The poorest town in Hawaii as of recent data is Hawaiian Ocean View. This community stands out for having the lowest median household income in the state, with the typical household earning just around $25,402 annually. This income level is approximately 71.1% lower than Hawaii’s statewide median household income, which highlights severe economic challenges faced by residents there.
Hawaiian Ocean View’s status as the poorest town is supported by various analyses, including U.S. Census data indicating that many other towns in Hawaii have significantly higher median incomes. The economic hardship in Hawaiian Ocean View is compounded by the high cost of living in Hawaii overall, making it especially difficult for residents to maintain financial stability. The situation contrasts sharply with wealthier communities on the islands where median incomes can be many times higher.
Other towns in Hawaii, like Nanakuli and parts of the Waianae coast, are also known for struggling with poverty but do not match the extremely low income levels seen in Hawaiian Ocean View. Despite its financial struggles, Hawaiian Ocean View remains a distinct community with its own unique lifestyle and challenges tied to the island’s broader economic landscape.
Thus, Hawaiian Ocean View holds the distinction of being the poorest town in Hawaii in 2025, according to official income and poverty statistics.
Sources
[1] https://www.civilbeat.org/2011/11/13539-fact-check-white-house-waianae-among-hawaiis-poorest-areas/
[2] https://www.homestratosphere.com/most-affordable-towns-in-hawaii-april-2025/
[3] https://howzitkohala.com/2023/01/08/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-hawaii/
[4] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/26/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-hawaii/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hawaii_locations_by_per_capita_income
