Envisioned in the 1960s by Henry J. Kaiser, who also built Kaiser Aluminum and Kaiser Permanente, Hawaii Kai is Oahu's first planned community, offering modern conveniences amid natural splendor. Stretching across the island's southeast corner, the area is thoughtfully designed around Hawaii’s largest former fish pond, Kuapa. Its sidewalked streetscapes curve into cul-de-sacs, and waterfront homes feature backyard docks. Today, this midcentury suburban village is now one of Oahu's most populous places. "Hawaii Kai has kept its identity as a well-planned, upscale neighborhood," says Pete Arnold, with Hawaii Life, who’s been a licensed realtor since 2003 and represents buyers and sellers on the Islands of Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. "It's quiet and laid-back, even though there's so much to see and do. You have the marina area, shopping, trails and parks here as well as the Kaiser Clinic, Satellite City Hall and a post office. Plus, you can be in downtown Honolulu in minutes." Coming home to Hawaii Kai, especially from the bustle of downtown, can be a tonic for the senses. Palms rise high over flowering trees, and some of Oahu's most stunning lava formations skirt its wild coastline.
Hawaii Kai stretches from the mountaintops to the the Oahu coastline.
Hawaii Kai locals enjoy spending time on their boats.
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Maunalua Bay, China Walls and Koko Crater
At Maunalua Bay Beach Park, residents can join Hui Nalu Canoe Club for fun or to compete in the summer regatta. Maunalua Bay is a choice spot for swimming, parasailing and kayaking. Easy access to China Walls, also known as Koko Kai Beach Park, is a main attraction. This lava delta rises 70 feet high, offering Instagram-worthy tiered ledges for fishing or jumping. It's one of the island's first touchpoints for breakers that shape the shoreline into calm inlets and cliffs.
Photographers soak up views from Hawaii Kai Lookout or Hanauma Bay Lookout, where a trail connects to the Hanauma Bay Admission and Orientation Center. Here, locals learn about the protected marine life in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Resident hikers and history buffs head to the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead to scale a former World War II tramway for soldiers, now repurposed into a bucket-list destination. Though the trek of over 1,000 steps is strenuous, the vista across Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and Portlock Peninsula makes the climb worthwhile.
For a more relaxed day, residents tee off at Hawaii Kai Golf Course amid views of Moloka'i Island and Makapuu Cliffs. Local athletes polish their skills on Koko Head District Park's multiple athletic fields and courts.
A trail leads to the top of Koko Head in Honolulu.
Maunalua Bay Beach Park on Hawaii Kai has a convenient parking lot.
China Walls is a popular fishing spot.
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Single-family dockside homes, townhouses and condos
Because of Hawaii Kai's layout and location, home pricing can be higher than in other areas on Oahu. Single- and multifamily residences gather in valleys, on ridges and along the water. Options include a two-bedroom high-rise condo for $860,000, a waterfront townhouse for $1.1 million and nicely updated 1970s single-family homes for $1.2 million. A massive gated six-bedroom estate near China Walls can fetch nearly $9 million. Most homes fit snugly together on well-landscaped properties and residential clusters separated by undeveloped natural buffers. And although Hawaii Kai's nearly 30 neighborhoods are dense and colorful, its residential footprint is dwarfed by the majestic backdrop of the Koolau Mountains.
Homes directly on the marina have private boat docks in Hawaii Kai.
Waterfront townhomes line the marinas in Hawaii Kai.
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Conveniences from Costco to Koko Marina Center
Essentials are always convenient in Hawaii Kai, and city-style entertainment isn't far. "While Hawaii Kai feels lush and laid-back," Arnold says, "you're just 20 minutes from all the Waikiki and downtown Honolulu nightlife." Within Hawaii Kai, residents breakfast on the patio at Island Brew Coffeehouse, shop for groceries at Safeway or stock up at Costco in Hawaii Kai Towne Center. Across the pond, Koko Marina Center is a popular hub for Starbucks, banking, Walgreens and Kona Brewing Co. — a favorite dockside go-to for nearly 20 years. Some of the island's top medical facilities are also here, including Hawaii Kai Clinic, Straub Medical Center and The Queen's Health Care Center.
