Dynamic harborside blend of history and fresh experiences
Resting along the Honolulu Harbor, south of Oahu’s H-1 freeway, ever-evolving Downtown Honolulu is a dynamic tapestry of cultural experiences. Says Pam Maeda, Certified Residential Specialist and top producer with Marcus Realty, who is a resident of Honolulu, “We’re creating new models for residential living in a time when there’s a need for homes, we have our first James Beard restaurant in town, and all kinds of trendsetting concepts keep popping up.”
Downtown residents can walk to work, entertainment and a mélange of eateries and bars. In this unique composite of Capitol, Business, Chinatown and Waterfront districts, streets sparkle with mid- and high-rise architecture, surrounding America’s only open-air capitol. High-rise condominiums prevail, and a pioneering live-work-play development is enhancing residential availability in Hawaii’s most populous city.
Significant historical treasures also define downtown, such as the ancient Iolani Palace — famously one of the world’s first royal homes to have electricity. Says Maeda, “Downtown is great for people who want to do be able to do something new every day. You can have a great social life and unbelievable experiences in a place that’s truly thriving.”
Views from condominium towers, such as Kakaako, offer spectacular views of Honolulu.
Aloha Tower, a historic landmark, stands proudly as a symbol of welcome and hospitality.
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Aloha Tower Marketplace and James Beard dining
Cruise ships dock at the Aloha Tower Marketplace on the pier, where Old Spaghetti Factory is a popular go-to for families and college students attending Hawaii Pacific University two blocks away. Four blocks northwest of the university, Local Joe is the coffee stop for beverages crafted by a Peet’s trained roastmaster, using beans roasted on-site.
Salt at Our Kaka’ako, officially within Kaka'ako, is within a quick walk. This modern marketplace is named in honor of the area’s roots as salt flats and fishponds. At Salt, locals have their choice of chocolate and wine-tasting rooms, a butchery, coffee shop, record store and more.
Says Maeda, “Downtown is so good at honoring something really old while turning it into something very forward-thinking.” Locals choose downtown for these one-of-a-kind places, such as Bar Podmore, launched within one of Oahu’s few surviving buildings constructed with native lava rock, and serving high-end cocktails in an amethyst-velvet atmosphere. Maeda explains, “Bar Podmore is fantastic, and there’s nothing else like it in Hawaii. It’s not big, but it’s visionary. Their cocktails are so original and the presentation so beautiful, that along with the gold finishes and emerald greens that could have been gaudy, but aren’t, you feel taken to another time.”
Bar Leather Apron is also a new hotspot, crafting intense cocktails with such passion the owners earned a James Beard award in 2023. At the AC Hotel by Marriott, locals need reservations for the small Yours Truly speakeasy and karaoke bar downstairs, an imaginative new spin on the space’s former life as a satellite post office during prohibition. Adds Maeda, “You write your drink order on a postcard and put it in a mailbox.”
The Lei Stand is also a downtown innovation. Explains Maeda, “It’s what you’d picture a lei stand to be like in Hawaii, but behind it, there’s this phenomenal bar. It’s starting a trend all its own.” Honoring mom-and-pop flower shops, while serving a changing menu of small plates, The Lei Stand’s swanky neon vibe has attracted celebrities such as Justin and Hailey Bieber and professional surfer Kelia Moniz. For everyday essentials, there’s a Safeway on Pali Highway.
The Aloha Tower greets locals and visitors alike to Downtown Honolulu.
Downtown is the best place for a meal or cocktail.
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Iconic Hawaii sign, Museum of Modern Art and Iolani Palace
After catching a show at the Hawaii Theater, locals often stand in the street to snap pics with the iconic Hawaii sign. Art lovers explore the Hawaii State Museum and Honolulu Museum of Modern Art, and concerts and expos are held at Neil Blaisdell Center.
Downtowners consider it a significant honor to live close to the Iolani Palace — the former home of Hawaiian monarchs. This magnificent landmark is open for self-guided or guided tours, offering remarkable insights into Hawaiian culture.
Couples regularly have their photo sessions in Downtown Honolulu.
The State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the Honolulu Museum of Art are among its notable landmarks
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Condos abound, including upcoming Modea
Condos prevail downtown, with a median price around $600,000. Pricing can range from $420,000 for a renovated 1970s one-bedroom in Kukui Plaza to $1.6 million for a high-rise corner condo. Adds Maeda, “Modea is a new project that’s converting an office building into super-cool condos. It’ll be the anchor for a live-work-play destination where they’re also transforming an old Walmart into a huge entertainment venue with a theater and bowling alley.”
Pricing at Modea, Honolulu’s first adaptive reuse fee simple development, starts at $480,000 for a studio and $650,000 for a one-bedroom. Condo options also include Queen Emma Gardens, with a tea house and koi pond, and The Collection, featuring a dog walk and yoga studio.
