Located on the shores of the East Loch region of Pearl Harbor, Waimalu is an active census-designated place in a prime location. “You can’t get a more centrally located place on Oahu,” says Catherine Matthews of Callahan Realty Limited, who has over three decades of experience in the area. She notes that the area is close to military bases as well as halfway between Honolulu and Kapolei, what's known as "the second city" on Oahu. "It’s not as busy as those areas, but you still have plenty of restaurants and shopping with Pearl City and Aiea right there,” she says. The densely populated area is home to nearly 14,000 residents on 1.92 square miles of land. The city is intersected by Interstate H-1, which provides further convenience. Those north of the highway live near a championship golf course and world-class hiking trails, while those to the south are close to shopping and the shoreline.
Coastal waters are accessible in nearby Ewa Beach.
Waimalu is only a few minutes drive from golden shores and beach parks.
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Townhouses and condos with coastal views
While Waimalu has a variety of housing styles, townhouses and condos are the most prevalent. The median price for a townhouse in Waimalu is $572,000. Most units are clustered between Interstate H-1 and the shoreline. Condos typically have community fitness centers and pools. Single-family homes have a median price of $1.1 million, with higher prices toward Kaeiwa Heiau State Recreation Center and Pearl at Kalauao Golf Course. The majority of houses are ranch-style builds from the 1970s with private driveways and attached garages. “Those areas have a neighborhood feel,” Matthews says. “People really hold on to their single-family homes and when they go on the market, they get bought up quickly.”
Townhomes and condos are common throughout Waimalu.
Large condominium towers occupy much of central Waimalu.
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Hiking Kaeiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Pearl at Kalauao is an 18-hole golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the heart of the city. The course changed ownership in 2020 and renovations include a new clubhouse and pro shop. Locals also enjoy Waimalu’s natural landscape. “Everyone here hikes, and in my opinion, our hiking trails are second to none,” Matthews says. The north end of town backs up to the 384-acre Kaeiwa Heiau State Recreation Area. The Aiea Loop Trail is a 5-mile hike that offers views of Pearl Harbor and Oahu’s coastline. The park is also a popular spot for camping and bird-watching. Cyclists take to the Pearl Harbor Bike Path, which begins near the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Habor Marina and runs 5 miles to Waipahu. Locals can head to the nearby Pearlwest Theaters, the go-to spot for the newest Hollywood releases.
The Aiea Loop Trail provides locals with a shaded hiking adventure.
The Koolau mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to Waimalu.
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Shopping at Pearlridge Center
Locals shop at the Pearlridge Center just south of Moanalua Road. The mall features major department stores like Macy’s and Ross, as well as locally-owned clothing and jewelry stores. Major furniture outlets, electronic stores and sporting goods shops sit along Kamehameha Highway. Residents have the choice between Down to Earth, an organic grocer, and major chains like Safeway. Dining is concentrated near the mall. Hibachi, poke and Filipino eateries are interspersed with classic diners and Italian restaurants. Karaoke bars, clubs and island-themed bars provide nightlife options in the city.
Pearlridge Center is the retail hub of Waimalu, providing shops and restaurants.
Waimalu's retail district is anchored by the sprawling Pearlridge Center, which has two separate annexes.
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Aiea High's Academy of Innovation
Kids in the area head to Pear Ridge Elementary School, which has an A-minus grade on Niche. Aiea Intermediate School serves Grades 7-8 and also has an A-minus ranking. Aiea High School holds a B-plus and has a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. The high school has an Academy of Innovation in which students can take classes in artificial intelligence, digital design and commercial construction. Our Savior Lutheran School is a private K-8 option in town.
Aiea High School is centrally located in the Aiea community and sits on 15 acres of land.
Overlooking historic Pearl Harbor, ʻAiea High School (AHS), home of Nā Aliʻi opened its doors in 1961.
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Interstate H-1 to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Locals can quickly get around the island as Hawaii’s Interstate H-1 runs east-west through town. H-1 provides access 13 miles to Honolulu and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. TheBus is an island-wide public transportation service with frequent stops in Waimalu.
The H1 freeway connects Waimalu to Honolulu in the east and Kapolei to the west.
Waimalu's central location makes commuting to neighboring locations easy.
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Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Buck,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Waimalu, HI sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waimalu, HI over the last 12 months is $463,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Pearl Horizons 2, a desirable community located in the heart of Aiea. Unit features upgraded 2 bedrooms, 1.5 full bathroom and 2 assign parking stalls. Kitchen is totally beautifully renovated with quartz countertop, new kitchen cabinet, andstainless steel appliances. All bathrooms are modernized features a sleek and elegant design. Washer and dryer also included. Pearl Horizons
Discover this charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in the desirable Pearlridge Gardens & Tower. Perfectly situated for convenience and comfort, this home offers a prime location directly across the street from Pearlridge Center, providing easy access to a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.This well-maintained high-rise unit features luxury vinyl plank flooring, AC
Function! Convenience! Ease! Welcome into this 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom residence at the Highlander. Situated on the preferred cool south-facing side of the building and offering 514 sqft of interior space, this property features washer/dryer in-unit, ample kitchen cabinet space & a 72 sqft lanai with stunning garden views. This unit comes with an assigned covered parking stall. The Highlander's
Brand new kitchen cabinetry in this split level perimeter unit within the Harbor Pointe community! This breezy unit is located along the outer rim of the complex for better airflow and views. From the moment you enter, light dances across crisp white cabinetry and shimmering quartz countertops in a kitchen designed for both morning coffee rituals and late-night heart-to-hearts. Stainless steel
* No smoking property. * No pet/no animal policy.* Quiet, clean property with excellent tenants. * Centrally located with easy on/off access to H1, Pearl Ridge Mall and great area restaurants.* Most units have nice views of the Waianae Mountain Range. * Partially furnished with range, refrigerator and window coverings. * Large Lanai.* Price includes hot and cold water.
Welcome home to The Highlander – Pearlridge. Well-maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bath condominium offering 514 sq ft of interior living space plus a 72 sq ft open lanai, with one assigned parking stall. Kitchen includes refrigerator, electric range/oven, microwave hood, garbage disposal, and in-unit stackable washer/dryer. Secure building with 24-hour security, swimming pool, fitness center, and
Welcome to Pearlridge Sunset! Nestled in the highly desirable neighborhood of Aiea, Pearlridge Sunset offers the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience and community. Close accessibility to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Naval Base/Hickam Air Force Base and Camp Smith. This charming rental has a small enclosed back yard and lanai, ideal for small dog and relaxing after a long day. Enjoy convenience
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