The Hawaii Kai community embraces a laid-back lifestyle.
Kona Brewing Company is among Hawaii Kai's diverse dining options.
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Top-rated public schools
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, given a B-plus on Niche. Kids can start at one of several elementary schools, including Koko Head, which earns an A-minus from Niche. Sixth through eighth graders can attend Niu Valley Middle, which also earns an A-minus, and older students advance to Henry J. Kaiser High, given a solid A grade on Niche. Kaiser High offers an International Baccalaureate Program and an award-winning theater program.
Koko Head Elementary School teaches children in Honolulu foundational education.
Discover a supportive and inclusive community at Niu Valley Middle School.
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Walkable with easy Kalanianaole Highway access
Within Hawaii Kai, most streets are lined with sidewalks on both sides, making walking for exercise or errands easy. Traveling outside the neighborhood to popular destinations such as Honolulu or East Oahu Shoreline Drive is a pleasant drive the scenic Kalanianaole Highway.
Annual waterfront Festival of Lights
Every year, Hawaii Kai locals anticipate the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, when dozens of holiday-themed vessels float across the marina. Prizes are awarded at the end of the night, elevating the seasonal cheer.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hawaii Kai
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Hawaii Kai Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $1,262,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Hale Makani Kai stands out as a hidden Hawaii Kai gem, offering townhouse living that feels like a single-family home. Unlike typical townhouses, this property is nestled in a distinctive enclave, ensuring privacy and serenity. 427 Kawaihae Street is one of just 9 units with an enclosed two-car garage, providing convenience and security. A lovely backyard leads to your private marina and boat
Welcome to your private oasis in Hawaii Kai! Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a large lot and perfectly blends comfort, style, and convenience. Inside, enjoy remodeled living spaces, an updated kitchen, modern bathrooms, and a spacious living room with custom built-ins. Stay cool with five energy-efficient mini-split systems (newest installed September
Rare Opportunity in Nanea Kai – Spacious Hawaii Kai Townhouse! Discover one of only three units in the Nanea Kai complex boasting a generous 1,587 sq ft floor plan. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse includes a versatile bonus area—ideal for a home office, den, or creative space. Enjoy brand-new stainless-steel appliances—refrigerator, range/oven, dishwasher, and
Experience elegant island living in the coveted Nanea Kai community of Hawai‘i Kai. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers a refined balance of comfort and style, featuring 1,582 sq. ft. of interior living space, an open-concept floor plan, a private 2-car garage, and a charming lanai perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Set within a quaint and well-maintained enclave,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-level home in Kalama Valley, offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room on a 5,671 sq. ft. lot. The open living and dining area flows into an updated kitchen with rich wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a stylish tile backsplash. Enjoy vinyl plank flooring, split and window A/C units, ceiling fans,
NEW LISTING!! Take in amazing ocean, marina, and mountain views from this beautifully updated 2 bdrm/1.5 bath condo with 2 covered parking in the highly desirable Mauna Luan. Boasting over 1,200 sq. ft. of interior living space, this high-floor unit offers an open floor plan with hard surface flooring throughout, an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows
MOVE-IN READY!! This serene fully-furnished single-level townhome offers everything you need - from modern kitchen, stainless steel appliances, tiled baths to open design w/ raised ceiling in the living room. Our property also includes 2 private parking spaces - 1 covered & 1 open so you won’t have to worry about your car. You can relax while drinking your morning or afternoon tea on our lovely
Upgraded, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Covered Parking with hardwood floors unit in highly desirable Mauna Luan Condominium with unmatched resort like facilities.Includes 2 giant swimming pools, multiple jacuzzis, waterslides, private BBQ areas, large recreation area, fitness center with saunas. Go online to view full property discription, extensive amenities and photos.
Gorgeous UNFURNISHED coveted ground floor 2br/2bath unit at Esplanade. Two covered parking spaces included and 2 storage lockers. Unit features a spacious and open floor plan with 1,083 square feet of interior living space and huge gated lanai with views of the marina. Updated kitchen and bathrooms with stainless steel appliances and washer/dryer in unit. INCLUDED in rent: basic cable, internet
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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.
