Luxury living and ocean views in this majority-local neighborhood
Just south of downtown Honolulu and east of the Pacific Ocean, Kaka’ako gives locals a break. “I feel like I’m vacationing after work, even though there aren’t any resorts in the neighborhood,” says Joannie Heisch, a 30-year Realtor who lives in the area. “Tourists don’t come here as much, and locals love the luxury. You’re close to shops, restaurants and parks, so everything’s walkable.” Built around several master-planned developments, this neighborhood incorporates living and playing into one space. “It’s one of the first mixed-use neighborhoods in Hawai’i, where apartments are right next to restaurants and boutiques,” says Alesia Barnes, who’s brokered properties in Honolulu for over 10 years. “It’s turning into the ‘everything you need’ neighborhood.” Ward Village is a 60-acre development in this neighborhood, and SALT at Our Kaka’ako is another area to the west. These districts are known for their colorful murals and trendy small businesses, and they're only a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Honolulu — and the greater island of O’ahu — have nearly endless opportunities to get outside, so residents can take advantage of 200-plus days of annual sunshine.
Clusters of highrises populate the neighborhood of Kaka'ako
Luxury condos line the streets of Ward Village.
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Eating, shopping, living at Ward Village and SALT
Ward Village mixes high-end apartments and world-class restaurants. Joannie Hsieh says Merriman’s Honolulu is a popular spot for refined seafood and drinks; Panya Bistro & Bakery is more casual, serving Asian comfort food and pastries. “Tempura Ichika has great Japanese food,” says Hsieh. “The chef is from Japan and got a Michelin star working in New York. Now he’s the only full-time Michelin chef in Hawaii.” Department stores are in this area, too, such as Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx. Whole Foods provides an upscale grocery option, and just south of the district, the Kaka’ako Farmers Market brings local vendors every Saturday. Toward the west, SALT at Our Kaka’ako is another mixed-use area with over 40 small businesses. It’s named after the salt flats that once covered this land, serving as a major source of industry. Moku Kitchen draws a big crowd for its New American food, and Highway Inn offers traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Beyond sit-down restaurants, this district has trendy breweries, juice spots, clothing boutiques and Korean grocers.
Enjoy a French Dip sandwich at E.A.R.L.'s.
H Mart has rows upon rows of international items and fresh produce, some local.
Residents can find a variety of restaurants in the SALT at Our Kaka'ako shopping center.
Residents can purchase groceries and freshly made meals at H Mart.
Enjoy the constantly beautiful weather at the SALT at Our Kaka'ako open area.
Moku has open and outdoor seating for its patrons.
Southern and East Coast classics like Po Boys and French Dips are served at E.A.R.L.'s.
Kids and adults alike enjoy the arcade in Ward Village.
Honolulu is famous for its outdoor dining and street eateries.
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Gathering at Our Kaka’ako
Centered around Keawe, Auahi, and Coral Street, SALT at Our Kaka’ako is also a major event space. It hosts the Honolulu Night Market in June when live musicians and 80-plus vendors light up the district. The Keiki Street Festival is a kid-friendly event in March, and keiki (children) can learn about Hawaiian culture with hands-on activities — plus, it has a petting zoo, bouncy house and other play areas. The Malama ?Aina Community Cleanup is in April, and locals can pick up litter around the neighborhood’s streets and parks.
From exhibitions to workshops, SALT fosters artistic expression and connection.
SALT at Kakaako offers a dynamic oceanfront space for art, culture, and community.
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Waterfront parks and walkable beaches, unlimited recreation
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park is a multiuse green space in the southern part of the neighborhood, right next to the ocean. While there’s no beach here, its promenade has steps that lead down to the water. People can swim, surf or fish; if kids aren’t too worn out, they can visit the Children’s Discovery Museum nearby. Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park is in the north for a basketball court and playground, but murals are its most colorful attraction. Brick walls depict images of the island, such as surfers, octopi and turtles — and though they aren’t native to the island, there’s even a walrus driving a submarine. Ala Moana Regional Park is just east of the neighborhood, and it’s another coastal space. This one, though, has a white-sandy beach to enjoy. It’s also a popular surfing spot; it has eight tennis courts and two beach volleyball courts, too. On the park’s easternmost peninsula, Magic Island Lagoon is enclosed with volcanic rock walls: it’s for those who want less waves and a viewpoint of the Pacific that’s a little farther south. More than these parks, though, Honolulu has everything from the Ala Wai Golf Course to Diamond Head State Monument.
Beach volleyball is always in session at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Ala Moana Beach Park is loved by those in the community.
Fishermen can always be spotted around Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Kids love the play area atop Ala Moana Center.
Magic Island walking path keeps residents of Kaka’ako active.
Magic Island Lagoon has rock structures that creates a calm tide pool.
Enjoy a free hula show every evening at Ala Moana Center.
Magic Island sea path has crystal clear waters.
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High-dollar condos and apartments
Luxury condos and apartments make up most of this market, and renters are the majority. These high-rise buildings often have international-style architecture, open floor plans and ocean views. In addition to the abundance of recreation around town, complexes typically have amenities such as pools and gyms. Studios farther from the water start at $400,000; oceanfront homes with more room can go above $4 million. While prices are typically double those of Makiki to the north, buyers in Kaka’ako are closer to beaches and downtown. Inventory is usually high because of the price point, and properties often wait for the right buyer. The average time-on-market is 168 days, almost quadruple the national average of 43 days. While this is a coastal area, both Heisch and Barnes attest that flooding is not an issue.
