$835,403Average Value$1,232Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Away from the noise on Kauai's west side
Waimea is famously known as the landing site of British captain James Cook, who in 1778 became the first European explorer to report contact with the Hawaiian Islands. However, for a place of such significance, it doesn't get much traffic. "Waimea is kind of off the beaten path, so it doesn't get much tourism, but that makes it a much more livable environment," says Kelly Liberatore, a longtime resident and Realtor with Caldwell Banker Island Properties, who's been selling here since 2002. Waimea and its neighbor, Kekaha, are the last stops on Kauai's west side before reaching the U.S. Military's Pacific Missile Range Facility and the vast mountainous expanse of Waimea Canyon State Park. People here naturally become close because many work or grew up together. "Everybody takes care of each other," says Liberatore. "You'll wake up to fruit on your doorstep because everybody shares from their trees." The town's natural seclusion has allowed locals to maintain this small-town lifestyle for generations. "It's an old-fashioned way of life," says Liberatore. "You'll see families at nightly beach gatherings and even teenagers hanging out with their parents; you'd never see that on the mainland."
Whether you want to live by the sea or on a hill, Wiamea is the perfect destination.
Explore the historic Pāʻulaʻula fort in Wiamea.
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Traditional Hawaiian cottages
The streets of Waimea are adorned with traditional plantation cottages, a staple of any small Hawaiian beach town. Many were built as farm housing between the 1930s and 1950s, but now they're a signature of the simplistic island lifestyle. "They might look like shacks, but they're built more solid than any modern house," says Liberatore. "The older ones are built out of solid Hawaiian hardwood boards and fastened with carpenter's joints." The median home price is just over $800,000, typical for a two-to-three-bedroom cottage. However, simple square structures can start around $500,000. Larger, two-story cottages near the beach can cost over $1 million.
Single story and two story homes are available in Wiamea.
Enjoy condo living at Wiamea By The Sea.
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The gateway to Waimea Canyon
Waimea sits at the southern base of Kauai's most popular natural wonder, Waimea Canyon State Park. This 14-mile-long canyon, dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is the only geological formation of its kind in all the Hawaiian Islands. Kauai's west side has an arid climate that exposes the canyon's red rock faces and towering waterfalls. Visitors usually view it by helicopter, but locals can access trails up the hill from town. The beach is walkable from many homes, so it's common to pass the time fishing or surfing. "The surf isn't that big at Waimea Bay, but there are some world-class surf breaks up the shore," says Liberatore. "But it would be going against the local surf culture to name them."
Wiamea is a splendid town on Kauai nestled between the foothills and the sea.
The overlook at Pu'u Hinahina offers a panoramic view of the canyon.
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Local grinds on Hawaii Route 50
Casual eateries and the grocery store sit along Hawaii Route 50, the main artery running through town. "Those of us who live in neighboring towns, like Kekaha, go to Waimea for more grocery shopping and restaurants because it has more than any spot on this section of the coast," says Liberatore. These spots serve local grinds — Hawaiian slang for "eats" — like lunch plates, freshly caught seafood and shave ice.
The historic Waimea Town is known for its quaint shops, local eateries, and welcoming community.
Waimea is home to many popular restaurants, such as Island Tacos.
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Waimea High earns a B-plus rating
The Hawaii Department of Education serves Kauai and the other Hawaiian Islands, and it receives an A-minus overall grade from Niche. Many students begin at Kekaha Elementary, given a C-plus, a few miles west. After fifth grade, most students can walk to intermediate and high schools in town, like B-plus-rated Waimea High.
Wiamea High School is dedicated to building responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
Build a strong foundation for lifelong learning at Kekaha Elementary School.
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An economy of military and medical employers
While travelers do pass through town on their way to Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea is a little out of the way to be a tourist destination. The main employer here is the Pacific Missile Ranch Facility, one of the U.S. military's key testing sites, about 10 miles up the coast. Waimea and Kekaha are the closest places to live for those working at the base. In town, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital is a prominent employer and the area's largest healthcare facility.
The Pāʻulaʻula was a former Russian fort in Wiamea.
West Kauai Medical center in Wiamea is one of the main healthcare providers on the island.
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Twenty-five miles to Lihue Airport
Kaui's mountains are almost impassable by car, so drivers rely on Hawaii Route 50 to travel along the island's coastline. It runs through Waimea and can be followed 25 miles east to Lihue, Kauai's commercial capital. Aside from taking a boat, Lihue Airport is the primary way on and off the island. The flight from Lihue to Honolulu, Hawaii's capital on the island of Oahu, takes a little less than an hour. Most everything in Waimea is within a short walk or drive of many homes, and Kauai Buses provide public transit.
