The city and the mountains rolled into one Honolulu neighborhood
Some locals see Makiki and Makiki Heights as separate neighborhoods, but most people consider them two sides of the same coin. “Makiki runs to the foothill of the mountain, and Makiki Heights is all on the upslope,” says Tommy Kim, a longtime local and a Coldwell Banker real estate agent for over a decade. “That’s where you start to transition from condos into single-family homes, and that’s where a lot of ancient Hawai’i was. As you move higher up, you have sweeping views of the city and a cooler climate. Makiki Heights feels like an actual jungle, and Makiki is more of a concrete one.” This flatter side is about a mile from downtown Honolulu; the mountainous area goes about 5 miles up to Tantalus summit, which overlooks the neighborhood. The Punchbowl Crater, an extinct volcano and Pearl Harbor memorial, is just west of the neighborhood, and beaches are south along the coast. While the island of O’ahu welcomes many part-time residents, Makiki retains its residents year-round. “People have been here for a long time, whereas part-time international buyers are probably looking toward Kaka’ako or Ala Moana,” Kim says. “Makiki is diverse, but it’s more local-based than anything.”
Makiki aerial overview
Makiki's housing market is competitive due to its central location and desirable features.
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Makiki Valley trails with a view, beach proximity
On the north side of the neighborhood, the Makiki Valley has a network of trails that runs through a tropical rainforest. “A lot of people like to go up to Tantalus,” says Kim. “That’s the famous hike that looks over Honolulu, and it reminds me of a Hawaiian song called ‘Honolulu City Lights.’ I think it might’ve been written up there because the views are so amazing.” The Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Wayside is a nearby green space that leads to other trails, such as Na Ala Hele and ‘Ualaka’a. The skyline and the Diamond Head State Monument — a giant volcanic cone — can often be seen in between the trees. For an even longer hike, trails extend north into the Waimanalo Forest Reserve and run along its mountain streams. Smaller parks include Makiki District Park and Cartwright Neighborhood Parks, and these have pools and community gardens. While Makiki isn’t directly on the Pacific Ocean, Ala Moana Beach is a short drive south. This palm-lined stretch of sand gets fewer tourists than Waikiki Beach and has a coral reef for snorkeling.
garden cages
another view from top
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Luxury condos in Makiki and hillside estates in Makiki Heights
High-rise condos and apartments are south of Nehoa Street, toward the base of the mountain. They were mostly built in the 1970s; they have neutral-colored paint and banded windows characteristic of the time period. Though Makiki has a lot of long-term residents, more than half of the population are renters, and they cluster in this area. Prices are between $50,000 and $500,000, but buyers won’t often own the property outright. “Some buildings have fee-simple like in a traditional lease,” Kim says. “But a lot of properties are still leasehold, where you own the use of your space until the lease runs out. Then the rights transfer back to the original owner. With a lease, the landlord can evict the tenant whenever, but leaseholds give you some protection. They’re not as common in O’ahu anymore, and Makiki has probably the most on the island.” However, most condos between $500,000 and $1.7 million can be bought outright. The same can be said for hillside estates in Makiki Heights. They often feature skyline, coastal and Diamond Head views, and they have more room. Prices increase with elevation; homes at the base of the mountain start at $1.2 million but can go above $5 million toward the summit.
condo 4
ridge home side
Wilder Ave condos 4
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Top-rated options with Hawai’i State Department of Education
Schools cluster on the neighborhood’s western side, walkable along Auwaiolimu Street’s hill. President Abraham Lincoln Elementary is near the top of the hill and gets a B-plus from Niche. The campus is decorated with colorful murals of Hawai’i, and after a new mural was completed in 2023, the school received the Cooke Beautification Award for Public Schools. Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School is toward the bottom of the hill, and it also gets a B-plus. The school holds a Color Walk in May and makes field trips to local parks. President Theodore Roosevelt High was once combined with Stevenson Middle, but a new building was constructed across the street in 1932. The school now gets an A from Niche and ranks as the No. 7 best public high school in Hawai’i, ahead of 54 others. The University of Hawai’i at Manoa is just east of the neighborhood and has over 200 degree programs.
Hanahauoli School
Roosevelt HS focuses on academic excellence and fostering a love for learning in children.
