residents, Hilo offers a blend of small-town friendliness and the amenities of a larger urban area. It serves as the county seat of Hawaii County and is around 200 miles away from Honolulu, the closest major city located on the island of Oahu.
Potential visitors are often drawn to Hilo for its natural beauty and close proximity to significant attractions. Key landmarks include the Liliuokalani Gardens (https://www.hiloorchidshow.org/liliuokalani-gardens/),,) a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum (https://tsunami.org/),,) which provides insightful exhibits on the impact of tsunamis in the region. Hilo is also near the stunning Rainbow Falls (https://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/rainbow-falls/),,) a picturesque waterfall that’s easily accessible and offers excellent photo opportunities.
Another major draw for visitors is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm),,) located about 30 miles southwest of Hilo. This park is home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and educational exhibits about geological activity.
For those considering short-term rentals, Hilo offers a variety of options, from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to vacation homes that provide a more personal and immersive experience of the island. The city's unique blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and relative proximity to other islands makes it an appealing destination for short stays.