In the Hawaiian language, “wai” means water and “pahu” means bursting — which makes Waipahu a fitting name for this spring-fed, exceedingly verdant community. “It was originally used as a playground for royal families with its ponds and pools," says Victor Lo, a tour guide with Hawaii Free Tours. "In the 1890s the sugar plantations came, and the last one closed its fields in the 1990s.” Immigrants from Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines and Portugal moved to Waipahu over the decades to work the plantations. Many stayed, starting families and putting down roots. Today, Waipahu is a blend of residential and industrial areas, with an older feel, and it has not seen the same level of development as Honolulu, 14 miles southeast, and nearby Ewa Beach.
Enjoy the scenic views and a game of golf in Waipahu.
Waipahu is home to a diverse population, reflecting Hawaii's multiculturalism.
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Pitched roofs and boxy shapes evoke Old Hawaii
Single-family homes built between the 1960s and the early 2000s are found throughout Waipahu’s many residential subdivisions. With their pitched roofs and boxy shapes, they evoke the early 20th-century plantation-era homes once common on the sugar plantations here. Spacious multi-generational homes with five or more bedrooms are also commonly seen. Newer homes often have enclosed garages, modern appliances and spacious yards. Prices range from $740,000 for a three-bedroom rancher to $1.3 million for a five-bedroom two-story house on a cul-de-sac. Most condominiums are located south of the H-1 Freeway, which cuts east-west through Waipahu. Townhomes cluster in the northeast. Prices for condos and townhomes run from $315,000 to $755,000. Overall, homes in Waipahu tend to cost less per square foot than those in the more developed surrounding communities.
Colorful homes are a frequent sight in the Waipahu neighborhood.
Waiting on the Skyline Train
Waipahu is centrally located between Honolulu to the southeast and Ewa Beach and Nankuli to the west. The H-1 Freeway connects with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and eventually Honolulu. Traffic to Honolulu can be heavy and may play into Waipahu’s lack of development. “Traffic is pretty bad,” says Lo. “It takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on when you leave.” Traffic may lessen once the Skyline rail system between Waipahu and Honolulu is completed, potentially in 2025.
Known for its rich history in plantation heritage, Waipahu is steeped in cultural significance.
Dig into Filipino fare at Elena’s and Thelma’s
Local cuisine reflects Waipahu’s multicultural heritage, and Filipino restaurants are a standout. Two that Lo recommends are Elena’s Home of Finest Filipino Foods, a 40-year favorite which scored a visit by Guy Fieri, and the low-key and well-loved Thelma’s. Another favorite is Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering. “Tanioka's is known for poke and local Asian-fusion style food,” Lo says. Retail bargains are close-at-hand at Waikele Premium Outlets, an open-air mall with more than 55 retail stores, including Kate Spade, Saks Off 5th and Tory Burch. Waikele Shopping Center is home to a Safeway supermarket.
Stop by Elena's for some of the best Filipino food on the island.
Enjoy a warm meal at Highway Inn in Waipahu.
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Green spaces are abundant in Waipahu
Named for the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress, the expansive Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park is a local hub with its playground, picnic tables and off-leash dog park. The 269-acre park also hosts large-scale sporting events at its aquatic center and across its many baseball and softball fields. Just south, golfers hit the links at Waikele Country Club, a public 18-hole course with views of Pearl Harbor. There’s no playground at the Bill Balfour, Jr. District Park, one of several parks south of the H-1, but locals can play pickleball, tennis and basketball or simply chill with their dog on the lawn. Pretty Ewa Beach is 7 miles away.
Waipahu offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Residential areas in Waipahu feature well-maintained streets and sidewalks, perfect for walking.
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Freshmen at Waipahu High enroll in a themed academy matching their interests
Students at Waipahu Elementary School wear a uniform every day but Wednesday, when personal expression is allowed — within school guidelines, of course. Niche.com awards the school a B+. Waipahu Intermediate earns a grade of B-. Freshmen at Waipahu High pick one of six career-focused academies to guide their coursework. Hydroponic and aquaponic growing spaces in the new Integrated Academy of Learning Center double as classrooms for students interested in farming and culinary services.
Mr. Paikai brings with him over 40 years of real estate experience spanning across a wide spread of clients. In his illustrious career, Mr. Paikai has represented millions of dollars of real estate transactions, and also serves as a consultant in marketing and developing residential condominiums, with representation including some of Hawaii’s most important development projects. He currently oversees a staff of five agents, and also has a passion for philanthropy and community involvement, founding two non-profit organizations, as well as serving on the Honolulu Board of Realtors as its President. Mr. Paikai’s goal and passion is to “create wealth through real estate” for his clientele and staff.
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