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
Are you familiar with the Makiki neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Makiki
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Makiki Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Makiki, Honolulu sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Makiki, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $373,943, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
First Public Showing will be on Wednesday April 22 from 11a-1p. Enjoy the cool trade winds from your wrap around lanai with panoramic views of The Koolau Mountains, Downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head and the ocean. Sliding glass doors along the kitchen and living area also allow you to enjoy the view and natural light all day long. Remodeled in 2015, this home is move-in ready! The kitchen boasts
You'll enjoy the in-town convenience of Makiki Heights/Tantalus neighborhood, with excellent schools, hospitals, shopping and freeway access. Breezy country feel with green rainforest views from a 1940's Art Deco period home. Spacious open living/dining area with 2 new split system A/C, and electrical panel. Opens out back to a covered patio, great for BBQ and entertaining and a flat yard area
Banyan Tree Plaza is a well-kept condominium in Honolulu's sought-after Punahou neighborhood, near Punahou School, Kapiolani Medical Center, & more. Shrouded in old-growth Banyan trees and island landscaping, this Honolulu residence feels uniquely special upon arrival. This high-floor 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence welcomes you home with bright natural light, and features stunning unobstructed
Welcome home to an urban high-rise oasis featuring sweeping city, mountain, and sunset views. This desirable 2-bedroom, 1-bath corner unit offers flexible living with a versatile bonus space - ideal for a home office or potential third sleeping area. Recently remodeled, the unit showcases brand-new kitchen appliances and a new electrical panel installed in July 2024, providing peace of mind and
Location, Location, Location. The Banyan Tree Plaza is centrally located near the University of Hawaii, major private schools and medical facilities. The corner end unit has panoramic views looking at the Central Union Church grounds, scenic mountains and Shriners Hospital to sunset views towards the West. This 2 bedroom 2 bath 2 covered parking unit was renovated a few years ago with new kitchen
Welcome home to this stunning 1010 Wilder condominium unit that offers the perfect blend of urban living and sumptuous comfort. Completely remodeled in 2008, this building boasts an awe-inspiring Salt Water pool for ultimate relaxation. The property is a secure building, showcasing the epitome of modern design with hardwood flooring and cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances
Tired of outdated condos? This is your chance to own a newly upgraded home right in the heart of Punchbowl! Once inside, you will feel the difference immediately: recent upgrades deliver a sharp, modern edge that makes this unit stand out from the rest. The kitchen truly pops with fresh cabinets, newer counters, updated lighting, a newer undermount kitchen sink, and all newer stainless steel
Rare opportunity to own an AFFORDABLE 3-bed, 2-bath top-floor unit in Prince Lunalilo in convenient Makiki! This well-maintained home, with an exceptionally low $580/mo maintenance fee, offers the ideal blend of space, comfort, and value, featuring a functional layout with multiple window AC units, laminate flooring, and updated walk-in showers (2018). And it's PET FRIENDLY! (buyer to verify, up
Experience stunning city, ocean, and Diamond Head views from this tastefully updated and impeccably maintained 2 bdrm/2 bath CORNER unit with 2 covered parking at 999 Wilder in Makiki. Offering nearly 1,400 sq. ft. of interior living space, this unit features fresh interior paint, updated kitchen and bathrooms, in-unit washer/dryer, and an expansive wrap around covered lanai. Conveniently located
Come see this well-maintained 2 bdrm/2 bath unit in The Barclay in Makiki. With almost 1,000 sq. ft. of interior living space, this unit features fresh interior paint, new carpet and updated kitchen and bathrooms. Relax and unwind by the pool as you soak in the sun! Ideal location near Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Shopping Center with an abundance of shopping, restaurants and entertainment!
