$805,671Average Value$1,137Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes 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
Kevin Smith,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waimea, HI sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waimea, HI over the last 12 months is $1,450,750, up 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Featured in Architectural Digest following a complete 2025 transformation, this extraordinary Nob Hill estate represents an opportunity to own one of Hawaiʻi Island's most thoughtfully designed residences. Guided by the timeless philosophy of wabi-sabi and inspired by clean Danish design, the home blends enduring craftsmanship with refined contemporary luxury. Rich cedar, natural stone, and
This is not resort Kauai, rather a more natural, sun-filled side of the island—where the pace slows, the coastline opens up, and life revolves around the ocean, the land, and the rhythm of the day. Waimea By The Sea sits directly along the shoreline in a boutique 10-unit oceanfront community, offering a simpler, more grounded way to experience Kauai. For those drawn to nature, adventure, and
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
Perched above the heart of Waimea in the coveted Waimea Heights Residential Subdivision, this exceptional rim lot presents a rare opportunity to create a home surrounded by unobstructed panoramic views of Kauaʻi's breathtaking West Side. Spanning 12,136 square feet, the gently sloping, terraced homesite showcases sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, historic Waimea Town, the dramatic coastline,
Motivated seller. Build‐ready Kamuela Meadows lot with attached building plans, approved septic documentation, and a completed property survey. Minutes from Waimea town, schools, dining, cultural venues, Parker Ranch Arena, farmers’ markets, and medical facilities. Agents and prospects should independently verify any information they deem material or important to their purchase.
Walk to Queens Hospital.Perfect for executive rental and work share space desirable multi use commercial unit for sale. You now have the flexibility for to live full-time, work in and or rent out as vacation rental and live part time. No need to shop for inventory, it's all here.~Washer and dryer in unit~9 Foot ceilings~Custom enlarged shower with soap niche and Dutch
Kohala by the Sea single level home with breathtaking ocean views. This furnished 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, with den/office, and pool is situated on a side street in a private cul-de-sac. Ocean views are enjoyed from each of the bedrooms, living and kitchen areas. Folding doors create a seamless indoor to outdoor connection onto the pool deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The primary suite is
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
Lot Size: Generous 19,600 square feet, providing ample room for a residence and potential accessory structures. Topography: Fairly level building footprint that gently slopes upward toward established trees. Views of both Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains. Location: Situated on a quiet, low-traffic cul-de-sac. Freedom from Restrictions: no Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R), no
Paula BeamerColdwell Banker Island Properties - Kamuela
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
Priced to sell... don't miss out on your opportunity to avoid the long permitting process by using the existing house plan in process for approval at the County of Kauai. House plans may be included in the sale, Buyer to pay for the permitting application fees. Zoning is in R-4 and West Kauai form T3VE based overlay zoning, please verify w/ planning department for the restrictions. County Zoning
Atop Waimea's most elevated and private street, this meticulously remodeled estate captures some of the most spectacular panoramic views on Hawai‘i Island—from the rolling pastures of Waimea to Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, and the Kohala coastline beyond. Reimagined in 2011, the residence was thoughtfully designed to embrace the extraordinary setting through expansive windows, generous
Perched along the 7th hole of the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course, Lot 1 offers unobstructed ocean, golf, and mountain views with year-round sunsets. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living by Civitano Architecture, this contemporary masterpiece integrates modern elegance with Hawai'i's natural beauty. The expansive pocket doors open to a multi-level lanai with infinity pool, spa,
Dominique CivitanoBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Island Lifestyle
Welcome to this charming and well-maintained plantation home in the desirable Waimea area of Hawaii. This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house features brand new floors, a full kitchen with a gas stove/oven, and a cozy living room with two couches and a flatscreen TV. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views from the landscaped yard, perfect for outdoor barbecuing or simply relaxing in the fresh air.
Discover a newly renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Kamuela, HI. The interior features a large living room with a built-in wood burning fireplace ideal for everyday living and gatherings, a newly remodeled kitchen with new appliances, and spacious bedrooms for every need. Recent updates bring a fresh and modern feel, blending with the beautiful charm of old Waimea town. The property includes a
$4,300 per month
The Heart of Waimea 3BR/2BA with AC, Vaulted Ceilings, and Yard Service!
Welcome Home to Luala’i in Central WaimeaPerfectly situated in the heart of Waimea, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is ready to welcome you. Located in the highly desirable Luala’i neighborhood, the house features a bright, airy living space with vaulted ceilings and ceiling fans throughout to catch those comfortable Waimea breezes.The modern kitchen is a chef's
Enjoy the comfort and charm of Waimea living in this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring a bonus room and an open-concept floor plan designed for easy living.The bright, inviting living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space, creating a warm and functional layout. Step outside to the covered lanai, the perfect place to relax and enjoy Waimea's cool evenings and
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