Kapolei offers suburban living west of Honolulu
Kapolei is a small, suburban community known for its upscale homes, mountain views and plenty of shopping and dining options. Located on the outskirts of the Honolulu metro, it includes a mix of residential subdivisions, industrial areas, a military airport and several major beach resorts. It’s one of the fastest-growing areas of Oahu and is home to many U.S. military members. “Kapolei is unique in that it has new construction, which is rare for Hawaii. And because it’s newer, it also feels more like the mainland,” says Realtor Kendra Atienza of HB Homes, who specializes in helping military families find housing on the island. “We’ve got a lot of military families, and for people that are moving here for the first time, it feels a little bit more like home.”
Kapolei’s homes and condos were built in the last 30 years
A wide range of contemporary homes and condos are situated along Kapolei’s streets. Prospective homebuyers will find everything from modest ranch-styles to spacious Mediterranean Revival and Traditional homes. Most residential areas here have a traditional suburban feel, with homes that sit closely together and small yards. Some have driveways or carports, but street parking is also common. While much of the housing dates to the 1990s and early 2000s, there are also many brand-new homes available. Single-family homes sell between $700,000 and $1.5 million, making it slightly more affordable than neighboring Honolulu. Those looking for something with less upkeep might consider a condo. They typically go for between $450,000 and $900,000.
Easy access to local parks and the island’s only water park
Parks are a perk for Kapolei residents. Kapolei Community Park is among the largest and offers basketball courts, a playground and wide-open meadows for playing and picnicking. It sits right next to the Villages of Kapolei Recreation Center, which offers an array of classes, clubs and a swimming pool with lap lanes. Early morning tee times are available right up the road at Kapolei Golf Club. This public course is known for its views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. During the summer months, residents and kids cool off at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, a busy water park with an array of waterslides, rides and pools. It’s the only water park in the state. Along the shoreline are public beaches like White Plains Beach and Kalaeloa Beach Park, where residents can swim, surf and enjoy the cool, coastal weather.
Ka Makana Ali’i offers plenty of shopping in an open-air setting
Shopping and dining options are plentiful in Kapolei. Ka Makana Ali’i is an open-air mall with more than 100 stores and eateries. “The mall is at the epicenter of the growth in Kapolei. There are tons of events and great restaurants. It’s a very happening place,” Atienza says. Shoppers can browse at shops like Hot Topic, Macy’s and Old Navy or stop one of the mall’s many eateries. Taqueria El Ranchero is a local favorite for Mexican, while Moani Island Bistro & Bar is the spot for authentic island cuisine, live music and drinks. Afterward, visitors can catch the latest Hollywood flick at Olino movie theater. For groceries and everyday essentials, Kapolei is also home to Costco, Home Depot, Target, Safeway and Walmart.
Students attend well-rated public schools
Students won’t have to go far to get to school. Kids on the east side of the community can start at Kapolei Elementary School, which gets a B-plus rating from Niche, while those living on the west side attend C-plus-rated Barbers Point Elementary School. The next steps are Kapolei Middle School and Kapolei High School, both of which earn B-plus ratings. “The schools have made great strides over the last few years. They’re on the rise,” Atienza says. The University of Hawai’i’s West Oahu campus is also in Kapolei. It enrolls around 3,000 students and is one of the fastest-growing colleges in the United States.
Getting from Kapolei to Honolulu by car and rail
Kapolei is bordered by Interstate H1, a busy commuter highway that offers a direct route to Honolulu, about 20 miles away. The Skyline Metro Station, about a mile away in East Kapolei, is part of a planned rail corridor that will eventually connect Kapolei with downtown Honolulu. Currently, it runs from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium, a college football arena about 12 miles east. Residents can catch a flight off the island at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, about 17 miles away. The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu is the nearest hospital.
