Sticker shock from Maui power bills is real, especially in resort condos. If you own or plan to buy at Honua Kai, you want a clear picture of monthly electricity costs and how to manage them. You also want simple steps that protect your budget whether you use your home occasionally or operate it as a short‑term rental. This guide gives you realistic ranges, the key cost drivers at Honua Kai, and proven ways to control spend. Let’s dive in.
Maui electricity at a glance
Hawaii has the highest residential electricity prices in the country. On Maui, the 2024 average residential price was about 43.59 cents per kWh, according to Hawaiian Electric’s published averages for Maui County. You can see the utility’s current figures on its Average Price of Electricity page at Hawaiian Electric.
Even with relatively low household usage, Hawaii still posts the highest average monthly residential bill in the U.S. In 2023 the statewide average was roughly $213 per month, driven by the high per‑kWh price, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s reporting summarized here.
Time‑of‑use pricing also matters. Hawaiian Electric’s Shift and Save program sets different daytime, peak evening and overnight prices, plus fixed customer and grid access charges. The timing of your usage can change your bill meaningfully. Review current examples on the utility’s Shift and Save rates page.
What drives your Honua Kai bill
Occupancy patterns
How you use the condo is the biggest driver. Owner‑occupied or seasonal use often means lower consumption. Short‑term rental guests typically run air conditioning more, use hot water heavily and generate more laundry and cleaning cycles, which all increase kWh.
High‑usage systems
Air conditioning and water heating are usually the largest loads in a Maui condo. Pool and spa pumps, and any private hot tub equipment, can add continuous draw. Setpoints and guest behavior have a large impact on runtime.
HOA billing structure
Some resort communities bill electricity directly to each unit. Others use a master meter and include power in HOA dues or re‑bill owners by submeter. The structure affects your cash flow and your ability to manage usage. Always confirm how Honua Kai bills for electricity before you rely on a budget.
Time‑of‑use and fixed charges
Modern bills include fixed customer charges, grid access fees and per‑kWh energy charges that vary by time of day. A few evening peak hours can outweigh savings made at other times. If you can shift flexible loads to cheaper windows, your total cost can drop.
EV charging
Adding an electric vehicle increases monthly kWh. Charging during peak evening periods can be expensive, while midday charging can be more favorable under TOU. Check HOA rules and available capacity before planning a charger.
Budget ranges you can use
Use this simple formula: Monthly cost ≈ (kWh × price per kWh) + fixed charges + taxes and surcharges.
The examples below use Maui’s 2024 average price of 43.59 cents per kWh and typical fixed charges. Your actual bills will vary with your rate schedule, TOU timing and the building’s billing method.
Scenario A — owner use, conservative settings
- Estimated usage: 300 to 600 kWh per month
- Estimated total: about $150 to $320 per month
Scenario B — part‑time owner with occasional rentals
- Estimated usage: 400 to 900 kWh per month
- Estimated total: about $175 to $400 per month
Scenario C — active short‑term rental, frequent AC and turnovers
- Estimated usage: 1,000 to 2,000 kWh per month
- Estimated total: about $500 to $1,000+ per month
Tip: If your unit is on a time‑of‑use schedule, the effective per‑kWh price during peak evening hours can be much higher than the average. A few hours of high‑priced usage can double what you expected from a simple average.
How to reduce and control costs
Quick wins with fast payback
- Set thermostats to 76 to 78°F and use ceiling fans to maintain comfort.
- Add clear guest instructions for AC and hot water use if you host rentals.
- Schedule pool or spa pumps to run during lower‑rate periods.
- Switch to LED lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances. Install low‑flow showerheads.
Smarter water heating
Water heating is a major load. Where feasible, consider a solar water heater or a high‑efficiency heat‑pump water heater. Local programs periodically promote solar water heating; watch for updates on Hawaii Energy’s solar water heater rebate information.
Solar PV and batteries
Rooftop solar paired with battery storage can offset grid purchases and provide backup during outages. In condos, any roof‑mounted system on common elements requires HOA approval. Hawaii law protects reasonable placement of solar devices and limits restrictive rules. Review HRS §196‑7 on placement of solar energy devices and confirm your building’s policies.
Federal incentives changed in 2025. The Residential Clean Energy Credit historically covered a percentage of eligible costs, but recent legislation adjusts availability based on placed‑in‑service dates. Always verify current IRS guidance on Form 5695 instructions at the IRS site and consult a tax professional before relying on credits.
Use TOU to your advantage
If your account is on TOU, plan high‑draw tasks when prices are lower. Midday hours can be favorable when renewable generation is abundant. See Hawaiian Electric’s current examples on the Shift and Save rates page.
What to verify with the HOA and seller
Ask for these items early, ideally during due diligence:
- The last 12 months of electricity bills for the unit or the HOA, plus the meter number.
- Whether the unit is individually metered or part of a master meter. If master, request the allocation method and a sample owner statement.
- Any submetering or third‑party billing agreement, including administrative fees.
- HOA rules on thermostats, guest energy policies and quiet hours that affect AC usage.
- Policies and approval steps for rooftop solar, batteries and EV chargers, including insurance requirements.
Planning for outages and resilience
After the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Maui is investing in resiliency and safety. Hawaiian Electric has outlined wildfire risk mitigation and potential public safety power shutoffs. You can read more about the utility’s plans in this report.
Owners focused on backup power can explore battery storage for critical loads or portable generators where allowed by the HOA. Microgrid solutions can also improve community resilience. For context on how microgrids support health and safety during wildfire season, see this overview from Microgrid Knowledge.
Maui’s supply mix is also evolving. The Kuihelani solar and battery project began operations in 2024, adding lower‑cost renewable energy to the island’s grid. Read the project coverage at Reuters.
Bottom line
Honua Kai ownership can deliver an exceptional lifestyle and strong rental appeal, but electricity is a major operating expense you should plan for. Start with 12 months of actual bills, understand your building’s billing method, and use TOU‑smart habits and efficiency upgrades to keep costs in check. If solar or batteries are on your radar, align plans with HOA rules and the latest incentive timelines.
If you want a clear path from numbers to next steps for a Honua Kai purchase or sale, let’s talk. With deep West Maui expertise and concierge‑level guidance, Dee Garnes will help you evaluate true carrying costs and make confident decisions.
FAQs
What is a typical monthly electric bill for a Honua Kai condo?
- Using Maui’s average price, owner use often falls around $150 to $350 per month, while active short‑term rentals can run $500 to $1,000 or more depending on AC, laundry and occupancy.
How does time‑of‑use pricing affect my bill on Maui?
- TOU makes evening hours more expensive and midday potentially cheaper, so shifting flexible tasks to lower‑priced windows can reduce your total; see current examples on Hawaiian Electric’s Shift and Save rates page.
Can I install solar panels or batteries in a Maui condo building?
- Possibly, but HOA approval is required for common‑element roofs and rules must align with HRS §196‑7, which protects reasonable placement of solar devices in Hawaii.
Are federal tax credits still available for residential solar and batteries?
- Incentives changed in 2025, so confirm current eligibility in the IRS Form 5695 instructions and consult a tax professional before counting credits in your ROI.
What should short‑term rental hosts do to control energy costs?
- Set practical thermostat limits, give guests clear AC and fan guidance, schedule pumps off‑peak and use smart controls to prevent extreme setpoints while preserving comfort.
