Property Tax in Hawaii by County
Homeowners in Hawaii pay a median of $2,183 a year in real estate taxes on a median home value of $808,200, according to the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023. The table below covers all 4 counties in the state for which the Census Bureau publishes figures. That state median is about 26% lower than the US median of $2,969.
At the top of the Hawaii table sits Honolulu County, HI (median $2,482); at the bottom, Hawaii County, HI (median $1,392). One state, one tax system on paper — but the bills are set locally, county by county and district by district.
A few distribution facts: the median of Hawaii's county medians is $1,840, 0 of 4 counties exceed the national median of $2,969, and the distance between the cheapest county (Hawaii County, $1,392) and the most expensive (Honolulu County, $2,482) is $1,090 a year.
Population and land tell different stories in Hawaii: Honolulu County leads on population (1,003,666), whereas Hawaii County leads on land area (4,028 square miles). Find both in the county table to see how their tax bills compare.
The state's population centres are Honolulu County (1,003,666 residents; median tax $2,482 on a median value of $873,000), Hawaii County (203,684; $1,392 on $486,400) and Maui County (164,632; $1,442 on $858,600).
Hawaii counties: median property tax
| County | Median tax paid | Median home value | Derived rate* | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu County, HI | $2,482 | $873,000 | 0.28% | 1,003,666 |
| Kauai County, HI | $1,840 | $817,900 | 0.23% | 73,610 |
| Maui County, HI | $1,442 | $858,600 | 0.17% | 164,632 |
| Hawaii County, HI | $1,392 | $486,400 | 0.29% | 203,684 |
*Derived rate = median taxes paid ÷ median home value — an estimate from two survey medians, not an official rate. Counties in bold detail pages are linked; all figures: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023.
How assessment and appeals work in Hawaii
Nobody in Hawaii pays a single statewide property tax. Instead, each property is assessed where it sits — usually by a county assessor — and taxed by the stack of local districts that cover it: the county, often a town or city, a school district, and sometimes fire, water or other special districts. Exemptions, above all a homestead exemption where offered, come off the assessed value before those rates are applied.
Disagree with the value on your assessment notice? The appeal route runs through the local office named on that notice. Ask for your property record card first and audit it for errors in area, rooms or condition; then support your case with recent comparable sales or a professional appraisal. Deadlines are printed on the notice and are strict, commonly only a month or two after assessments are mailed.
Keep in mind that the state-level medians shown here blend very different local markets inside Hawaii. They are a benchmark for comparison, never a prediction of an individual bill — for that, only your own assessment, exemptions and district rates count.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median property tax in Hawaii?
The median real estate tax paid in Hawaii is $2,183 per year, on a median home value of $808,200 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023).
Which Hawaii county has the highest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Honolulu County has the highest median real estate taxes paid at $2,482 per year.
Which Hawaii county has the lowest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Hawaii County has the lowest median real estate taxes paid at $1,392 per year.
How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Hawaii?
Assessments in Hawaii are handled locally, usually by the county assessor or an equivalent local office. If you believe your assessed value is too high, request your property record card, check it for errors, and file an appeal with the local board named on your assessment notice before the deadline printed on that notice — appeal windows are short, often 30 to 90 days.