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Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Guide

Developed by Henry Kaiser on land that was once the ancient Maunalua fishpond and surrounding wetlands, Hawai‘i Kai is a primarily residential East O‘ahu neighborhood (with a small but significant commercial center, including a Costco) that includes Kalama Valley, Kamehame Ridge, Portlock, and Kamilo Iki Valley. Several of the island’s most-traveled outdoor attractions are right in the neighborhood: China Walls, Halona Blowhole, Hanauma Bay, and Koko Head District Park, as well as the Hawai‘i Kai Golf Course and miles of beach.  

Key Details

1. WHAT TO EXPECT
Known as a genteel and upscale area, Hawai‘i Kai is far sleepier than Honolulu proper, with most restaurants in the small commercial centers closing relatively early and the outdoor-adventure crowds that come to hike Koko Head or swim at China Walls receding with the sun.

2. THE LIFESTYLE
Laid-back and suburban, but active—boating and golf are very popular, and being situated right between town and the windward side makes for easy trips to both Kailua and Honolulu.

3. WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
Deep jungle or solace from crowds in public spaces. While the lifestyle is relatively quiet, Hawai’i Kai’s popularity with tourists and teenagers means that it is rarely serene. It feels more suburban here than in most parts of O‘ahu, so that Old Hawai’i feeling can be hard to come by in this planned community.

4. THE MARKET
Pricey and somewhat competitive, with more affordable homes closer to Kalaniana‘ole Highway and the surrounding streets, and fantastically luxurious properties found on Kamehame Ridge. 

5. YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
The outdoor life—whether it’s hiking the 1,048 wooden railroad ties that serve as stairs going up steep Koko Head Crater, diving in the sometimes-dodgy water at China Walls, or taking a small watercraft out from one of the slips at Koko Marina, Hawai‘i Kai is a wonderful haven for outdoor sport enthusiasts.

Attributes

Waterfront Views, Pricey, Low-Key, Parks & Recreation, Early to Bed, Great for Families


Located in East Honolulu

Commute Times

Airport: 25m by car
Downtown: 20m by car
Diamond Head: 20m by car
North Shore: 1hr by car
Kapolei: 50m by car

Boundaries

East to West Palolo Ave. and Alohea St. to Manoa Stream and Koali Rd.
North to South Wa‘ahila Ridge State Rec Area to Ocean
Nearby Neighborhoods Kahala, Waikiki, Kaimuki, Manoa


Around the Block

Hawai‘i Kai: Honolulu’s beautiful Eastern suburb

The coast that wraps around the eastern point of O‘ahu is one of the prettiest stretches of road on the island, and Hawai’i Kai serves as a midpoint between the small ridge and valley neighborhoods of the eastern Ko‘olaus and the expansive beaches of the windward side. With beautiful views, lovingly kept suburban streets, and a small-but-bustling commercial center for dining and shopping, the neighborhood is something of an oasis for folks who want the convenience of living on the South Shore but crave a more laid back ‘hood than Honolulu and its surrounding nabes.

What to Expect

Known as a genteel and upscale area, Hawai‘i Kai is far sleepier than Honolulu proper, with most restaurants in the small commercial centers closing relatively early and the outdoor-adventure crowds that come to hike Koko Head or swim at China Walls receding with the sun.

Hawai’i Kai is speckled with astonishing mansions, many of which are discreetly secluded on the back roads and on Kamahame Ridge, but residents are typically laid back and the vibe is solidly unpretentious.

The Lifestyle

Laid-back and suburban, but active—boating and golf are very popular, and being situated right between town and the windward side makes for easy trips to both Kailua and Honolulu.

Living in Hawai’i Kai situates you well for access to the stunning natural splendor of the Ka Iwi Coast, which follows Kalaniana‘ole Highway around the easternmost point of O‘ahu and features big-wave bodysurfing mecca Sandy Beach, Makapu‘u Beach, and the Makapu‘u Tidepools.

Everyone in the ‘hood loves Kona Brewing Co., where local craft beer and pub food make for an upgraded sports bar experience, right on Koko Marina.

Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center and Koko Marina Center are tiny, by shopping center sizes, but they include an impressive array of dining and shopping options between the two of them, from Costco and Safeway to sweet boutiques and locally owned bars and restos—there’s a movie theater, too.

What Not to Expect

Deep jungle or solace from crowds in public spaces. While the lifestyle is relatively quiet, Hawai’i Kai’s popularity with tourists and teenagers means that it is rarely serene. It feels more suburban here than in most parts of O‘ahu, so that Old Hawai’i feeling can be hard to come by in this planned community.

Hawai‘i Kai social life is all about dinner parties, backyard barbecues, and cocktails at the marina, so if a plethora of fine dining options is a priority, you’ll want to look town-ward.

