$675,540Average Value$631Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
Honolulu’s industrial and market district, low home prices
Kalihi-Palama combines industrial, retail and residential space, just west of downtown Honolulu. “It’s about the only place close to the city that’s budget friendly,” says Isaiah Cureton, who’s lived all around O’ahu and serves as the Principal Owner and Broker for Hawaii Real Estate Professionals. The median home price here is about $400,000, roughly $150,000 less than neighboring downtown. In addition to its entry level prices, this busy neighborhood is known for its diverse population, and it doesn’t get a lot of tourist traffic. “You have a lot of different ethnic groups in that area.” Cureton says. “It’s also a multigenerational environment, where grandparents live with their kids and grandkids all together.” Locals frequent this area for its markets and piers, next to the Honolulu Harbor on the neighborhood’s southern side. Nearby industrial buildings color the streets in grays and tans, and across the harbor, Sand Island continues the neutral-toned trend. Still, northernmost residential features mature palms and bushes, which brighten avenues with green.
Green spaces provide opportunities for relaxation on hot days.
Fishing boats dock in the harbor at pier 38.
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Close-together homes past Kalihi-Palama industry
Most of the neighborhood’s housing is on the north side, past industrial complexes and mechanical shops. Like buildings in this neighboring district, homes are tightly packed on gridded streets, so front and backyards are minimal in many cases. Small ranch-styles and two-stories start at $600,000, and they likely need renovations. Similar properties with updates and more bedrooms can reach $1.3 million. Mixed in with these single-family homes, condo buildings have many units, but they’re usually under 1,000 square feet. They range from $190,000 to $650,000. Buyers typically pay for newer construction, as these condos were built any time between the 1960s and 2000s. Most properties sell after roughly 100 days, more than double the national average for days on market. That’s probably because homeowners are a minority in this market; more than half of people rent in this area, and apartment buildings dot the neighborhood’s east side.
Single Family Homes In Kalihi-Palama are typically remodeled older build homes.
Architecturally Inspired Multistory Living Near Shopping and Bishop Museum in Kalihi-Palama.
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Commuting to the south side and downtown, Interstate H-1
Most residents can walk or bike from northern homes to southern businesses. Additionally, Honolulu’s public transportation system, TheBus, operates along major thoroughfares such as Kanakanui, Kaumualii and Kalihi streets. Drivers can use these thoroughfares too, but traffic can get heavy throughout the day. This is especially true on the neighborhood’s south side, as people come and go from work. They might also work downtown, though; Interstate H-1 runs along the north side, and it leads roughly 3 miles southeast to city center. It also leads roughly 3 miles west to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Enjoy an ocean side baseball field at Sand Island Recreational area in Kalihi-Palama.
Kalihi's central location means easy access to all major freeways throughout Honolulu.
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Hawaiian box lunches and restaurants on the Pacific
Kalihi-Palama has lots of Hawaiian box lunch and takeout places on its southern side. These quick meals often feature rice, veggies and a choice of meat, and they’re likely in a market setting. This district has food from around the world too. Kamehameha Bakery is known for its poi-glazed donut, a combination of Japanese and American flavors, and its ensemada, a Filipino roll with sugar and butter. Waterfront restaurants cluster along the neighborhood’s shore, too; Nico’s Pier 38 is an open-air bar, but it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Their fish tacos are incredible,” Cureton says. “The fishmonger sells right there, so the owners buy all the fish nearby. They also do live music almost every night.” Across the Kapalama Canal on the neighborhood’s east side, Nimitz Center is a strip mall with walkable, locally owned businesses, and department stores are nearby. Best Buy, Lowe’s and Home Depot are all here, and Cureton describes the area’s Costco as the busiest in the world. Foodland is nearby for additional groceries.
Local Eatery with Fresh Fish Near the Harbor at Pier 38 in Kalihi-Palama.
There are several large retail outlets in the center of town.
The large retail district lies in the center of Kalihi-Palama.
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Elementary options and historic Farington High
Of the area’s five elementary schools, Kalihi Kai Elementary is where most students attend. Niche gives it an overall B-minus and rates it an A-minus for diversity. King David Kalakaua Middle serves the whole neighborhood and scores another B-minus. Nearby with the same grade, Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High opened in 1936 and was later used as a U.S. Army hospital during World War II.
Smaller crowds at Sand Island, Foster Botanical Garden
Just south of the neighborhood’s piers, Sand Island is home to a shipyard, water treatment plant and U.S. Coast Guard base. But its shore also houses Sand Island State Recreation Area, where visitors can escape the busyness of the city for a while. This stretch of lawn and sand doesn’t get as many visitors as nearby Ala Moana or Waikiki, and its amenities are less crowded. The park has fields for baseball and softball, and walking trails have views of the ocean. A waterfront BMX track, too, sits alongside rental agencies for kayaks, Jet Skis and surfboards. Crossing back over the Sand Island Parkway, Foster Botanical Garden is on the neighborhood’s east side. This is the longest running botanical garden in Hawaii, established in 1853 by Dr. William Hillebrand, and it features old-growth trees and a butterfly garden. Some say this garden is the “tree museum” featured in Joni Mitchell’s 1971 hit, “Big Yellow Taxi.” Smaller green spaces are nearby such as ‘A’ala Park and Beretania Community Park, and they have basketball courts and dog parks.
Ocean Side Baseball Field At Sand Island Recreational area in Kalihi-Palama.
Take a lovely stroll through Foster Botanical Garden.
Small Boat Launch Area in the Marina of Ke'ehi Lagoon near Kalihi-Palama.
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
Deborah Arguello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Honolulu City Kamehameha Park
Auld Lane Mini Park
Beretania Community Park
Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden
Trails
Botanical Gardens
Kalakaua District Park
Kalihi-Waena Neighborhood Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kalihi-Palama
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kalihi-Palama, Honolulu sell after 101 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Kalihi-Palama, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $534,376, up 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investment Opportunity! 15-unit apartment building in Dillingham. 3-story walk-up in the heart of Honolulu, just minutes away from Costco Iwilei, Home Depot, and bus lines. This hollow tile building features 15 identical one-bedroom units and 16 parking stalls. Interior units were remodeled in 2017, offering updated finishes and functional layouts. Each unit has its own electric meter and a
Well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bath, rarely available in Kapalama Makai, conveniently located in town near schools, shopping center, restaurants and bus stops.
An excellent investment opportunity in the heart of Kalihi! This fully-occupied 4-unit apartment building offers year-round rental income and is zoned IMX (Industrial-Mixed Use). Hallow tile construction provides durability and low maintenance. Individual electric meters and 4 covered parking. Tenants have their own washer hook up.
Dillingham Blvd (Right next to Honolulu Community College)This building was previously the iconic purple Leilani Florist Building.Costco and many other restaurants conveniently locate us within walking distance.Perfect for students or professionals, both are welcome!The building was recently renovated from top to bottom.Renovated interiors, private rooms, and
Liliha Square is conveniently located minutes away from grocery stores, restaurants, banks etc.On bus line and freeway access. Unit is facing Mauka with trade wind and nice view. Common Laundry downstairs.Tenants said to move out around May 31, 2025.Property will be available until around June 10, 2025.
Discover Waena apartments in Honolulu! These spacious one, two, three and four bedroom apartment homes are located just steps from Downtown Honolulu. Enjoy two-story floor plans with new amenities, including a fitness center, business center, club room, playground, barbecue and picnic areas. Centrally located, the Waena apartment community is walking distance to the parks, shopping,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deborah Arguello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
24,239
Median Age
39
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,002
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,460
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
70.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
60/ 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.
