$2,195,351Average Value$261Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Residential blend of luxury and charm near Diamond Head and Waikiki
In Waialae-Kahala, known locally as Kahala, some of Oahu’s most opulent homes sit atop a black lava rock formation overlooking Diamond Head and the Maunalua Bay, or gather along flat coastal streets and up in the Koolau foothills. Beginning in the 1930s, Kahala’s blend of coastal and mountain scenery attracted developers to transform the area’s farmland terrain into an enclave of magnificent mansions. Billionaire heiress Doris Duke built her Shangri La mansion here in 1937 — now open for public tours. Other notable locals include Carol Burnett, Liza Minelli and eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. And while Kahala is sometimes likened to Beverly Hills because of its history, home styles and high-end pricing, Cherie Tsukamoto, Broker-in-Charge and Realtor with Hawaii Life, who’s been selling real estate in the area since 1979, says, “It’s different, because it’s expensive real estate, no question, but it’s really a mix. In Beverly Hills, you see mansion after mansion. But here you can also find some sweet 40-year-old homes in what we call Kama’aina style.” Literally meaning “child of the land,” Kama’aina embodies what locals call an old Hawaii feel. Kahala is also favored for its quiet, reserved nature — a welcome retreat from the bustle of neighboring Waikiki. Adds Tsukamoto, “It’s known for the affluence of the residents, but I’d describe it as understated elegance. People gravitate to it for walkable, wide streets, big lots and the central Kahala Mall. And there’s also a certain prestige to living right by the world-class Kahala Hotel.”
Kahala is one of the most sought-out real estate markets in Hawaii.
Luxury homes built into the cliffsides of Kāhala.
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Private beach access, public surfing and sports
Locals windsurf and sunbathe at Kahala Beach and Waialae Beach Park or take advantage of more private shoreline attached to multi-million-dollar mansions. “You just can’t beat the white sands and clear waters," says Tsukamoto. "Residents here are full-on into beachfront activities, and the Diamond Head trails are more touristy.” Just past Waialae Beach Park, locals need a membership to golf or dine at the Waialae Country Club, home to the Sony Open. Kids play soccer and families meet for potlucks in Kapiolani Regional Park on the outskirts of Waikiki, two miles west of Kahala’s Black Point subdivision. Plus, it’s easy to walk or bike to lookouts and trails from many homes.
Bring plenty of shade with you when visiting Kahala Beach.
Diamond Head Beach is an intimate tucked-away beach located in the Kāhala neighborhood.
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Options from magnificent to modest midcentury
In Kahala, tidy streets are flanked by sidewalks, and thoughtful landscaping features flowering trees, palms and succulents. Says Tsukamoto, “It’s mostly flat topography, with really quick access to the freeway and downtown. Beach access paths make it super easy to take your kayak out, surf or do some standup paddling.” Homes can cost measurably more here than in mainland states, and the needle moves up the closer you get to the water. “Like any neighborhood,” says Tsukamoto, “some streets are pricier and renowned, like Kahala Avenue, and then you have pockets that are older. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone who knows the area well. In Kahala, it’s diverse, so you have options from charming to high-end luxe.” Single-family estates trimming the oceanfront and Kahala Avenue generally hover between $3 million and $8 million; however, the largest properties can fetch between $15 million and $20 million. Further inland, condos are priced between $525,000 and $600,000 and single-family homes ask from $1.2 million to $4.5 million.
Homes near Blackpoint Road go for several millions dollars.
More modest single story homes can be found in Kahala.
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Highly graded schools, Kalani High golf champs
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, given a B-plus on Niche. All three public schools serving Kahala earn a Niche A-minus. Kids start at Kahala Elementary, move on to Kaimuki Middle and advance to Kalani High. In 2024, Kalani High School’s student-organized Team Kalani 4.2 won the 20th annual Hawaii LifeSmarts State Competition at the University of Hawaii Manoa. The competition tests knowledge in topics such as the environment, health and safety, consumer rights, technology and more. Several highly regarded private schools are just three or four miles west, including Punahou School, alma mater of former President Barack Obama, which earns a Niche A-plus.
There are plenty of opportunities for leadership and character development at Kalani High School
Kaimuki Middle School has a strong emphasis on academic excellence.
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Shop at central Kahala Mall, dine at Kahala Hotel & Resort
A range of dining options, from casual to elegant, are publicly available at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. Says Tsukamoto, “I love to go to Kahala Hotel with friends for poolside lunch or drinks at the Seaside Grill. It’s beautiful, and they have dolphins swimming in a lagoon.” On select nights, the hotel’s open-air Plumeria Beach House features an oceanside buffet. For fine dining and date nights, reservations are recommended at Hoku’s Kahala, specializing in four-course and eight-course menus. Arancino at the Kahala Hotel has earned 1st Place in Honolulu Magazine’s Hale Aina Awards for Best Italian Restaurant every year from 2018 through 2023. Boutique stores loved by locals include SoHa, which is managed by two sisters who curate creative home décor. Magnolia is the go-to for gifts, artwork and jewelry. Kahala Mall is a central retail hub with over 100 department stores, eateries and services such as Apple, California Pizza Kitchen and Whole Foods. Groceries are also convenient at Kahala Market by Foodland.
