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 Theatre, locals often stand in the street to snap pics with the iconic Hawaii sign. Art lovers explore The Hawai‘i State Art Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art, and concerts and expos are held at the 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 Hawai‘i State 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 President William McKinley High School. 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 International 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.”
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Honolulu neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Honolulu
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Honolulu Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Honolulu, Honolulu sell after 156 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Honolulu, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $547,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience elevated urban living in this immaculately maintained 2 bdrm/2 bath/2 covered pkg CORNER residence at The Collection. Freshly updated with new interior paint, brand-new carpet, and a new washer/dryer, this spacious corner layout offers both privacy and comfort while showcasing stunning panoramic ocean, city, and mountain views. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with
Conveniently located minutes to downtown Honolulu, Queens Hospital, Chinatown and Nuuanu shops and restaurants. This 1-bedroom residence in Lusitania Gardens features newer luxury vinyl flooring, paint and an updated bath. Relax on your spacious lanai looking out toward the city. Enjoy quick access to the Freeway if you’re commuting west toward the airport or head east toward Ala Moana Shopping
Experience elevated island living in one of Keauhou Place's most sought-after residences. Freshly painted and enhanced with new curtains, this beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers breathtaking panoramic views of Diamond Head, the Pacific Ocean, and vibrant island sunrises through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The open-concept floor plan
xperience elevated island living at One Waterfront Tower #2401. This impeccably curated, pet-friendly 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with 2 parking stalls has been fully renovated and offers 1,470 sq. ft. of interior living space plus a 155 sq. ft. lanai. Enjoy panoramic sunrise-to-sunset views stretching across the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu skyline, harbor, and mountains. The custom luxury kitchen
Experience the ease of "right-sizing" without compromise at One Waterfront Towers. This extensively renovated residence is a rare opportunity for buyers seeking the comfort and convenience of a home that lives like a single-family residence. Positioned on a desirable low floor, one parking stall is conveniently located on the same level as the residence, for exceptional accessibility.
Experience elevated island living from this beautifully maintained 32nd-floor residence at Ke Kilohana in the heart of Kakaako. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features luxury vinyl flooring for easy maintenance, ocean and city views from every room, abundant natural light, and a thoughtfully designed floor plan. The open kitchen offers quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, sleek
PREFERRED CORNER/END UNIT WITH 2 COVERED PARKING STALLS! Situated in the heart of Honolulu, don't miss this RARELY AVAILABLE 2 bed/1 bath unit in Queen Emma Gardens. This bright and breezy unit features hardwood flooring, efficient floor plan and additional windows for maximum natural light. Relax on your private lanai and soak in the beautiful city views. Enjoy amazing amenities such as a
Sophisticated island living awaits at Honolulu Tower in this expansive 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offering 1,403 sq. ft. of beautifully appointed interior space, framed by ocean and harbor views from the living room and open lanai, plus Waianae Mountain Range views from the primary suite. Designed for comfort and effortless urban living, the home features a refined primary bath renovation, new
Experience the best of urban living in this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the sought-after Honolulu Tower. This spectacular unit is in move-in ready condition. Enjoy abundant natural light and breathtaking panoramic city, ocean, and harbor views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax on your private lanai as you watch stunning evening sunsets. This secure residence
How often do the view, the kitchen, FULLY FURNISHED, and the location all actually show up in the same condo? This Kakaako home nails all three! Floor-to-ceiling glass frames the ocean from your living room, and the interior is upgraded to match: vinyl plank flooring runs throughout, paired with a kitchen that means business. Bosch appliances, quartz counters, a full quartz backsplash, and
This beautifully upgraded studio offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Featuring an open floor plan, a sleek kitchen, in-unit washer/dryer, and a spacious closet with custom storage, this unit is move-in ready. Additional highlights include air conditioning, vinyl plank flooring, and a ceiling fan for added comfort. The secured building provides surfboard and bicycle
