Section Image

Wahiawa

Wahiawa

Located in Honolulu County

$836,611 Average Value
$626 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes 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 residents have beautiful mountain views and access to a variety of island amenities.
Wahiawa offers a serene, small-town atmosphere.
Wahiawa offers a serene, small-town atmosphere.
1/2

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.
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.
Family outings near Wahiawa often start with the Dole maze and pineapple treats.
1/2

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.
Wahiawa’s midcentury homes offer serene island living.
Whitmore Village in Wahiawa single family housing with condos around $315k–$425k.
Whitmore Village in Wahiawa single family housing with condos around $315k–$425k.
1/2

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.
Embrace a supportive community at Iliahi Elementary School.
Celebrate achievements and create lifelong memories at Leilehua High 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.
Wahiawa Middle School's goal is to provide students with a high-quality education.
1/3

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.

Tina Davis
Written By
Tina Davis
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Samantha Houtchens
Video By
Samantha Houtchens

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Vardit Hacmon, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
4,447
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Median Year Built
1959
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,493
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,900
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
767
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
537
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
579
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    1114 Kaala Ave, Wahiawa, HI 96786

    $930,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,016 Sq Ft
    • 1114 Kaala Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    **Open House Saturday, 3/21 | 3-5pm**Open House Sunday, 3/22 | 2-4pm** Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-level home full of charm, natural light, and the inviting warmth that makes island living so special. Impeccably maintained over the years, this home reflects true pride of ownership and offers a comfortable blend of character and thoughtful updates. The property features a

    Agent Photo
    Zoar Morales
    eXp Realty
    (808) 229-2636
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 2PM - 5PM

    113 Circle Dr, Wahiawa, HI 96786

    $945,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,476 Sq Ft
    • 113 Circle Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    VA ASSUMABLE AT 2.25%!! Come see this charming 4-bedroom home in the heart of Wahiawa featuring delightful interior details that add warmth and character throughout. Recently refreshed with new paint inside and out and a renovated bath, this home is move-in ready. The spacious yard offers plenty of room for outdoor activities, gardening, entertaining, or simply relaxing in your own private space.

    Peter Enomoto-Hahn HI Roots Realty LLC

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 2PM - 5PM

    2001 California Ave Unit A, Wahiawa, HI 96786

    $899,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,362 Sq Ft
    • 2001 California Ave
    • Unit A

    Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single family home located in breezy Wahiawa! Enjoy a patio deck overlooking lush greenery in the private backyard. Flag lot CPR with ownership of the entire driveway, offering 5+ parking spaces, great for hosting and convenience! Built in 2021, this home features a large primary bedroom with a walk-in closet, spacious bedrooms with mirrored closets and plantation

    Ivy Kumai Ivy K Realty, LLC

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wahiawa Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
18,022
Median Age
39
Population Density
61 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,849
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$97,447

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.6%
College Graduates
25.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
64''
Average Winter Low Temperature
61°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Wahiawa