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
Marc Kumai,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waianae, HI sell after 112 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waianae, HI over the last 12 months is $520,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the charm of island living in Maili Sea-Makalae, better known as Sea Country! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a functional layout with all bedrooms upstairs and an open-concept living area downstairs, central AC, ceiling fans throughout and 2 car garage, perfect for everyday family life. Upstairs, you’ll find all bedrooms including a primary suite with dual sinks. Downstairs,
The peaceful oasis of your dreams is waiting for you in Ma'ili Sea Country! This open concept 3 bed, 2.5 bath home offers a comfortable, inviting space to spend time relaxing or entertaining guests, with cool central AC and lots of natural light. Over the hustle & bustle of town? Wake up in your spacious primary bedroom to birds chirping rather than traffic noise. Harvest some bananas from the
Corner unit 2.7% VA ASSUMABLE RATE: $2693.22/mo PITI, a low $55,000 GAP!!! Stay cool with central AC and 11 leased PV panels and 2 Tesla Batteries designed to help keep electricity costs down, plus brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring on the ground floor. A short drive to Kapolei’s shopping and dining, including Target, Costco, and a variety of restaurants! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath attached home
Experience true oceanfront oasis living at Makaha Shores—the only condominium located directly on world-famous Makaha Beach. This rarely available ground-floor studio offers effortless island living, placing surf, sand, and shoreline within feet of your lanai. Thoughtfully upgraded with efficient, space-saving features, nicely appointed kitchen, split AC and a queen size Murphy bed for maximum
Explore the incredible potential of this expansive 40,000 sq. ft. lot, perfectly positioned directly across from the stunning Makaha Beach, a true jewel of the area. This R-5 zoned property presents valuable development options, including the potential for a large single-family home, two single-family homes, or up to 8-9 single-family homes through CPR. Surround yourself with breathtaking
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
Experience elevated island living in this beautifully designed single-level home in Mauna'olu Estates, a gated community with 24-hour security. Soaring ceilings and expansive glass doors showcase stunning mountain and ocean views while creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow throughout the open-concept living area. The spacious kitchen, anchored by a large island, custom cabinetry, and quality
Welcome to this spacious and well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit at Makaha Valley Plantation #76B, offering an impressive 815 sq ft of interior living space set among lush greenery and scenic mountain surroundings. This inviting home features a bright, comfortable layout with durable vinyl plank flooring and an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, making it easy to move right in
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!!
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 for your
AMAZING DEAL! Attached 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home under $400,000 — a rare opportunity for a first-time buyer or investor looking for a value-add project on Oahu. Located in Makaha Village, a pocket neighborhood with just 12 homes set back from the highway. The bones are solid — galley kitchen with marble counters, stainless steel appliances, white shaker cabinets, and industrial pipe
Gorgeous 2 bedroom 1 bath with open floor plan accented by the vaulted ceiling throughout the kitchen and living room area. All furniture included with the top-of-the-line entertainment system and luxury kitchen that will make you want to never eat out again. Gated community with security guards on site. Tons of things to do on site or in the area including beaches, golfing,hiking, multiple
This is your chance to own a piece of paradise in Hawaii! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the mountainsto the ocean, all from the comfort of your new home. This unit is perfectly situated to see the beauty of MakahaValley, gorgeous coastline, and brilliant blue ocean water. This 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom, 10th floor condo is locatedin J-Tower which is the second to last tower on
Situated in the charming Sea Country community of Waianae, this short sale presents an exceptional opportunity for buyers eager to renovate a property with untapped potential. Sold As-Is, the home boasts 27 photovoltaic panels and 2 backup batteries, significantly reducing energy expenses while ensuring power during outages. Please note there is an existing PV loan that the buyer must assume as
Welcome to paradise living at 84-1000 Maiola St in the private gated community of Mauna 'Olu in Makaha Valley on the Leeward coast of Oahu! This hillside estate boasts panoramic ocean views of Makaha Beach and the Waianae mountain range. Newly built in 2007 and renovated in 2025 including brand new travertine flooring, kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, fresh
Nicely remodeled, pet friendly, large one bedroom, one bathroom unit with AC, carport, washer/dryer and yard. This home has a large carport and driveway big enough for 3-4 cars with a locking gate. Pets negotiable with owner approval. No size limit. HUGE walk in closet in bedroom. Ensuite bathroom has nicely tiled shower/tub surround and newer fixtures. Newer carpet in bedroom and living room.
