$833,872Average Value$626Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Cool, central inland community convenient to bases and shore
Wahiawa rests in the heart of Oahu, less than a mile south of the ancient Kukaniloko Birth Stones, where children of Hawaiian royalty were born for seven centuries. Its name, Wahiawa, means "place of noise," in honor of the wind, thunder and rain that was said to resound in this area when a royal infant entered the world. In the early 1900s, when Oahu's first pineapple cannery was established in Wahiawa, the community began taking shape as a working-class village in support of this agricultural industry. Today, Wahiawa still holds vintage homes with timeless character and is known for its comparative affordability. Michael Pieklo, Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty North Shore, who grew up on Oahu and has been selling homes in the area for 7 years, says, “In Wahiawa, you’re 15 minutes from North Shore’s popular Sunset Beach Park and Mokuleia Beach. But homes in North Shore start at a million, whereas the same size home would be more like $800,000 in Wahiawa. Plus, you’re only 20 miles from Downtown Honolulu, which cuts down your commute. And if you work for the government or military, you’re right in the middle of Schofield, Wheeler and NCTAMS.” Ongoing revitalization is transforming a formerly dilapidated commercial stretch of Kamehameha Highway into hip blocks burgeoning with locally owned cafes and boutiques — cultivating Wahiawa's small-town vibe. Wahiawa is also home to the former Wahiawa General Hospital; acquired in late 2023 by The Queen’s Health System, with plans to reopen as an emergency center in 2024. In Wahiawa, locals live near the island’s only freshwater lake, as well as one of the island’s largest concentrations of churches. Purportedly setting a world record, California Avenue is trimmed with a dozen houses of worship along a less-than-two-mile stretch. Adds Pieklo, “If you appreciate a traditional Oahu neighborhood where some homes are older, and some lots are bigger, it’s a great place to enjoy a cooler climate and lots of options — you can be at the ocean or downtown in 25 minutes.”
Wahiawa residents have beautiful mountain views and access to a variety of island amenities.
Wahiawa offers a serene, small-town atmosphere.
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Lake Wilson, Central Wahiawa District Park and community pools
Wahiawa also holds a world record for the largest permanent hedge maze at the Dole Plantation tourist attraction. Residents might take visiting family to Dole for tours but are more likely to be found relaxing at local parks. Anglers can bass fish in Wilson Lake at the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area or in three stocked ponds at Ali’i Agriculture Farms — where on-site staff will clean and cook your catch. Central Wahiawa District Park is equipped with a gymnasium, public pool and sports facilities. The park blends into Wahiawa Botanical Garden, nicknamed the “tropical jewel,” offering self-guided tours through tropical and native rainforest flora. The 7-acre Green World Coffee Farm is a mile northwest of central Wahiawa, and Pieklo says, “There’s a nice coffee shop there where you can order espresso or buy bulk coffee, and they have this open grassy area where you’ll see a lot of moms meet up with kids during the day.” Near Wheeler Army Airfield, Leilehua Golf Course offers military personnel an 18-hole course with a sweeping mountain view.
Lush bamboo groves in Wahiawa highlight a cool microclimate and frequent showers.
Family outings near Wahiawa often start with the Dole maze and pineapple treats.
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Vintage to newer condos and single-family homes
“Because it served the pineapple and sugar cane industries when they were active,” explains Pieklo, “a lot of the homes were built for people working the fields between Wahiawa and North Shore.” Classic midcentury homes with Old Hawaii charm are abundant and often have renovated interiors. Housing options include condos built in the 1980s and 1990s priced from $315,000 to $425,000 and single-family homes ranging from $690,000 to $900,000 for new builds. Narrow streets are not often sidewalked but are lush with established greenery. Says Pieklo, “Wahiawa Heights on the eastern edge is one of the coolest places. In the winter, the highs only reach into the '50s, which is unusual here, and all the houses have fireplaces.”
Wahiawa’s midcentury homes offer serene island living.
Whitmore Village in Wahiawa single family housing with condos around $315k–$425k.
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Highly rated public Leilehua and private Ho’aloa schools
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, given a B-plus on Niche. Kids start at Wahiawa Elementary, given a Niche B-minus, and move on to Wahiawa Middle, which gets a C-plus. Older students advance to Leilehua High School, earning an A-minus on Niche and featuring an Early College Program that provides college credits via online college courses. The private Ho’ala School for kindergarten through eighth grade gets a Niche A grade.
