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 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Makiki, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $377,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern city living in marvelous Makiki! Discover this meticulously remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo at 1650 Piikoi St #403.Featuring 561 SqFt of thoughtfully updated living space, this unit boasts brand new laminate flooring, chic finishes, and a spacious private lanai with an enjoying view. Situated in a secured, pet-friendly building in the heart of Makiki, you are just minutes away
Rare chance to own a high-floor 3-bedroom unit in Prospect Tower Apts, a much-loved building at the top of Ward Ave. To illustrate the significance, there hasn’t been a 3-bedroom listed here since 2017, and only one other private sale in '21. Needless to say, it won’t last long! This unit boasts 1,440 sq ft of living space, with an extra half bath w/ washer/dryer! Beautiful wood floors in the
Welcome to Ohana Kewalo, a charming residential apartment in quiet Makiki area. This 341 sq.ft. studio residence features an open floor plan with a full kitchen and one full bath. Well-priced fee-simple unit with affordable maintenance fees make a great opportunity for first-time home owners or investors. Parking is available next door on a per-month basis (Buyer to verify the availability).
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
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
Enjoy serene mountain views from this well-maintained studio/1 bath unit in Punahou Gardens. Ideally situated in the heart of Makiki, features include fresh interior paint, hard surface flooring throughout and granite countertops. Expansive windows invite cool breezes and maximum natural light! Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, parks, Downtown Honolulu, Waikiki and some of Oahu’s
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
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
Experience elevated living in this stunningly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner end unit. No detail was spared in this "down-to-the-studs" style refresh, featuring brand-new cabinetry, fixtures, flooring, and appliances, including a full-size washer and dryer. With a fresh ceiling, crisp interior paint, and two dedicated parking spaces, this posh residence is truly move-in ready. Makiki
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 studio in Maunaihi Apts. Great opportunity for first time homebuyers or investors. Maunaihi Apts is quietly tucked away up Punchbowl, yet so conveniently located to everything. Low Maintenance fees, Washer and Dryer in the unit and one parking at this price, make this the BEST buy! Sold As-Is
Well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit located on a higher floor at 1448 Young Street. Interior living area of approximately 701 square feet with an open porch offering city, mountain, and ocean views, along with beautiful sunset views. This upper-level unit features concrete construction and a functional floor plan. One unassigned parking stall included. Building amenities include secured
This fee-simple 2-bed, 1-bath condo isa great opportunity for first-time buyers or investors in the heart of Honolulu. Conveniently located nearDowntown, Queen’s Medical Center, Ala Moana, Safeway, and multiple bus lines, with low maintenance fees andexcellent walkability. Parking options include on-site after-hours parking for $125/month and full-time parking atFirst United
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
Lovely condo that feels so welcoming! Well taken care of 1 bedroom on the 3rd floor, located right across the elevator for easy access. Home has been updated with newer flooring, new refrigerator, new washer and dryer, and more. Parking feels very safe and comes with a remote for secure access. Nice amenities that include: sauna, gym, pool, and large grounds to spread out. Text Lexie Tilton for
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
Property Id: 2387707This is a new listing for a one-bedroom unit in The Town House on Victoria Street, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Our unit boasts new vinyl flooring throughout, providing a comfortable and efficient living space of 534 square feet, complemented by a balcony.The unit includes a covered parking stall and the building is secured. There is A/C in
Experience convenient city living in this beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo with one assigned, covered, parking stall. Located in the heart of Honolulu, the unit offers quick access to Downtown, Ward Avenue, the Neal Blaisdell Center, popular restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Commuting is easy with close proximity to the H-1 freeway, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and
Property Id: 2085106Nice 1 bedroom unit for rent $1400 plus $1400 security depositDescription Landlord pays sewer, water and trash Tenant pays gas, electricity, cable, internet and phone On site laundry - coin operated Street parking only. No pets, Rental insurance required. Minimum fico score 600 To set up a showing appointment please call Staci at Queens Realty
1525 Pensacola: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 1 Assigned Parking (Uncovered). Partly furnished with stove, refrigerator, stacked washer and dryer. Utilities include water and sewer. Approximately 520 sq ft living area. Carpeted living room and bedroom. Must meet income requirements: monthly gross income must be 2.5 times the rent amount and credit score of 650 or higher. Application fee is $20 per applicant
This property at 1135 Piikoi Pl features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom single family house within a total living space of 900 square feet. Laminated floor and ceramic tile. The house is located in the center of a Makiki area, a very convenient to everywhere , school district, bus lines, stores, and hospitals. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is cable ready, while the bedrooms
Bellevue Tower - 14th floor.Large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit with almost 1,300 sq. ft. of interior space.Luxury vinyl plank flooring.Appliances include: refrigerator, disposal, range/oven, dishwasher, washer, dryer.Spacious enclosed lanai.City views.One assigned parking stall.Only 2 units per floor. Monthly rent of $2,900 includes water/sewer.Initial term of lease:
This Makiki studio is perfect for those who want a central and convenient location.The private lanai is perfect for taking in the fresh air while enjoying your morning coffee or having a pau hana.Just a short walk from the H-1 freeway on-ramp or bus stop with nearby convenience stores and restaurants.For hot summer days, take a dip in the pool.- Reserved parking stall -
Discover this expansive PET FRIENDLY 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offering 2,268 square feet of living space nestled on a large 15,483 square feet lot. The home features a generous 532 square feet patio and an 874 square feet carport, providing ample outdoor living and parking options. Off the kitchen is a private side patio, ideal for outdoor grilling, casual entertaining, or sipping your morning
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