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
Tesha Squires,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waianae, HI sell after 114 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waianae, HI over the last 12 months is $510,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW LISTING!! RARE OPPORTUNITY! Discover the endless possibilities with this over 12-acre level agricultural-zoned property featuring two well-built single-family homes, perfect for multi-generational living, rental income, farming, or creating your own private estate. The first residence offers 4 bdrms/2 baths with 1,875 sq. ft. of interior living space and a spacious open-concept kitchen—ready
Turn-key perfect and meticulously maintained, this 3-bedroom home is Sea Country is a must-see! Located on a cul-de-sac, this perimeter lot has mountain views from the backyard. Upgrades include: Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, custom blinds, kitchen with Silestone countertops, new cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Rarely available garage plus three additional driveway parking
Welcome to Makaha Valley Towers #434, where comfort, lifestyle, and value meet. This well-kept residence offers the ideal opportunity for buyers seeking a home they can enjoy immediately while adding personal upgrades over time. Step into a bright and functional layout, featuring vinyl plank flooring and stainless steel kitchen appliances, creating a nice foundation for your vision. It's
Beautiful newly constructed home with ADU only with stunning ocean views one block from the beach! 5 bedroom/3 bath with multi family options. Live in one section and rent the other! Custom built in 2021 with just one original owner. 2 electric meters with one water meter. Fully fenced yard on large 7500 sq ft lot. Must see!!
NEW LISTING!! Experience the best of oceanfront living, where the gorgeous sandy beach and the Pacific Ocean are your backyard! This top-floor 1 bdrm/1 bath/1 prkg unit at Makaha Beach Cabanas showcases stunning, unobstructed ocean and mountain views. Enjoy contemporary features including travertine floors, granite countertops, and an energy-efficient tankless water heater. Unwind on your private
Motivated seller, bring your best offer. This loved and lived-in home consists of 3-BR/2-BA, a spacious garage, and a yard to soak up some sun or enjoy an outdoor BBQ under the mature trees and foliage. The property is a short distance from Makaha Elementary School. Washer and dryer hookups are available (stacked or side-by-side). There is plenty of outdoor space to make it your haven away from
Kauhale Kamaile is a permanent modular housing project in Waianae, Hawaii, specifically designed for homeless families with children enrolled in Waianae schools. The project consists of 15-units, including one- and two-bedroom homes, and aims to provide stability and hope for these families. To provide permanent, affordable housing for homeless families with children in Waianae. Rent includes:
Available December 8: spacious and newly renovated 2,304 SF multi-family two-story home across from beautiful Pokai Bay with 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, and ocean/mountain views from the wrap-around balcony. Home offers two separate 3BR/1BA living spaces, each with its own living room and full kitchen, which can be secured separately or opened as one large home. Features include brand-new luxury vinyl
Property Id: 790272Imagine being surrounded by beautiful mountains & ocean with clean air on a daily basis. Pack your suitcase and head to paradise, what are you waiting for? Spacious furnished room near beach with shared kitchen and bathroom. Turn key room located in a gated resort setting and private gated community nestled in the mountains with walking distance to world famous
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