Lower prices and breathtaking beaches on Oahu's Leeward Coast
Nanakuli sits at the southern end of the greater Waianae area on Oahu's west coast, also called the Leeward Coast. Despite the cascading mountain backdrop and emerald-blue surf, this side of the island has remained relatively lowkey. "This is the most affordable area of Oahu because it's the farthest from Honolulu. I mean, you can find a single-family home for $500,000," says Realtor Marilou Moralez with eXp Realty, who's lived on Oahu for over 30 years. Many military personnel who make the 30-mile commute to Honolulu find Nanakuli's prices to be a worthwhile trade. The distance from the capital and the natural seclusion provided by the lush mountains have kept this small town from significantly growing. However, this area's stunning shoreline is gaining more attention. "It's getting more and more popular with tourists and developers because the beaches here are absolutely gorgeous," says Moralez. "From what I'm seeing, it's only going up."
Enjoy stunning ocean and mountain views in Nanakuli.
Townhomes and duplexes are available to rent or buy in Nanakuli.
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1960s Hawaiian cottages
The town has a median home price of $485,000. This is a starting price for smaller cottages and ranch-style homes that are a signature of Hawaiian architecture. Most homes sit in clusters by the beachfront, while others are up the hill with more yard space. On the lower end of the price range, condos in the village center area can start around $200,000. These are often leasehold properties, meaning residents lease the unit for an extended period of time, paying rent and taxes without owning the property. More spacious single-family homes and newer options built in the 2010s can cost nearly $1 million.
Single story ranchers are the most common house type in Nanakuli.
Spanish style homes with tile roofing help to dispel the heat on hot days in Nanakuli.
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World-class surf and hiking in Nanakuli Forest Reserve
Nanakuli has yet to undergo any suburban sprawl, so it's surrounded by mountains on one side and breathtaking beachfront. Nanakuli Beach Park is the most popular spot on the city's shoreline. It's in a cove, slightly removed from the busier village center. Of course, surfing is the primary activity. Experienced local surfers load up their pickups and head a few miles down to Tracks Beach, one of the Leeward Coast's most respected reef breaks. Hiking is accessible just up the hill from town in the ridges and valleys of the Nanakuli Forest Reserve. Part of the city is built around the base of Turtle Mountain, the tallest nearby peak. The sun is almost always shining on Oahu's Leeward Coast, and it experiences significantly less rainfall than the opposite, Windward Coast.
Surfers have no shortage of barreling waves at Tracks Beach in Nanakuli.
Nanakuli is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts- surfing and hiking are two popular options.
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Nanakuli Village Center and Disney’s Aulani Resort
Multiple shopping plazas sit across from the beach on Hawaii Route 93. Nanakuli Village Center is a relatively new development that has become the primary commercial gathering place. It has recognizable chain eateries, Hawaiian barbecues and surf shops. On Saturdays, it hosts an outdoor market with local vendors and artists. Groceries are up the road at the Pacific Shopping Mall. Disney's Aulani Resort is only 4 miles down shore. Anybody can enjoy boutique shops and restaurants at the resort's Ko Olina Center. There's a greater array of dining in Waianae, 5 miles up the road.
Nanakuli Village Center is the newest retail hub in the growing neighborhood.
Disney's Au Lani Resort in Ko Olina is only a few minutes away from Nanakuli.
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Thirty miles to Honolulu
Hawaii Route 93 travels along Oahu's West Coast. Drivers can take it 5 miles north to the neighboring city of Waianae and 10 miles south to Barbers Point Harbor's U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and associated maritime industries. The Nanakuli-Maili-Waianae Bus also takes passengers along the coast. Oahu's largest city and the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, is 30 miles east by taking Route 93 to Interstate H-1. Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is less than 25 miles east.
Farrington Highway is the main artery through Nanakuli, connecting the town to Kapolei and the H1.
H1 Freeway
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C-rated schools in the city
The Hawaii Department of Education is the school system for Oahu and all other Hawaiian Islands, earning an A-minus overall rating from Niche. However, all the schools located in Nanakuli get a C grade. Nanakuli Elementary, Intermediate and High School have neighboring campuses up the hill from Nanakuli Beach.
Nanakuli High School's campus is sprawled out over the valley floor.
Elementary aged kids in Nanakuli can enjoy their school lessons with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
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Less rainfall and a growing risk of wildfires
The Leeward Coast's climate is noticeably drier than the windward East Coast. Oahu hasn't been significantly affected by wildfires, but rising summer temperatures are putting these drier regions of the Hawaiian Islands at risk. Residents should stay vigilant for any fire activity and follow local safety precautions. Station 28 of the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department's Waianae Substation serve the city. However, specific crime statistics aren't available.
Homes in Nanakuli are generally priced below those on the rest of Oahu.
Head to Nanakuli Beach Park for a relaxing picnic or surf session.
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Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Doug Ward,
an experienced agent in this area.
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