Kaneohe has always been a fishing town. “Back in the day, Hawaiian royals would fish a lot in the ponds in Kaneohe Bay,” says Wanida Tienchai, a Realtor with O’ahu Real Estate with over 20 years of experience. “That hasn’t changed much, and the locals still do that. They’re very proud of that tradition, and it feels very connected to Ancient Hawaii.” People also used these ponds for taro — or kalo — cultivation since this segment of the Windward Coast receives more rain than most other places on O’ahu. Most agricultural land has shifted up the coast since then, though, and about 40,000 people live here today. The area has modernized with bayfront housing and shopping centers. Still, it doesn’t get the tourism of Kailua, a beachy town just south, and its housing prices are more budget-friendly. It’s also a popular spot for military service members because of its proximity to Marine Core Base Hawaii, just up the bay on Mokapu Point.
Haiku Plantation residents take advantage of lush landscaping in outdoor living spaces.
Boats can be seen sailing in the distance from Kaneohe's He'eia State Park.
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Boating in Kaneohe Bay, hiking in Ko’olau Mountains
While it doesn’t have white sand beaches, Kaneohe Bay — K Bay to locals — is the center of the town’s water sports culture. “Many times throughout the year, during low tide, the Kaneohe Sandbar comes up out of the water,” Tienchai says. “You see a lot of sailboats, yachts and everything go out there to dock and snorkel the reef. The bay protects you from waves, so it’s nice and flat for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.” The Ko’olau Mountains are visible from this sandbar and the rest of Kaneohe, with ultragreen peaks that tower above the landscape. Along the town’s west side, these peaks once held the iconic Stairway to Heaven hike, but many high-elevation trails are nearby. The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, at the base of the range, has 400 acres of rainforest and a freshwater reservoir.
Kaneohe Bay dock
He'eia State Park's scenic views and lush landscaping make it a prime tourist destination.
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Mahinui estates and Haiku Plantation parcels
The town’s median sale price is about $970,000, roughly $400,000 less than the median for Kailua. “Sometimes people can’t buy in Kailua, but they buy in Kaneohe,” Tienchai says. “It’s great if you want to be windward, and you get more house for your money.” Because of the views in this area, prices largely depend on the property’s distance to the bay or the mountains. Waterfront estates in Mahinui are often above the median price, whereas inland homes can sell for less. Multiacre properties in Haiku Plantation, a gated community in the Ko’olau foothills, are also on the higher end of the market. Most listings are single-family homes, but some condos and townhomes are on the town’s north side.
A long dock leads into the Waikalua-Loko Fish Pond near Kāneʻohe Beach Park.
A Mahalani Circle luxury home benefits from Kaneohe's natural beauty through its architecture.
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Local businesses and national brands at Windward Mall
On Kaneohe’s north side, the Windward Mall is the most frequented retail center in town. It has a wide range of restaurants, surf shops and department stores, including a Target built in 2023. The first floor also hosts a small farmers market on Wednesdays and Sundays, and an indoor gymnasium puts on the Hawaii Club Volleyball Championships for youth teams in May. On the town’s south side, Windward City Shopping Center also has grocers, gyms, fast food and other retailers.
With its spacious layout and inviting atmosphere, Windward Mall is a local gem.
L&L BBQ is a staple across the state of Hawaii.
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Kane’ohe Elementary, other schools with Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii Department of Education, the statewide school district, operates about 10 schools in Kaneohe, and most receive a B-minus or better from Niche. Kane’ohe Elementary scores a B-plus and has extracurricular activities such as First Lego League Robotics and Literature Arts Café. Serving roughly 2,000 students, Windward Community College is an arts-focused college on the town’s west side.
Students at Windward Community College benefit from personalized attention and small class sizes
The school's vibrant campus is complemented by its state-of-the-art facilities.
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Crime levels on O’ahu
Honolulu Police Department tallies yearly crime statistics for the whole island, not specifically Kane’ohe. They reported about 1,850 violent crimes and 18,900 property crimes in 2023. Compared to the previous year, offenses decreased by over 20%.
Windward Coast highways and scenic Interstate H-3
With narrow roads and few bike lanes, many residents drive around town, and they often commute to other parts of the island for work. The Kamehameha and Kahehili highways are the main north-south routes through Kaneohe and along the Windward Coast. Kaneohe Bay Drive follows the ocean, traveling up to Marine Core Base Hawaii. Interstate H-3 runs along Kaneohe’s south side and goes about 10 miles to Honolulu. Tunneling through the Ko’olau Mountains and surrounded by rainforest, this route is one of the most iconic, scenic drives on O’ahu, and traffic isn’t usually an issue.
