Envisioned in the 1960s by Henry J. Kaiser, who also built Kaiser Aluminum and Kaiser Permanente, Hawaii Kai is Oahu's first planned community, offering modern conveniences amid natural splendor. Stretching across the island's southeast corner, the area is thoughtfully designed around Hawaii’s largest former fish pond, Kuapa. Its sidewalked streetscapes curve into cul-de-sacs, and waterfront homes feature backyard docks. Today, this midcentury suburban village is now one of Oahu's most populous places. "Hawaii Kai has kept its identity as a well-planned, upscale neighborhood," says Pete Arnold, with Hawaii Life, who’s been a licensed realtor since 2003 and represents buyers and sellers on the Islands of Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. "It's quiet and laid-back, even though there's so much to see and do. You have the marina area, shopping, trails and parks here as well as the Kaiser Clinic, Satellite City Hall and a post office. Plus, you can be in downtown Honolulu in minutes." Coming home to Hawaii Kai, especially from the bustle of downtown, can be a tonic for the senses. Palms rise high over flowering trees, and some of Oahu's most stunning lava formations skirt its wild coastline.
Hawaii Kai stretches from the mountaintops to the the Oahu coastline.
Hawaii Kai locals enjoy spending time on their boats.
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Maunalua Bay, China Walls and Koko Crater
At Maunalua Bay Beach Park, residents can join Hui Nalu Canoe Club for fun or to compete in the summer regatta. Maunalua Bay is a choice spot for swimming, parasailing and kayaking. Easy access to China Walls, also known as Koko Kai Beach Park, is a main attraction. This lava delta rises 70 feet high, offering Instagram-worthy tiered ledges for fishing or jumping. It's one of the island's first touchpoints for breakers that shape the shoreline into calm inlets and cliffs.
Photographers soak up views from Hawaii Kai Lookout or Hanauma Bay Lookout, where a trail connects to the Hanauma Bay Admission and Orientation Center. Here, locals learn about the protected marine life in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Resident hikers and history buffs head to the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead to scale a former World War II tramway for soldiers, now repurposed into a bucket-list destination. Though the trek of over 1,000 steps is strenuous, the vista across Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay and Portlock Peninsula makes the climb worthwhile.
For a more relaxed day, residents tee off at Hawaii Kai Golf Course amid views of Moloka'i Island and Makapuu Cliffs. Local athletes polish their skills on Koko Head District Park's multiple athletic fields and courts.
A trail leads to the top of Koko Head in Honolulu.
Maunalua Bay Beach Park on Hawaii Kai has a convenient parking lot.
China Walls is a popular fishing spot.
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Single-family dockside homes, townhouses and condos
Because of Hawaii Kai's layout and location, home pricing can be higher than in other areas on Oahu. Single- and multifamily residences gather in valleys, on ridges and along the water. Options include a two-bedroom high-rise condo for $860,000, a waterfront townhouse for $1.1 million and nicely updated 1970s single-family homes for $1.2 million. A massive gated six-bedroom estate near China Walls can fetch nearly $9 million. Most homes fit snugly together on well-landscaped properties and residential clusters separated by undeveloped natural buffers. And although Hawaii Kai's nearly 30 neighborhoods are dense and colorful, its residential footprint is dwarfed by the majestic backdrop of the Koolau Mountains.
Homes directly on the marina have private boat docks in Hawaii Kai.
Waterfront townhomes line the marinas in Hawaii Kai.
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Conveniences from Costco to Koko Marina Center
Essentials are always convenient in Hawaii Kai, and city-style entertainment isn't far. "While Hawaii Kai feels lush and laid-back," Arnold says, "you're just 20 minutes from all the Waikiki and downtown Honolulu nightlife." Within Hawaii Kai, residents breakfast on the patio at Island Brew Coffeehouse, shop for groceries at Safeway or stock up at Costco in Hawaii Kai Towne Center. Across the pond, Koko Marina Center is a popular hub for Starbucks, banking, Walgreens and Kona Brewing Co. — a favorite dockside go-to for nearly 20 years. Some of the island's top medical facilities are also here, including Hawaii Kai Clinic, Straub Medical Center and The Queen's Health Care Center.
The Hawaii Kai community embraces a laid-back lifestyle.
Kona Brewing Company is among Hawaii Kai's diverse dining options.
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Top-rated public schools
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, given a B-plus on Niche. Kids can start at one of several elementary schools, including Koko Head, which earns an A-minus from Niche. Sixth through eighth graders can attend Niu Valley Middle, which also earns an A-minus, and older students advance to Henry J. Kaiser High, given a solid A grade on Niche. Kaiser High offers an International Baccalaureate Program and an award-winning theater program.
