Waianae is one of the most remote towns on O’ahu, roughly 30 miles from Honolulu. It doesn’t get many tourists; it doesn’t have busy department stores; it doesn’t have surfer-packed beaches. That’s largely why almost 15,00 locals call it home. “Most people on our street have been here for 30 years, and you have lots of multigenerational homes where grandparents take care of grandkids. Everybody knows everybody. That’s not something you see often in other parts of O’ahu,” says Marina Tolentino, a Waianae resident since 2016 and a Realtor with eXp Realty since 2020. “It’s family oriented, community based and has tons of aloha. You see it in acts of service. If someone needs something that another person doesn’t have, they’re usually willing to trade.” This small-town atmosphere is present throughout the Waianae Valley. The north side is mostly agricultural land, closest to the Waianae Range. The south has the Pacific Ocean, white sand beaches and local businesses.
Welcome to the perfect life in Waianae.
Experience the joy of beach life at Mä'ili Beach Park in Waianae.
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Big waves at Makaka Beach, panoramic views on Mount Ka’ala
Waianae residents have O’ahu’s iconic recreation without the crowds. Shielded by a breakwater, Poka’i Beach has some of the calmest waves on the western shore, and beginner surfers often practice here. More experienced wave riders can head up the coast to Makaka. Translating to “fierce” in Hawaiian, this beach gets both northern and southern swells, and some say it’s where big wave riding began. Hiking trails are a short drive from the beach, too, since the Waianae Range stretches along the northern side of town. Mount Ka’ala is the largest mountain on the island at roughly 4,000 feet, and it has 360-degree views of the landscape. These mountains also shield the island’s leeward side from eastern winds, resulting in a drier, sunnier climate than the wayward side. Waianae has sun and temperatures in the 70s almost year-round.
Play, connect, and thrive at Makaha Community Park: A hub of togetherness in Waianae.
Waianae's pristine beaches draw surfers and sunbathers alike.
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Homes high and low: neighborhoods in the Waianae Valley
Single-family homes make up most of the market, and many properties have views of the surrounding mountains. In the lowest-lying areas of the Waianae Valley, some subdivisions are closest to the beaches and main highway. Low-rise condos are rare here and aren’t typically waterfront. Other communities are at higher elevations, nearest agricultural land and hiking areas. Many listings are classified as Hawaiian Home Lands, so buyers have to have at least 50% Hawaiian ancestry. These properties are usually leasehold, meaning the resident owns the house but leases the land. Other properties are fee simple — both the home and land are bought outright. Because of this difference, prices vary wildly, and the area’s median sale price is $560,000.
Unique Quonset-Hut-Style homes line the streets of Waianae.
A two-story, Colonial Revival home with a second story balcony in Waianae.
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Waianae Mall and coastal restaurants
Waianae Mall, on the town’s south side, is the main shopping center here. Fast food restaurants, grocers, pharmacies and other services are in this complex, and its parking lot hosts a farmers market on Saturday mornings. Locally owned restaurants are along the coast, and residents usually have a favorite, not-so-well-known spot around town. Waianae doesn’t have much nightlife besides The Beach House, a waterfront grill popular with military personnel.
The warm and welcoming locals add to the charm of the serene coastal Waianae.
Colorful convenience stores dot the streetscapes of Waianae.
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Waianae High, other schools with Hawaii Department of Education
Serving Waianae and the state overall, Hawaii Department of Education operates roughly 10 schools on this leeward side of the island. Niche gives most of them C ratings, including Waianae High. It has the highest enrollment with 1,800 students, and through the school’s academy structure, they can pursue interests ranging from business to natural resources.
Inspiring a love for learning at Adventist Malama Elementary School in Waianae.
Kapolei Middle School serves students in the city of Waianae.
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Crime levels with Honolulu Police Department
The Honolulu Police Department covers Waianae and the rest of the island. They reported roughly 1,850 violent crimes and 18,900 property crimes in 2023 across the entire island. Compared to 2022, offenses decreased by a respective 15% and 30%. Crime numbers for Waianae specifically are not available.
Beach walkability but long commute to Honolulu
Waianae’s beachfront is walkable and bikeable, and TheBus has several routes through town. However, most people need a car here. Stretching along the island’s western shore, the Farrington Highway is the only way in and out of the community, and it can back up with traffic during rush hour. It goes about 10 miles to Naval Air Station Barbers Point and Kalaeloa’s industry. From there, Interstate H-1 goes another 10 miles east to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and another 10 miles to Honolulu. Waianae has roughly a 30-mile commute to the downtown.
Gloria Ezera R(BIC), specializes in helping clients buy and sell homes with confidence. With extensive experience and a strong track record of successful transactions, she brings expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to every deal. Known for her open communication, transparency, and client-focused approach, Gloria ensures a smooth and stress-free real estate experience. Whether assisting sellers, buyers, or investors, she is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process to achieve their real estate goals.
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.
