Makaha is the last stop before total farmland and wilderness. It’s the most northern town on O’ahu’s Leeward Coast, about 35 miles from Honolulu and a long drive up the Farrington Highway. Many consider it the most remote town on the island. These aspects may seem negative, but they’re often what pull people to the area. “If you really wanna get away and want the true island vibe, then Makaha is the perfect place to be,” says Colette Nishimura, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker licensed since 2013. “More and more mainlanders are coming out here because of its remoteness and beauty. You don’t have many high-rises. You have some businesses and homes being built here, but it’s not like Waikiki where you’re in a concrete jungle. You see the same people and get to know each other.” Narrow streets pack the coast with homes, and the beach is walkable. Continuing east through the Makaha Valley, farmland increases with elevation.
Enjoy stunning bay views from atop Mauna Lahilahi.
Makaha is a quiet town on the far western edge of Oahu.
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Makaha Beach and the origin of a Hawaiian tradition
Big wave surfing started on Makaha Beach. Before the North Shore became popular in the 1950s, this beach catered to the island’s most experienced surfers, who wanted more than the typical tides of Waikiki. They quickly discovered waves here were among the tallest on O’ahu, reaching up to 25 feet during the winter. Today, Makaha Beach continues to be a destination for intermediate, experienced and professional surfers, and its Buffalo Keaulana Big Board Surfing Competition has been a February tradition since 1977. For those who don’t want the adrenaline spike, a reef is just offshore for snorkeling in the summer. Sea turtles are commonly spotted here, as well as nearby Papaoneone Beach. Mauna Lahilahi, a mountainous outcrop next to the sand, has shoreline views and is one of the area’s most popular hikes. More mountains are just north of town in the Waianae Range. “The mountains have a lot of crevices, and when it rains, they form waterfalls. Sometimes you even see rainbows,” Nishimura says. Still, the climate here is drier and sunnier than the Windward Coast, and temperatures are typically in the 70s or 80s.
Makaha Beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Locals flock to Makaha Beach on weekends and school breaks.
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Oceanfront and mountainside homes in the Makaha Valley
Single-family homes are the most common option in Makaha, but no one property is like the last. They were built anytime between the 1940s and 2020s, and facades range from traditional to modern. Some ranch-style homes likely need updates and start at $350,000; others are more renovated and can reach $650,000. Properties on this end of the market are usually a few blocks inland, whereas pricier homes are closer to the ocean or even oceanfront. They also tend to have two stories, larger square footage and newer build dates. They’re between $750,000 and $2.5 million. A few high-rise condos are in this area as well as toward the mountains, slightly elevated in the Makaha Valley. Due to this wilderness proximity, wild peacocks are known to roam complexes and can cause some noise. Units are between $150,000 and $500,000. Units on the lower end are likely leasehold, meaning the tenant owns the house but leases the land. Higher-end units are typically traditional sales or “fee simple.”
Makaha Valley is largely undeveloped, but small subdivisions there offer peace and quiet.
Beachfront residences in Makaha offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.
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Makaha Marketplace and Waianae Mall
Makaha Market Place, the only shopping center in town, has the Makaha Ohana Market for small grocery trips and other shopping, and a few restaurants are clustered toward the southern end of town, including takeout and shave ice. Most people drive to neighboring Waianae to eat and shop, though, since it has more options. About 3 miles south, the Waianae Mall has department stores and hosts a Saturday farmers market in its parking lot. Nishimura recommends The Beach House, an oceanfront restaurant near this mall. It has live music and sunset views.
Waianae Mall is a small retail center in the heart of Waianae.
Makaha Marketplace has local favorites like Mountain Magic Shave Ice.
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Walkability to elementary, middle and high schools
Hawaii Department of Education, the statewide school district, operates roughly 10 schools on the Leeward Coast, and most receive C ratings from Niche. Of the closest campuses, Makaha Elementary is in town while Wai’anae Intermediate and Wai’anae High are just down the coast. They’re walkable from many homes.
Waianae Intermediate School serves children grades 6-8 in the Waianae area.
Makaha Elementary School is located in the heart of the valley.
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Crime levels on O’ahu
The Honolulu Police Department reports crime for the whole island, not Makaha specifically. Oahu’s violent crimes decreased roughly 15% from 2022 to 2023, while property crimes decreased about 30%. Neighboring Waianae has a police station that serves Makaha and other towns on the coast.
