Ocean breezes, mountains and a 'still' atmosphere in Koolauloa
In the tranquil residential pockets edging Koolauloa’s shores, you’ll awaken to cool breezes that roll over a curtain of green slopes to meet the salt air of the ocean below. Along the streets, palm crowns sway and sunlit bicycles are poised to circuit the sometimes narrow streets. Homes in Koolauloa rest at the feet of the ancient Ko’olau Range — meaning “windward”— that was formed by an eastern shield volcano lying dormant now for nearly 2 million years. As one of the finest examples of the region’s geology, Ko’olau Range was named a National Natural Landmark by the United States Secretary of the Interior. And because names carry great significance across generations of Hawaiian history, the “loa” in Koolauloa means “lengthy,” describing Ko’oalu’s terrain that extends through Koolauloa. This island stretch harbors massive wilderness preserves and culminates at beachfront parks pointing out to sea.
According to Nathalie Mullinix, President and Broker for Nathalie Mullinix Realty Universal, Inc., “The east side of the island feels very lush and majestic. People move here not for a busy scene but to be still, and live a different life where you don't have people blowing horns. You could hear a rooster crow on one side and then have a custom-built mansion down the road. There’s a unique blend of old and new in Koolauloa; some hold on to small traditional homes for generations, others build dream homes on large lots.”
Single-family homes and condos along the beach
In Koolauloa, you can find single-family homes on the ocean, in coastal pastel hues with private stairs to the sand. Depending on where you choose, homes up and down the coastline range from around $700,000 to more than several million. You can find some newly constructed homes in the Laie community as well as affordable condominiums such as the bright seaside Hanohano Hale with small studio units around $100,000. The rich brown siding on condominiums in Makau Village blend into the towering cliffs of the Ko’olau Range. A few rare homes offer backyards that open to golf course fairways.
Local school's band and sports teams called 'Pride of the North Shore'
Public school students can attend Kahuku High & Intermediate School, home of the Red Raiders, whose outstanding band and athletic programs are referenced by locals as the “Pride of the North Shore.” Kahuku means “the projection” in reference to nearby Kahuku Point, at the farthest northern tip of Oahu. And right beside the Kahuku Elementary School, you can gather for sports practice and games at Kahuku District Park’s lighted athletic fields, where renewable-energy wind turbines rotate in the distant clouds.
Kahana Bay Beach Park and other spots welcome swimmers, surfers
Get away from it all or gather with friends to slide sculls out into the open water at the secluded Kahana Bay Beach Park. At Kahana Bay Beach Park, locals swim, surf, camp or simply give their dogs a field trip along the tree-lined beach. High on the northern edge of Koolauloa, waves crest against Malaekahana Beach, a comparatively undeveloped pocket beach known mostly to the locals. Bring your rods or boards to this serene slice of paradise, where you can shore fish, bodysurf, picnic or camp at the Malaekahana Beach Campground. If you’re ready to give standup paddling a whirl, the campground rents boards as well as bikes. Koolauloa also offers the pristine elegance of Turtle Bay Resort where golfers indulge in championship courses with spectacular ocean views, and after a few rounds, head to Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill to savor crab dip, steak or seafood. Horse-lovers can meander miles of seaside trails through windswept Ironwoods at Turtle Bay that echo the rhythm of the rolling tide. At the stables nestled in a cove of trees you can sign up for a private tour or group rides, or let the kids groom and feed the ponies. You’ll also find luxury vacation villas at Turtle Bay Resort.
Small shopping centers with pizza, local grocer
Life in this oasis also offers casual, popular go-tos like the Kahuku Food Trucks where you’ll find the hands-down favorite, Giovanni’s, famous for its crispy fried shrimp and buttery shrimp scampi plates. The Kahuku Hospital is within walking distance of some homes in the neighborhood and you can find postal, pizza and pharmacy conveniences in small shopping centers. For grocery runs, there’s the Kahuku Superette. And for large stock-ups, residents rely on Laie Foodland for everything from fresh produce to fishing reels.
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
Experience island living in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, perfectly situated in the heart of Hau‘ula.This move-in ready gem features updated flooring, fresh interior paint, and a completely updated kitchen with sleek quartz countertops, modern cabinets, and state-of-the-art appliances. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the kitchen and living area,
Stunning and gorgeous panoramic oceanviews from every room in this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home on the iconic Laie Point Peninsula. This 2 story A frame home is set back from Naupaka Street and directly overlooks Laie Bay. Dine adjacent to the Pacific, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets from nearly every room in this home. Go to sleep to the sounds of the ocean waves and enjoy
Country living by the sea! Absolutely lovely and quaint oceanfront beach cottage nestled in heart of Hau'ula. Enjoy morning coffee with beautiful ocean view. Swim, dive, paddle board or surf during the day. Then enjoy an evening BBQ with favorite beverage during exquisite sunset hour as the day ends. Oceanfront living at its finest!
Legal nightly rental! Welcome to your island retreat in the heart of paradise! This beautiful condo is a 1-bed, 2-bath unit, located in the highly sought-after Kuilima West community on Oahu’s Gold Coast, just steps from the famous Turtle Bay Resort, the North Shore coastline and several award-winning restaurants. Surrounded by tropical landscaping, and nestled alongside the world-renowned Fazio
Build your dream home! Beautiful vacant lot in seaside community of Malaekahana Bay! Private deeded access to the ocean and just steps away to Malaekahana Bay’s white sandy beaches! The price includes plans for three-bedroom, two-bathroom SFH plus building permits. Expected completion is summer 2026.
Property Id: 2035787*ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED FOR PIECE OF MIND*Escape to the peaceful beach countryside of Windward Oahu. It's like having your own private beach as your backyard! One king bed and pull-out couch! Smart TV, partial kitchen with a portable 2-burner range. Sip your morning coffee by the window with the ocean breeze and the sounds, then head out to explore! Lounge by
For rent. Rarely available! Located in a quiet and peaceful Hau’ula neighborhood, this well-maintained 3 bed/2 bath single-family home offers comfort and convenience just moments from the ocean. Enjoy cool tile flooring throughout, a spacious open layout, and a large patio and yard. Solar panels and split AC. Tenant responsible for all utilities. Just a short distance to beautiful beaches,
FULLY FURNISHED 2 bedroom/1 bath home located steps from the beach with gorgeous ocean views. Each room has a queen size bed. Full size washer and dryer. Kitchen is equipped to cook a great meal. Lots of windows and sliding doors for fresh air. Luxury vinyl flooring throughout. Walk straight from your backyard to a quiet beautiful beach. A long stretch of sandy beach for your enjoyment.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Fran Magbual,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
14,488
Median Age
33
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,704
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$117,339
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
61°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
