Metal Roof Installation cost: Hilo vs Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Hilo sits 3% below Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale, or roughly $23,400 versus $24,200 — about $800 apart.
Hilo HI
Lower costTypically around $23,400
Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale HI
Typically around $24,200
Hilo vs Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale: full breakdown
| Factor | Hilo | Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $23,400 | $24,200 |
| Estimated range | $14,250–$32,500 | $14,750–$33,650 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.04 | ×1.08 |
| Climate zone | Hot | Hot |
| Climate factor | ×1.03 | ×1.03 |
| Local permit | $300 | $325 |
| Labor share | $14,050 | $14,500 |
| Materials/equipment | $9,350 | $9,700 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
3% is within noise for metal roof installation — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Metal roof installation by type: Hilo vs Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale
We localize each metal roof installation type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Hilo | Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $9,950–$19,600 | $10,300–$20,300 |
| Standing-seam steel | $19,600–$37,850 | $20,300–$39,200 |
| Aluminum | $15,350–$30,350 | $15,850–$31,400 |
| Copper | $32,500–$64,700 | $33,650–$66,950 |
| Zinc | $30,350–$59,350 | $31,400–$61,400 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Hilo vs Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale
Metal roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft) and costs roughly $6–$14 per sq ft installed — two to three times asphalt, but it lasts decades longer. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels.
| Size | Hilo | Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,900–$17,450 | $9,200–$18,100 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $12,100–$25,000 | $12,550–$25,850 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $14,250–$32,500 | $14,750–$33,650 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $17,450–$38,950 | $18,100–$40,300 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $20,700–$45,400 | $21,400–$46,950 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Cheapest time for metal roof installation in either city
Why summer costs more: it's the only stretch shingles seal reliably, so every storm-damaged roof in the region is competing for the same crews. Reserve a spring slot during the slow winter season and you're not in that queue.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Tear-off vs. overlay, shingle tier and what's hidden under the deck decide the real number. Our editors on the trade-offs.
The value case
Architectural shingles hit the sweet spot — far more durable than 3-tab for a modest premium, and far cheaper than metal or tile. For most homes they're the right default.
The risk case
Budget for the unknown: rotten decking found at tear-off is the most common surprise. Get the per-sheet repair rate in writing up front so a "cheap" bid doesn't balloon mid-job.
The do-it-right case
Pay for a full tear-off and quality underlayment, flashing and ventilation. An overlay saves money today but traps heat, voids some warranties and costs more at the next replacement.
Insist on tear-off over overlay, get the deck-repair rate in writing before work starts, and lean toward architectural shingles. Skipping any of the three tends to cost more later than it saves now.
Hilo vs Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Hilo or Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale?
Hilo wins on price: metal roof installation runs about $23,400 there versus $24,200 in Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale, a gap of roughly $800 (3%) as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale than Hilo?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.08 in Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale vs 1.04 in Hilo. A hot climate versus hot, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is metal roof installation in Hilo, HI?
In Hilo, metal roof installation typically runs $14,250–$32,500 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $23,400.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
Timing doesn't change by city here — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the cheapest window in both Hilo and Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale, saving roughly 5–10%. Avoid mid-winter and the post-storm rush in either location, when emergency replacements push prices up.
Should I choose where to live based on metal roof installation cost?
That would be a stretch. $800 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik