$1,188,006Average Value$666Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes For Sale
Serenity just north of downtown, in scenic Punchbowl Crater valley
Reaching toward the ocean over a long valley stretch, Nuuanu-Punchbowl is a well-developed residential community, anchored by a historic crater. Its landscape offers a buffet of scenery, from majestic mountains to nearby Downtown Honolulu. The highway intersecting Nuuanu-Punchbowl is named Pali, a Hawaiian word for “cliff,” in homage to the area’s dramatic slopes that centuries ago attracted Hawaiian royalty to find summer homes here.
Residents enjoy cool breezes and quiet well-treed streets, while living within a mile or two from walk or drive from bustling downtown. Daily conveniences include a community shopping plaza and multiple public parks.
Valeriano Martin, lifelong Hawaii resident and Realtor Associate with Keller Williams Realty Maui, says, “Almost everywhere you can live here has been developed, giving it a more urban vibe. You might find a vacant lot in between properties, but because of its proximity to downtown, even the lots can be expensive.” Close to modern essentials, Nuuanu-Punchbowl is a pleasant place to live among Oahu’s history and beauty. Adds Martin, “There’s no heavy industry, no manufacturing here. It’s a really an old residential place, with a lot of churches. I think almost every denomination is here in Nuuanu.”
Nuuanu Punchbowl has easy access to downtown Honolulu and lush parks.
Nuuanu Punchbowl offers scenic views and tranquil residential neighborhoods.
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Punchbowl Crater views, Queen Emma Summer Palace, National Memorial
Locals are proud to have the Punchbowl Crater close to home, rising like a mammoth hunk of heaven that hugs the city skyline. The crater was formed ages ago when hot lava flowed through cracks in a coral reef. Its flat top offers immaculate parkland patterned with Banyan trees. Here, you can ascend a pathway lined with commemorative stones honoring those who lost their lives in military service. More than 13,000 WWII soldiers and sailors are buried in the Punchbowl Crater in what is now the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Atop this tuff cone crater, locals and tourists can stand in awe of breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu and the glistening Pacific Ocean.
Central in Nuuanu-Punchbowl’s community, Nuuanu Valley Park is a lush haven across from the Daijingu Temple and next to the Queen Emma Summer Palace Museum. Residents can picnic in the shade, relax on the lawn, or play on the playground and basketball courts. A popular pick for residents and tourists high in the northern slopes of Nuuanu-Punchbowl is the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, where the view over the stone railing — across the valley, through the mountains and out to sea — feels almost like taking flight.
Nuuanu-Punchbowl has also held the Mauna ‘Ala Royal Mausoleum since 1865. Says Martin, “It houses so many monarchs from long ago, and it’s a point of pride here. It’s also interesting that Alexander Cartwright, credited with being the Father of Baseball, is buried on the same grounds at the Oahu cemetery. He made the rules — you know, nine innings, three outs — of America’s pastime and a sport loved throughout the world.”
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Nuuanu-Punchbowl is popular among tourists.
Nuuanu-Punchbowl features several large churches for residents to attend.
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Mostly single-family, some condos
In its residential areas that feel removed from neighboring Honolulu downtown and Arts District near the shore, gently rolling hills hold varying sizes of Hawaiian plantation-style residences. Many have garages or solar panels on low-pitch roofs that spread wide and flat in a range of hues. Single-family homes range from around $1 million nearer to H-1 to $2 million higher up in the hills. Landscaping is rich with decorative hedges and established palms.
According to Justin Taparra, longtime local resident and Realtor with Century 21 Homefinders of Hawaii who's sold more than 60 homes on the island, “There’s a wide range of homes in Nuuanu-Punchbowl from luxury multi-million-dollar homes to fixer-uppers. But a lot of people tend to stay for generations, so there aren’t always homes available. And because there’s not a strong homeowner association, homeowners can do what they want. You won’t see cookie-cutter uniformity.” A rare custom build can fetch $3 million.
There’s also a nice selection of condominiums, ranging from $370,000 to $800,000. Some are in high-rise towers, and many overlook the distant hills. Taparra adds, “The grass is noticeably greener here thanks to a good amount of rain, which keeps it more lush than on the drier west side of the mountains.”
This home with craftsman-style elements in Nuuanu-Punchbowl has a large front yard.
Large apartment and condominium buildings are popular in Nuuanu-Punchbowl.
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A-Grade Theodore Roosevelt High
Public schools are within the Hawaii Department of Education District, given a B-plus on Niche. Kids start at Nuuanu Elementary in the heart of Nuuanu-Punchbowl, given a Niche A-minus, and head to Kawananakoa Middle, which earns a Niche B-plus. The Kawananakoa Middle School family embraces the saying "Ka na'auao me ke aloha," which means “knowledge and wisdom with compassion.” Established in 1927, Kawananakoa Middle has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Older students advance to A-grade Theodore Roosevelt High, whose football team landed the OIA Division II championship in 2023. Several private school options are available, including the Pacific Buddhist Academy, a high school well-known for its arts program, which earns an A grade on Niche.
Roosevelt High School stands next to Punchbowl Crater.
