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
Erica Lehmkuhl,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waianae, HI sell after 113 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 $505,877, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE on SUNDAY, August 2nd from 2-5pm. Charming corner-unit condo in Makaha Valley Plantation, a gated Leeward Coast community moments from world-renowned Makaha Beach Park's legendary surf and sunsets. This fee simple 2BD/1BA end unit offers 815 sq ft of updated living space on the third floor, capturing mountain, ocean, and sunset views. Fresh interior paint plus new screen and
Open House, SAT, August 1, 2-5pm. Home is priced $36,000 below appraised value! Rare and incredible opportunity in Waianae! This massive 2-story residence offers a staggering 10 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, providing endless possibilities for multi-generational living, foster care housing, or a high-yield investment property. This property presents a large opportunity to live in one of the units
Open House, SUN, August 2nd, from 2-5pm. Completely rebuilt from the ground up, this custom Waianae home on Oahu's Leeward Coast blends quality construction with everyday comfort. Double-wall construction, solid wood doors, vaulted ceilings, and tile flooring throughout showcase thoughtful craftsmanship. The fully permitted main home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, cooled by a 36,000 BTU
Escape to the charm of this distinctive A-frame home nestled on one of Makaha's desirable beach loops. Set on a generous 10,500 sq. ft. lot, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers a rare combination of character, space, and island living. The expansive property features a detached workroom, a separate laundry room, and a lush landscape filled with mature fruit trees and fragrant plumeria,
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
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
Views or upgrades. Space or location. This one didn't get the memo. Maintenance fee includes front yard landscaping, sewer, water, and trash. Situated on a corner lot in Wailana at Sea Country, this upgraded Maili gem delivers ocean, mountain, and sunset views from the primary bedroom lanai. Inside, custom tile, travertine, and wood laminate flooring run throughout, making upkeep effortless.
Leeward Coast opportunity on a generous 6,000 sqft fee simple lot — steps from Tamura's Super Market and minutes to Makaha Beach and Pokai Bay's calm, turquoise waters. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-wall home (1,264 sqft) is priced for its condition, offering a genuine canvas for renovation or investment with the Waianae Mountain Range as a backdrop. Enjoy easy access to the Waianae Coast Farmers
FIRST OPEN HOUSE on SUNDAY, August 2nd from 2-5pm. Charming corner-unit condo in Makaha Valley Plantation, a gated Leeward Coast community moments from world-renowned Makaha Beach Park's legendary surf and sunsets. This fee simple 2BD/1BA end unit offers 815 sq ft of updated living space on the third floor, capturing mountain, ocean, and sunset views. Fresh interior paint plus new screen and
Open House, SAT, August 1, 2-5pm. Home is priced $36,000 below appraised value! Rare and incredible opportunity in Waianae! This massive 2-story residence offers a staggering 10 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, providing endless possibilities for multi-generational living, foster care housing, or a high-yield investment property. This property presents a large opportunity to live in one of the units
OPEN HOUSE on SUNDAY, Aug 2nd from 2-5pm. Welcome to this newly upgraded and freshly painted single-story home in the beautiful Makaha neighborhood of Waianae! Sitting on a manageable level lot, this residence features a fully fenced-in front and back yard, a dedicated carport, and convenient street parking. Inside, the functional 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom layout boasts a bright living room, dining
SHORT SALE APPROVED! Situated in the charming Sea Countrycommunity of Waianae, this short sale presents an exceptional opportunity for buyers eager to renovate a propertywith untapped potential. Sold As-Is, the home boasts 27 photovoltaic panels and 2 backup batteries, significantlyreducing energy expenses while ensuring power during outages. Please note there is an existing PV loan
Welcome home to Holomoana at Sea Country! This well-kept 3-bedroom residence features fresh interior paint (2024) and a charming outdoor space enhanced with productive calamansi and papaya trees. Community amenities include a pool, dog park, and nearby general store for everyday convenience. Located along Oahu’s Leeward Coast, you are just minutes from Maili Beach, Pokai Bay, and popular
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
True ocean view! Tucked into the most desirable corner of Makaha Valley Plantation, this stylish 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condominium blends comfort and convenience with tropical charm. This unit is located along the ocean oriented perimeter of the complex, few other units share a view down the valley. Meticulously equipped with quality of life comforts that will make every day feel like a vacation.
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:
Property Id: 1955348 This listing is for ONE private bedroom in a shared four bedroom house. Please do not contact me if you are looking for more than one bedroom. The private bedroom itself is rented furnished as shown in the photos and is ready to move in! Central A/C keeps everyone cool! You will have full shared access to the rest of the house, including: * shared bathroom (2
Property Id: 790272 I 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
There's nothing like the hug of Makaha Valley! My spacious, fully furnished 2 bedroom 1 bathroom condo is situated in the community of The Makaha Valley Plantations.With high vaulted ceilings and nearly an entire wall of windows, you will be bathed in light and the sounds of birds. Your view is of the mountains and the tree canopy, but if you peer through the branches, you can see sparkles
1BR/1BA UNfurnished Makaha Beach Cabanas Rent: $1,750 per month plus GET and utilities, cableSecurity Deposit: $1,750*One year minimum lease All applicants subject to a $35 background and credit check5th floor unit (Elevator)UNIT FEATURES*Ceiling fans*Oven / range*Refrigerator *Garbage disposal*Lanai*Water/sewer includedNo SmokingNo
Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home – Makaha, O?ahuSpacious 4-bedroom home in Makaha with incredible ocean views right from the front door. Enjoy a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from some of O?ahu's most beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation.Rent: $1,200/monthHome Features:- Ocean view from the front entry- Solar power to help keep utility costs
Enjoy comfortable island living in this first-floor 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo at Kahe Kai. The unit includes essential appliances and is conveniently located near shopping, beaches, and public transportation, offering easy access to everyday conveniences. Don't miss this opportunity to make this well-located condo your next home!
Amazing views from this beachfront property! 1 Bedroom, 1 bath end unit. Located in the Makaha Beach Cabanas.Watch spectacular sunsets, and see the dolphins, sea turtles and even whales during the annual migration–all from the comfort of your beachfront lanai. One of the best beaches on Oahu. . . swim, snorkel, boogie board, surf.- Tenant Responsible for Electric- Landlord
Spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home featuring a covered carport and a large den that offers flexible space for a home office, family room, playroom, or additional living area. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. No smoking and no pets permitted.
Property Id: 1178672 Direct and unobstructed ocean view from your bedroom and living room , amazing opportunity to live in the boutique , mid century , Maili Cove building , located on the West side of Oahu , unit is fully furnished , parking in included , wake up and have a cup of coffee on your very own lanai and see the ocean , sunsets and step out to a great Sandy Beach for your daily
Experience your own slice of Hawaiian paradise in this stunning oceanfront retreat. Perfectly positioned on the ground floor, this rarely available 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers breathtaking panoramic ocean views and the incredible opportunity to enjoy both spectacular sunrises and vibrant sunsets from your private lanai. Located mere moments from the sandy shoreline and resort-style pool,
Available Now, 3rd floor unit located on Pokai Bay Beach. Unit includes water, sewer, basic cable and standard internet service. Call today for more information
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