Experience the best of urban living in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. Ideally situated near the Financial District, Chinatown, Hawai‘i Theater, grocery stores, and a wide selection of eateries and shops, Kukui Plaza offers unmatched convenience. This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 1-parking residence features a spacious layout and a remodeled kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel
Space is currently configured as a large office with reception area, modern workstations, conference rooms, multiple restrooms, and storage areas. Building is BMX-4 zoning for residential or office use. PH-3 (MLS 202600832) and PH-4 (MLS 202600842) TO BE SOLD TOGETHER. Cumulative asking price is $1.355m. Each unit has 2 covered parking stalls for a total of 4 contiguous stalls. Owner rented
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
Welcome to 1060 Bishop Street in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our community features studio, 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans with lofted 9'2” ceilings, luxury vinyl flooring, carpet bedrooms and tile bathrooms - detailed with stylish black kitchen fixtures, GE appliances and hardware . Contact our leasing team today to schedule a tour!Professionally Managed by Cirrus Asset Management, Inc., HI - License # RB19976
Brand new luxury yet affordable studio apartments! The building is 20 stories high with 222 well-designed studio apartments.Furnished options are available and included in rent are water, sewer and trash.Kokua Hale has a range of features to compliment your lifestyle including:controlled access and video surveillance, elevators, trash chutes, two community rooms and
Welcome to Halewai'olu Senior Residences! Situated in the heart of downtown Honolulu with proximity to Foster Botanical Garden and Chinatown, this brand-new senior community offers affordable housing to individuals aged 55 and over. Halewai'olu consists of one and two-bedroom apartments with breathtaking views of mountains and the ocean. Included in rent are water, sewer and trash and every
Property Id: 2748466 $1600.00 per month plus $1600.00 security deposit 1 bedroom 1 bath unit Small yard off of the bedroom 1 assigned parking stall available Coin operated laundry on site Pets allowed Tenant pays electricity, gas, cable, internet Landlord pays water, sewer, trash $45 nonrefundable application fee Serious inquiries only Must see in person prior to applying. Renters insurance
Located in the Mauka Tower (15th Floor), this corner unit with a 155 sq. ft. ocean facing lanai offers you a total of 1625 sq. ft. of comfort. A rare feature, this unit also has an approved third room a must see. Hardwood and tile floors this unit. Central ac, washer, drier, stove, refrigerator, microwave and dual wall ovens included. Utilities include 2 covered parking stalls (not adjacent)
**$450.00 credit per month through September 30, 2026** KEOLA LA'I in the heart of Kakaako-Lovely 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with 2 parking on the 12th floor. Central AC, all modern appliances, carpets, blinds, track lighting, washer & dryer in unit, Great Amenities, guest parking, Locked entry & elevators, Security. Lots of great venues in the area. Rent-$3,800.00 Security Deposit-$3,800.00
For Rent – Spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo with 2 Parking Stalls801 South St., Honolulu, HIEnjoy comfortable urban living in this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium located in the desirable 801 South Street community. This well-maintained unit includes two assigned parking stalls, making it a rare opportunity in the heart of Honolulu.Unit Features2
1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment near downtown Honolulu, NO PARKING. Close to bus line, Queens Hosp, Entrance to Freeway. Tenant is responsible for Electricity, Gas, Internet and Cable. Water and Sewer charges included with rent. Laundry Center on property for tenant use only. No pets or smoking in unit.
All UTILITIES INCLUDED in rent: AC Central, Cable, Electricity, Hot Water, Internet, Parking, Sewer, Trash, Water. Convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, and on-site resident manager for peace of mind. This exceptional rental condo offers the perfect blend of mountain and city views from a private lanai, along with the convenience of one open dedicated parking secure garage stall. Amenities
Beautiful 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Condo in Downtown Honolulu – Utilities IncludedEnjoy island living in this clean and spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with 1,014 sq. ft. of living space. Conveniently located across from Honolulu Harbor, you're just minutes from Iolani Palace, Kakaako, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chinatown, HPU, the Hawaii State Capitol, Ala Moana Center, the beach, and more, with
Year Built: 1975Sq. Footage: 539 Sq. Ft. + 65 Sq. Ft. LanaiBedrooms: 1 Bed Bathrooms: 1 BathParking: 1Lease Duration: 1 YearSecurity Deposit: $1,7000.00Pets Policy: No Pets AllowedLaundry: Community Laundry on SiteA rarely-available, nicely updated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, w/1 assigned parking stall at the Pacific Manor! Updated unit with newer flooring,
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