Embrace a supportive community at Iliahi Elementary School.
Celebrate achievements and create lifelong memories at Leilehua High School.
Wahiawa Middle School's goal is to provide students with a high-quality education.
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Bizia Surf, Guieb Café and Foodland
While fast food options are available, Wahiawa also loves its family-owned eateries such as Guieb Cafe, specializing in all-day breakfast, and Loco Moco bowls of rice, meat, egg and gravy. Say Pieklo, “Wahiawa is really doing a lot to revitalize. A local nonprofit called Surfing the Nations is converting a portion of Wahiawa into cool shopping and dining options. You’ll see new ideas here now, like Bizia Surf and Coffee Bar, where they’re taking an invasive species of trees, albizia, and using them to make surfboards and chairs. It’s really a hipster thing.” Multiple Mexican eateries, which Pieklo describes as “some of the best Mexican on the island,” abound, including El Palenque, Barrio Café and Taqueria El Ranchero. Adds Pieklo, “One of our most unique hole-in-the-wall places is this Indian vegetarian restaurant, which you don’t find often in Hawaii, called Maharaja’s.” Maharaja’s is known for its by-the-pound salad bar and daily specials. The Wahiawa Ohana Market sells local goods every other Saturday, and Pieklo says, “They’ve just opened a new huge community kitchen in 2024 in Wahiawa, inside a former warehouse.” This community kitchen was envisioned by local Leeward Community College and serves as a a small-business incubator helping entrepreneurs develop marketable food products in collaboration with local farmers. For everyday grocery needs and essentials, Foodland, Tamura’s Market, Longs Drugs and Walgreens are all within the neighborhood.
Pineapple Run 10K and holiday events
Wahiawa residents enjoy the annual return of the community Christmas Parade, the Pineapple Run 10k down California Avenue every April and the Wahiawa Community & Business Association’s 1,000-egg hunt throughout Wahiawa Town each Easter.
H-2 access and The Bus public transit
Pieklo adds, “Sometimes during lunch when military personnel come off base and into town, or during drive times starting at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., traffic in and out can be heavy. But once you’re on the H-2, it lightens up.” This means that when work ends for many around 3:00, it can take about 45 minutes to reach downtown. Hawaii’s award-winning The Bus has a terminal in central Wahiawa if locals prefer public transit.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sherine Duncan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Wahiawa, HI sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wahiawa, HI over the last 12 months is $789,950, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this beautifully remodeled single-family home in the heart of Wahiawa, offering modern comfort and flexible living options. The main home features 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, an open-concept living area, brand-new appliances, and tasteful contemporary finishes throughout. A bonus room provides extra space for a home office, gym, or workshop. A separate living area in the back offers
Wahiawa Heights' One-of-a-kind property has so much potential for great country living! Country Roads Take me Home!! The main house has a great flow and lots of character. Enjoy the cool Wahiawa temps in the open air on the deck. The amazing 10,000 sf lot has a separate studio dwelling, another workshop, tons of storage, and still has lots of yard space to enjoy. 27 Owned PV panels with 6
Nice and well taken care one level house in a cul-de-sac. Back area of the house is currently being used as a Foster Home. Move-in condition with ceramic tile floorings throughout. All appliances included. Large cemented front yard can accommodate parking for 3-4 cars. Flagstone floor tiles on the right side of the house, installed on 2019, gives a nice appeal by the house entrance. Solar
Single Family (OR - current setup as a DUPLEX)...Very Clean / Fully Renovated / Newer Roof and Paint...IInd Level is possible.Great to live in one side, rent out the other...OR - terrific Income Property!
This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is available for rent in Hidden Valley Estates, Wahiawa. Located in a quiet, established neighborhood known for its green setting and sense of community. The home includes two parking spaces. The central location offers a practical commute to Schofield Barracks, the North Shore, and the Leeward Coast. It is a standard single-family rental in a unique, valley-side area.
Welcome to this efficient one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit, complete with one dedicated parking stall. Ideally situated on Olive Street, the location offers exceptional convenience just minutes from diverse restaurants, shops, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and direct H-1 freeway access. Utilities including water, sewer, and trash services are included in the monthly rent. KEY
Included in Rent: Electric, Water, Landscaping, Pest Control!! Pet Friendly 3 bed 2 bath located in Wahiawa Heights! New Kitchen and freshly painted! Large fenced in yard with storage shed. Contact property manager for more information. Rental Application:
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