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.
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Makiki Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Makiki, Honolulu sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Makiki, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $377,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single Family Home alternative! Welcome to easy, breezy living at Piikoi Atrium! Rarely available & lovingly maintained by its original owner, this ground-floor, single-level, spacious home offers 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, & patio w/ peaceful garden views. Lives like a town home with a pool! Enjoy a desirable, cooler east-facing orientation with a tucked-away courtyard setting which offers no
Penthouse residence in Maikiki Hillside with wraparound views facing east toward Diamond Head and west toward Punchbowl. This property is divided into two separate units. The main residence has 2 bedrooms plus an additional den that can serve as a 3rd bedroom and 1.5 baths. The secondary unit has 1 bedroom and 1 full bath. Both units have their own entrance to the hallway and are used separately.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY, 9/20 from 2-5PM. Experience elevated urban living in this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom corner unit at The Consulate! Positioned on the 6th floor, this Fee Simple residence features approximately 750 sq ft of interior living space and a 100 sq ft open lanai showcasing stunning city and mountain views. Modern upgrades from a thoughtful renovation include
Sophisticated high-floor residence at 1015 Wilder, where only two residences share each floor, creating exceptional privacy in a luxuryboutique setting. This spacious home includes two side-by-side parking stalls with bonus storage and a generous lanai showcasingpanoramic views of Diamond Head, the Pacific Ocean, and Honolulu skyline. Thoughtfully upgraded with custom kitchen cabinetry,
Welcome to this beautifully updated high-floor 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence at 1011 Prospect, offering Diamond Head & ocean views, refreshing cross breezes, and a modern, move-in-ready interior. Stylish finishes include a renovated kitchen, crown molding, a welcoming entry nook, and the removal of the original popcorn ceilings, creating a bright and updated interior. The enclosed lanai adds
Luxury Live Auction! Bidding to start from $800,000.00! 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
Vibrant city views with partial ocean and Diamond Head vistas. Enjoy sunsets from your 7th floor lanai. Assigned covered PARKING. Amenities include a sparkling pool, Recreation Area with BBQ area, and a Resident Manager. Quick freeway on/off ramps nearby, plus convenient access to shopping, schools, churches, medical center. All the attractions of world-famous Waikiki and downtown Honolulu are
Step into the comfort of Ode Rancho in Makiki - a secure building featuring a generously proportioned 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit with an enclosed lanai encompassing a total of 880 sqft living space. Enjoy a host of contemporary amenities including brand new stainless steel appliances backed by warranties. The building offers the luxury of an oversized parking stall providing space for two
Perched on the 7th floor of the Terrazza in the Punchbowl/Lower Tantalus/Makiki area, this 630-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bath condo offers a rare combination of comfort and convenience. Plantation shutters frame sweeping mountain and city views, while steady trade winds keep the space naturally cool. A Murphy bed adds flexible second-bed space, perfect for hosting guests, and thoughtfully
87% Owner Occupancy! People love living here! 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
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 the cooling
Beautiful 1907 Home, Renovated in 2022, Offering the perfect blend of Island Charm and Modern Upgrades, adjacent to the desirable neighborhoods of Ala Moana and Kaka'ako. Thoughtfully upgraded & converted to Double-Wall Construction. Recent improvements include a New Roof, Upgraded Kitchen and Bathroom, Fresh Interior and Exterior Paint, Ceramic Tile Flooring, Vinyl Windows. This Spacious
First Open House, SATURDAY, September 12th, from 2-5pm. Welcome home to 1134 Kinau, ideally situated in the heart of Metro Honolulu! Located on the 3rd floor, this updated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence offers 467 sq ft of interior living space featuring stylish laminate and ceramic tile flooring throughout. Enjoy everyday modern comfort with a window A/C unit and the convenience of an in-unit
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
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
Property Id: 825581 Rare and HUGE home in the core of urban Honolulu. This home is the street-level part of a duplex conveniently located on a residential street right off Ward Avenue and within walking distance to downtown Honolulu and Ward/Kakaako, one of Hawaii's most exciting and vibrant neighborhoods. Quickly access H-1, entertainment, shopping, dining, public transportation, beaches,
For Rent: Spacious, Fully Furnished, Pet Friendly, Modern Studio Condo – Town House, HonoluluVibrant and spacious, fully furnished studio condo with murphy bed, large lanai and generous storage space. Corner unit with floor to ceiling windows offer abundant natural light with views of mountains and treetops. Modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, solid surface
Property Id: 1997133 If you're intrigued by the words 'tucked away' in a property description, the Nanihala should interest you. The two buildings that together make up this Honolulu condo are arrived at by heading down Green St until it basically dead ends at this complex. On the opposite side is an entrance/exit ramp connecting the lot to Pensacola St. Otherwise you're surrounded by 2
Welcome to your new oasis in the heart of Honolulu! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo at 965 Prospect St offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone looking to embrace island living. There is a small view of the ocean and view of Friday night fireworks. With 721 square feet of well-designed space, this condo features a modern kitchen
Property Id: 2805692 Fully-furnished. Utilities included. Escape to a tropical hideaway in an historic Hawaiian bungalow. This renovated 100-yr-old home includes Koa Pergo floors, quartz countertops, private bath with travertine shower, and full-size stainless appliances. We are located in the Makiki-Punchbowl neighborhood, which is comprised of single-family houses, duplexes,
This property at 1446 Liholiho St features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 1,000 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms provide comfortable sleeping areas. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures. The kitchen includes a dishwasher for convenience and a washer/dryer is also available on-site. The exterior of the
RARELY AVAILABLE top floor corner unit. Beat the sweltering heat with amazing cross breezes throughout. Relax and appreciate city views, sunrise, and sunset from your private lanai. Building/Elevator and parking garage is secured. Convenient and easy access to freeway and bus line. Great location with surrounding malls, grocery store, beach, entertainment, and night life -- LESS THAN 2 MILES from
Property Id: 2859927 This is a fully furnished, renovated one-and-a-half-bedroom (1.5 bedroom: 1 bedroom, plus 1 den) apartment with 691 sqft of interior space plus a 47 sqft lanai. The apartment is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Punchbowl area of Honolulu, very close to Downtown offices, Queens Hospital and Kapiolani Hospital, and close to the University of Hawaii. The building is
Property Id: 339070 Superior in-town Makiki location located within steps from Safeway, Kaiser Hospital, H-1 freeway, U.S. Post Office, public and private schools, restaurants, coffee shops, public transportation, and just down the street from Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, and the Ward/Kakaako Entertainment hub! This location cannot be beat! Unit boasts beautiful
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