Hawaii Kai

Honolulu, HI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,175,000 (May 2025, single-family homes)
Median Home Price
55–65 (car-dependent but walkable within marina and shopping areas)
Walkability Score
Public schools in Hawaii Kai are generally rated above average for Oahu; Kaiser High is well-regarded for academics and athletics.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Eastern Honolulu, bordered by Koko Head to the east, Maunalua Bay to the south, Koolau Mountains to the north, and Kalama Valley to the west.

Zip Codes

96825

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos/townhomes: $650,000–$1.2M; Single-family homes: $1M–$3M+
Price per Sq Ft$800–$1,100 (varies by property type and location)
Inventory Levels191 homes for sale in June 2025 (up from 168 in May); notable increases in 3–5+ bedroom inventory[3].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondosLuxury waterfront estates

Architectural Styles

Mid-century modernContemporary HawaiianRanchCustom luxury

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes5,000–10,000 sq ft (larger for waterfront/luxury properties)
Home Age Range1960s–present (many homes updated or rebuilt)
Construction QualityGenerally high, especially in luxury and newer builds; older homes may require updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly upper-middle-class, mix of families, professionals, and retirees; diverse but with a strong local and Asian-American presence.

Community Vibe

Suburban, relaxed, outdoors-oriented, strong sense of community.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Professionals
  • Military personnel

Family Friendly

Highly rated for families due to schools, parks, and safety.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Koko Head District Park
  • Maunalua Bay Beach Park
  • Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
  • Hiking (Koko Crater, Makapu'u)
  • Marina access for boating

Dining Options

  • Roy’s Hawaii Kai
  • Moena Cafe
  • Assaggio
  • Local sushi and poke spots

Shopping Centers

  • Hawaii Kai Towne Center
  • Koko Marina Center

Local Businesses

  • Hawaii Kai Towne Center
  • Costco
  • Local boutiques
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Public schools in Hawaii Kai are generally rated above average for Oahu; Kaiser High is well-regarded for academics and athletics.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Hahaione Elementary
  • Koko Head Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Niu Valley Middle

High Schools

  • Kaiser High

Private Schools

  • Holy Trinity School (nearby)
  • Honolulu Waldorf School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • TheBus routes to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki

Major Roads

  • Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–35 minutes to downtown Honolulu (varies by traffic)
WalkabilityModerate; most errands require a car, but marina and shopping areas are walkable.
ParkingAmple in most residential areas; some condo/townhome complexes have limited guest parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up local families
  • Mainland/overseas buyers
  • Retirees
  • Military/corporate relocators

Key Selling Points

  • Waterfront/marina access
  • Top-rated schools
  • Safety and community vibe
  • Proximity to beaches and hiking

Pricing Considerations

Homes priced at or just below recent comps move fastest; overpricing leads to longer DOM, especially for condos.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High price compared to other Honolulu neighborhoods

Response Strategy:

Emphasize value: larger lots, waterfront access, top schools, and long-term appreciation.

Objection: Distance from downtown/work centers

Response Strategy:

Highlight scenic commute, lower density, and lifestyle benefits; note improved transit options.

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Showcase remodeled properties and discuss renovation potential; connect buyers with local contractors.

Objection: High HOA/maintenance fees in some complexes

Response Strategy:

Break down included amenities (security, marina access, landscaping) and compare to single-family home costs.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid long-term appreciation due to limited land, high desirability, and strong school district.

Rental Demand

Consistently high, especially for waterfront and marina-access properties; popular with military and corporate relocations.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for single-family homes; less intense for condos/townhomes as of mid-2025.

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools and safety
  • Retirees
  • Investors targeting luxury/waterfront rentals

Potential Concerns

  • Aging infrastructure in some areas
  • Flood risk for certain marina-front homes
  • High HOA/maintenance fees for some condos

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage hyperlocal data to set realistic pricing and manage seller expectations.

2

Highlight lifestyle and community amenities in all marketing.

3

Use professional photography and drone footage to showcase waterfront and mountain views.

4

Educate buyers on flood zones and HOA/maintenance structures.

5

Network with relocation specialists and military liaisons for steady buyer pipeline.

6

Monitor inventory shifts closely—adjust strategies for condos vs. single-family homes.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Kailua
  • Kahala
  • Aina Haina

Market Positioning

Premium suburban waterfront community with strong family appeal and lifestyle amenities.

Competitive Advantages

  • Waterfront/marina lifestyle unique to Hawaii Kai
  • More modern infrastructure than Kailua/Aina Haina
  • Generally lower prices than Kahala for similar quality

Price Comparison

Similar to Kailua; below Kahala; above Aina Haina for comparable homes.

Investment Metrics

2.5%–4% (higher for updated condos/townhomes)
Cap Rates
3%–4.5% (marina-front and luxury homes at lower end)
Rental Yields
25–30 (reflects premium market)
Price-to-Rent
Neutral to slightly positive for well-priced condos/townhomes; negative for most luxury homes unless short-term rental permitted.
Cash Flow
3%–5% annualized over next 3–5 years, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high entry price; best options in older condos/townhomes. Education on HOA fees and renovation potential is key.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal for families upgrading for schools, space, and lifestyle. Inventory in 3–5 bedroom homes is improving.

Downsizers

Popular for retirees seeking single-level living, marina access, and low-maintenance condos.

Investors

Focus on updated condos/townhomes for best rental yields; luxury homes for long-term appreciation.

Relocators

Military and corporate relocators value safety, schools, and amenities; virtual tours and remote closing support recommended.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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