Waianae is a string of beaches and caves in Oahu's northern foothills
Blending the Hawaiian words for water (wai) and the mullet fish (anae) that are no longer farmed here as they were long ago in Waianae’s brackish backshore pools, the Waianae area still enjoys its oceanside home amid a broad base of towering hillsides. The air is slightly drier here than on Oahu’s other side, and you’ll often see random high-altitude clouds easing across Waianae’s green peaks. This northwestern expanse of Oahu stretches from the neighborhoods of Waianae and Makaha along an approximately 13-mile-strand of beaches and caves up to Oahu’s northern tip.
The water goes from light turquoise to dark blue off the coast near Waianae.
Waianae's pristine beaches, like Pokai Bay and Makaha Beach, draw surfers and sunbathers alike.
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Hut-style homes, cottages and bungalows in a remote oceanside location
Jeffrey Samuels, Realtor with Jeffrey Samuels Realty who has sold hundreds of properties in the Waianae area explains, “People seek out Waianae to get away from downtown bustle and enjoy a more remote feel. I consider it an alternative paradise to other parts of Oahu. And even though you can purchase for less here, Waianae has some of the best beaches on the island. Here, you get lots of white sand that’s not eroding, and the water goes from this amazing light turquoise to dark blue. There’s also such a rich diversity of home types here. You can find everything from $150,000 condos to homes on huge 1- and 2-acre lots in the gated Mauna Olu Estates.”
Throughout Waianae, this variety of homes includes Quonset hut style homes, casual beachside plantation bungalows, brightly painted beach cottages, and custom ocean-view and oceanfront properties with pools. You can also find larger Mediterranean-style stucco homes, and contemporary estates on large parcels with sweeping mountain views. Sunny town houses surrounded by green peaks and chic beachside condominiums are also part of the residential fabric.
Unique Quonset Hut Style Homes Line the Streets of Waianae.
Unique custom homes can be found in Waianae.
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Seaside schools offer hospitality courses and traditional learning
Hawaii Department of Education operates roughly 10 schools here, and most get C ratings from Niche. Public school students can attend Nanaikapano Elementary School and Waianae Intermediate School before moving up to Waianae High School which rests on a grassy lawn facing the water. Waianae High School’s Career and Technical Education Center offers more than 10 pathways of study from Culinary Arts to Marketing Management to Sustainable Hospitality. The public Ka Waihona o Ka Na’auao Charter School, which also faces the open blue surf, is an alternative school of choice for kindergarten through eighth grades.
Waianae students start at Nanaikapono Elementary School.
Unique custom homes can be found in Waianae.
Waianae's older students attend Waianae High School.
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Surfing, snorkeling and salt breezes define beach life
Escape to the seaside Kea’au Park to breathe in the salt air washing across its flat grassland. Or, sink your toes into the bright sand at the 40-acre Nanakuli Beach Park — also known as Kalaiana’ole Beach Park — where dazzling cerulean surf brushes the uncrowded beachfront. Living in Waianae, you can cruise the roadway right along Yokohama Bay, or plant your umbrella on the shore of the valley at Makaha Beach Park, a favorite spot for local snorkelers and surfers. Golfers enjoy teeing off at Makaha Valley Country Club’s William F. Bell-designed course that weaves along rolling lowland terrain through dense trees.
Marine life thrives in the waters off Waianae, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving.
Waianae residents can have a picnic at Nanakuli Beach Park.
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Dining choices range from local specialties to international cuisine
Local skippers dock their watercraft at the serene Waianae Small Boat Harbor and walk over to Spinners Café, known for their delicious banana pancakes, macadamia nut butter and kalua pork. And you won’t want to miss the Puerto Rican, Colombian and Caribbean specialties, from empanadas to coconut pudding, at Coquito’s Latin restaurant.
Samuels adds, “The Countryside Café is also a great place for breakfast. You can sit on the deck overlooking the ocean, without any of the tourist buzz. The owners are local, and they serve generous portions. Their Portuguese fried rice is a favorite.” You can easily shop for all your essentials at retailers including Long’s Drugs in the Nanakuli Village Center. Or, you can find a selection of casual shops and eateries in a low-key shopping center in Waianae. You can also score top surf brands along with some pretty amazing shave ice at the locally-created Kainalu Surf Shop.
Offering unique beachfront and plenty of housing styles to choose from, Waianae embodies all the beauty and variety of the northwestern Oahu lifestyle.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristy Nakamura,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waianae, HI sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Waianae, HI over the last 12 months is $510,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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
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Rarely available! Makaha Valley Towers, 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Prime location, spectacular ocean, Mountain & sunset views! Recently renovated, freshly painted, and brand new flooring! Spacious with Lanai from living and bedroom! Very private & secure building with many awesome amenities, including swimming pool, BBQ, heated pool, rec area, & 24 hour security. Just 30 mins away from Disney & Marriot
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Welcome Home to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom 2.5-bathroom home. Enjoy sweeping sunset and mountain views from your backyard with no rear neighbors. Fully remodeled inside with stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, and luxury vinyl plank throughout. Open concept kitchen leading to the dining and living room. Large walk-in pantry or additional storage space downstairs. Central AC to
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