Little rainfall and a possibility of brush fires
The island of Kauai has multiple microclimates. Waimea is on the arid west side, receiving only about 20 inches of rainfall annually. However, its south shore location makes it slightly less dry than mountains. This dry climate has led to brush fires on the island, although none have affected Waimea yet. Residents should stay updated on local safety precautions. The Waimea Fire Department answers to any fire issues. Crime is covered by the Kauai Police Department-Waimea Substation. However, specific crime statistics aren't available.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Harry Antipala
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Keolani Keawe,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waimea, HI sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waimea, HI over the last 12 months is $1,352,300, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located within the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort, perched on a private bluff above the legendary white-sand beaches of Hapuna and Kauna‘oa Bay, Hapuna Modern House (HaMoHo) is the first residential offering in the High Bluffs. As the inaugural residential listing in this 9-lot enclave, it sets the benchmark for the community, positioned as both a refined private resort residence and a proven
Gorgeous single level move-in ready home in Waimea/Kamuela. This is lovely 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home shows true pride of ownership. This is a split level home with primary suite on one side and 2 bedrooms on the other -- providing privacy for all. Kitchen features tile granite counter top, wood kitchen cabinet reaching high into ceiling providing you with ample kitchen storage. Travertine
Situated within the gated enclave of Kohala Waterfront—an intimate, non-resort community limited to just 50 residences—this single-level home offers a rare alignment of privacy, elevation, and expansive Pacific Ocean views. Positioned above the coastline at an optimal height, the property captures sweeping sunset vistas and near-constant ocean sightlines while remaining naturally protected from
Brian AxelrodAloha Sotheby's Intl Realty - Hawai'i
Move-in ready and thoughtfully designed, this four-bedroom Waimea Parkside home offers space, light, and flexibility that are increasingly rare in the neighborhood. NEW FURNITURE INCLUDED IN PRICE. With nearly 3,000 square feet of interior living space (Parkside's Largest model), the layout delivers something few Parkside homes do: four true bedrooms with multiple en-suite options. The adjacent
Daniel SkehanAloha Sotheby's Intl Realty - Hawai'i
Puu Nani IV is one of the Waimeas most desirable subdivisions with underground utilities, wide streets, and minimum 15,000 sqft lots, all just a short drive from the charming up country community of Waimea. This particular lot is tucked away on a scenic cul de sac, fronting a seasonal stream. Direct view to snow capped Mauna Kea with Mauna Loa and Hualalai in the distance.No CCRS, no
Located within the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort, perched on a private bluff above the legendary white-sand beaches of Hapuna and Kauna‘oa Bay, Hapuna Modern House (HaMoHo) is the first residential offering in the High Bluffs. As the inaugural residential listing in this 9-lot enclave, it sets the benchmark for the community, positioned as both a refined private resort residence and a proven
Impeccable 3 bedroom/2 bath gem in the heart of Waimea Town! You will be hard pressed to find a more beautifully maintained and updated home at this price. Fully resurfaced in 2024 and 2025, with newer appliances. Features include a 14 panel, fully owned Net Metering Photovoltaic System, lush landscaping, a Tesla power wall for back up electricity and so much more! Come home to Luala'i at Parker
Nestled in the premier community of Luala’i at Parker Ranch, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath "Ohu" model home offers a rare combination of breathtaking views and walk-to-everything convenience. The heart of the home features soaring vaulted ceilings, now seamlessly connected to the outdoors via newly installed sliding glass doors that frame an iconic, unobstructed view of Mauna Kea. While the interior
One of the finest offerings on the Kohala Coast, this 6 bedroom/6.5 bath ocean view residence combines privacy and exclusivity with private club and Weiskof practice course, along with one of the best locations, walking distance to both hotels and both incomparable beaches at the iconic Mauna Kea Resort. Please consider Title Guaranty Escrow, Rae-Ann Ontiveros
Large 19,000 sf lot in Kamuela. Located on a quiet, cul-de-sac street, Waipio side of the highway with Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountains view. Fairly level lot that slopes up to wind-break trees with plenty room to build.Pleasant Acres has no CCR, no HOA, no dues.
Paula BeamerColdwell Banker Island Properties - Kamuela
Just steps from the ocean shore is this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the heart of historic Waimea town. Solidly built, this 2-story home boasts hardwood kitchen cabinets, solid surface counters and louvered window covering. Secure enclosed garage with door opener.
Welcome to Lot 25 at One Ocean — where ocean, mountain, and sky unite in perfect harmony. Spanning over an acre, Lot 25 enjoys an elevated position with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Mauna Kea, the Kohala Mountains, and the pristine fairways of the Mauna Lani South Course. Fully graded and equipped with underground utilities, this homesite is ready for your dream residence. One Ocean
Artevilla is a luxury, two story, six bedroom, ocean view residence situated just above the beach at Mauna Lani Resort. Typically Hawaiian in style, the house is designed to blend seamlessly with its lush tropical and romantic surroundings and provides the perfect environment for an ultimate and memorable Hawaiian vacation experience. Situated in one of the most exclusive gated communities in the
Grow your own food organically year-round from the fruiting tree fence that encompasses the backyard, with extensive vegetable/herb garden, expertly woven into the surrounding landscape. Located in Luala’i at Parker Ranch, one of Waimea’s most desirable and centrally placed neighborhoods. This well maintained 2-story 3-BR, 3.5 bath home has an additional guest suite with private entrance.
Nalani HanceColdwell Banker Island Properties - Kamuela
Property Id: 1500016Modern plantation home in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Wonderful, quiet neighborhood. There are three bedrooms, two baths, open concept Kitchen and living area. Fully furnished. Great for traveling nurses/doctors or small families.
Property Id: 2435547Welcome to your new home at 64-1061 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kamuela, HI! This stunning 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is available starting April 5th, 2026. 2nd floor, vaulted ceilings. Recently renovated. Queen size bed in bedroom, full kitchen. Finish table and pune’e in the living area. Fully furnished, ready to move in! Rent includes electricity, garbage, sewage, water,
1bd plus Office/Study, 1ba, Lanai, Great setting, Dryside Waimea, Located 1 mile below HPA. 15 min to resorts and beaches. W/D, 2 parking, Electric, water, tax included. 2600.00 month available May 1st. 2600.00 deposit.Background and credit check required. No smoking, no pets.Include how many people this is for and contact number. Mahalo
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