The Market

Pricey and somewhat competitive, with more affordable homes closer to Kalaniana‘ole Highway and the surrounding streets, and fantastically luxurious properties found on Kamehame Ridge.

In Hawai‘i Kai, land and privacy do come at a cost—smaller lots on the more suburban streets are far easier to find—but include phenomenal views and a wonderful combination of seclusion and access.

Condos and apartment buildings span the market, from some older properties to newer luxury options close to the marina, like Hale Ka Lae.

You'll Fall in Love With

The outdoor life—whether it’s hiking the 1,048 wooden railroad ties that serve as stairs going up steep Koko Head Crater, diving in the sometimes-dodgy water at China Walls, or taking a small watercraft out from one of the slips at Koko Marina, Hawai‘i Kai is a wonderful haven for outdoor sport enthusiasts.

Taking in the sunset over a picnic at China Walls, the gorgeous oceanfront cliff face tucked into the Portlock micro-hood, is a beautiful way to spend an evening.   

Other Neighborhoods to Explore

Ala MoanaAla Moana neighborhood guide
ManoaManoa neighborhood guide
KaimukiKaimuki neighborhood guide

Newest Hawaii Kai Homes and Condos for sale

522 Kukuiula Loop, Honolulu image
522 Kukuiula Loop, Honolulu $1,525,000

Enclosed lanai of 96 sq on tax records has been enclosed and total interior square footage is 2,180. The original garage on tax records has been converted into a large mu...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202209960 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 1 DOM
500 Lunalilo Home Road Unit 24B, Honolulu image
500 Lunalilo Home Road Unit 24B, Honolulu — Esplanade $875,000

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, single level unit in Esplanade with cool and breezy trades. Sit on your screened in patio overlooking Hawaii Kai marina with beautiful mount...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202209994 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • Esplanade Bldg.
  • 1 DOM
555 Hahaione Street Unit 8A, Honolulu image
555 Hahaione Street Unit 8A, Honolulu — Commodore $747,000

Artfully renovated in 2019 to 3 beautiful bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with walk-in showers, this large corner end unit features year-round privacy with ocean and mounta...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202208027 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • Commodore Bldg.
  • 0 DOM
477 Opihikao Place Unit 82, Honolulu image
477 Opihikao Place Unit 82, Honolulu — Kuapa Isle $1,100,000

KUAPA ISLE-On Water-Favorite Hawaii Kai Gated Waterfront Community-Safe, Secure, Friendly-Single Story-Private Boat Dock-Fenced Private Side Yard-Enclosed Lanai For Dinin...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202208267 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • Kuapa Isle Bldg.
  • 4 DOM
221 Hanamaulu Street, Honolulu image
221 Hanamaulu Street, Honolulu $1,550,000

NEW LISTING in Hawaii Kai! This SIMPLY STUNNING single level 3 bed/2 bath single family home has been METICULOUSLY UPGRADED with no detail overlooked. A true “smart home...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202208670 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 5 DOM
985 Maniniholo Street, Honolulu image
985 Maniniholo Street, Honolulu $1,595,000

Welcome home to this HIGHLY DESIRABLE neighborhood in Hawai'i Kai, Mariner's Valley! This SINGLE LEVEL 4 bedroom/2 bath home located within an International Baccalaureate...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202207638 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 5 DOM
7777 Kalohelani Place, Honolulu image
7777 Kalohelani Place, Honolulu $1,900,000

A rewarding escape peacefully situated in Hawai’i Kai; 3 Bedroom, 2 full Bathrooms on a peaceful cul-de-sac. Richly-appointed spaces include large gathering areas, a brig...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202209394 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 7 DOM
1051 Kamookoa Place, Honolulu image
1051 Kamookoa Place, Honolulu $1,900,000

Breathtaking views from this perimeter lot home on Mariners Ridge! This 2 story residence consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths w/ a large lanai. There is also a "basement ...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202209551 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 10 DOM
520 Lunalilo Home Road Unit 7213, Honolulu image
520 Lunalilo Home Road Unit 7213, Honolulu — Colony At The Peninsula $619,500

Outstanding 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Unit With Two (2) Assigned Parking Stalls In The Desirable Colony - Peninsula @ Hawaii Kai. Fresh Paint, Newer Appliances and Flooring. Con...

  • 1 Beds
  • 1 Baths
  • 202208455 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • Colony At The Peninsula Bldg.
  • 9 DOM
7244 Kipu Place, Honolulu image
7244 Kipu Place, Honolulu $1,295,000

Rarely available, this charming two-story, 5 bedroom 2.5 bath is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a highly desirable neighborhood. The spacious downstairs bedrooms could...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202209024 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
  • 8 DOM

Based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Listings last updated on . Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2022 by HiCentral MLS, Ltd. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

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