A tranquil community in southwest O'ahu that's just outside the commotion
Makakilo is often considered the more tranquil and affordable alternative to O’ahu’s busier counterparts. It’s also well-known for its high elevation, set at the base of the Waiane Mountains. With the trade winds that blow from the peaks, Makakilo enjoys cooler and milder temperatures. This small community also has some ancient lore. Puu Makakilo (Mount Makakilo) is considered to have once been the meeting grounds for Kahuna Kilokilo, who were ancient Hawaiian astronomers. The area was also considered the playground for many ancient gods and goddesses. At the turn of the twentieth century, Makakilo became more urbanized as the population increased and an influx of military employment flowed into the area. Today, its relationship with neighboring Kapolei is key because Makakilo residents can leave their neighborhoods to shop, dine and play without the hassle of a long drive back home.
Makakilo's mountainous location means most homes will have amazing views.
Single family homes in Makakilo are generally lower priced that in Honolulu.
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Homes in Upper and Lower Makakilo
Makakilo is made of two parts: Upper and Lower. Upper Makakilo is a master-planned community with newer, updated homes that require homeowners’ fees. Lower Makakilo is made of older, independent homes that do not require fees; however, some are in need of renovations because they lack modern amenities. Homes can vary greatly in size across both parts, ranging from condominiums and two-story townhomes to large mansions. There are several housing communities as well, from the Watercolors condos to the Kumulani mansions.
The median price for a home is $1 million, and it takes about 97 days for a property to sell, which is significantly longer than the national average. "The market has a lot more first-time homebuyers and people that use financing. Lots of veterans and active-duty military buy over here, too," says Fran Magbual, a longtime Kapolei resident and Realtor with Coldwell Banker. "Because of the higher interest rates, things have slowed down in the last year or so but it’s still a good place to buy because prices are lower than other parts of the island."
Hillside homes in Makakilo offer stunning views of the Pacific.
Townhomes are condos are common throughout Makakilo.
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Community programs, golfing and beach access around Makakilo
There are several parks both in and around the area. Makakilo Community Park frequently hosts programs for interests such as crafting and leisure sports. Makakilo Hillside Neighborhood Park has a swimming pool on the premises. Multiple golf courses are also within close range, including Ko Olina Golf Club and Kapolei Golf Club. And because Makailo is only a short distance from the beaches, residents can easily drive to oceanside spots like Ko Olina Beach Park and Kahe Point Beach Park.
Ko Olina Lagoon is only a few minutes drive west on the H1 freeway.
Enjoy world-class golfing at one of the many golf courses around Makakilo.
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The Hawaii Department of Education and the University of Hawaii-West O'ahu
Public education is provided through the Hawaii Department of Education, which gets an A-minus grade from Niche and serves over 170,000 students. Just east of Makakilo is the University of Hawaii- West O’ahu. This public 4-year college offers 46 academic concentrations and specializes in liberal arts programs.
The University of Hawaii West Campus allows students in the area to avoid the long drive into Honolulu.
UH West is the smaller of the two Oahu campuses, but offers newer and updated facilities.
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Diverse restaurants and lots of shopping in southwest O'ahu
Makakilo is almost entirely residential, so nearby Kalopei offers the majority of dining and shopping opportunities. Restaurants include everything from Asian and Mediterranean to traditional Hawaiian fare, like the locally owned and operated Moani Island Bistro and Bar, which also offers live entertainment. Larger retail options are just outside the area, such as Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Mall and Kapolei Commons.
Lanakai Juice in Kapolei is a great place to cool down on a hot day.
Kalapawai Deli is a favorite local spot, but is also frequented by tourists.
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Traveling in and around Makakilo
Makakilo Drive winds down the center of the community. The H-1 Highway, also known as Queen Liliuokalani Freeway, is a significant connector to major cities such as Honolulu. Commercial flights are available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, located 16 miles from Makakilo.
The H1 freeway separates Makakilo and Kapolei.
Townhomes and condo units are plentiful in Makakilo.
