$864,669Average Value$646Average Price per Sq Ft96Homes 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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Colorful homes are a frequent sight in the Waipahu neighborhood.
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.
Known for its rich history in plantation heritage, Waipahu is steeped in cultural significance.
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.
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?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waipahu, HI sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Waipahu, HI over the last 12 months is $799,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Price! Price has been improved and offers a 1-year home warranty to be paid for by seller at closing.Waipahu Triangle: Where east meets west, north meets south. All roads lead to this spacious multi-generational gem. The large interior and 7626 sq ft lot open the doors for expansion and income potential. Your extra-large den featuring a wet bar makes coming home a daily treat. A spacious
Beautiful 2nd floor unit Ho'omaka Village, the charming second story unit offers two bedrooms and 1.5 bath, window A.C. with 2 parking #326 & 323. Great central location on island, close to Waikele Premium Outlet, Waipio Shopping Center, Costco Waipio, easy access to freeway and Waikele Golf Club. With bus stops near the Honolulu Rail System just down the hill, ample guest parking is available
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Tropics at Waikele (4), featuring soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, and modern upgrades throughout. The stylish kitchen is equipped with sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and upgraded cabinetry, perfect for entertaining. The spacious living and dining areas flow seamlessly, highlighted by natural light and
Convenience is the key for this single-level ground floor condominium that’s perfect for first-time buyers or investors! Just steps to community laundry, community pool and kiddie splash pool, and the full-size parking stall. Kunia Palms is within two blocks of shopping, dining, and personal services at Waipahu Town Center. Easy access to Public transportation with five bus stops within two
New Price! Price has been improved and offers a 1-year home warranty to be paid for by seller at closing.Waipahu Triangle: Where east meets west, north meets south. All roads lead to this spacious multi-generational gem. The large interior and 7626 sq ft lot open the doors for expansion and income potential. Your extra-large den featuring a wet bar makes coming home a daily treat. A spacious
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
Waikele Fairway Villa Second Floor, Corner End Unit, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 parking (open stalls fronting the unit). Property has beautiful, upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters and cherry wood cabinets. AC, fans and cute lanai to relax on. Lush gardens and amazing and well maintained Assocation that includes a Recreation Center, BBQ area and plenty of guest
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
Waikele is known for their convenient location, high profile shopping, local restaurants, parks, and more! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome at an affordable rent is your ticket to better living. Kitchen features upgraded cabinets, stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave. Enjoy a spacious living space and bathrooms, tv in every room, a private and well
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