Americans Are Flocking to These 3 Fastest-Growing Counties in Hawaii

Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii view from sea sunset cruise tour. Nature coastline landscape in Kauai island, Hawaii, USA. Hawaii travel.
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Written by Lisa Bohler

Updated: October 11, 2023

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Anaehoomalu Bay is located in Hawaii County, the second largest county in Hawaii.

Anaehoomalu Bay is located in Hawaii County and has a population of less than 75,000.

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Hawaii is a state consisting of 138 islands. Only seven of those islands are populated by people. Aloha is the native word for hello and goodbye on the islands, and the state of Hawaii is nicknamed the Aloha State. There are only five counties in Hawaii, and between 2020 and 2021, only three saw an increase in population. Of the three fastest-growing counties in Hawaii, only one had a population increase of more than 20.

Hawaii is the only state you can mail a coconut from. It introduced us to the hula dance, surfing, and Bette Midler. The islands are home to volcanoes and a wide variety of birds and animals, but there are no snakes native to the islands.

Counties in Hawaii

Wailea Beach near Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Wailea Beach is in Maui County, the third largest county in Hawaii.

©Elena_Suvorova/Shutterstock.com

Hawaii is home to five counties. They are Kalawao, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. The population density varies greatly between these counties. That is because some counties are on more remote islands and have experienced less commercial development. Living on one of these islands means living in beautiful surroundings with fewer job opportunities.

On the Hawaiian Islands, tourism is the number one economic source. Island residents work in the service and entertainment industries that help promote and encourage tourists. Maui County and Honolulu County saw population decreases between July 2021 and July 2022.

Top Three Fastest Growing Counties in The Aloha State

3. Kalawao County

Kalawao is the fifth-largest county in Hawaii but has had the third biggest population growth in the last year.

Molokai’s Kalaupapa Peninsula is located in Kalawao County, the fifth-largest county in Hawaii.

©iStock.com/John Richard Stephens

Kalawao County is located on a portion of the Molokai island called Kalaupapa, Waikolu, and the Kalaupapa Settlement. Unfortunately, this county was created for people afflicted with Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Therefore, the island was controlled by governing laws created by the Department of Health from 1866 until 1969.

The county made the list of the three fastest-growing counties in Hawaii because it had a population increase of two from 2021 until 2022. The population of Kalawao was 82 as of July 1st, 2022. Kalawao County covers 53 square miles. The 53 miles are divided into 12 square miles of land and 41 square miles of water. So, 77% of the county is water.

The residents of Kalawao County enjoy the beautiful landscape and the quiet of living in such an isolated location. Life is simple, and the people enjoy traditional activities like growing gardens, fishing, and the island’s wonders.

2. Kauai County

Kauai County is the fourth-largest county in Hawaii but has had the second largest population growth in the last year.

Twin waterfalls are located in Kauai County, the fourth-largest county in Hawaii.

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Kauai County is part of Kauai Island. The main reason why Americans are flocking to this location is because Kauai is known as the most beautiful Hawaiian island. Even though Kauai is the most beautiful island and one of the three fastest-growing counties in Hawaii, the population growth from 2021 to 2022 was only +19.

Kauai County is larger than Kalawao County. Kauai covers 1,266 square miles. However, just like Kalawao, Kauai County covers more water than land. Kauai has 629 square miles of land and 646 square miles of water. That means 51% of Kauai County is water.

Kauai County is great for hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, and outdoor activities. However, this island paradise does not attract as many permanent residents as other locations because few places embrace today’s technology. As a result, you will find few restaurants, no large shopping malls, and very few places where you would pay for entertainment. So, the island’s people live simple lives and get their entertainment from the natural surroundings.

1. Hawaii County

Hawaii County is the second-largest county in Hawaii, but has had the largest population growth in the last year.

Hawaii County is the second-largest county in Hawaii and is home to Hilo, Hawaii.

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Number one of the three fastest-growing counties in Hawaii is Hawaii County. Between July 2021 and July 2022, this county saw a population increase of 2,523. Therefore, more Americans are flocking to Hawaii County instead of the smaller counties because of the opportunity for employment and the technologically advanced development that appeals to people today. Hawaii offers natural beauty, a year-round warm climate, and the modern conveniences of airports, restaurants, reliable internet, and more.

The county of Hawaii covers 5,097 square miles. Hawaii County is larger than Kalawao or Kauai County and has the distinction of covering more land than water. It covers 4,028.02 square miles of land and only 1,058.69 square miles of water. The land portion represents 62.7% of the land in the entire state.

Summary of the Fastest Growing Counties in Hawaii

County20212022Growth
Kalowao8082+2
Kauai73,79173,810+19
Hawaii203,792206,315+2,523
Population Estimate Datasets, according to the United States Census Department

Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It boasts a diverse culture and a rich history. The native people are friendly and welcoming, and it offers miles of beaches, flora, and fauna unique to the islands.


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About the Author

Lisa Bohler is a writer for A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Lisa has been writing and researching animals for over 12 years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Creative Writing from Liberty University, which she earned in 2021. A resident of Texas, Lisa enjoys fishing, gardening, and caring for the animals on her small hobby farm.

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