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Declining crime trends for Makakilo
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) serves Makakilo. With data submitted to the FBI, the HPD reported a 33% decrease in violent crime and a 27% decrease in property crime from 2022 to 2023.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Craig Alvarado,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Beautiful newly built home in Kapolei featuring a modern, open-concept design with high ceilings and abundant natural light. The stylish kitchen offers quartz countertops, sleek cabinetry, a large island, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs living area opens to a private lanai with great airflow and views. Spacious bedrooms and contemporary
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION in the highly sought-after Makakilo Cliffs community. This corner-end, top-floor 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse offers exceptional privacy, refreshing breezes, and panoramic views that captivate from the moment you step inside. Own a piece of paradise. Boasting 756 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this desirable residence features a spacious, open
Located in desirable Makakilo, this inviting two-story condo offers the feel of a single-family home with the convenience of condo living. The spacious layout features three bedrooms and beautiful hardwood flooring that adds warmth and character throughout. Outdoor living is a highlight, with both a welcoming front patio and a generous backyard—perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the
Experience the perfect combination of privacy, comfort, and convenience in this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled within the desirable gated Seascape community at Makakilo. Enter through the attached two-car garage, where you'll be greeted by the rich, cherry-toned flooring that flows throughout the open-concept main level and new carpet upstairs. The spacious living room seamlessly
Welcome to Palehua Gardens in Makakilo — a well-established neighborhood in the heart of Kapolei. This ground-floor, corner/end townhouse gives you the space and privacy that's hard to find at this price point. Three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a private lanai with partial ocean views. Inside, you've got low-maintenance vinyl flooring and all the essentials already in place — fridge,
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse in Palehua Nani, Makakilo. This unit features a functional floor plan with comfortable living areas and a fenced private yard, offering usable outdoor space. The home includes updated kitchen cabinets, providing a refreshed kitchen setting. The property comes with 2 parking stalls for added convenience. Located in Makakilo near Kapolei, this
Rare 3-bedroom end-unit with one of the largest wrap-around yards in the complex! This breezy Makakilo townhome offers a true single-family feel, featuring a spacious layout with 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath upstairs, plus a convenient half bath downstairs. Two side-by-side parking stalls are located directly in front for easy access. The expansive yard is the standout feature with mature fig,
Breathtaking Diamond Head, city, and ocean views! This spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome with two side by side parking stalls is lo10cated in highly desirable Palehua Gardens. Move-in ready and thoughtfully upgraded, the home features brand-new double-pane vinyl windows and custom sliding doors, modern kitchen cabinetry, and an upgraded split A/C system. The ground floor patio adds versatile
Discover this rarely available 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome in the desirable Makakilo Mala community of Kapolei! Freshly painted and move-in ready, this spacious 1,129 sq ft home blends private comforts with community perks. Wake up to stunning ocean views from the bedrooms. Enjoy your large open deck for relaxing or entertaining, plus a small enclosed backyard ideal for pets, gardening, or
*UPDATED* Your move-in just got $5K easier. Enjoy a seller credit of $5,000 AND the crisp breeze and hillside living in this lovingly maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhome in Makakilo Hale I. This split-level unit features an open living area, updated kitchen, private lanai, and lush greenery just outside your door. Two parking stalls offer added convenience, while the community pool and nearby
This beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in the desirable community of Makakilo offers stunning ocean and city views. The property features updated stainless steel appliances and enjoys a cool breeze, perfect for island living. With 2 assigned parking stalls, and close proximity to the freeway, shopping centers, schools, and beaches, this home combines convenience with the serene
Welcome home to Ocean Ridge at Makakilo! This spacious and beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome feels like a single-family home and offers stunning ocean and coastline views. The bright and breezy split-level layout features an open living and dining area with large windows that bring in natural light. The updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, ample cabinets, and
Welcome home to your beautifully-upgraded Makakilo Cliffs townhome! This desirable ground-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offers the perfect blend of style and convenience. Enjoy cool trade wind breezes, abundant natural light, and a relaxing ocean view from your private balcony! Inside, you’ll find updated vinyl plank flooring throughout with ceramic tiles in the bathrooms! The upgraded kitchen
