Hawaii has a higher share of apartments and condos than most states (about one in three units is in a building with 5 or more units) and relatively few units built before 1960. Single-family homes are often lightweight wood frame, older ones frequently single-wall construction, with concrete block foundations and concrete high-rises in Honolulu and resort areas.

median year homes were built: 1981; median year homes were built
built in 2000 or later: 23.8%; built in 2000 or later
built before 1960: 13.3%; built before 1960
single-family homes: 61.4%; single-family homes
in buildings with 5+ units: 32.3%; in buildings with 5+ units
mobile homes: 0.3%; mobile homes

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (tables B25035, B25034, B25024)

Common wall types

Single-wall (board) construction

Where: Older houses, plantation-era homes and cottages, many built before the 1970s on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island.

Mounting: There is no separate interior wall, so the studs are exposed or covered with thin paneling. A mount has to hit the framing, and thin boards may need added blocking; check with the installer about termite-damaged wood.

Wood stud walls with drywall

Where: Most newer single-family homes and townhomes.

Mounting: Studs are typically 16 inches on center; lag the mount into studs.

Concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls

Where: Foundation and retaining walls, and some houses and garages.

Mounting: Anchor into the block face shell with concrete screws or sleeve anchors and a hammer drill; hollow cores do not hold anchors well.

Poured concrete and metal studs

Where: High-rise condos in Honolulu, Waikiki, Kakaako and resort areas of Maui and Kona.

Mounting: Concrete needs a hammer drill and concrete anchors; metal-stud partitions need toggles or blocking. Association approval is usual.

Open-air lanai and covered patio walls

Where: Outdoor living spaces common across the islands.

Mounting: Salt air and humidity corrode ordinary hardware; use outdoor-rated TVs, stainless steel fasteners and sealed connections.

Tips before you mount

Stud walls: studs are usually 16" on center. Lag the mount into at least two studs with 5/16" lag bolts, typically about 2.5" to 3" long; a full-motion arm puts much more leverage on the wall than a flat mount, so it should never hang on drywall anchors alone.
Brick, block or concrete: anchor into solid material with 1/4" concrete screws or 3/8" sleeve or wedge anchors using a hammer drill and masonry bit. Drill into solid brick or the face shell of block rather than mortar joints where possible, and do not rely on plaster or furring alone.
Single-wall homes: find the framing members behind thin boards before drilling, and pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting aged wood. Ask the installer to probe for termite damage, since damaged framing will not hold lag bolts.
Metal studs (common in apartments and condos): use snap toggles or similar toggle-style anchors rated for the TV and mount weight, or have the installer add wood blocking behind the drywall.
Hiding wires: the National Electrical Code (NEC 400.12) does not allow a regular TV power cord to run inside the wall. Use an in-wall rated recessed power kit, and choose low-voltage cables rated CL2 or CL3 for in-wall HDMI and speaker runs. In single-wall and concrete construction in-wall runs are often impractical, so use a surface raceway.
Salt air and humidity: use stainless steel or coated hardware, outdoor-rated TVs on lanais, and corrosion-resistant connectors, even for walls near open windows.
Hurricane and wind: secure the mount into framing and keep heavy TVs and arms on solid framing; hurricane-rated shutters and storm-prone areas may call for retracting arms when not in use.
Condos, co-ops and rentals: ask the association or landlord whether drilling into walls or concrete needs approval, and get the installer's certificate of insurance (COI) naming the association before work day. Many Hawaii condos require approval and a COI. Before work starts, tell the installer the wall type (studs, plaster, brick, block or concrete), the TV size and weight, and the mount type. These change the anchors, labor time and price.

Sources: Census Reporter, ACS 2024 1-year: Hawaii (B25035, B25034, B25024) · West Hawaii Today: Hawaii hurricane season and single-wall homes · Fox Business: Hawaii homes and hurricane readiness. General guidance only — your installer will confirm the right method for your wall.