A Critical Look: HHF’s 2025 Housing Survey Report
The 2025 Hawai‘i’s Housing Survey, conducted by Housing Hawai‘i’s Future in collaboration with Anthology Research, paints a sobering yet galvanizing portrait of a state in the grip of a housing affordability crisis. With responses from 662 residents across all islands and demographics, the survey highlights widespread frustration, generational divides, and a growing desire for bold policy solutions.
Housing affordability is the most pressing issue in the state, eclipsing concerns about cost of living and homelessness. An overwhelming 91% of respondents said the cost of buying a home is a major problem, with renters, large households, and multigenerational families expressing particularly high concern. Renters, meanwhile, are also deeply burdened, with 83% labeling rental prices as a major issue.
The survey results reveal a tale of two concerns: inadequate supply and incessant demand. Most residents (60%) see the housing crisis as a dual issue of limited supply and overwhelming demand, underscoring the need for holistic solutions.
Support for state-level intervention is strong: 66% believe the state legislature should prioritize building homes over preserving county-level planning authority. Similarly, 69% support diversifying housing types to serve residents across life stages and income levels, rather than preserving traditional community aesthetics.
Under the status quo, a sizable chunk of Hawai‘i’s young people doubt a future in the islands Young people seem to doubt Hawai‘i’s future. While younger residents (18–34) are somewhat more optimistic than their older counterparts, they are also the most likely to consider leaving the islands due to housing costs: 45% are contemplating moving within five years.
A locals-only housing market—restricting certain homes to state residents—receives the highest support, especially among older adults. Transit-oriented development, funding for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), and expediting state-level housing approvals also receive strong backing.
Younger residents show greater support for proposals that speed up construction and funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, reflecting their urgency in securing viable housing options. Among homeowners, nearly one in five say they’d accept a lower offer from a local buyer over a higher bid from an out-of-state investor, especially if the home would remain locally owned forever.
Despite strong opinions, residents are largely dissatisfied with government responses. Approval ratings for both county and state efforts fall below the midpoint on a four-point scale, with Maui County and the State Legislature receiving the lowest scores. Notably, only 8% of all respondents strongly approve of the state’s performance on affordable housing.
The findings are clear: Hawai‘i’s housing challenges are urgent, deeply felt, and generationally consequential.
It is self-evident that residents want action, especially young adults who face the toughest odds.
For local and state officials, developers, and community leaders, the message is unequivocal: bold, inclusive, and scalable solutions are not only needed. They are expected.
Housing Hawai‘i’s Future calls this report a call to action—one rooted in the voices of residents, led by the aspirations of a generation determined to stay home.