Many big-brand retailers can be found at Kahala Mall.
Plumeria Beach House is a local favorite.
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Quick drive on H-1 into downtown
“We do have bus stops all along Kilauea Avenue, but the lifestyle here is more car-dependent," Tsukamoto says. "We’re in cars because kids go to soccer practice, volleyball and private schools, and lots of residents head downtown for work.” Locals can reach downtown employers within about a 7-mile drive, and the Daniel K. Inouye Airport is only 11 miles from the south end of Kahala.
Homes in Diamondhead have great views of the Diamond Head dormant volcano.
Views of the Diamond Head lookout and decommissioned fort.
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May Day celebration
Every May 1st, also called “lei day” at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, locals celebrate May Day at The Veranda, enjoying lei and bracelet-making workshops, coconut husking and local pop-up shops.
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
Waialae Beach Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Hunakai Park
Volleyball
Multi-Purpose Field
Fort Ruger Mini Park / Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park
Wilson Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Lēʻahi Millennium Peace Garden
Trails
Kāhala Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Fort Ruger Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Diamond Head State Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
21 min drive
Bus
Kahala Ave & 4721
Bus
Pueo St & Opp Makaiwa St
Bus
Halekoa Dr & Ahamele Pl
Bus
Kahala Ave & 4442
Bus
Halekoa Dr & 1645
Bus
Kahala Ave & Opp Black Point Rd
Bus
Halekoa Dr & Alaeloa St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kāhala
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kāhala Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kāhala, Honolulu sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Kāhala, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $407,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the "heart" of Kahala on the corner of Ulili St & Onaha St, this contemporary-designed, massive, multi-generational home or corporate compound can be yours! Cathedral ceilings, many grand bedrooms upstairs! Over 6,000 SF interior space, to include covered balcony areas! The home was built in 1997 & partially remodeled in 2024, featuring 6 bedrooms and 6 full bathrooms, 2 half baths,
Wake up to the shimmer of the Pacific and the quiet prestige of Diamond Head. Thoughtfully designed by award-winning architect Jeff Long, this steel-frame, 3-story residence blends architectural brilliance with relaxed island luxury—just three blocks from the beach.Soaring windows frame ocean views from Black Point to Koko Head, while sculptural spiral staircases and Juliette balconies
Unbeatable Location Near Beaches, Golfing, and More... This spacious 5-bedroom 4-bath residence is located on one of Kahala’s most desirable streets. Rich hardwood floors and a flexible floor plan create warmth and comfort throughout. Dual living areas include a main living room with dramatic vaulted ceilings and tall sunlight-filled windows that open to a wraparound lanai and large grassy lawn
Experience the pinnacle of island living in this immaculately maintained 4 bdrm + den/4 bath executive style residence in the highly coveted Kahala neighborhood. With almost 3,200 sq. ft. of interior living space, this home features finely crafted woodwork throughout, a spacious living room, an expansive primary bedroom w/ en-suite bathroom and a beautiful chef’s kitchen with granite countertops
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Kahala Towers. Offering over 1,300 square feet of living space with its enclosed lanai, this home boasts stunning views of the ocean, Koko Head, Diamond Head, and the Waialae Golf Course.Thoughtful upgrades throughout include new paint, updated cabinets and countertops, a
Single-Level Living with Pool, Privacy & Style...Beautifully appointed single-level 4BD/3BA home on a desirable street in Kahala offering the best of relaxed island living. A gated courtyard w/ a blooming Pua Kenikeni tree sets a warm & inviting tone. The open living areas feature walls of glass that connect seamlessly to a spacious covered lanai; an extension of the interior—overlooking a tiled
Rarely available Waialae Nui Valley Ridge presents this move in ready home! Enjoy the peaceful and quite seclusion of this coveted cul de sac location overlooking Honolulu yet just moments from Kahala Mall, freeway access, and city attractions. 5 minutes to drive to Whole Foods, restaurants, and parks, If you are looking for a convenient lifestyle and want to avoid long commutes and traffic into
Discover your slice of paradise in prestigious Kahala! This stunning single-level remodeled home sits on a peaceful street minutes from pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and fine dining. The partially furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence features a sparkling in-ground swimming pool and private front and back yard sanctuaries. As a bonus, there is a 110 sq ft detached cottage with full
Welcome to this stunning single-level estate featuring 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms, perfectly nestled in one of Oahu's most prestigious neighborhoods. Designed for both elegance and comfort, this custom home offers seamless indoor-outdoor living with soaring ceilings, with an expansive, open-concept space. At the heart of the home is a chef's kitchen which flows effortlessly into the living and
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
10,922
Median Age
52
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$139,144
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$166,368
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.9%
College Graduates
62.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
