The first capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, Waikiki was once a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty. King Kamehameha and others used to race canoes and swim along its shore in the 1800s. While this swampland has transformed into high-rises and commercial areas since then, the vacation feeling hasn’t left. About four million tourists come to Waikiki every year, seeking sun, surf and relaxation, and luxury resorts are central in the neighborhood. In these crowded, gridded streets, upscale restaurants and shops are highly walkable, and the beach is usually a few blocks from condos. The Ala Wai Canal flows north of this area, and Diamond Head State Monument towers in the south. As far as the 27,000 people who call Waikiki home, they likely rent part-time and live here seasonally. Landmarks like the pink-clad Royal Hawaiian and the Duke Kahanamoku surfing memorial probably aren’t novel to these locals, but Waikiki Beach always offers a fresh wave to catch.
Beach near Royal Hawaiian
Relax on the golden sand on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki.
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Surfing at Waikiki Beach, concerts at Kapi’olani Regional Park
Maybe the most well-known stretch of sand in O’ahu, Waikiki Beach is considered by many as the birthplace of modern surfing. The Waikiki Beach Boys, a group of native Hawaiians, revived the sport here in the early 1900s and have taught people how to ride waves ever since then. Like most of the southern coast, the water stays at about 75 degrees year-round, and sea life is a common sight in crystal-clear reefs. The area is made up of several beaches, really, but they’re often grouped together; northern beaches such as Kahanamoku and Fort DeRussy likely have fewer tourists, and the same can be said for Kuhio and Queens Beaches on the southern end. The latter beaches lead to Kapi’olani Regional Park, a 200-acre green space and the former site of King Kalakaua’s polo fields in the 19th century. Along with waterside paths and sports courts, this park hosts the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. The Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, toward the middle of the park, is a frequent venue for the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra and musicians from around the world. Le'ahi — or Diamond Head National Monument — is just east along the coast, and it’s a volcanic cone that formed about 500,000 years ago. Today, this crater-like park is one of the most popular parks in Honolulu, as its hiking trails have elevated views of the city. Across from Waikiki’s northern canal, the Ala Wai Golf Course is a public 18-holer that’s hosted some United States Golf Association championships.
Kuhio Beach surfboard rentals
Vacationers enjoy a peaceful scene at a Waikiki resort.
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High-rise condos and apartments are steps from the beach
Mixed in with hotels and resorts, high-rise condominiums and apartments offer vacation-style living, and they often have views of Waikiki Beach. Their recreation centers usually have pools, gyms and other amenities, and they were mostly built in the 1970s. Most buildings have minimalist architecture, colored in earth tones and topped with flat roofs. These properties are often second homes, so they’re usually occupied by part-time owners or renters. Many listings are leasehold: property rights transfer to the tenant for the duration of the lease and, afterward, revert back to the original owner. Unlike fee-simple or traditional leases, the property owners might only own the unit and not the land itself. Prices depend on the length or existence of this lease, in addition to beach proximity and square footage. Closer to the canal and farther from the beach, small units typically have one or two bedrooms. They start at $50,000 for summer-long lease periods but can reach $500,000 for longer-term rentals. Properties above this mark likely don’t have a lease, and buyers can own them outright. They’re likely a similar size to the leaseholds, and units can be found in the $600s. Luxury units often have views of the ocean and more square footage, and they can go above three million. Like most of Honolulu, some properties are in a flood zone: heavy rain in May 2024 resulted in a road closure along Seaside Avenue, and Hurricane Douglass resulted in minor damage in 2020.
Kalakaua Ave view towards Diamond Head
Expect higher prices for oceanfront condos in Waikiki.