The scenic Interstate H-3 highway runs along the edge of Kāneʻohe.
With close access to beaches, dining, and retail, high-rise condos have plenty of benefits.
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Written By
Matt Medl
Video By
Trevor Stevens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Johana Allison,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Souza Dairy Park (formerly Kaluapuhi Neighborhood Park)
Kāneohe Housing Trends
On average, homes in Kāneohe, HI sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Kāneohe, HI over the last 12 months is $912,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your private tropical oasis in the back of verdant Ahuimanu Valley at the foot of the majestic Koolau mountain range! This spacious 2,917 SF home has everything you’ve been looking for – 5 bdrms, 4 bths, updated kitchen & baths, dining room, large living room, family room, outdoor storage & huge fully fenced-in backyard! Main level bdrm and full bath as well as bonus space with full
RUN! Don't walk! Built 2019, this spectacular OFF-GRID oasis features breathtaking panoramic Koolau Mountain and canal views! Featuring tailored indoor-outdoor living, and thoughtfully crafted resort-style amenities, this 12,000+sq.ft. land offers privacy and solace to weary souls highlights a custom 5-bed/4.5 bath retreat plus Bonus 1-bed/1-bath ADU designed with owned PV system, 65KW battery
This beautiful recently renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers a modern, open-concept layout with soaring vaulted ceilings, and a hidden storage nook. Step onto your private lanai and unwind to tranquil koi pond views, cooling trade winds, and the quiet rhythm of island life — perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.The upstairs primary suite features a walk-in closet and spa-like
Welcome to your private tropical oasis in the back of verdant Ahuimanu Valley at the foot of the majestic Koolau mountain range! This spacious 2,917 SF home has everything you’ve been looking for – 5 bdrms, 4 bths, updated kitchen & baths, dining room, large living room, family room, outdoor storage & huge fully fenced-in backyard! Main level bdrm and full bath as well as bonus space with full
RUN! Don't walk! Built 2019, this spectacular OFF-GRID oasis features breathtaking panoramic Koolau Mountain and canal views! Featuring tailored indoor-outdoor living, and thoughtfully crafted resort-style amenities, this 12,000+sq.ft. land offers privacy and solace to weary souls highlights a custom 5-bed/4.5 bath retreat plus Bonus 1-bed/1-bath ADU designed with owned PV system, 65KW battery
NEW LISTING!! This truly exceptional waterfront estate on Kaneohe Bay offers rare wide oceanfront frontage, deep-water channel, and a private boat dock with direct access to the bay, sandbar, and open ocean. Sweeping panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay and the Koolau Mountains define this remarkable property. Just moments from Kaneohe Yacht Club, it delivers an unmatched boating lifestyle and a rare
Extraordinary opportunity to own your own waterfront treasure in Hawaii’s most coveted sailing Bay. This spacious 3-bedroom 3 bath home sits on a generous 18,257 square foot lot at the end of a quite driveway, offering privacy and tranquility. Built in 2013, crafted with exceptional quality by the owner, a skilled masonry contractor, this home exudes sturdy construction, pride, and timeless
Experience serene waterfront living in Kahaluu! This spacious 3,088 sq. ft. property offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, blending peaceful country charm with the convenience of Kaneohe just minutes away. The main living area features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, and an open layout showcasing stunning views of Kaneohe Bay. Set on a lush 1/3-acre lot, you’ll find banana and lime trees,
This beautiful recently renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers a modern, open-concept layout with soaring vaulted ceilings, and a hidden storage nook. Step onto your private lanai and unwind to tranquil koi pond views, cooling trade winds, and the quiet rhythm of island life — perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.The upstairs primary suite features a walk-in closet and spa-like
VA ASSUMABLE loan at 2.875%! Enjoy peaceful mountain views from this 1 bdrm/1 bath end unit in Hale Anaole. This unit features updated kitchen and bathroom, creating a comfortable move-in ready living space. Enjoy amenities including a tennis court, children’s playground, BBQ and meeting room! Conveniently located near Windward Mall with an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment. Come
Enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the breathtaking Ko‘olau views from this 2 bedroom, 1 bath residence at Na Pali Gardens #G3. Offering 722 sq ft of interior living space plus a spacious 105 sq ft lanai, this home blends comfortable indoor living with an inviting outdoor area to relax and unwind. The interior features quartz countertops, durable vinyl flooring, and a tasteful exposed
Approximately 3,100 square feet house in Kaneohe offering prime accessibility to nearby shopping and beaches. The home features three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, providing privacy and comfort. The open floor plan allows for flexible living, with a designated flex room that can be utilized as a home office, hobby space, or additional living area. The property boasts stunning ocean
