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Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis

Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis

$1,281,419 Average Value
$278 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Mostly locals about 5 miles east of downtown Honolulu

King Kamehameha used to station his troops on the beaches and hills of Diamond Head-Kapahula-St. Louis Heights, known for its all-encompassing views of the Pacific coast. The southernmost point of O’ahu, this neighborhood has developed into condominiums and single-family housing, and most residents don’t have to brave swarms of tourists. “We’re so close to busy restaurants and shops in Waikiki, but besides Diamond Head State Monument, we mostly get local traffic,” says Kina Knisley, a local herself and a real estate agent with Keller Williams since 2017. “Five minutes from your house, you can go to wine tastings. You can go out to dinner and meet friends for happy hour. Some mornings, my husband and I take the dogs to the beach and eat at one of the cafes on the water.” The famous Le?ahi — or Diamond Head — towers over the southern portion of the neighborhood, and Kapahula Avenue’s restaurants are along the western side. Anything north of Waialae Avenue is considered St. Louis Heights, as elevation increases into the northern mountains. Wherever residents choose to live, they’re only a few miles from Waikiki Beach.
Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis
is home to the historic Diamond Head crater and peaks.
Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis is home to the historic Diamond Head crater and peaks.
The Kapahulu Shopping Center in Honolulu has big name retailers  such as Safeway.
The Kapahulu Shopping Center in Honolulu has big name retailers such as Safeway.
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Walkable to Kapahula Avenue and Kaimuki

Among the many restaurants along Kapahula Avenue, Leonard’s has been around since 1952, and it was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” “It’s iconic, and there’ll be 50 people in line for their donuts,” says Knisley. “Tourists sometimes go there but don’t really go north or east into the housing.” Rainbow Drive-In is a fast-food place that serves traditional Hawaiian lunch. Growler Hawai’i is a pub with beer, ciders, wine and probably the longest draft list in O’ahu. While the local food scene already has a lot of variety, Kaimuki offers fresh options to the east. “Small businesses have been popping up in Kaimuki,” says Knisley. “They put in a new Italian shop so you can buy fresh pasta. They put in a butcher so you can buy fresh meat. There’s a lady who handmakes cakes and cookies. You can walk down the street now, and there’s Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, burgers, Indian and sushi all together.”
King's Pizza Cafe serves  amazing pasta and pizza off Kapahulu Ave. in Honolulu.
King's Pizza Cafe serves amazing pasta and pizza off Kapahulu Ave. in Honolulu.
Rainbow Drive-In has some of the best plate lunches on the island.
Rainbow Drive-In has some of the best plate lunches on the island.
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Wa’ahila Ridge, Kapi’olani Park, Diamond Head and more

Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area makes up the northern part of this neighborhood, and it’s walkable from homes in St. Louis Heights. “It has canopies, barbecues, cabanas and lots of parking,” says Knisley. “People like the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail because you get mountain views. Sometimes you have to use a rope to hike up.” On the west side of the neighborhood, Kapi’olani Park is a 200-acre green space that hosts the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Its fields are often used for kickball and bocce ball. Toward the middle of the park, the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell is a frequent venue for the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra and other musicians. Waikiki Beach is just west, and it’s a 2-mile stretch of sand and crystal-clear water. While often crowded with tourists, the northern and southern ends typically aren’t as busy. Diamond Head is a volcanic cone along the southern coast, and it’s popular with tourists seeking city views. Residents don’t have to hike up to the top, really, as it’s visible from almost anywhere in the neighborhood.
Morning light hits the tree tops in Wa'ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, Honolulu.
Morning light hits the tree tops in Wa'ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, Honolulu.
Cool off in the Pacific Ocean at Waikiki Beach.
Cool off in the Pacific Ocean at Waikiki Beach.
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Beachside condos, valley two-stories and hillside homes

On the neighborhood’s southern end, luxury condos butt up against the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. These high-rises were mostly built in the 1970s, and architectural features include banded windows and neutral tones. A renovated studio can go for $400,000 in this area, even ones under 500 square feet. For more luxurious units that are triple the size, prices can reach $5.5 million. Kapahula, or the central portion of this neighborhood, has more single-family housing. These typically have three bedrooms and more space. The second story often has a patio and hangs over the ground level, forming a carport. They’re between $1 million and $2.5 million. As elevation increases toward St. Louis Heights, hillside homes enter the mix. The first ones were built at the base of the hill in the 1930s; they get newer moving toward the top, up to the 1970s. These properties are usually a similar size to those on flat ground, but they overlook the city. They start at $1 million and reach $1.5 million. Most properties in this neighborhood can be bought outright, but renters make up most of this market. Some buildings offer traditional leases, which locals call fee-simple. Others are leasehold, where a landlord owns the unit but not the land underneath it. They transfer property rights to a tenant for the duration of their lease, and afterward, the rights transfer back.
Home styles in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis include luxury high-rise oceanfront homes.
Home styles in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis include luxury high-rise oceanfront homes.
A luxurious home in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis overlooks the ocean.
A luxurious home in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St Louis overlooks the ocean.
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Some of the highest-rated schools in Hawai’i