The Ke Kilohana condo complex in Kaka'ako offers many amenities to residents.
Kaka’ako is home to tall apartment and condo buildings with views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Top-rated, historic schools with Hawai’i State Department of Education
Royal Elementary School is roughly a mile north of the neighborhood, and Niche rates it a B-minus. It was founded in 1839 during the reign of King Kamehameha III, originally called the Chief’s Children’s School and only available to royal heirs. The school opened to everyone in 1851 and has seen many renovations, but the current building was constructed in 1967. About 2 miles east of the neighborhood, President George Washington Middle gets a B from Niche, and its chess team has won the national championship. It has an active parent organization, the WMS Ohana, and a School Community Council that work to improve the school. President William McKinley High is on the northeast side of Kaka’ako, so it’s walkable for many students. Niche scores it a B-plus and considers it the No. 1 Standout High School in Honolulu, ahead of the island’s two others. Several independent schools are nearby, such as Soto Academy and Kamehameha School.
President William McKinley High, founded in 1865, is Honolulu's oldest public high school.
Founded in 1839, Royal Elementary in Honolulu is Hawaii's oldest public school.
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Getting around O’ahu
Most people walk around Kaka’ako because of its mixed-use developments and beach proximity, but drivers are between two major thoroughfares. Along the southern coast, Ala Moana Boulevard provides access to downtown and Diamond Head State Monument. The H1 Interstate — also called the Lunalilo Freeway — provides an alternative route and runs along the neighborhood’s northern side. It leads to the western coast but also connects east to Highway 61. For central and eastern O’ahu, the H1 links with the H2 as well. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is 6 miles up the coast for flights to other islands or the mainland.
Ala Moana Beach Park is loved by those in the community.
Explore Ala Moana Center near Ward Village for a wide variety of shopping 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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kakaako
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kakaako Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kakaako, Honolulu sell after 132 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kakaako, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $771,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched high above the city, this exquisite and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 1,518 sq. ft. of refined living space. The expansive, rectangular living room is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light and capture stunning partial ocean views. The thoughtfully designed layout provides both comfort and privacy. Each room is generously sized, while
Experience the absolute best of Honolulu living from this upgraded, elegant residence on the coveted Diamond Head side of 1350 AlaMoana. Step onto your private lanai and be instantly refreshed by the ocean breeze while taking in breathtaking, sparkling blue-greenocean views. Designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, this home perfectly blends comfort and sophistication. The location
Enjoy Peaceful Living in a 1 BR/ 1 BA, Corner Unit w/1 Open Assigned Parking of This Secured Entry Bldg. Upgraded in 2024 w/Barn Door Entry to the Closet Area and Bathroom, New Shower Stall & Vinyl Plank Flooring Through Out. Storage Locker on the 3rd Fl. Laundry on Every Floor. Rooftop Pool w/ Great Views. Conveniently Located Near Don Quijote, Ala Moana Shopping Ctr., Beaches, Bus Line and
Experience the best of urban island living at The Central Ala Moana, a newly constructed 43-story contemporary tower perfectly positioned between luxury and convenience. This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit offers sweeping ocean views, abundant natural light, and a thoughtful open layout designed for comfort and modern living. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a swimming pool, children’s
Welcome to The Park on Ke‘eaumoku, a stunning new landmark of modern living in the heart of Honolulu. Be the first to call this brand-new 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence in the Liona Tower home — featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, split AC, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping city and ocean views from your private 70 sq. ft. lanai. This unit also offers the
INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY! The Central Ala Moana 3604 is he deal of a lifetime! Assume the existing mortgage at a historically low 2.625% with approx. $122,500K+/- gap. This isn’t just for VA buyers- INVESTORS, SECOND-HOME SEEKERS, and primary home buyers are eligible. Why settle for today’s steep interest rates when you can lock in 2.625% with approximately 26 years remaining?Built in 2021,
Experience luxury high above the crowds in this tasteful and fully furnished skybox at A'alii in Kakaako. Situated on floor 36, this home offers ocean views, city views and relaxing sunsets. Move in ready. A beautiful amenities deck includes adult and kids pools, cabanas and BBQs. Short distance to Ward Entertainment Complex, Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park and Shopping Center. Renters insurance
AVAILABLE THIS NOVEMBER 2025!! With Soaring views of the mountains, city and sunset, on the cool side of the centrally located Moana Pacific twin tubular towers, this spacious 1 BR/1BA unit features top of the line appliances and 1 conveniently located secureCovered garage parking. In Pristine condition, the unit boasts a generous Walk-in Master Closet and Washer Dryerinside with
ALL NEW, fully Furnished, lever lived in luxury rental! Flexible lease term of 6 months and longer. All utilities and parking included! Nestled within nearly half an acre of vibrant green space, this new development is ideally located in a walkable and bike-friendly area near the Ala Moana Center and Beach! Close Super convenient location with everything you need just minutes away! Close to UH,
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