NEW LISTING!! Enjoy breathtaking mountain and city views from this rarely available 2 bdrm/2 bath/1 covered parking penthouse unit at desirable 1111 Wilder in Makiki. With only two units per floor, this residence offers exceptional privacy and tranquility. The unit features laminate flooring, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, and a spacious lanai—perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and taking in
Move-in ready, this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo offers an ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and smart value forfirst-time homebuyers, UH students, or investors. The kitchen has been thoughtfully upgraded with replaced cabinets, solid surfacecountertops, a sleek new Samsung gas stove and refrigerator, new faucets, and a new garbage disposal. The open-concept layout makes
Care of Ownership Shines Through! Rents below market for this well-maintained 2 story hollow tile building with 8 one beds + 2 parking spaces. Underground sewer widened & redone with sump. Unit 4 re-plumbed this year. All electrical upgraded to 30kw/unit. Roof resurfaced in 2010, new paint 2024. Owned coin laundry, *cameras belong to tenants* Buyer to accept survey May 27, 2015 by DJNS Surveying
A hidden gem with an exceptional, breathtaking view from this home centrally located off the main road in the favorable Makiki neighborhood, also known as Nehoa Park Place. Unique spiral staircase leads to this functional floor plan; main level has a front deck to enjoy the Diamond Head and city views, kitchen, living area, laundry room, half bath and a huge lanai for entertaining; upper level
Rarely available penthouse corner unit at Punahou Royale! This top-floor residence offers exceptional privacy and an efficient layout with a unique grandfathered entry position, maximizing interior space. Unlike typical units, there is no long hallway, allowing for larger bedrooms and additional closet space. Enjoy stunning views from the lanai featuring Manoa Valley, Diamond Head, and Waikiki,
Don't miss this excellently located, immaculate top floor condominium unit in a charming low rise complexconvenient to UH/town and half a block from Makiki Park! Well appointed furnishings, new paint and flooring.Enjoy indoor/outdoor living from the impressively large tiled lanai with courtyard, pool and treetop views. Openfloor plan boasts a full kitchen and solid surface
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
FOR RENT. Welcome home to this charming and well-maintained 2 bed/1 bath conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood. $2000/month. Community laundry room on property. Rent includes water/sewer and trash. Tenant responsible for electric, cable/internet. Renter’s insurance required. Short distance to Ala Moana Shopping Center, Financial District, UH Manoa, Kapiolani Medical Center, Queen’s Medical
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
Spectacular views from this upgraded 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 parking, condominium apartment at the desired "Wilder At Piikoi" in Makiki! This great condo features: * 806 Sq. Ft. Of Total Living Space* Spectacular City, Mountain, & Partial Ocean Views* Large Wrap Around Lanai* Extra Outside Room On Lanai (For Office or Dining)* Tile Flooring Throughout Condo (Easy Maintenance)*
Property Id: 265242Rare and HUGE home in the core of urban Honolulu. This home is the downstairs level part of a duplex conveniently located on a residential street right off Ward Avenue and within walking distance to downtown Honolulu.This home is bright, airy, and features an open floor plan. Enjoy 2 extra large bedrooms with enormous closets and a master bedroom with an en
A 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment on 2nd floor of walk-up. Located in the Punahou area. 1 assigned parking. Coin Op washer/dryer on site. Sorry, no pets and no smoking. Renters Insurance required. Tenant must provide proof of coverage prior to taking occupancy. Avail now.
Property Id: 9459741525 Pensacola StreetUnit # 303 $1750.00 /month $1750.00 / security deposit For an inquiries please email: 1 bedroom / 1 bath walk-up unit with 1 parking stallCentrally located for easy transportation and close to banks, retail stores, supermarkets, and many restaurants. Tenants are responsible for electricity, gas,
Available for immediate occupancy! Enjoy comfort and convenience in this well-appointed 1br/1ba home with 770sf of interior living space. The unit features a spacious layout with A/C, ceiling fans & stainless steel appliances. Enjoy a large private lanai with stunning views of the ocean and city, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. One assigned, covered parking stall is included, along with
1-bedroom, 1-bath high-rise condo in Makiki Area. Enjoy extra lanai space with sweeping city views. The building offers gated and secured parking, elevator access, and a convenient urban lifestyle just minutes from shopping, medical centers, restaurants, freeways, and more. In the heart of the city — unbeatable location!Non-refundable credit check fee.Please call Andy at 808-228-7098
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