$1,124,161Average Value$747Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Lush valley living close to lively Waialae Avenue in Honolulu
Just across the Lunalilo Freeway, known locally as H-1, less than two miles from tourist-filled Waikiki and Diamond Head, Palolo reaches deep into the dramatic forested foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains. Resting between lively Kaimuki and the misty Manoa Valley, the neighborhood is a combination of trendy and transcendent.
Its verdant northern portion is loosely peppered with ancient island streams, plant nurseries, private wooded homes and the Mu-Ryang-Sa Temple — the largest Korean Buddhist temple outside of Korea where visitors find serenity for spiritual retreats and meditation. Palolo’s southern end has grown from a former airstrip and quarry into a community of densely situated homes gathering around Waialae Avenue’s hip eateries and retailers.
Says Pam Maeda, Certified Residential Specialist and top producer with Marcus Realty, who is a resident of Honolulu raised in neighboring Kaimuki, “As you go toward the mountains to the tip of Palolo, in minutes you can be in two different lifestyles. The pockets further back are green beyond words, and you’re taken to a place that's much cooler and quite magical.” Locals living in upper Palolo are closest to the Ka’au Crater and its spectacular waterfalls, but it’s not an easy trek to experience or an open invitation for hikers and tourists.
“People should go cautiously into Palolo,” adds Maeda, “with honor and grace. The crater hike isn’t like the Koko Crater stairs that’s open and accessible. You have to cross over residents’ properties in very dense areas. So go with a local out of respect for the community, because Palolo is a neighborhood that’s trying to maintain a level of normal while the world goes crazy. It’s not sightseeing here; it’s someone’s home.” In Palolo, locals cherish the quietude they enjoy not far from the city bustle.
Palolo Valley is known for its lush greenery and vibrant community.
A variety of storefronts line Waialae Ave in Palolo.
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Modest midcentury to custom homes in the valley
It’s fitting that a neighborhood named Palolo, a Hawaiian word for clay, features homes that harmonize with the landscape in varying shades of sand, sky and earth. You’ll find both one-story cottages and larger multi-story homes with a range of siding and stucco finishes, most designed in the simple Hawaiian Plantation style. The median home price is just over $1 million, and pricing can range from under $240,000 for condos in Palolo Gardens up to $1.7 million for a private, two-story estate deep in the country. “It’s common for homes in Palolo to be owned by generations of families,” adds Maeda, “many of whom were field workers long ago. So, you sometimes see small homes all next to each other on small properties, but they still have a lot of character and charm. You can find midcentury fixer-upper homes here with rounded doorways and original finishes, or you can build your dream home on a secluded lot back in the valley.”
you can find a variety of single family homes off 9th Ave in Palolo.
Ridge homes with views of the valley and ocean can go for millions of dollars.
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Play in Palolo Valley District Park, respect the hidden Ka’au Crater Trail
Palolo residents exercise and unwind at the pool, playground and sports courts in Palolo Valley District Park. On the wilder side, those with local property rights, trail knowledge, or a guide can tread cautiously through creeks and dense foliage along the enchanting Ka’au Crater Trail to a cascade of waterfalls. Ultimately, this path, which is sometimes only passable by rope, leads to jaw-dropping panoramic views across Ka’au Crater. This extinct volcanic crater is considered rather hidden and protected in comparison to other Honolulu cones.
Palolo Valley District Park has many amenities for the community to enjoy.
small entrance sign to Ka'au Crater trail
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Walkable schools and Kaimuki High Performing Arts Center
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Kids can walk to Palolo Elementary, which gets a Niche C-minus and Jarrett Middle School, given a Niche B grade, before advancing to Kaimuki High School in Diamond Head. Kaimuki High, which gets a B-minus on Niche, holds one of the two performing arts centers on the island of Oahu and offers academy programs specializing in hospitality and STEM.
Students in Palolo Valley attend William P Jarrett Middle School.
Kaimuki High School serves students across Kaimuki and Palolo Valley.