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Beachfront meals and luxury shops
Waikiki has some of the most popular restaurants in O’ahu, clustered around resorts and hotels. Ones closer to the coast have views of the water, and for these upscale spots, live music often accompanies the meal. Thanks to their location and popularity with tourists, restaurants here often have a big price tag; Duke’s Waikiki is always busy because of its beachfront surf and turf, and Hula Grill Waikiki specializes in pupu and fish tacos. The International Market Place is an open-air mall closer to the canal, featuring a food court with tastes from around the world. “It’s a big draw for people,” says Fran Magbual, a Realtor-Associate with Coldwell Banker since 2016. “My family loves Liliha Bakery in there, and they’re known for their cream puffs and oxtail soup.” This complex also houses one of Honolulu’s only Magnolia Ice Cream locations, another local chain that Magbual recommends. A center for entertainment, the Market Place has Polynesian song and dance on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Well-known stores are here, too, including Macy’s, Billabong, Fabletics and Pandora Jewelry. The Royal Hawaiian Center is close by, and luxury brands here include Hermès and Tiffany & Co. This neighborhood, though, has everything from clothing boutiques to gift shops.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at the world-famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Coffee shop
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Year-round festivals in these crowded streets
More than constant performances from musicians, Waikiki has a lot of signature events throughout the year. Waikiki Spam Jam is rated as one of the top annual food festivals in Hawai’i, a block party that celebrates the iconic canned meat. During this late April festival, vendors sell Spam-related merchandise, and local restaurants serve Spam-based dishes — a tradition that’s been called “Can to Table Restaurant Week.” POW! WOW! takes place in mid-February, and it’s a weeklong mural festival that draws artists from around the world. March brings the Honolulu Festival, a three-day celebration of Honolulu’s art, music and food scenes.
Waikiki hosts events and art fairs on a weekly basis.
Kapiolani Park provides open spaces for youth leagues and other entertainment.
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Walkable schools with Hawai’i State Department of Education
President Thomas Jefferson Elementary is on the south side of Waikiki, and it gets a B from Niche. Its 300-plus students are a diverse group, representing about 25 different countries; they can take courses such as Hawaiian Studies and Garden Club. President George Washington Middle is about a mile north of the neighborhood and scores another B. It has a School Community Council, where staff members are elected by peers to advise the principal. The council works in tandem with WMS Ohana, a parent organization, to improve the school. About 2 miles north of Waiki, Kaimuki High receives a B-minus. Its campus is decorated with colorful murals, and sports include judo, water polo and paddling.
Jefferson Elementary in Honolulu values the input of students, parents, and teachers.
Ala Wai Elementary welcomes students and parents with a bright yellow sign.
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Walking around town, driving to other parts of O’ahu
The beach is less than a half-mile from most homes, so walking around Waikiki is common. Wide sidewalks cater to crowds of tourists and surfers lugging boards, next to heavily trafficked thoroughfares such as Kalakaua, Kuhio and Koa avenues. Streets are busy with taxis and Ubers, but bike routes increase toward the coast. O’ahu also has a bike share program called Biki, and rentals are just over $10 per day. The island’s bus system, TheBus, has been recognized as America’s Best Transit System by the American Public Transportation Association, and it has routes all around Honolulu. If residents prefer to drive, they might struggle to find a spot. “Parking in Waikiki is a whole thing,” says Magbual. “People will sell their parking spaces or rent them out. You could live in one building and rent a space two buildings down because that’s the only place you can find parking.” Ala Moana Boulevard follows the coast north into downtown, Chinatown and other popular parts of the city. The H1 Interstate is just north of Waikiki, and it runs along the southern side of O’ahu. This interstate also connects to the H2, H3 and others, so all sides of the island are accessible. To fly to another island or the mainland, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is about 9 miles up the coast.
