Living in paradise comes with a “paradise tax”—specifically, your electric bill. As of early 2026, Hawaii residents still pay the highest electricity rates in the nation, averaging roughly 43 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For a family in an affordable housing unit, a $300 electric bill can be a budget-breaker.
The challenge for renters is that you can’t just install solar panels or replace the windows. You have to work with what you have.
At HAPI, we build our properties with sustainability in mind (using solar hot water and cool roofs), but your daily habits determine your final bill. Here is the renter’s guide to sustainable living that keeps money in your pocket.
The “Trade Wind” Strategy: Passive Cooling
Stop fighting the climate—work with it.
Many newcomers make the mistake of closing all windows and blasting the AC. This is expensive and fights against Hawaii’s natural design.
- The Mauka-Makai Flow: Most local buildings are oriented to capture trade winds, which typically blow from the Northeast. Open the windows on the Makai (ocean) side and the Mauka (mountain) side to create a cross-breeze.
- The “Kona Wind” Adjustment: When the winds shift to “Kona winds” (coming from the South/Southwest), the air is humid and hot. This is the only time you should close up the house and rely on fans or AC.
- The “Stack Effect”: If you live in a multi-story townhome, open a low window on the cool side and a high window on the hot side. Hot air rises and exits, pulling cool air in naturally.
- Block the Sun, Not the View: Direct sunlight is your enemy. Keep blinds or curtains closed on West-facing windows between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This simple step can lower your room temperature by 5-10 degrees without using a single watt of power.
The “Cost of Cool” (2026 Estimates)
What it actually costs to run cooling devices in Hawaii (at ~43¢/kWh).
| Device | Wattage | Cost Per Hour | Monthly Cost (8 hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Fan | 30W | $0.01 | $2.40 |
| Box Fan | 100W | $0.04 | $9.60 |
| Window AC (Older) | 1,200W | $0.52 | $124.80 |
| Split AC (New) | 800W | $0.34 | $81.60 |
| Dehumidifier | 500W | $0.21 | $50.40 |
Insight: Running a ceiling fan is 50x cheaper than running an AC. Use the AC only to cool the room initially (20 mins), then switch to fans to maintain comfort.
Renter-Friendly Upgrades (No Tools Required)
Small changes, big impact.
You don’t need to renovate to save energy.
- Attack “Vampire Power”: Electronics (TVs, game consoles, microwaves) sip power even when turned off. This “phantom load” can add 10% to your bill. Solution: Plug them into a power strip and flip the switch off when you leave the house.
- The LED Swap: If your unit has older incandescent bulbs (hot to the touch), swap them for LEDs. They use 75% less energy and emit less heat. Pro Tip: Look for “Cool White” (4000K-5000K) bulbs, which can make a room feel psychologically cooler than “Warm White.”
- Cold Water Wash: Heating water is the second biggest energy hog. Switching your washing machine setting from “Hot” to “Cold” saves huge energy, and modern detergents work just as well in cold water.
Troubleshooting High Bills
Why is my HECO bill $400?
If your bill spikes suddenly, check these common culprits before calling maintenance:
- The “Old Fridge” Seal: Put a dollar bill in your fridge door and close it. If you can pull the bill out easily, your seal is broken, and your fridge is running 24/7. Report this to maintenance.
- The Gamer Console: Did your kids leave the PlayStation or Xbox on “Standby” mode? These use massive amounts of power even when not playing games.
- The Dirty Filter: A clogged AC filter makes the unit work twice as hard. Clean the mesh filter in your window or split AC once a month.
- The “Dry” Cycle: Are you using the “Heated Dry” setting on your dishwasher? Turn it off and let dishes air dry.
Free Stuff from Hawaii Energy
Did you know you can get free gear?
Hawaii Energy is a ratepayer-funded program that offers rebates specifically for residents.
- Energy Smart 4 Homes (ES4H): This program often provides free high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, and advanced power strips to renters. In many cases, they will even come install them for you.
- Appliance Rebates: If you buy your own window AC or refrigerator, check their website for mail-in rebates (often $40-$50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does leaving the AC on all day save money compared to turning it on/off?
Myth. It is almost always cheaper to turn the AC off when you leave for work. Cooling an empty apartment for 8 hours wastes far more energy than “re-cooling” it for 20 minutes when you get home.
Can I put window tint on my rental windows?
Check with your manager. While tinting is great for reducing heat, it is a permanent modification. Some HAPI properties may allow it (or may have already installed it), but you must get written permission first. Removable “static cling” tint is a safer renter-friendly option.
Why is my bill higher in September/October?
This is typically the hottest time of year in Hawaii (the trade winds often die down). It’s also when “Time of Use” rates might peak if HECO shifts pricing. Be extra vigilant with your usage during these months.
What is "Time of Use" (TOU) pricing?
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) has programs where electricity costs more during “Peak Hours” (usually 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) and less during the day (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). If you are on a TOU plan, try to run your laundry or dishwasher before 4:00 PM to save money.
What is the ideal AC temperature for Hawaii?
The Department of Energy recommends setting your AC to 78°F when you are home. Every degree lower than 78°F can increase your cooling costs by 3-5%. If 78°F feels too warm, use a ceiling fan to create a wind-chill effect, which makes it feel like 74°F.
Living Green Saves Green
Sustainability in affordable housing isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about saving your hard-earned income.
If you have a leaky faucet or a constantly running toilet, Report it to Maintenance immediately. A leak isn’t just annoying; it’s a waste of precious island resources.