Pacific Buddhist Academy in Nuuanu-Punchbowl is a private co-education high school.
Life here takes an easy pace, and residents frequent the small Nuuanu Shopping Plaza to pick up Starbucks, get a haircut, or enjoy noodles, sushi and poke bowls on red stools in the sunny window at Paradise Poke Hawaii. Locals buy iconic Spam musubi here, made with roasted seaweed, Spam and rice. For groceries, Safeway is convenient on Pali Highway.
“For date nights,” adds Martin, “the closest is Chinatown, where you have a lot of top-rated restaurants. The Pig and The Lady is a modern Vietnamese place that makes a great papaya salad. They’re vegan-friendly and their pho is amazing. And then, J. Dolan’s is a great place to take the family out for pizza. It’s not fancy, but everyone loves it.”
Nuuanu Avenue offers a blend of shops and restaurants.
Residents enjoy proximity to downtown Honolulu's amenities.
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Easy access to H-1 and downtown, The Bus public transit
Locals have easy access to the H-1 and are only a mile or so from downtown. Hawaii's award-winning public transit service, The Bus, offers stops in the neighborhood and along Pali Highway, with a route that heads straight into downtown. Says Martin, “Nuuanu-Punchbowl is really convenient for anyone working at the Marine Base on the windward side, because H-1 connects you point-to-point.” The Daniel K. Inouye Airport is 5 miles west on H-1.
The Nuuanu-Punchbowl neighborhood is surrounded by lush green mountains.
Bus stops are plentiful throughout the neighborhood.
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
David Buck,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kawānanakoa Neighborhood Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Kamamalu Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Booth District Park
Pool
Playground
Community Center
Nuʻuanu Valley Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Dole Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Volleyball
Papakolea Park
Playground
Community Center
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
18 min drive
Bus
Pacific Heights Rd & Opp Wailani Rd
Bus
Kanealii Ave & Huanu St
Bus
Tantalus Dr & Kauhane St
Bus
Pacific Heights Rd & 3180
Bus
Pacific Heights Rd & Opp Kaola Way
Bus
Lusitana St & Kuakini St
Bus
Pauoa Rd & Puna Ln
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Nuuanu-Punchbowl
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Nuuanu-Punchbowl, Honolulu sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Nuuanu-Punchbowl, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $984,752, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW LISTING!! Nestled in the highly coveted Old Pali section of Nuuanu and surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, this beautifully designed home was imagined by renowned Hawaii architect, Jeffrey Nishi. Situated on a generous 10,732 sq ft lot, this 2 bdrm/2.5 bath residence features 3,005 sq ft of thoughtfully crafted living space, elegant white oak hardwood and travertine floors, custom
Opportunity awaits! This is a rare opportunity to own two separately metered 2-bed, 1-bath single family dwellings, each with its own address right in Punchbowl. Here you can rent both homes out, live in one house and rent the other, or use for extended family living. Situated on a corner lot in centrally located Punchbowl, this property offers unbeatable convenience with easy access to Downtown
Come see this charming 3 BD, 2 BA 1,127 sf. light-filled gem of a home nestled in the hillside of the highly-sought after Nuuanu Valley. Relax in this quiet neighborhood and enjoy the cool trade wind breezes and mountain views from atop your beautifully landscaped and terraced front yard. Take advantage of the flex room with a separate entrance - extra bedroom, gym, or play room? So many options
Exceptional one bedroom one bath penthouse unit in the Punchbowl Place condominium. Perfect opportunity for first time home buyers or investors. Great location near Downtown Honolulu, Queens Medical Center, and freeway access. The building has a secure entry, is pet friendly, and a low monthly maintenance fee. Bright and open unit with a washer/dryer, window ac and secured covered parking
Tucked away in a peaceful Nuuanu cul-de-sac, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-wall home offers a rare combination of residential and preservation land. Backed by lush mountainside greenery, the backyard feels like a private forest retreat—quiet, cool, and full of potential. With 912 sq ft of interior space, a one-car garage, and classic older-style charm, it’s a great starter home or project for DIY
WELCOME to this 2023 NEWLY RENOVATED HOME! An incredible opportunity & a must-see property! Special features include 2 attached separate units, both with a garage (ceiling is low), lots of storage space or may be used for an office/media room, complete renovations include, updated electric & plumbing, and for the front unit there is a NEW refrigerator. This is a corner lot with city, mountain, &
Property Id: 8949302 bedroom 1 bath 1 parking. Walk- up near downtown, Nuuanu, Liliha. No elevator. No smoking allowed. Pets negotiable. Common laundry room. 1 year lease preferred.
Discover timeless charm and sophistication in this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence located in the coveted Dowsett Avenue neighborhood. With approximately 4,050 sq. ft. of interior space, this home offers an exquisite blend of vintage character and modern comfort. Features Include: • A lovely porte cochere • Formal Living Room: High ceilings and classic details, perfect for relaxing or
An executive one bed room cottage that is like a vacation rental. Live a safe and quiet neighborhood that is considered the Beverly Hills of Honolulu. Short or long term. Pets ok.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Buck,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
15,205
Median Age
46
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$101,357
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$133,037
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
1/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
