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.
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On average, homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $1,230,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The unobstructed, panoramic, breathtaking ocean and Diamond Head views combined with stunning sunsets make this 4-bedroom, 2-bath single family residence truly exceptional. Nestled in the highly sought-after Koko Kai/Portlock neighborhood on a generous 14,754 sq ft lot, this 2,297 sq ft home features a covered lanai perfect for soaking in idyllic views of Maunalua Bay. Rare opportunity to update
Discover the epitome of island living in this exquisitely remodeled and impeccably maintained 5 bdrm/4 bath executive style residence in the highly sought-after Portlock neighborhood. Nestled on a nearly 13,000 sq. ft. LEVEL lot, this home boasts over 4,000 sq. ft. of elegantly detailed living space that seamlessly blends style and functionality. The newly renovated interior features a spacious
Experience the ultimate Hawaii Kai lifestyle in this private, marina-front, end unit in the gated, very Pet-Friendly community of Mawaena Kai. Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of Koko Head and the marina from your living room, main bedroom and the spacious, covered back lanai. Direct marina access- perfect for paddle boarding & kayaking- right from your backyard. This spacious, 3 bedroom, 2
**Open House: Sunday, Sep 14, 2–5 PM** Experience island living in this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at the Mauna Luan in Hawai‘i Kai. Enjoy a bright open layout with large windows that capture mountain and marina views, complemented by refreshing trade wind breezes. The kitchen offers ample cabinet and counter space, while the living and dining areas connect seamlessly for entertaining. Both
Perched on the 17th floor, this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence at the Mauna Luan captures sweeping views of the ocean and marina, setting the stage for true island living. Step inside to find a bright, naturally lit home, a wide open floorplan, and gleaming stainless steel appliances—thoughtfully maintained and ready for move-in. Two parking stalls included, and an Extra Large storage
Don’t miss this beautifully maintained 1 bdrm/1 bath residence with 2 tandem parking in the Colony in the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai, a private gated community. This spacious unit features nearly 900 sq. ft. of living space, an open floor plan with high ceilings, new carpet, and a covered lanai. Enjoy the resort-style amenities such as swimming pool, spa, fitness center, park, BBQ area, and so much
Experience the ultimate Hawaii Kai lifestyle with all your furry friends in this private, marina-front, end unit in the gated, PET FRIENDLY community of Mawaena Kai. Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of Koko Head from your living room, main bedroom and the spacious, covered lanai. Direct marina access- perfect for paddle boarding & kayaking- right from your backyard. This spacious 3 bedroom, 2
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.
Exquisitely remodeled and furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in the Mauna Luan, East Tower, makes this one-of-a-kind beauty highly desirable. You will love the resort-style amenities including gas BBQ areas, 2 swimming pools, whirlpool, putting green, sauna, game room with pool table, women and men's spas, party rooms, recreation area, tennis court. Management office on site. 24-hour
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