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Shops and restaurants in the south, toward Kaka’ako
Separated from most housing, Beretania and King streets have retail, grocery and dining options. Grace’s Inn is open all day for traditional Hawaiian food. Golden Pork Tonkotsu is a Japanese ramen bar that’s close to a sashimi place and an Indian restaurant. Kim points out the new Chik-Fil-A, opened in 2024. “It’s a big deal," he says. "They’ve come to O’ahu in the last couple of years, and it’s one of three locations on the island. It creates all kinds of traffic, and there’s always a huge line.” Times Supermarket and Mercado de La Raza are close by for groceries. Some clothing stores are here, such as Plato’s Closet and Harbors Vintage, but Ala Moana Center has even more. A half-mile south toward the Kaka’ako neighborhood, this four-story complex is the largest open-air mall in the world. It has department stores, family-owned restaurants and hula performances.
restaurant signage
ancient horse statue
Museum entrance
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Walking in Makiki, driving in Makiki Heights
Southernmost residents can walk around town, as this land is mostly flat with wide sidewalks. Biking is another option, but traffic increases along major thoroughfares such as Beretania and King streets. Biki, the island's bike rental service, has a station on Makiki Street. O’ahu’s bus system, TheBus, runs north to south along Keeaumoku Street and leads to Ala Moana. Despite these options, people at northern elevations likely have a car. The H1 Freeway runs along the south side of Makiki and leads about 7 miles west to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hospitals are along this freeway as well, on either side of the neighborhood; Straub Medical Center, Queens Medical Center and Shriner’s Children’s Hospital are all within a few miles of most homes.
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
Zoar Morales,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Thomas Square
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Ala Moana Regional Park
Punahpu Square
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Tantalus Lookout - Puu Ualakaa State Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Pawaa In-Ha Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Puu Ualakaa State Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Cartwright Neighborhood Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Makiki District Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Dole Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Volleyball
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
17 min drive
Bus
Punahou St & Dole St
Bus
Punahou St & Nehoa St
Bus
Wilder Ave & Piikoi St
Bus
Pensacola St & Opp Hassinger St
Bus
S Beretania St & Ward Ave
Bus
Nehoa St & Opp Lewalani Dr
Bus
Makiki Heights Dr & Mott-Smith Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Makiki
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Makiki, Honolulu sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Makiki, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $508,473, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience local living at its finest in this tastefully updated 1-bedroom + den, 1-bath offering breathtaking views from mauka to makai! An end unit located on a high floor, this spacious residence features an open-concept layout with a bonus den—perfect for a home office, kiddie playroom, guest space or even extra storage, complete with it's very own Juliet balcony! Huh?!Enjoy a modern kitchen
Welcome to Wilder Towers – A Rare Gem in MakikiPerched on the 17th floor of the Wilder Towers, this beautifully maintained unit offers breathtaking Diamond Head and ocean views from your expansive wraparound lanai — the perfect space to relax or entertain with cool island breezes.Built in 1969 with a distinctive architectural design, Wilder Towers features just 42 units spread across 22 floors —
Affordable entry price makes this a perfect starter home! Proximity to UH Manoa, HPU and Punahou also makes it a perfect fit for off-campus housing. This 2 bedroom/1bath unit has been newly painted and features a large patio. It also comes with one assigned parking stall and a large, individual storage space. Centrally located in Makiki (Metro Honolulu), it's minutes from UH Manoa, Waikiki, Ala
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to own a recently updated 4 bdrm/2 bath single-family home in the highly desirable Makiki Heights neighborhood. Situated on a 10,000 sq. ft. CORNER lot with over 2,400 sq. ft. of interior living space, this home features fresh int/ext paint, vinyl plank flooring throughout and a spacious open kitchen that has been beautifully updated with quartz countertops
Enjoy beautiful Diamond Head, city and mountain views from this well-maintained 2 bdrm/1 bath HIGH FLOOR unit in One Kalakaua Senior Living. This unit features vinyl plank flooring, an open floor plan and a spacious open kitchen. One Kalakaua offers wellness and leisure programs, dining, fitness center, housekeeping services, pool, spa and more! Centrally located near beaches, parks, Ward Village
Welcome to this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ground floor unit located at 1541 Davenport Place. Offering 468 sqft of well-designed living space, this home is perfect for first-time buyers, investors, or those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. The unit features ceramic tile throughout and also comes with a covered parking stall. Conveniently located near bus lines, Makiki Shopping Village,
Welcome home to Kewalo Apartments. Your future community offers Studio apartment homes. Kewalo Apartments is conveniently located at 1442 Kewalo Street in lovely Makiki. The property is in a great location just around the corner from tons of restaurants, Target, Walmart, Safeway, Ala Moana Center, and much more. This property is perfect for those who want a central and convenient location but do
Welcome to this conveniently located 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo in the heart of Honolulu! Offering 485 sq. ft. of living space, this charming unit features a secured building and an assigned covered parking stall. Enjoy easy access to both eastbound and westbound freeways, making commutes a breeze. Ideally situated near Kapiolani Hospital, Straub Hospital, Ala Moana Shopping Center, UH Manoa,
Low-Income Permanent Housing – Affordable Apartments AvailableWelcome to our affordable housing community, offering 40 units of permanent, low-income housing. Our apartment complex features a variety of unit sizes, including studios, one, two, and three-bedroom layouts. Convenient amenities include resident parking and on-site coin-operated laundry facilities.Please note: Photos
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Zoar Morales,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
29,115
Median Age
46
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,424
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$90,614
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.8%
College Graduates
45.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.6%
% Population in Labor Force
69.2%
On par with the national average
65.1%
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®
10/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