Luxurious amenities promise residents a lifestyle of comfort and sophistication at Modea.
Recently constructed condos in Downtown offer senior living options.
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Mother Waldron pickleball and Kaka’ako park
Lunch hour can often include a round of pickleball on the new courts at Mother Waldron Park, and residents stroll through nature in Foster Botanical Garden.
The palace grounds offer downtown workers and residents a peaceful retreat.
Kakaako Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views and stunning sunsets.
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Oahu’s oldest McKinley High and private Hawaii Pacific
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District given a B-plus on Niche. Kids can start at Royal Elementary, given a Niche B-minus, head to Central Middle School, which gets a C on Niche and advance to William McKinley High. McKinley High, Oahu’s oldest public school, earns a Niche B-plus and features a standout Oahu Interscholastic Association sports program.
Private school options within four miles of downtown include the Punahou School and Mid-Pacific Institute, both earning a Niche A-Plus. For higher education, the state’s largest private university, Hawaii Pacific, is right in the middle of downtown.
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is a prestigious private institution located in Honolulu.
McKinley High School boasts a diverse student body and rigorous academic programs.
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The Bus public transit system
All of downtown and the rest of Oahu is accessible via The Bus, Hawaii’s public transit system. If downtowners aren’t walking, they can easily take the bus, even to the Daniel K. Inouye Airport, 6 miles from central downtown.
Downtown Honolulu is the heart of the island's economic and cultural life.
Downtown residents have options for groceries and other goods near the Pali Highway.
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Chinese New Year and St. Patrick's Day celebrations
“Our Chinese New Year Festival,” says Maeda, “is a very big deal. Chinatown shuts down the main road, and people set off so many firecrackers that the road fills up with smoke and excitement. It’s a tradition that’s said to send out bad energy and bring in good. It represents so much culturally.”
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Experience Elevated Island Living Discover refined urban living in this fully upgraded, spacious one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence on a rarely available high floor in the Makai Tower at One Waterfront Tower. Soak in unobstructed, panoramic ocean, mountain and city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Savor the sunset from your rare 233 sq ft lanai—just 12 in each tower—an exclusive perch
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, Kukui Plaza offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and comfort. Surrounded by popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, you’re just minutes from the financial district, grocery stores, nightlife, and public transportation. When you're not out enjoying the city, relax at home with a wide array of building amenities—including a 2.6-acre
Do not miss this opportunity to own a piece paradise in the highly desired One Waterfront Towers! This lovely 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo allows you to enjoy breathtaking ocean views from every window and gorgeous evening sunsets from a covered 130 sqft lanai. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, white quartz countertops, and glossy white cabinets with stainless steel handles,
NEW LISTING!! Stunning ocean, city and mountain views await you from this well-maintained 2 bdrm/2 bath/2 cov’d pkg unit with 905 interior sq. ft. of comfortable living space in Honolulu Park Place. This move-in ready unit features fresh int. paint, new carpet and vinyl plank flooring, and an open kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances. The open-concept layout provides a bright and airy
Experience the charm of studio living in the Prince Tower at Queen Emma Gardens, complete with captivating city and mountain views. This building offers more than just security; enjoy unique amenities like a BBQ area perfect for entertaining and a tranquil teahouse. Plus, electricity is included in your maintenance fees. Ample guest parking adds to the convenience. This property is being sold
Queen Emma Gardens Studio in the Prince Tower. Unit offers city and mountain views. The building provides security features and amenities including a BBQ area and a teahouse. Maintenance fees include electricity. Ample guest parking is available. This property is being sold in "as-is" condition.
Lunalilo Tower Studio with beautiful views of mountains, city lights, peekaboo ocean coastline. Walking distance to Queens Hospital, PB2 Physicians' Offices, State Capitol and short car or bike ride to Ala Moana Shopping Center and various shopping locations. Secured and assigned parking stall (also storage for bikes), full size washer & dryer in apartment, utilities included:
Wake up to Honolulu's famous skyline. Enjoy the convenience of walking to work or to class in Downtown HonoluluIntroducing The Residences at Bishop Place; BRAND NEW, modern and stylish apartments located in the heart of the city. These all new apartment units offer first-class amenities including stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, air conditioning, dishwasher, wood style
Highly sought after, spacious two bedroom and two full bath unit at 400 Keawe Street. One parking. Centrally located and walking distance to downtown Honolulu, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Across the street from SALT at Kaka'ako (numerous restaurants and activities), and next to H-Mart and Down To Earth for grocery shopping. Unit has custom built in shelving, entertainment center, and a
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
26,880
Median Age
46
Population Density
32 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,987
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,443
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.9%
College Graduates
42.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.4%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
79/ 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.
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.