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H-1 freeway access and The Bus public transit
The H-1 freeway carries locals through Honolulu and other parts of Oahu, including to town 5 miles west and the Daniel K. Inouye Aiport, around 11 miles from central Palolo. Part of Hawaii’s award-winning The Bus transit system, Bus 9 Palolo Valley serves dozens of stops in the Oahu area, including on Palolo Avenue and Waialae Avenue. In 2023, The Bus was granted $20 million by the Federal Transit Administration to add new electric buses, enhancing the island's accessibility.
Palolo lies very close to the H1 freeway for easy access to Honolulu.
Public transportation in Palolo is convenient with regular bus services.
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Matcha at The Curb, steak and haircut at The Cutlery
For those who love a dining and shopping corridor, Palolo delivers on the southern half with abundant bikable, walkable eateries and stores along Waialae Avenue. Stop into The Curb Kaimuki for a lavender matcha or macchiato, or head to Cowcow’s Tea for their famous bubble teas and smoothies. Restaurant XO on Waialae serves family-style shared-course meals that change seasonally, and Brick Fire Tavern is a rustic-ambiance favorite for Neapolitan-style pizzas made with local ingredients. Wellness-focused locals appreciate Le’ahi Health’s plant-based mock tuna tacos and King Green smoothies.
Says Maeda, “The Cutlery is one of the newest. The chef is from Ruth’s Chris and it’s this incredible steak place with smoked prime rib.” It’s also a fusion concept, branded “Kaimuki’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and Barbershop,” where locals schedule appointments with some of the island’s most talented barbers.
Groceries and daily essentials are easy-reach at Times Supermarket and Long’s Drugs in Kaimuki Shopping Center. On Wednesday mornings year-round, Palolo Valley District Park hosts the People’s Open Market, filled with local seafood, organic produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.
Residents of Palolo get their haircuts at the Golden Hawaii Barber Shop.
Palolo's local restaurants often use ingredients from the nearby farmers market.
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
Chris Prendergast,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Maunalani Community Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Palolo Valley District Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Pukele Avenue Mini Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Kalaepohaku Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Kaimuki Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
24 min drive
Bus
9th Ave & Kaau St
Bus
Palolo Ave & Opp Kaululoa Pl
Bus
Gardenia St & Jasmine St
Bus
Palolo Ave & Opp Lamaloa Pl
Bus
Palolo Ave & Opp Orchid St
Bus
9th Ave & Waialae Ave
Bus
Palolo Ave & Opp New Jersey Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Palolo
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Palolo Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Palolo, Honolulu sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Palolo, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $979,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this fully renovated Palolo gem, a gently elevated lot with exclusive Mountain views, completed in 2025! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully updated throughout, offering a seamless blend of modern design, comfort, and island living. Step inside and enjoy brand-new split AC units and dual-pane vinyl windows throughout, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort
Amazing opportunity to own this beautiful Palolo Home. The photos speak for themselves, take a look and schedule a showing today. Home was appraised at 1.35mil October 2024.
Rare opportunity to purchase a single family home in Palolo for a great price! Spacious 1,400sf house with a large basement for storage or a hobbyist. Tucked toward the back of Palolo Valley, you'll enjoy cool breezes and views of the mountains. Split-level floorplan is great for entertaining and up-sloped lot provides privacy. There is a covered carport with direct access to the home from
Cozy and Convenient 2-Bedroom Apartment – 1245 Palolo Ave (Recently Renovated) Located in the peaceful and residential Palolo Valley, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With approximately 700 square feet of living space, this bright and breezy unit is ideal for couples, small families, or working professionals. Key Features: 2 bedrooms
Tucked at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in Palolo Valley, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family home offers a private retreat surrounded by lush greenery and fruit trees. The two-story layout features LVP flooring, an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and two breezy lanais perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy valley views, a fully fenced yard, and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Prendergast,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
13,129
Median Age
41
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$93,510
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,370
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.6%
College Graduates
31.6%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.7%
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®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