Koko Head Elementary School teaches children in Honolulu foundational education.
Discover a supportive and inclusive community at Niu Valley Middle School.
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Haunama Bay in Hawaii Kai is an iconic scene in Honolulu.
Walkable with easy Kalanianaole Highway access
Within Hawaii Kai, most streets are lined with sidewalks on both sides, making walking for exercise or errands easy. Traveling outside the neighborhood to popular destinations such as Honolulu or East Oahu Shoreline Drive is a pleasant drive the scenic Kalanianaole Highway.
Annual waterfront Festival of Lights
Every year, Hawaii Kai locals anticipate the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, when dozens of holiday-themed vessels float across the marina. Prizes are awarded at the end of the night, elevating the seasonal cheer.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bridget Townsend,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Haha’ione Valley Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Koko Kai Beach Park
Dog Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Hawaii Kai Recreation Center
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Maunalua Bay Beach Park
Beach
Ocean
Parking Lot
Kamilo'iki Community Park
Basketball
Skateboard
Playground
Elaine Dobashi Dog Park
Dog Park
Kamilo Iki Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Kalama Valley Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Koko Head Neighborhood Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
35 min drive
Bus
Hawaii Kai Dr & Pepeekeo St
Bus
Ainapo St & Pepeekeo St
Bus
Hawaii Kai Dr & Opp Maunanani St
Bus
Ainapo St & Ainapo Pl
Bus
Lunalilo Home Rd & Opp Kalanipuu St
Bus
Lunalilo Home Rd & Kaiama Pl
Bus
Kalanianaole HWY & Hawaii Kai Towne Center
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hawaii Kai
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $1,425,977, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched in the serene Upper Valley of Hahaione, this turn key residence offers stunning ocean views and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The 3 bedroom 2 bath main home with abundant natural light features a spacious Ipe hardwood deck and a covered lanai—perfect for entertaining or simply soaking in the panoramic surroundings. A separate entrance leads to a generous studio suite complete with its
NEW LISTING!! Fantastic opportunity to own a 3 bdrm/2 bath single-family home with a 4 bdrm/3 bath addition in the Kamiloiki neighborhood. Situated on an almost 8,000 sq. ft. lot with over 2,800 sq. ft. of total living space, the original 3 bdrm/2 bath home features fresh exterior paint, vaulted ceilings in the living room, vinyl plank flooring throughout and a newly renovated kitchen with quartz
Don’t miss this beautifully maintained 1 bdrm/1 bath residence with 2 tandem parking in the Colony in the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai, a private gated community. This spacious unit features nearly 900 sq. ft. of living space, an open floor plan with high ceilings, new carpet, and a covered lanai. Enjoy the resort-style amenities such as swimming pool, spa, fitness center, park, BBQ area, and so much
Experience endless, breathtaking views of the ocean, Diamond Head, and unforgettable sunsets from this stunning home in the highly sought-after Koko Kai/Portlock neighborhood of Hawaii Kai. Built in 1992, this open-concept residence offers over 3,700 square feet of luxurious living space, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor paradise. Featuring four spacious bedroom ensuites—two on
Discover the epitome of island living in this exquisitely remodeled and impeccably maintained 5 bdrm/4 bath executive style residence in the highly sought-after Portlock neighborhood. Nestled on a nearly 13,000 sq. ft. LEVEL lot, this home boasts over 4,000 sq. ft. of elegantly detailed living space that seamlessly blends style and functionality. The newly renovated interior features a spacious
Don’t miss this tastefully renovated and nicely maintained 3 bdrm/2 bath townhome with 2 parking at Kawaihae Crescent West in Hawaii Kai. This ground floor SINGLE LEVEL unit features 1,300 sq. ft. of interior living space, a spacious open floor plan with an expansive kitchen island, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Relax in your private cozy backyard or covered front lanai, perfect for
Property Id: 511149Fully furnished dream home! Available July 15,2025. Gorgeous, serene marina-front home with boat dock, brand new split A/C system, large lanai on wide part of marina facing Koko Crater. Private new 20 ft. dock perfect for launching kayaks or stand up paddle boards. Floor to ceiling renovation by architect Trigg Smith. Custom and designer elements include new windows
Enjoy the Esplanade, resort style living in Hawaii Kai. This corner penthouse features views of Koko Crater, Diamond Head, ocean and marina. Vaulted ceilings and lots of windows help keep the interior cool and breezy. Peaceful corner unit provides extra windows with no foot traffic back and forth. The kitchen features lots of storage with a large pantry adjacent and a wine cooler. Downstairs
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bridget Townsend,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
30,157
Median Age
50
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$136,878
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,260
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
59.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
16/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
