$861,815Average Value$683Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
A home for royalty and immigrants
In the Hawaiian language, “wai” means water and “pahu” means bursting — which makes Waipahu a fitting name for this spring-fed, exceedingly verdant community. “It was originally used as a playground for royal families with its ponds and pools," says Victor Lo, a tour guide with Hawaii Free Tours. "In the 1890s the sugar plantations came, and the last one closed its fields in the 1990s.” Immigrants from Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines and Portugal moved to Waipahu over the decades to work the plantations. Many stayed, starting families and putting down roots. Today, Waipahu is a blend of residential and industrial areas, with an older feel, and it has not seen the same level of development as Honolulu, 14 miles southeast, and nearby Ewa Beach.
Enjoy the scenic views and a game of golf in Waipahu.
Waipahu is home to a diverse population, reflecting Hawaii's multiculturalism.
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Pitched roofs and boxy shapes evoke Old Hawaii
Single-family homes built between the 1960s and the early 2000s are found throughout Waipahu’s many residential subdivisions. With their pitched roofs and boxy shapes, they evoke the early 20th-century plantation-era homes once common on the sugar plantations here. Spacious multi-generational homes with five or more bedrooms are also commonly seen. Newer homes often have enclosed garages, modern appliances and spacious yards. Prices range from $740,000 for a three-bedroom rancher to $1.3 million for a five-bedroom two-story house on a cul-de-sac. Most condominiums are located south of the H-1 Freeway, which cuts east-west through Waipahu. Townhomes cluster in the northeast. Prices for condos and townhomes run from $315,000 to $755,000. Overall, homes in Waipahu tend to cost less per square foot than those in the more developed surrounding communities.
Colorful homes are a frequent sight in the Waipahu neighborhood.
Waiting on the Skyline Train
Waipahu is centrally located between Honolulu to the southeast and Ewa Beach and Nankuli to the west. The H-1 Freeway connects with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and eventually Honolulu. Traffic to Honolulu can be heavy and may play into Waipahu’s lack of development. “Traffic is pretty bad,” says Lo. “It takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on when you leave.” Traffic may lessen once the Skyline rail system between Waipahu and Honolulu is completed, potentially in 2025.
Known for its rich history in plantation heritage, Waipahu is steeped in cultural significance.
Dig into Filipino fare at Elena’s and Thelma’s
Local cuisine reflects Waipahu’s multicultural heritage, and Filipino restaurants are a standout. Two that Lo recommends are Elena’s Home of Finest Filipino Foods, a 40-year favorite which scored a visit by Guy Fieri, and the low-key and well-loved Thelma’s. Another favorite is Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering. “Tanioka's is known for poke and local Asian-fusion style food,” Lo says. Retail bargains are close-at-hand at Waikele Premium Outlets, an open-air mall with more than 55 retail stores, including Kate Spade, Saks Off 5th and Tory Burch. Waikele Shopping Center is home to a Safeway supermarket.
Stop by Elena's for some of the best Filipino food on the island.
Enjoy a warm meal at Highway Inn in Waipahu.
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Green spaces are abundant in Waipahu
Named for the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress, the expansive Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park is a local hub with its playground, picnic tables and off-leash dog park. The 269-acre park also hosts large-scale sporting events at its aquatic center and across its many baseball and softball fields. Just south, golfers hit the links at Waikele Country Club, a public 18-hole course with views of Pearl Harbor. There’s no playground at the Bill Balfour, Jr. District Park, one of several parks south of the H-1, but locals can play pickleball, tennis and basketball or simply chill with their dog on the lawn. Pretty Ewa Beach is 7 miles away.
Waipahu offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Residential areas in Waipahu feature well-maintained streets and sidewalks, perfect for walking.
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Freshmen at Waipahu High enroll in a themed academy matching their interests
Students at Waipahu Elementary School wear a uniform every day but Wednesday, when personal expression is allowed — within school guidelines, of course. Niche.com awards the school a B+. Waipahu Intermediate earns a grade of B-. Freshmen at Waipahu High pick one of six career-focused academies to guide their coursework. Hydroponic and aquaponic growing spaces in the new Integrated Academy of Learning Center double as classrooms for students interested in farming and culinary services.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Waipahu, HI sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Waipahu, HI over the last 12 months is $1,219,253, up 243% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Live Auction! Bidding to start from $250,000! Take the first step into homeowner bliss with this flawlessly renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in stunning Plantation View Hale, Waipahu. This transformation, completed in 2024, is the perfect blend of contemporary style and comfort, ideal for first-time homebuyers or savvy investors. Come home to high-end finishes complemented by stainless
Beautiful and newly renovated 5 bedroom/4 bath house located in the largest lot in Waipio Gentry! This home has been completely remodeled and improved with solar panels (paid off lease), split A/Cs, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Quartz countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, brand new stainless steel appliances, new kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanities, new tile and tubs. Perfect larger families
Home sweet home! Welcome to the Royal Palm in Waipio V. This townhome has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (full size washer/dryer), spacious lanai, and 2 parking stalls. Fresh coat of paint through the unit, new carpet in the bedrooms, new AC’s in living/bedrooms, and stylish ceiling fans allows for this blank canvas to be your starter or dream home! This community is safe, quiet, and welcoming. There is
Live Auction! Bidding to start from $250,000! Take the first step into homeowner bliss with this flawlessly renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in stunning Plantation View Hale, Waipahu. This transformation, completed in 2024, is the perfect blend of contemporary style and comfort, ideal for first-time homebuyers or savvy investors. Come home to high-end finishes complemented by stainless
Beautiful and newly renovated 5 bedroom/4 bath house located in the largest lot in Waipio Gentry! This home has been completely remodeled and improved with solar panels (paid off lease), split A/Cs, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Quartz countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, brand new stainless steel appliances, new kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanities, new tile and tubs. Perfect larger families
Home sweet home! Welcome to the Royal Palm in Waipio V. This townhome has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (full size washer/dryer), spacious lanai, and 2 parking stalls. Fresh coat of paint through the unit, new carpet in the bedrooms, new AC’s in living/bedrooms, and stylish ceiling fans allows for this blank canvas to be your starter or dream home! This community is safe, quiet, and welcoming. There is
Welcome to Mala Grove Townhomes, a community rooted in the spirit of Aloha. Here, were all about modern-day comforts and staying true to the traditions of Waipahu our Honolulu apartments and resident events are your first hints of a commitment carried out well. Plus, thanks to a coastal location, youll enjoy the very best of island living. Join us today!
Soon to be available! 1 bed/1 bath/1 parking unit in the Plantation Town Apartments Complex in Waipahu. Unit features in unit washer and dryer, mountain and garden views, wood cabinets, and more. Building amenities include on site resident manager, security guard, BBQ and rec areas and more. *NO Calls. PLEASE Email ONLY all questions and showing requests: jen@irhawaii.com NO Pets/NO Smoking $25
Discover Villas at Royal Kunia apartments in Waipahu where residents have easy access to shopping, dining, neighorhood parks, an Imax theater and the Royal Kunia Country Club. These beautiful Honolulu apartments offer a wide selection of one, two and three bedroom floor plans, bay views, in-home washers/dryers, swimming pool, volleyball courts and a fully-equipped fitness center. At
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