Is broadband internet available?

Broadband reaches 58.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.

How close is healthcare?

Molokai General Hospital is 9.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

Kalawao County

HI · Pop. 43 · Rural County

62/100Homestead Score

Kalawao County sits in Hawaii across 12 square miles, home to 43 people at 3.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 12b with a 365-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F and average winter lows of 63.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 38.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Molokai General Hospital is 9.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 58.5% of homes.

Growing Season: 365 days

Broadband: 58.5%

Density: 3.6/sq mi

Pros

A long 365-day growing season in USDA zone 12b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
At 3.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
A median household income of $86,250 anchors the local economy.

Cons

Broadband reaches only 58.5% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
The nearest hospital, Molokai General Hospital, is 9.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
A poverty rate of 31.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.

At a glance

Kalawao County, HI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score: 62/100
Growing season: 365 days (zone 12b)
Annual rainfall: 38.6"
Broadband: 58.5%
Nearest hospital: Molokai General Hospital, 9.1 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Median Household Income$86,250

Poverty Rate31.7%

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone12b

Growing Season365 days

Annual Rainfall38.6 inches

Avg Summer High84.5°F

Avg Winter Low63.8°F

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10

Wildfire2/10

Tornado1/10

Flood1/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalMolokai General Hospital (9.1 mi)

Emergency RoomNo

Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage58.5%

Homesteading in Kalawao County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Kalawao County?: Kalawao County is in USDA hardiness zone 12b with a 365-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F, and average winter lows of 63.8°F.
Is broadband internet available?: Broadband reaches 58.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?: Molokai General Hospital is 9.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Data sources

Verified June 2026

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.