Most neighborhoods in Makaha are quiet and peaceful.
The Waianae coast has some of the most stunning beaches on Oahu.
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Farrington Highway commutes, traffic backups
Makaha is a beachside town with slow-paced streets. Many people walk or bike around the area, but they likely have a car to access Honolulu’s employment base. The Farrington Highway is the main thoroughfare along the Leeward Coast and leads 15 miles south to US Coast Guard Station Barber’s Point and about 35 miles southeast to downtown Honolulu. Traffic can clog the whole way, especially in Makaha itself. TheBus, an islandwide transit service, operates an express route from Makaha Beach to popular destinations like Ala Moana Center and Kalihi Transit Center.
The 93 Freeway connects Makaha, Maili, and Waimanalo to cities to the east, like Kapolei.
The 93 is the main artery that runs through the greater Waianae region.
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Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristy Nakamura,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Welcome to unit C415, a beautifully renovated studio at the Makaha Surfside with ocean views! Wake up to the serene sound and distant view of the Pacific Ocean while overlooking the sparkling pool. Inside, you'll find a bright, clean unit featuring luxury Koa vinyl plank flooring throughout, a fresh coat of interior paint, and thoughtful bathroom upgrades, including a refinished bathtub and a
Furnished and ready to enjoy, step into the relaxed rhythm of island living with this LEASEHOLD two-bedroom condo in the lush andscenic Makaha Valley Plantation. The lease extends through 2074, with the option to purchase the fee if desired, offering an excellentopportunity to enjoy the Makaha lifestyle at an accessible price point.Inside, the home is bright and welcoming with an open
Welcome to Makaha Valley Towers #434, where comfort, lifestyle, and value meet. This well-kept residence offers the ideal opportunity for buyers seeking a home they can enjoy immediately while adding personal upgrades over time. Step into a bright and functional layout, featuring vinyl plank flooring and stainless steel kitchen appliances, creating a nice foundation for your vision. It's
Attached 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home under $400,000 — an incredible value for a first-time buyer or investor. Tucked away from the main highway, Makaaha Village offers a private setting with just 12 homes and a welcoming neighborhood feel. The layout is efficient with no wasted space, spacious bedrooms, and both front and back enclosed porches—great for storage, gatherings, or flexible
Motivated seller, bring your best offer. This loved and lived-in home consists of 3-BR/2-BA, a spacious garage, and a yard to soak up some sun or enjoy an outdoor BBQ under the mature trees and foliage. The property is a short distance from Makaha Elementary School. Washer and dryer hookups are available (stacked or side-by-side). There is plenty of outdoor space to make it your haven away from
Welcome to your oceanfront escape in Makaha—where mornings begin with sea breezes and end with glowing sunsets over the Pacific. With five bedrooms, two and a half baths, and sweeping ocean views from nearly every room, this private retreat blends island beauty with everyday comfort. Set on 13,510 square feet of landscaped oceanfront land, the property offers rare indoor/outdoor living—perfect
Welcome to this spacious and well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit at Makaha Valley Plantation #76B, offering an impressive 815 sq ft of interior living space set among lush greenery and scenic mountain surroundings. This inviting home features a bright, comfortable layout with durable vinyl plank flooring and an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, making it easy to move right in
Gorgeous 2 bedroom 1 bath with open floor plan accented by the vaulted ceiling throughout the kitchen and living room area. All furniture included with the top-of-the-line entertainment system and luxury kitchen that will make you want to never eat out again. Gated community with security guards on site. Tons of things to do on site or in the area including beaches, golfing,hiking, multiple
SHORT SALE APPROVED! Come explore this charming move-in-ready condo in the heart of Waianae! You’ll love thebeautifully updated space, which features new windows and sliding glass door, fresh laminate flooring, and abeautifully remodeled kitchen. The spacious bathroom has been elegantly upgraded with contemporary touches,making this a true turnkey home. Relax in a safe, gated
Furnished studio at Makaha Valley Towers. Mountain and coastline views with a lanai. Located on the upper side of the property, away from the main entrance and the central air conditioning building. Twenty-four hour security, a swimming pool, barbecues, community laundry and easy access to the bus line. Maintenance fee includes central air, electricity, hot water, cable tv and internet.