Experience modern comfort, timeless charm, and practical advantages in this recently refreshed five-bedroom, three-bath home.Thoughtfully re-imagined in 2019 and again in 2026, it features an owned photovoltaic system, energy-efficient triple pane windows,multiple split AC and stylish wood-look porcelain tile flooring throughout. Gather with family and friends around the quartz
Welcome to Kahalu'u Gardens, an oasis in serene Ahuimanu Valley. Newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit with unobstructed views from the living room and bedrooms. This penthouse unit is ideally suited to capture cooling Trade Wind breezes. Enjoy the convenience of 2 parking spaces and an assigned storage locker. It features new quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint and
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Rare opportunity: ASSUMABLE VA LOAN at just 2.75%, with a principal balance of about $763k and PITI of only $3,902.46/mo, letting qualified buyers lock in historically low monthly payments. A brand new rolled asphalt roof (2025) and solar attic fan add energy efficiency and years of worry-free ownership. Tucked into the lush, mountain-framed hills of Ahuimanu, this 3-bedroom,
Kaneohe Bay Retreat – 2 BR / 2.5 BA | $4,000 + Utilities & GET | Unfurnished (Great for Military)Location: Quiet street off Lilipuna Drive overlooking Kaneohe BayWake up each morning to sweeping panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay—sunrises, sailboats, and the ever-changing colors of the windward coast. Perched high above its neighbors, this home offers the feeling of a private
* Non smoking unit and buildings premises.* Quiet, clean property in a tropical garden setting.* Beautiful views of Kaneohe Bay and of the Ko’olau Mountains.* Units are clean and immaculate.* Utilities include hot and cold water! (Lower electric bills!)* Easy on/off access to H3 and close to Windward City Shopping Center and MCBH.* Partially furnished with range,
Available 7/22! ***Viewing will be available after 7/3***Enjoy comfortable island living in this spacious split-level 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse with 1 parking stall. Thoughtfully upgraded with custom built-in dining area cabinetry and modern kitchen countertops, this home offers both charm and convenience.
Property Id: 2765900 $4,400/mo — ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,424 sq ft | 2-Car Garage Live the Windward lifestyle with access to beautiful Kaneohe Bay 50 yards away! This generously sized home sits on a quiet circle in central Kaneohe with stunning Koolau Mountain views. Plus, you have close to 5,000 sq ft of land exclusively for your use! Bright, comfortable layout
Escape to a true Hawaiian paradise, far away from the crowds of Waikiki, but still only 30 minutes away from Honolulu. Experience all of the beauty of turquoise waters and white sand beaches with the towering Kualoa mountains all around you. This fully furnished house is waterfront with a sandy beach in the back yard and the world famous Kualoa Ranch right acoss the street. The full house is
The ahupua`a of Hakipu`u (Broken Hill) is located at the northern end of Kane`ohe Bay, with the ahupua`a of Waikane to its south and the ahupua`a of Kualoa to its east. This beautiful home located on just under 4 acres of waterfront property. The main house is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath two story home 2840 sq ft with an additional 528 sq ft caretaker's cottage with 1 bedroom, 1 full bath, laundry and
Nestled above Kaneohe Bay in the desirable Poha Kea Point community, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers a comfortable living space, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful bay views. The thoughtful floor plan provides an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living, with vinyl plank flooring, a pebble-tiled primary bath, ceiling fans throughout, and serene views that add to the home’s relaxed
Super rare Oceanfront home with amazing views! Charming 2 bedroom 1.5 bath bayfront home that makes for your fantastic Hawaiian getaway!Welcome home and take in the sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay or watch the sunset over the Koolau's! Inside is a bright sunken living room with a den that opens onto a huge backyard lanai! Down the hall is the dining room and Chef's kitchen which also
6-month minimum lease. This two-bedroom, one-bath, one-parking-unit with AC window units in the living room and both bedrooms is nestled in beautiful Kaneohe, with exceptional views of the Koolau Mountain Range as a backdrop. Live within the highly desired Windward Estates neighborhood close to Windward Mall, grocery stores, retail stores, parks, restaurants, and cafes. Conveniently located,
