Makaha, a census-designated place on the leeward coast of Oahu in Honolulu County, has been named the poorest town in Hawaii for 2024 and 2025. This distinction is based on a combination of economic indicators, including median household income, poverty rate, and employment opportunities, which together paint a challenging picture for many of its residents.
Economic Indicators
Makaha’s economic difficulties are starkly reflected in its statistics. The median household income in Makaha is the lowest in the state, standing at $57,235 according to recent analyses1. Other sources, including 2025 data, report a slightly higher median of $63,291, but this remains well below state and national averages. The poverty rate is the highest in Hawaii, reaching 24–25.2%, meaning nearly one in four residents lives below the poverty line. With a population of just over 10,000, this translates to more than 2,400 people in poverty.
While the average household income is reported at $78,003, this figure is skewed by a small number of higher-earning households and does not reflect the economic reality for most residents. The per capita income is $45,901, which further underscores the financial challenges faced by individuals in the community.
Social and Demographic Context
Makaha is a diverse community, with significant populations of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander residents (over 26%), as well as people identifying as two or more races, White, and Asian. The median age is around 37, and most residents are U.S. citizens. Homeownership is relatively low at 41%, and the median property value is $416,100—affordable by Hawaii standards but still a barrier for many local families.
Transportation and employment also present challenges. The majority of Makaha residents commute long distances for work, with an average commute time of nearly 50 minutes, and most households own two cars. This reliance on commuting reflects limited local job opportunities, a key factor in the town’s economic struggles.
Cost of Living and Quality of Life
One mitigating factor is that the cost of living in Makaha is somewhat lower than in many other parts of Hawaii, particularly when it comes to housing. However, this relative affordability does not fully offset the impact of low wages and high unemployment. The lack of well-paying jobs is cited as a primary reason for Makaha’s economic ranking.
Despite these challenges, Makaha remains a culturally rich and resilient community. Its residents maintain strong family and community ties, and the area is known for its natural beauty, including beaches and scenic landscapes. Nevertheless, the economic realities faced by many Makaha families highlight the persistent inequalities that exist even in paradise.
Makaha’s designation as the poorest town in Hawaii is rooted in its low median income, high poverty rate, and limited employment opportunities. While the cost of living is lower than in some other Hawaiian locales, it is not enough to counterbalance the economic hardships faced by a significant portion of the population. These challenges underscore the need for targeted economic development and social support to improve the quality of life for Makaha’s residents.
Sources
[1] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-hawaii/
[2] http://www.worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/hawaii/makaha
[3] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/hawaii/makaha
[4] https://www.dwellhawaii.com/blog/moving-to-hawaii/
[5] https://datausa.io/profile/geo/makaha-hi/