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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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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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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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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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.
Haunama Bay in Hawaii Kai is an iconic scene in Honolulu.
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.
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.
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
Sherine Duncan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Haha’ione Valley Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Koko Kai Beach Park
Dog Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Hawaii Kai Recreation Center
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Maunalua Bay Beach Park
Beach
Ocean
Parking Lot
Kamilo'iki Community Park
Basketball
Skateboard
Playground
Elaine Dobashi Dog Park
Dog Park
Kamilo Iki Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Kalama Valley Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Koko Head Neighborhood Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
35 min drive
Bus
Hawaii Kai Dr & Pepeekeo St
Bus
Ainapo St & Pepeekeo St
Bus
Hawaii Kai Dr & Opp Maunanani St
Bus
Ainapo St & Ainapo Pl
Bus
Lunalilo Home Rd & Opp Kalanipuu St
Bus
Lunalilo Home Rd & Kaiama Pl
Bus
Kalanianaole HWY & Hawaii Kai Towne Center
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 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $1,288,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Uncover a serene sanctuary amidst Heritage House in Hawaii Kai. Savor breathtaking marina, ocean, and treetop views, enveloped by the soothing serenade of morning bird songs. This 2 bed, 2 bath unit is offering exceptional value at half the cost of a new condo in the Kakaako. Enjoy the elegant functionality of a freshly renovated kitchen and bathrooms complete with quartz countertops & soft-close
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
Welcome home to a seldom available single-level residence in the highly desirable Mariner’s Valley neighborhood.This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious open floor plan that’s ideal for everyday living and casual gatherings. The living and dining areas flow into an enclosed lanai and a covered outdoor space perfect for weekend barbecues or relaxing by the pool, with cool
Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo at prestigious Mt. Terrace in Hawaii Kai offers breathtaking panoramic views of Koko Head and Koko Marina. This exquisite residence offers an array of exclusive amenities, including pool and whirlpool, sauna, attentive concierge service, a scenic jogging path, and a well-equipped exercise room. Conveniently located only minutes away from shopping, dining, and
Perched along the prestigious cliffs of Koko Kai, this extraordinary modern oceanfront estate offers a rare opportunity to own a generational compound or corporate retreat on O?ahu’s prized coast. Encompassing two architecturally striking modern homes behind one secure gated driveway, the estate spans an impressive 195 linear feet of prime ocean frontage and private access to the water. This is
Don’t miss this tastefully renovated and nicely maintained 3 bdrm/2 bath townhome with 2 parking at Kawaihae Crescent West in Hawaii Kai. This ground floor SINGLE LEVEL unit features 1,300 sq. ft. of interior living space, a spacious open floor plan with an expansive kitchen island, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Relax in your private cozy backyard or covered front lanai, perfect for
AVAILABLE FOR 1-6 month rental. Price depends on time of year and length of stay. Offering reduced rate for remainder of October and November 2024!Location and Getting AroundKalama Valley is located in Hawaii Kai and is the perfect location if you want to be near to the action of Waikiki without being in the busyness of downtown. The home is walking distance to Kalama Valley
This elegant single-story residence, spanning 2,362 sq ft, is situated within the coveted Koko Villas, an exclusive enclave of just 71 homes. Built in 2005, this beautiful retreat offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and is located just moments from white sandy beaches and the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. The home features sophisticated design details throughout its spacious living areas, including the
Waterfront Living at 6777 Hawaii Kai Drive. Experience the best of island living in this fully furnished 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located on the marina in the heart of Hawaii Kai. This spacious residence offers an ideal blend of indoor-outdoor living with a private swimming pool, expansive lanai, sun deck and direct marina frontage, perfect for entertaining or relaxing in style. The open
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sherine Duncan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
30,157
Median Age
50
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$136,878
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,260
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
59.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
16/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 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.