Perched on the top floor in a gated, tropical oasis, this home delivers the kind of turnkey, designer-updated living that feels like a daily vacation. This rare corner end unit has no neighbors above and features your own private stairway entrance, creating the privacy and “single-family” vibe buyers love. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, stylish upgrades throughout, and ocean views. The
Amazing opportunity to live directly above the ocean and beach. This preferred tower and unit is located on the 5th floor which offers sweeping unobstructed views of the ocean, sunset and mountain range. Once you enter the gated entrance you feel you are on vacation immediately. From the ground level you have access to one of the nicest beaches and reefs on the island literally out your door. The
Rarely available large parcel close to the highway. Buyer and Buyer’s Agent to independently verify zoning, utilities, development possibilities. Sellers have limited knowledge of the property.
Welcome to unit C415, a beautifully renovated studio at the Makaha Surfside with ocean views! Wake up to the serene sound and distant view of the Pacific Ocean while overlooking the sparkling pool. Inside, you'll find a bright, clean unit featuring luxury Koa vinyl plank flooring throughout, a fresh coat of interior paint, and thoughtful bathroom upgrades, including a refinished bathtub and a
Furnished and ready to enjoy, step into the relaxed rhythm of island living with this LEASEHOLD two-bedroom condo in the lush andscenic Makaha Valley Plantation. The lease extends through 2074, with the option to purchase the fee if desired, offering an excellentopportunity to enjoy the Makaha lifestyle at an accessible price point.Inside, the home is bright and welcoming with an open
Kauhale Kamaile is a permanent modular housing project in Waianae, Hawaii, specifically designed for homeless families with children enrolled in Waianae schools. The project consists of 15-units, including one- and two-bedroom homes, and aims to provide stability and hope for these families. To provide permanent, affordable housing for homeless families with children in Waianae. Rent includes:
Rarely available! Makaha Valley Towers, 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Prime location, spectacular ocean, Mountain & sunset views! Recently renovated, freshly painted, and brand new flooring! Spacious with Lanai from living and bedroom! Very private & secure building with many awesome amenities, including swimming pool, BBQ, heated pool, rec area, & 24 hour security. Just 30 mins away from Disney & Marriot
Property Id: 790272I am looking for a Roommate! Imagine being surrounded by beautiful mountains & ocean with clean fresh air on a daily basis. Pack your suitcase and head to paradise, what are you waiting for? Spacious furnished room near beach with shared kitchen and bathroom. Turn key room located in a gated resort setting and private gated community nestled in the mountains with
Gorgeously Renovated Makaha Home Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath detached single-family home on the desirable Manuku Street in Makaha. Recently updated from top to bottom, this home offers a bright and open living and dining area centered around a modern kitchen island. The kitchen has been upgraded with white quartz countertops, while luxury vinyl plank flooring runs
**MONTH-TO-MONTH***UP TO 500mbps WiFI INTERNET SPEEDSFULLY FURNISHED! ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED! MAKAHA VALLEY PLANTATION RESORT STYLE LIVING! (Shorter Term Stays Possible. Please let us know your desired dates) "The Beverly Hills Of The Waianae Coast""Best Ocean Drive In America"MAKAHA
Beautiful 1st floor fully furnished unit with an open lanai for relaxing and enjoying the lush tropical grounds. Washer and dryer are in unit with 2 open parking stalls. Enjoy all the amenities this complex has to offer, tennis courts, and multiple pools.
Fully renovated in 2025. 5-bed, 2-bath, 4-parking unit located on the ground floor of a 2-story duplex house in Makaha. This unit is approximately 1,400 SQ FT of living area. Features: vinyl flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances (refrigerator, microwave hood, range oven), ceiling fan in the living room, lots of storage, washer & dryer. Spacious yard, mango trees and other fruit trees to
Oceanfront complex with direct access to a private lagoon-your own slice of coastal living! This gated communityoffers 24-hour security, two swimming pools, BBQ areas, and a fitness room. Conveniently located along the bus lineand close to shopping, dining, and everyday essentials. Property is currently listed for sale and available for a 6-month rental.
Special Offer: $500 Off Your First Month’s RentThis beautifully upgraded home offers a spacious and versatile living area with endless possibilities. Step inside to a bright and inviting living room featuring an extended space—perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. The kitchen is equipped with brand-new appliances, combining modern comfort with everyday convenience. The
4th floor studio available in the Makaha Surfside. Two pools, BBQ, sauna, workout room and more right on the ocean. Contact listing agent for application.
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