Luxury living and ocean views in this majority-local neighborhood
Just south of downtown Honolulu and east of the Pacific Ocean, Kaka’ako gives locals a break. “I feel like I’m vacationing after work, even though there aren’t any resorts in the neighborhood,” says Joannie Heisch, a 30-year Realtor who lives in the area. “Tourists don’t come here as much, and locals love the luxury. You’re close to shops, restaurants and parks, so everything’s walkable.” Built around several master-planned developments, this neighborhood incorporates living and playing into one space. “It’s one of the first mixed-use neighborhoods in Hawai’i, where apartments are right next to restaurants and boutiques,” says Alesia Barnes, who’s brokered properties in Honolulu for over 10 years. “It’s turning into the ‘everything you need’ neighborhood.” Ward Village is a 60-acre development in this neighborhood, and SALT at Our Kaka’ako is another area to the west. These districts are known for their colorful murals and trendy small businesses, and they're only a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Honolulu — and the greater island of O’ahu — have nearly endless opportunities to get outside, so residents can take advantage of 200-plus days of annual sunshine.
Clusters of highrises populate the neighborhood of Kaka'ako
Luxury condos line the streets of Ward Village.
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Eating, shopping, living at Ward Village and SALT
Ward Village mixes high-end apartments and world-class restaurants. Joannie Hsieh says Merriman’s Honolulu is a popular spot for refined seafood and drinks; Panya Bistro & Bakery is more casual, serving Asian comfort food and pastries. “Tempura Ichika has great Japanese food,” says Hsieh. “The chef is from Japan and got a Michelin star working in New York. Now he’s the only full-time Michelin chef in Hawaii.” Department stores are in this area, too, such as Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx. Whole Foods provides an upscale grocery option, and just south of the district, the Kaka’ako Farmers Market brings local vendors every Saturday. Toward the west, SALT at Our Kaka’ako is another mixed-use area with over 40 small businesses. It’s named after the salt flats that once covered this land, serving as a major source of industry. Moku Kitchen draws a big crowd for its New American food, and Highway Inn offers traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Beyond sit-down restaurants, this district has trendy breweries, juice spots, clothing boutiques and Korean grocers.
Enjoy a French Dip sandwich at E.A.R.L.'s.
H Mart has rows upon rows of international items and fresh produce, some local.
Residents can find a variety of restaurants in the SALT at Our Kaka'ako shopping center.
Residents can purchase groceries and freshly made meals at H Mart.
Enjoy the constantly beautiful weather at the SALT at Our Kaka'ako open area.
Moku has open and outdoor seating for its patrons.
Southern and East Coast classics like Po Boys and French Dips are served at E.A.R.L.'s.
Kids and adults alike enjoy the arcade in Ward Village.
Honolulu is famous for its outdoor dining and street eateries.
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Gathering at Our Kaka’ako
Centered around Keawe, Auahi, and Coral Street, SALT at Our Kaka’ako is also a major event space. It hosts the Honolulu Night Market in June when live musicians and 80-plus vendors light up the district. The Keiki Street Festival is a kid-friendly event in March, and keiki (children) can learn about Hawaiian culture with hands-on activities — plus, it has a petting zoo, bouncy house and other play areas. The Malama ?Aina Community Cleanup is in April, and locals can pick up litter around the neighborhood’s streets and parks.
From exhibitions to workshops, SALT fosters artistic expression and connection.
SALT at Kakaako offers a dynamic oceanfront space for art, culture, and community.
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Waterfront parks and walkable beaches, unlimited recreation
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park is a multiuse green space in the southern part of the neighborhood, right next to the ocean. While there’s no beach here, its promenade has steps that lead down to the water. People can swim, surf or fish; if kids aren’t too worn out, they can visit the Children’s Discovery Museum nearby. Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park is in the north for a basketball court and playground, but murals are its most colorful attraction. Brick walls depict images of the island, such as surfers, octopi and turtles — and though they aren’t native to the island, there’s even a walrus driving a submarine. Ala Moana Regional Park is just east of the neighborhood, and it’s another coastal space. This one, though, has a white-sandy beach to enjoy. It’s also a popular surfing spot; it has eight tennis courts and two beach volleyball courts, too. On the park’s easternmost peninsula, Magic Island Lagoon is enclosed with volcanic rock walls: it’s for those who want less waves and a viewpoint of the Pacific that’s a little farther south. More than these parks, though, Honolulu has everything from the Ala Wai Golf Course to Diamond Head State Monument.
Beach volleyball is always in session at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Ala Moana Beach Park is loved by those in the community.
Fishermen can always be spotted around Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Kids love the play area atop Ala Moana Center.
Magic Island walking path keeps residents of Kaka’ako active.
Magic Island Lagoon has rock structures that creates a calm tide pool.
Enjoy a free hula show every evening at Ala Moana Center.
Magic Island sea path has crystal clear waters.
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High-dollar condos and apartments
Luxury condos and apartments make up most of this market, and renters are the majority. These high-rise buildings often have international-style architecture, open floor plans and ocean views. In addition to the abundance of recreation around town, complexes typically have amenities such as pools and gyms. Studios farther from the water start at $400,000; oceanfront homes with more room can go above $4 million. While prices are typically double those of Makiki to the north, buyers in Kaka’ako are closer to beaches and downtown. Inventory is usually high because of the price point, and properties often wait for the right buyer. The average time-on-market is 168 days, almost quadruple the national average of 43 days. While this is a coastal area, both Heisch and Barnes attest that flooding is not an issue.
The Ke Kilohana condo complex in Kaka'ako offers many amenities to residents.