Lush greenery and relaxed mountainside living blend with picturesque oceanfront views in the windward neighborhood of Kāneʻohe. Nestled between the Koʻolau Range and Kāneʻohe Bay, this community was once a prime spot for farming and fishponds until major housing development in the mid-20th century. “Based on the history that I know, this was once a fishing town,” says Daniel Lee Kim, a military veteran who has lived in Kāneʻohe for seven years and is now a full-time Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “It’s a little more affordable than Kailua to the south. It’s a quiet town, and there aren’t too many tourists. Whenever you can escape that, you do.”<br><br>Kāneʻohe's coastline location makes it a hub for sailing, boating and fishing. The area is also home to several sailing and yacht clubs. But one of the truly unique features of living in the area is the access to the Ahu O Laka Sandbar inside Kāneʻohe Bay. “Nothing here is untouched by tourism; it’s just a matter of accessibility,” Kim says. “Tourists don’t always have access to a boat, so it’s mostly locals that go to the sandbar.” Surrounded by a coral reef, it’s a popular spot for snorkeling. During low tide, the inlet is completely exposed, allowing for lunch on the sand or beach volleyball. <br><br>Back on land, Heʻeia State Park is a sprawling peninsula situated on the waterfront. Filled with walking paths and picnic tables, the park displays scenic views of the Koʻolau Mountain range, Heʻeia Fishpond and Kāneʻohe Bay. “We’re surrounded by mountains. They’re tall, deep and gorgeous,” Kim continues. “Wherever you are in Kāneʻohe, you can see them, and it reminds you of where you really live.”<br><br>Prospective residents can take their pick of several landscapes that Kāneʻohe offers. Whether it's plantation-style homes or luxury coastline estates overlooking the bay, single-family builds are typically priced between $950,000 and $2.5 million. Several condominium and townhome options can also be found throughout the community, offering renovated units with scenic mountain or oceanside views ranging in price from $500,000 to nearly $1 million. “The majority of Kāneʻohe doesn’t have sidewalks,” Kim explains. “That’s important to know when you move here. People do bike for exercise and stuff like that, but most people avoid it because the roads are narrow, and there aren’t really designated bike lanes.” These narrow lanes are often lined with hints of the island’s tropical flora, so most properties offer driveways with attached garages to eliminate street parking. <br><br>“Kāneʻohe is more of a small town. You have what you need,” Kim says. Windward Mall is the community’s primary shopping hub, an enclosed center with retail options like Macy’s, Local Motion Hawaii and Island Sportswear, as well as a handful of casual dining options. The mall also hosts a farmers market twice a week throughout the year, where local vendors gather inside to sell fresh produce. For fine dining with a view, Haleiwa Joe’s is an open-air restaurant with a variety of seafood options, a koi pond and the Koʻolau Mountain range as the backdrop. Family-owned restaurants, like Café Kalawe, serve home-cooked breakfast and plate lunches alongside beloved chains like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. “Adela’s Country Eatery is really good, too,” Kim adds. “They do great homemade noodles.” <br><br>Students in the community are zoned in the Windward District, with eight elementary schools scattered throughout. Both Kapunahala Elementary and Kāneʻohe Elementary enroll kindergarten through sixth grade, receiving a B-plus and B on Niche, respectively. All eight institutions feed into Governor Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School, which enrolls seventh and eighth graders and earns a B on Niche. With the same score, Castle High School has enacted Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) since 2012. The program incorporates both academic and occupational skills into the curriculum. For residents looking to further their education, the University of Hawaii Windward Community College offers various associate's and bachelor’s programs.<br><br>Kāneʻohe is largely a commuter community, but there’s not too much traffic, Kim says. “There’s a Marine Corps base nearby, and that attracts military personnel because they want to live close to work. But Kailua is also a popular town for those commuters.” The scenic Interstate H-3 highway runs along the edge of Kāneʻohe, and Kamehameha Highway cuts through the middle, giving residents quick access to other parts of Oʻahu. Residents can take HI-630, about 5 miles south into Kailua, or HI-63, about 10 miles southwest to Honolulu. Bus stops are offered throughout the community, and many opt-in when traveling to the city. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is about a 15-mile commute, while the closest hospital, Adventist Health Castle, is 6 miles south in Kailua.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Kāneohe Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
31
Median Rent
$3,950
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,800
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,900
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,810
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,910
Median Condo Rent
$2,800
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,600
Demographics
Total Population
33,966
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$119,417
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$140,737
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.9%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
36.3%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.9%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
30/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
