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
Craig Alvarado,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Price Reduction! Discover unparalleled beachfront living at Makaha Beach Cabanas on Papaoneone, one of Oahu's most stunning beaches. This upscale, custom designed, and completely renovated condo offers luxurious upgrades including whole house lighting control, new vinyl jalousie windows, sliding doors, porcelain tile flooring throughout, and solid wood accents. The redesigned kitchen features
Investor special! TWO TOP-FLOOR, OCEANFRONT UNITS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Rarely does an opportunity like this come on the market. This top-floor residence sits literally above the ocean. Fall asleep each night to the rhythm of gentle waves rolling over the sand just below. With unobstructed, sweeping views of the Pacific, dramatic Wai'anae mountain range, and gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets, this
Welcome home to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom "B" (middle) unit in the gated community of Makaha Valley Plantation. This move-in-ready condo features numerous recent upgrades, including luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living room, kitchen and bathroom, new carpet in both bedrooms, a new stove and refrigerator, an updated bathroom vanity, a new security screen door, and a new
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
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
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
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
OPEN HOUSE: 6/21/26 SUNDAY 2-5 PM Imagine going to the beach after a day's work or simply hanging out on weekends! This ALL CONCRETE, DOUBLE-WALL, WELL-BUILT beautiful and cozy SINGLE LEVEL home is waiting for a new owner!With new concrete driveway and concrete walkway around the house, this 3- BEDROOM and 2 full bathroom boasts NEW ROOF, new kitchen cabinets and counter tops, new kitchen
Just minutes from the coastline, this fully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers a rare combination of space, flexibility, and value. Designed for modern island living, the versatile floor plan provides options for multigenerational living, extended family, guests, or flexible occupancy needs.Move-in ready and thoughtfully updated throughout, the home blends contemporary finishes with
Welcome to your private oasis at Makaha Valley Plantation, Unit 106B – a fully remodeled gem that blends modern luxury with serene tropical living. Step inside to discover an open, light-filled layout featuring brand-new vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas and sleek tile in the kitchen and bath for effortless style and maintenance. The heart of this home is the stunning modern
In the gated developments of Makaha Oceanview Estates, a rarely available Custom 3 bed 2.5 bath home. Enjoygranite countertops, steel appliance package, spa shower & dual sinks in the primary bath, solar hot water, front yardlandscaping, large, covered patio & 2-car finished garage.
Great opportunity to own a renovated condo by the beach in a cute community. This ground floor unit offers easy access to tons ofamenities right outside your doorsteps such as pool, sauna, gym, beach, and a gorgeous path into the beach! The grounds are perfectly landscaped to enjoy views from your unit, and while you are exploring the grounds. The unit is currently tenant occupied and a great
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:
Property Id: 2582347FOR RENT - 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom at Makaha SurfsideLooking for a responsible, clean, non-smoking tenant with no pets to rent my recently renovated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit at Makaha Surfside on the beautiful west side of Oahu.Located in Building A on the third floor, this unit offers an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and peaceful
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
This is a newly renovated 2 bedroom condo in Makaha Valley Plantation. The condo is fully stocked with all you could need. A well stocked kitchen, Keurig, espresso pot, french press, toaster, blender, mixer, rice cooker, air fryer, waffle iron. Plenty of sheets and towels in new condition. Clean and well maintained. 3rd floor with high ceilings (no foot stomping above you). Community is
Private bedrooms available in a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located directly across the street from the ocean in Makaha Kea‘au. Peaceful and well-maintained beach house with mountain and ocean views.This home features a large open-concept living room and kitchen, updated finishes, covered parking, solar, outdoor shower, and a large yard perfect for enjoying the west side
**MONTH-TO-MONTH***Prices may vary depending on high/low season, total number of guests, total length of stay, and various other factors!We strongly suggest inquiring so we can confirm your specific price! We book up quickly and more clients are rejected than accepted as Oahu and Beach Close short term legal and licensed rentals are extremely hard to find.UP TO 500mbps WiFI
Live the island dream in this stunning one bedroom, one bath fully furnished unit at Makaha Valley Towers, offering sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Enjoy all utilities included and central air conditioning for effortless comfort. Embrace resort-style living every day of the year!
Live the island dream in this stunning one bedroom, one bath fully furnished unit at Makaha Valley Towers, offering sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Enjoy all utilities included and central air conditioning for effortless comfort. Embrace resort-style living every day of the year!KEY FEATURES:- Property Type: Condominium- Bedrooms : 1- Bathrooms:
Single-level 4 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring a covered carport and fenced yard. This desirable corner unit offers convenience with a short walk to the bus line and nearby schools. Enjoy close proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.Call or text Katherine Kelii showing request.
Must meet income requirements: monthly gross income must be 2.5 times the rent amount and credit score of 650 or higher.Application fee is $20 per applicant (non-refundable). All applicants must view rental in person to receive an application to apply.All adults 18 years old and older must apply. Non-smoking unit. No pets allowed. Renters insurance required. Description: MAKAHA VALLEY
Jasmine DiasHaku Realty LLC
$2,000 per month
Ocean Front One Bedroom Condo Available at Makaha Beach Cabanas!
Fully furnished, newly remodeled oceanfront unit at Makaha Beach Cabanas is now AVAILABLE!Open the sliding glass door to your private lanai to get the most beautiful ocean views. This building is secured, has a newly renovated BBQ and lounge area for residents and guests to enjoy and relax next to the ocean. This property also features a succulent wall garden for the use of all residents
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