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
Deborah Arguello,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Makaha, HI sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Makaha, HI over the last 12 months is $312,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction – Steps from the Beach!Experience modern island living just minutes from world-famous Makaha Beach in this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home — all with no HOA fees. Inside, you’ll find elevated ceilings, recessed lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The open-concept kitchen features quartz countertops, soft-close shaker cabinets, stainless steel
This coveted first-floor "A" unit (2BR/1BA) is ideally located in one of the most tranquil corners of Makaha Valley Plantation. Nestled at the edge of the complex, it offers peaceful garden views, a charming picnic area, and a lush tropical backdrop—with no buildings obstructing the scenery. Occasionally, you'll hear the gentle sound of a nearby babbling stream. "A" units are known for their
Welcome to Makaha Valley Plantation, nestled at the base of the majestic Makaha Mountain Range! The lush beauty of the valley surrounds this classy, well-maintained home. 2 bedroom, 1 bath boasts quartz countertops, shaker cabinets with soft-close drawers, stainless steel appliances, and luxury vinyl flooring throughout. Resort living with surfing, fishing, and golfing close by. This complex is
Your Perfect Getaway or Forever Home in Makaha Valley Plantation! Tucked away in the serene beauty of Makaha Valley, this fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo offers modern comfort in a lush, tropical setting. Thoughtfully upgraded in 2020, this home is more than just a refresh—it’s remodeled for lasting quality. Step inside to discover sleek stainless steel appliances, granite
New Construction – Steps from the Beach!Experience modern island living just minutes from world-famous Makaha Beach in this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home — all with no HOA fees. Inside, you’ll find elevated ceilings, recessed lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The open-concept kitchen features quartz countertops, soft-close shaker cabinets, stainless steel
**Attention Investors, Developers, and Contractors!** Seize this rare opportunity to acquire a prime R-5 residential zoned lot, spanning 15,020 sqft, perfect for developing multiple dwellings. This level lot is equipped with access to essential utilities, making it an ideal canvas for your next project. Nestled near the stunning Papaoneone Beach and directly across from Lahilahi Point in
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:
2 bedroom 1 bath unit on the 3rd floor some furnishings located in the scenic Makaha Valley. Walking distance to security gate ,public transportation. to the pool and close to laundry facility. Complex has 24 hour onsite security. Comes with 1 parking stall. Includes water and basic cable. Complex has 2 swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna outside bbq areas.Tenant has to pay 25.00 registration fee and
Property Id: 790272Imagine being surrounded by beautiful mountains & ocean with clean 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 walking distance to world famous
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