Kaka’ako is home to tall apartment and condo buildings with views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Top-rated, historic schools with Hawai’i State Department of Education
Royal Elementary School is roughly a mile north of the neighborhood, and Niche rates it a B-minus. It was founded in 1839 during the reign of King Kamehameha III, originally called the Chief’s Children’s School and only available to royal heirs. The school opened to everyone in 1851 and has seen many renovations, but the current building was constructed in 1967. About 2 miles east of the neighborhood, President George Washington Middle gets a B from Niche, and its chess team has won the national championship. It has an active parent organization, the WMS Ohana, and a School Community Council that work to improve the school. President William McKinley High is on the northeast side of Kaka’ako, so it’s walkable for many students. Niche scores it a B-plus and considers it the No. 1 Standout High School in Honolulu, ahead of the island’s two others. Several independent schools are nearby, such as Soto Academy and Kamehameha School.
President William McKinley High, founded in 1865, is Honolulu's oldest public high school.
Founded in 1839, Royal Elementary in Honolulu is Hawaii's oldest public school.
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Getting around O’ahu
Most people walk around Kaka’ako because of its mixed-use developments and beach proximity, but drivers are between two major thoroughfares. Along the southern coast, Ala Moana Boulevard provides access to downtown and Diamond Head State Monument. The H1 Interstate — also called the Lunalilo Freeway — provides an alternative route and runs along the neighborhood’s northern side. It leads to the western coast but also connects east to Highway 61. For central and eastern O’ahu, the H1 links with the H2 as well. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is 6 miles up the coast for flights to other islands or the mainland.
Ala Moana Beach Park is loved by those in the community.
Explore Ala Moana Center near Ward Village for a wide variety of shopping options.
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
Hanako Hata,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Victoria Ward Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Sheridan Community Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Kolowalu Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Ala Moana Regional Park & Magic Island
Trails
Beach
Multi-Purpose Field
Pawaa In-Ha Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Ala Wai Promenade
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
15 min drive
Bus
Kamakee St & Queen St
Bus
Kapiolani Bl & Piikoi St
Bus
Kapiolani Bl & Keeaumoku St
Bus
Mahukona St & Atkinson Dr
Bus
Ala Moana Bl & Ala Moana Center
Bus
Ala Moana Bl & Opp Kamakee St
Bus
Kona St & Opp Kona Iki St (Fs)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kaka’ako
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kaka’ako, Honolulu sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Kaka’ako, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $924,454, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A must see! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit comes with 2 parking stalls and a bonus den - perfect for a home office or even a 3rd bedroom. Ideally located near Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, popular restaurants, Ward Village, Whole Foods, and easy access to H-1 on/off ramps.
Experience the refreshing ocean breeze and breathtaking views of the sparkling blue-green ocean and Diamond Head from your living room, bedrooms, and lanai in this partially upgraded high-floor residence on the coveted Diamond Head side of 1350 Ala Moana. Designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, this home offers both elegance and comfort in an unbeatable location—just moments from Ala
**First Sunday Showing on 4/27 from 2-5pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.**Experience elevated island living in this stunning 2-bed, 2-bath corner unit offering sweeping views of the ocean, city, Magic Island, and harbor. As the largest 2-bedroom floor plan in the building, it features floor-to-ceiling windows and split AC throughout. The modern kitchen is equipped with glossy white cabinets, quartz
Conveniently located in town, this newly renovated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom corner unit is a rare opportunity to own in Piikoi Plaza. This unit features modern vinyl flooring in the living area and bedroom, along with fresh paint throughout. The kitchen is upgraded with a new refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, and disposal. The bathroom has been updated with new fixtures and offers ample closet space
Experience luxury living in this beautifully appointed unit at Aalii, featuring the developer's full package. Situated on a higher floor, this residence boasts breathtaking ocean views from its expansive 68 sq. ft. lanai. Enjoy access to the grand penthouse sky lounge, dining areas, a state-of-the-art gym, and yoga facilities. The building offers exceptional ADA-compliant amenities, including a
Don't miss out on the chance to own this FULLY furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom with a Storage room and a parking unit at the Luxurious condominium known as AE'O with the updated amenities you can enjoy. Not just 2 pools and jacuzzi, but Guest Rooms, theater, SkyTerrace and dry/mist saunas....It is steps away from Ala Moana Beach Park, theaters, restaurants, and the Ala Moana Shopping Center
Enjoy resort-style living in this fully furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo at the prestigious Anaha in Kakaako. Features include a king-sized bed, stunning light fixtures, convenient automatic shade roll-up, and one parking space. Anaha offers incredible amenities: a glass-bottom pool, fitness center, yoga studio, BBQ areas, and more! Walk to Ward Village shops, Ala Moana Center, and Ala Moana
$6,000+TAX+Cleaning for 30 days. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the great mountain and city view from the comfort of this 2 bed, 2 bath, and 1 parking unit on the newly built condominium Sky Ala Moana which is located on Kapiolani Blvd., just directly across from Ala Moana Shopping Center. You can indulge in the 8th floor Sky Terrace amenity deck which gives you access to all the resort-like
Ward Village / Ae'o with great amenities includes access to serene views from the Sky Deck. and Whole Foods on the ground floor. Walking distance to Ala Moana Beach Park, theaters, restaurants, and Ala Moana Shopping Center experience the best of urban living in the heart of Kakaako. The unit is fully furnished. GET tenant pays.This unit is on sale at the same time at $627,800. Listed by
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hanako Hata,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
26,412
Median Age
48
Population Density
42 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,744
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,273
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.4%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
45.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.9%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
75/ 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.