This Single Family Home offers three comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing ample space for daily living. The property sits on a nicely sized lot in a quiet residential gated neighborhood. Located within a secure gated community, this residence provides an added layer of privacy and exclusivity for homeowners. The thoughtful floor plan creates a functional living environment that
Makakilo home with ocean views under $500K! Enjoy breezy Makakilo Heights living in this beautifully upgraded 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo at Westview at Makakilo. This move-in ready home with ocean views offers comfort, style, and value in desirable West Oahu.Perched on the hillside, the home captures cool Makakilo trade winds and sweeping ocean views from the private lanai, perfect for relaxing
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome (~1,200 sq ft) located in a quiet neighborhood near parks and schools. This comfortable home offers a great blend of convenience and privacy, with easy freeway access and nearby shopping. The home features an updated kitchen with soft-close cabinetry, double oven, full-size refrigerator, and a spacious walk-in pantry, making it perfect for cooking and
Enjoy living in this partially furnished, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2 pkg SFH in the Kahiwelo at Makakilo neighborhood in Kapolei Near schools, shop ctrs, parks, restaurants, & golf courses.UNIT FEATURES:- Full Size W/D- DW- Disposal- Fridge w/Ice Maker- Electric Stove/Oven- Micro RngHood- Central Air & Ceiling Fans- Fenced Yrd- Lanai- Quartz Counter
Welcome home to this highly desired Makakilo community. Boasting a private yard & breathtaking peek-a-boo ocean views, this home provides the Perfect blend of Comfort, Convenience & Value. Plus, this home includes two parking spaces! (not all 2Bs in this vicinity have two.) Step inside and be greeted by an open floor plan, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, dining, & outdoor living spaces. Large
Text Agent for showing request 808-772-0557. Welcome home to this highly desired Makakilo community. Boasting a private yard & breathtaking peek-a-boo ocean views, this home provides the Perfect blend of Comfort, Convenience & Value. Plus, this home includes two parking spaces! (not all 2Bs in this vicinity have two.) Step inside and be greeted by an open floor plan, seamlessly connecting the
This ground floor (walk down from parking 10 steps) Makakilo townhome offers 2 parking stalls right in front of the unit, renovated and upgraded kitchen (refrigerator has been changed) and spa-like bathrooms. Featuring a full-sized washer dryer, ceiling fans and large storage closet in the living room, clear views of Honolulu via an adjacent park of Mauka Lani Elementary, don't miss this one! Pet
Enjoy this comfortable and spacious 2-bedroom 2-Bathroom located in the Makakilo area in Kapolei. This excellent-conditioned condo features high ceilings, and a functional kitchen with easy pass-through to the spacious living room with sliding doors to a covered lanai. This condo is conveniently located near Makakilo / Kapolei schools, shopping centers, state government offices, and water park.
Welcome to a rare opportunity in the heart of Kapolei, HI. This turn-key, move-in ready home boasts three spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The large master bedroom features a walk-in closet system, providing ample storage space. The home's vaulted ceilings and expansive windows offer breathtaking ocean and mountain views, while the split air conditioning ensures comfort throughout the
Available Now, four bedroom/2.5 bath with two car enclosed garage with fenced yard and private driveway.New paint and carpeting in bedrooms. Rent includes monthly yard maintenance, Terminix services for termite control and annual a/c maintenance. Tenant to pay own electricity, water/sewer and cable/internet services. One small pet allowed upon pet registration and approval. Separate pet
Enjoy this comfortable and spacious 2-bedroom 2-Bathroom located in the Makakilo area in Kapolei. This excellent-conditioned condo features high ceilings, and a functional kitchen with easy pass-through to the spacious living room with sliding doors to a covered lanai. This condo is conveniently located near Makakilo / Kapolei schools, shopping centers, state government offices, and water park.
Enjoy this awesome townhouse with convenient access to H-1 freeway, in a quiet neighborhood. Includes small lanai, store room, community pool, ceiling fans, AC, and appliances. Two-storey townhome next door to resident manager unit with 2 parking spaces. KEY FEATURES:• Property Type: Condominium• Interior Area: 928sf• Bedrooms: 2• Bathrooms: 1• Parking: 2 PROPERTY
Upper-level 2-bedroom, 2 full bath townhome for rent. Fresh interior paint, updated bathrooms, and an upgraded kitchen with all stainless steel appliances. Washer & dryer in unit. Open living and dining layout with single-level entry. AC and ceiling fans in every room. 2 covered parking conveniently located out front. Enjoy lush hillside views from the private lanai, cool trade winds. Clean BBQ
Studio unit, no parking.Cozy studio detached from main house in Makakilo - Star's Edge Community. No kitchen - just a refrigerator. Utilities included: Electric, Water/Sewer and cable. Features include: ceiling fan, window A/C. Avail 4/2/26. Sorry no pets and no smoking. Renters Insurance required. Tenant must provide proof of coverage prior to taking occupancy. For showings: Contact Darcie
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