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
Daniel Lee Kim,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Waikiki Gateway Park
Trails
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Trails
Beach
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Beach Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Centennial Park Waikiki
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Ainahau Triangle
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Ala Wai Canal
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
Daniel K Inouye International
19 min drive
Bus
Kuhio Ave & Liliuokalani Ave
Bus
Kalia Rd & Maluhia St
Bus
Kalakaua Ave & Opp Seaside Ave
Bus
Kapahulu Ave & Kalakaua Ave
Bus
Kuhio Ave & Walina St
Bus
Kalakaua Ave & Ena Rd
Bus
Ala Moana Bl & Hobron Ln
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Waikiki
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waikiki, Honolulu sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Waikiki, Honolulu over the last 12 months is $549,713, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Waikiki Retreat! Experience stunning city, mountain, golf course and ocean views from this beautifully renovated 1-bed/1 bath condo with 1 covered parking at Fairway Villa, nestled in the heart of Waikiki. This breezy high-floor end unit sits on a preferred corner, featuring a spacious lanai, modern kitchen, and fresh updates throughout. Enjoy fresh interior paint, modern vinyl plank flooring,
High Floor Corner end unit! This unique 1 bedroom and one bathroom property in the highly desirable Villa on Eaton Square building comes with one covered garage parking stall. This property is being sold furnished as shown in the pictures. The unit has been tastefully remodeled and upgraded with smooth ceilings a fresh look and feel throughout. The Kitchen has upgraded appliances with Miele front
Best deal PH level unit, MUST SEE! Diamond Head View! Experience luxury living in the heart of Waikiki with this beautifully appointed 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit at Ka Lai. Offering spacious interiors and high-end finishes, this condo boasts an open floor plan with expansive views of the city and ocean. Enjoy the convenience of two full bathrooms, perfect for added privacy and comfort. Whether
NEW $33,000 PRICE rEDUCTION MOTIVATED SELLER SAYS MAKE AN OFFER YOUR BEAUTIFUL OCEAN VIEW ACROSS FEDERAL PARK LAND. Behold your ocean and Fort DeRussey Park view from this excellent condition hi-floor home in this PET FRIENDLY, edge of Waikiki building. Enjoy the craft brewery on
BACK ON THE MARKET AT A NEW PRICE! Don’t miss this one-bedroom, one-bath corner unit with ocean and Diamond Head views at Royal Kuhio. Located on the quieter, cooler side of the building, it’s a perfect blend of peace and stunning scenery. Great for personal use or investment with rental potential. Conveniently near shopping, dining, and more. Enjoy fantastic amenities like a pool, BBQ area,
NEW LISTING!! Live the Waikiki lifestyle in this charming 1 bdrm, 1 bath condo with 1 covered parking at Chateau Waikiki! Stay comfortable with central AC and the convenience of an in-unit washer/dryer. Chateau Waikiki offers fantastic amenities, including a swimming pool, BBQ area perfect for entertaining, fitness center, and more! Located at the entrance to Waikiki, you'll have easy access to
We just finished entire unit renovation! Electricity included. A specious 2bed/2bath/1 prkg & encld lanai and lots of storage space. The 23rd floor and unit is one of the most beautiful diamond head and ocean view unit. This unit is on sale at the same time at $1,111,000 by Hanako Hata.More details for sales info here. https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1110329F65463 The unit is also
Great opportunity to own a luxury condominium, Ritz-Carlton Waikiki. Spectacular ocean and city view from the lanai. Enjoy world-class amenities, such as Pool, Gym, Spa, Restaurant, and wonderful concierge service. The lease term has to be more than one (1) year. Tenant pays GET.
Furnished, Studio/1bath at Island Colony on the 36th Floor. Enjoy beautiful ocean and sunset views from the lanai (309 sq. ft. of living space with 104 sq. ft. lanai.)! Unit is fully furnished with kitchen, TV, Murphy bed. Amenities include swimming pool, bbq areas, laundry facilities and fitness center (additional fee for fitness center access.) Secured building with 24hr security. Parking is
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Lee Kim,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
33,153
Median Age
49
Population Density
66 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,936
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,998
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.5%
College Graduates
46.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
67°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
89/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
91/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
63/ 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.