The public schools in Diamond Head-Kapahula-St. Louis Heights all receive an A-minus from Niche and rank high statewide. Waikiki Elementary, on the west side of Diamond Head, ranks No. 8 of 203 for all public elementary schools in Hawai’i. The school has adopted a mindful culture that integrates Dr. Art Costa’s 16 Habits of Mind. These practices include impulse management and creativity, and research shows they correlate with success in adults. On the east side of Diamond Head, Kaimuki Middle ranks No. 5 of 78 for all public middle schools in the state. Its English, math and science scores are 25% above the state proficiency levels. Additionally, almost half of its student population is involved in clubs, sports or fine arts. Kalani High ranks No. 9 of 61 for all public high schools in the state, too. Its robotics team has qualified for many FIRST Championships, a competition that hosts the world’s highest-performing schools. In the hills of St. Louis Heights, Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private university with 25 degree programs. The University of Hawai’i at Manoa has more than 200, and it’s a half-mile north.
Teachers, parents, and the community collaborate to support student growth and success.
Teachers, parents, and the community collaborate to support student growth and success.
Unlock your future at Kalani High School.
Unlock your future at Kalani High School.
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Walking or biking around town

Like many places in Honolulu, most of the neighborhood can be explored on foot. “Diamond Head and Kapahula are super walkable,” says Knisley. “St. Louis Heights isn’t as accessible because the older areas don’t have sidewalks. But when you get up into the stuff built in the 1950s, you have sidewalks again.” Besides major thoroughfares such as Kapahula Avenue, bikers can get around quiet, trafficless streets, and Biki provides hourly or daily bike rentals. Drivers can use the H1 Freeway to access the rest of O’ahu’s southern coast; they might connect to the H2 or H3 for other sides of the island. The H1 also leads roughly 5 miles west into downtown Honolulu, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is about 5 miles farther. TheBus has several stops along Kapahula Avenue, and buses can take residents into Waikiki.
The Fort Ruger Path offers a safe and smooth path for biking and jogging.
The Fort Ruger Path offers a safe and smooth path for biking and jogging.
Browse the many food stalls at the KCC Farmers Market every Saturday.
Browse the many food stalls at the KCC Farmers Market every Saturday.
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Matt Medl
Written By
Matt Medl
Harry Antipala
Photography Contributed By
Harry Antipala
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ted Kawabata, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Daniel K Inouye International

16 min drive

Bus

Saint Louis Dr & Alencastre St

Bus

Campbell Ave & Hinano St

Bus

Monsarrat Ave & Kapiolani Park

Bus

Kapahulu Ave & Olu St

Bus

Kapahulu Ave & Paliuli St

Bus

Saint Louis Dr & Opp Kaminaka Dr

Bus

Bertram St & Opp Saint Louis Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$440,900
Median Sale Price
$435,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$435,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$394,990
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$410,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
163
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$278

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,752
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,754
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,067
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
852
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
635
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
348
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 5pm

    1017 2nd Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

    $1,080,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 948 Sq Ft
    • 1017 2nd Ave
    • New 7 days ago

    Charming vintage 3-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring high ceilings, original wooden floors, and built-in cabinets that exude timeless character and warmth. The recently remodeled bathroom boasts a new freestanding clawfoot bathtub, updated light fixture, shower head, stylish tiled shower, and new flooring. A spacious parking area accommodates up to four cars, and the separate garage includes a

    Bryn Kaufman OahuRE.com

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  • Wednesday, Jul 30
    10am - 12pm

    2801 Coconut Ave Unit 2D, Honolulu, HI 96815

    $1,099,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,072 Sq Ft
    • 2801 Coconut Ave
    • Unit 2D
    • New 20 days ago

    Experience timeless oceanfront living in this rare, extra-large one-bedroom, two-bath condo at the iconic Kainalu on Honolulu's coveted Gold Coast. Located directly on a sandy beach at the base of Diamond head, this spacious residence offers ocean views, cool tradewinds, and the soothing sound of waves just outside your window. The open layout features generous living and dining areas perfect for

    Rachel Bradley Berkshire Hathaway HmSvc HI RE

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  • 2877 Kalakaua Ave Unit 1105, Honolulu, HI 96815

    $448,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 718 Sq Ft
    • 2877 Kalakaua Ave
    • Unit 1105

    Opportunity to enjoy Kaimana Beach-front living on Honolulu’s prestigious Gold Coast of Waikiki. This high-floor 1 bedroom, 1 bath, co-op, residence offers spectacular ocean, sunset, coastline, city and mountain views from the spacious lanai. The building’s unique, curved, design allows panoramic views of nightly sunsets and weekly fireworks shows as you relax and watch the surf roll in along the

    Brian Matson Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ted Kawabata, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
19,713
Median Age
45
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$90,146
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,449

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
46.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

58 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
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Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis