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 106 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 $372,886, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
You'll enjoy this tucked away, third floor home, with it's sweet, Makiki magic. Complete with an outstandingly spacious kitchen thatprovides functional counter usage and cupboards to fill, it’s the perfect space to create your choice of a lavish event or a quiet dinner party to your liking! And if layout and the flow of energy is important to you, look no more! This two bedroom, 1 bath, home
2.875% VA ASSUMABLE OPTION ***Freshly painted with modern finishes!*** This is a rare corner-end unit with only 2 units per floor and 2 PARKING STALLS in a prime Honolulu location above Kakaako. This beautiful home features an open floor plan, wraparound lanai with panoramic city views, two spacious primary suites with walk-in closets and en-suite baths, custom cabinetry, modern countertops,
HIGHLY MOTIVATED SELLER — Seller Offering a Credit Equal to 1 Year of Maintenance Fees! 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 modern
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
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
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
Spacious Corner Residence in the Heart of Makiki! This 2 bdrm/2 bath unit with 2 parking stalls offers an impressive 1,233 sq. ft. of interior living space and a desirable corner/end-unit location. The updated open-concept kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area, while vinyl plank flooring adds a modern touch throughout. A generous covered lanai provides inviting spaces to relax. Residents
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
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
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
Welcome home to Oahuan, a hidden gem in Honolulu's desirable Makiki neighborhood. This inviting one-bedroom, one-bath condominium blends classic Hawai?i charm with everyday convenience. Nestled in a lush, tropical setting with beautiful Old Hawaiiana architecture, mature landscaping, and a relaxing community pool that creates a peaceful island retreat. Inside you will find a comfortable and
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.
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
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: 2410285 Furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo (bed, pull out sofa, dining table, tv, dresser, night stand, window ac) about 466 square feet, featuring a private lanai, city or ocean views, and one assigned parking stall. The building includes secured entry, an elevator, community laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. Location Highlights * Convenient in-town
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
LOCATION, Convenient, PARKING, Furnished for Traveling Professionals, Fabulous Kitchen Minimum 3 months, then month to month. Ideal for traveling nurses and professionals. Longer term leases available.Open Clean Space with style and comfort. Unique special features include enclosed Wine Shelf Rack and Wine cooler, Pull-out wall Pantry , Gas Stove, HUGE refrigerator freezer, chef
Fully remodeled studio apartment with 1 assigned covered parking in Makiki. Secure building conveniently located near UH Manoa, H-1 freeway, eateries, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Not far from Ala Moana Shopping Mall and beach park. Walk-in closet, washer/dryer located in the unit. Amenities include a pool, BBQ area, exercise room, sauna, meeting room, and rec room. On-site resident
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
Bright and spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit with 2 assigned covered parking stalls at the desirable Punahou Banyan Tree Plaza. Conveniently located near Ala Moana Shopping Center, Walmart, Waikiki, shops, and restaurants, with easy access to Downtown Honolulu, major hospitals, universities, and freeway entrances. This well-managed building features an on-site resident manager and ample guest
Nana MinegishiStarts International HI, Inc.
$3,150 per month
2 Bd/2 Ba/1 Parking Condo in Banyan Tree Plaza, Honolulu
Well-maintained and updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, with large usable lanai, and 1 partial covered secured parking. Recently upgraded interior, vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, and new appliances such as range/oven and stacked washer and dryer. Conveniently located in lower Punahou/Makiki neighborhood, with easy access to Waikiki, UH, Punahou, Kapiolani Medical Center, Ala Moana Shopping
Oahuan, a hidden gem in Honolulu's desirable Makiki neighborhood. One-bedroom, one-bath, ground floor unit with everyday convenience. Nestled in a lush, tropical setting with beautiful Old Hawaiiana architecture, mature landscaping, and a relaxing community pool that creates a peaceful island retreat.Comfortable and functional layout featuring new flooring and fresh paint. Central
TO SCHEDULE A SHOWING, visit showings.hirootsrealty.com DESCRIPTION:AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 04, 2026 -- HI Roots Realty presents this 2 BR, 2 BA with 1-car parking walk-up apartment located in the Makiki Community. This fully furnished unit offers city views, split AC, ceiling fan, full kitchen, lanai and coin-op washer/dryer on property. Conveniently located near public transportation, parks,
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