Pet friendly with solar panels and tons of storage! Home features a carport and gated area large enough for four standard sized cars, fenced yard, large storage closet, three bedrooms, one full bathroom and two half bathrooms. Pets negotiable, no size limit. Large open concept kitchen, dining, living room with large bonus room off the kitchen area. Solar panels keep the electric bill low while
April 1, 2026. Cats ok. This fully furnished, one-bedroom, one-bathroom beachfront condo is steps away from Oahu's best beach, Papaoneone in Makaha. The gated property has 24-hour security, secured access, gated parking lot, BBQ area, and on site laundry facility. The living room and kitchen are spacious. The master bedroom has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a large lanai, perfect for
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, detached 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in the sought-after Pualani by the Sea community in Ma?ili. Designed for effortless island living, the open-concept living, kitchen, and dining spaces flow seamlessly to a spacious, fully fenced backyard, an inviting retreat framed by fragrant pink plumeria, Tahitian gardenia, lime, and pikake. Upstairs you'll
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:
POKAI BAY BEACH CABANAS: Studio, 1 bath. 1 unassigned parking (First come first serve). Approximately 290 sq ft living area.Secured building. Utilities include water and sewer. Partly furnished refrigerator and stove. Vinyl flooring and ceramic tile in the bathroom. Enclosed patio. Ceiling fan. Near the beach. Must meet income requirements: monthly gross income must be 2.5 times the rent
Property Id: 2369402Welcome to your dream home in the peaceful town of Maili! This charming 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath home features vaulted ceilings, a fenced yard and included appliances. Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to the beach. Pets are welcome, and water is included in the rent. Lease Terms (1-Year Agreement)* Lease Duration: 12
KAHE KAI: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 2 Parking (Assigned uncovered). 2nd Floor (Walk-up). Approximately 666 sq ft living area. Partly furnished with refrigerator & gas stove. Utilities include water, sewer & gas. Windows floor to ceiling in bedrooms and living room.Laminate flooring located in living room, hallway and both bedrooms. Ceramic tile flooring located in entry way, kitchen and bathroom.
Property Id: 1790837Aloha! This listing is for a single rented bedroom in a shared four bedroom townhome. Two of the other bedrooms are occupied by Hawaiian adults with full-time jobs. The fourth bedroom is a shared office room/crafting space. Private, enclosed backyard with pet-safe artificial turf (less bugs!) and lots of house amenities. The house is fully furnished and this
Be the First to live in this Newly Remodeled Home! This Rental consist of 4 rental Units A,B,C and D. Unit A (Bottom unit) is 3 Bedrooms 2 Bath for $2500. Unit B (Upper) is 3 Bedrooms 2 Bath with a Large Lanai for $2600. Unit C (Bottom unit) 2 bedrooms 1 Bath for $1900. Unit D (Upper) is 3 Bedrooms 2 Bath for $2500. Every unit has its own entrance. This property shows like new!! Make your
Property Id: 790272I am looking for a Roommate! Imagine being surrounded by beautiful mountains & ocean with clean fresh 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
Oceanfront Well Appointed Fully Furnished Single Family Home with two separate fully furnished/appointed dwellings rented as one (1st Floor: 2 bedrooms/ 1.5 bath, 2nd Floor: 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms). Both units have full kitchens, washer/dryer, and separate exterior entrances. No internal connection between floors. Access to ocean via reef shelf that connects to a sandy beach (via public access).
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