Kaimuki

Honolulu, HI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,308,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
74 (Very walkable for Honolulu; most errands can be accomplished on foot)
Walkability Score
Generally above average for Honolulu; Waialae Elementary and Liholiho Elementary are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Waialae Avenue to the south, Kapiolani Community College and Diamond Head to the east, Palolo Valley to the north, and Kapahulu Avenue to the west.

Zip Codes

96816

Market Data Summary

Price Range$1,100,000 to $1,600,000+ for most single-family homes; some larger or renovated homes exceed $1.7M
Price per Sq Ft$739 (June 2025)
Inventory Levels40 homes for sale in June 2025 (up 25% from May); 29 active listings as of April 2025; months of remaining inventory (MRI) at 2.7 months.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSome small apartment buildings

Architectural Styles

Plantation-styleMid-century modernContemporary infillClassic Hawaiian bungalows

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes3,000 to 7,500 sq ft (many smaller urban lots, some larger parcels on hillside)
Home Age Range1920s–1970s (many original homes), with renovations and new builds in the last 10–20 years
Construction QualityMix of well-maintained vintage homes, updated remodels, and new construction; quality varies by property.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of long-time local families, young professionals, and multi-generational households; strong Asian and Pacific Islander presence.

Community Vibe

Eclectic, vibrant, and laid-back; known for its local businesses, food scene, and community pride.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Yes—good schools, parks, and a safe, walkable environment attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Kaimuki Community Park
  • Pu'u o Kaimuki Mini Park
  • Nearby Diamond Head hiking

Dining Options

  • Mud Hen Water
  • Town
  • Koko Head Cafe
  • Via Gelato

Shopping Centers

  • Kaimuki Shopping Center
  • Waialae Avenue retail corridor

Local Businesses

  • Coffee Talk
  • Kaimuki Superette
  • Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
  • Kaimuki Dry Goods

Education & Schools

Generally above average for Honolulu; Waialae Elementary and Liholiho Elementary are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Liholiho Elementary
  • Waialae Elementary Public Charter

Middle Schools

  • Kaimuki Middle School

High Schools

  • Kaimuki High School

Private Schools

  • Sacred Hearts Academy
  • St. Louis School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • TheBus routes along Waialae Ave and Kapiolani Blvd

Major Roads

  • Waialae Avenue
  • Kapiolani Boulevard
  • H-1 Freeway access nearby

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to Downtown Honolulu (non-peak); 20–35 minutes during rush hour.
WalkabilityHigh for Honolulu; many amenities within walking distance.
ParkingStreet parking can be limited, especially near Waialae Ave; most homes have driveways or carports.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young families
  • Move-up buyers from condos
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation
  • Relocators from mainland US

Key Selling Points

  • Central location with easy access to town and beaches
  • Eclectic dining and shopping
  • Strong sense of community
  • Historic charm with modern updates

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively but avoid overpricing; buyers are value-conscious and sensitive to condition and updates.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need significant repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and offer renovation credits if needed.

Objection: Limited parking or small lot sizes.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, proximity to transit, and potential for ADUs or carport expansions.

Objection: Higher price per square foot compared to some other neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Focus on lifestyle benefits, central location, and long-term appreciation.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong long-term appreciation due to central location, limited inventory, and neighborhood desirability.

Rental Demand

High—proximity to UH Manoa, hospitals, and downtown attracts renters.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high; multiple offers common on well-priced homes, though bid-up rates have softened to 30.8%.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking community vibe
  • Long-term investors
  • Families wanting good schools

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may need updates
  • Limited parking for some properties

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on the value of location and walkability in Kaimuki.

2

Prepare for multiple-offer scenarios on well-priced homes.

3

Highlight recent sales and market momentum to justify pricing.

4

Advise sellers to invest in minor updates and staging to maximize appeal.

5

Stay informed on upcoming zoning or infrastructure changes that may impact values.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Kapahulu
  • Manoa
  • Kahala
  • Wilhelmina Rise

Market Positioning

Eclectic, walkable, and community-focused alternative to luxury or suburban markets.

Competitive Advantages

  • Better walkability and food scene than Kahala or Manoa
  • More affordable than Kahala, more central than Hawaii Kai

Price Comparison

Kaimuki is less expensive than Kahala ($2.4M median), more than Pearl City-Aiea ($1.08M median), and similar to other East Honolulu neighborhoods.

Investment Metrics

2.8%–3.5% for long-term rentals (2025 estimates)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross annual yield typical for single-family homes
Rental Yields
High (indicative of strong owner-occupant demand, but stable rental market)
Price-to-Rent
Generally neutral to slightly negative for new purchases unless significant down payment; strong appreciation offsets lower cash flow.
Cash Flow
2%–4% annual appreciation expected over next 3–5 years barring economic shocks.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face affordability challenges but benefit from walkability and community; focus on smaller homes or fixer-uppers.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger homes, good schools, and central location; often moving from condos or smaller neighborhoods.

Downsizers

Value single-level homes and proximity to amenities; limited supply of smaller, low-maintenance homes.

Investors

Target long-term appreciation and stable rental demand; focus on well-located, updated properties.

Relocators

Drawn by lifestyle, food scene, and access to town; may need education on micro-market differences.

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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