Kaka'ako

Honolulu, HI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$637,500–$850,000 (May–June 2025, depending on data source and property type)
Median Home Price
85–90 (Very Walkable; new pedestrian bridge enhances access)[4]
Walkability Score
Public schools are average; private schools highly rated and sought after
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Ala Moana Blvd (south), South St (east), Ward Ave (west), and King St (north). Adjacent to Ala Moana and Downtown Honolulu.

Zip Codes

96814

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos: $600K–$1.7M+ (most sales $600K–$900K); luxury penthouses and new builds can exceed $2M
Price per Sq Ft$868–$995 (up 10.6% YoY)
Inventory LevelsElevated; active condo listings up, sales volume down. Detached home inventory remains tight island-wide, but Kaka'ako is condo-dominated.[1][2][3]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

High-rise condosLuxury penthousesMid-rise apartmentsTownhomes (limited)

Architectural Styles

Contemporary glass towersModern urban loftsMixed-use developments

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesN/A (mostly vertical living; limited townhome/low-rise options)
Home Age RangeNew construction to 20 years old; most built post-2000, with significant new inventory 2015–2025
Construction QualityHigh; many buildings are luxury or premium, with modern amenities and finishes

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, urban, and cosmopolitan. Mix of young professionals, retirees, and international residents. High percentage of singles and couples; some families in larger units.

Community Vibe

Trendy, vibrant, and evolving. Strong arts scene, active nightlife, and a focus on wellness and walkability.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters/retirees
  • Investors (local and international)
  • Urban lifestyle seekers

Family Friendly

Moderate. Some family amenities, but primarily urban/vertical living. Parks and new playgrounds are improving appeal for families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
  • Mother Waldron Park
  • Ala Moana Beach Park (via new bridge)

Dining Options

  • Moku Kitchen
  • Merriman’s
  • Nobu
  • Local breweries and food halls

Shopping Centers

  • Ward Village
  • Salt at Our Kaka'ako
  • Nearby Ala Moana Center

Local Businesses

  • Ward Village shops
  • Salt at Our Kaka'ako
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Art galleries

Education & Schools

Public schools are average; private schools highly rated and sought after
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Royal Elementary
  • Queen Kaʻahumanu Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Central Middle School

High Schools

  • President William McKinley High School

Private Schools

  • Punahou School (nearby)
  • ʻIolani School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • TheBus (multiple lines)
  • Skyline rail (Ala Moana Center station nearby)

Major Roads

  • Ala Moana Blvd
  • Ward Ave
  • King St
  • Kapiolani Blvd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 min to Downtown Honolulu; 15–25 min to Waikiki/Airport
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands, dining, and recreation accessible on foot
ParkingMixed; newer condos offer secure parking, but street parking is limited

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Investors (local and international)
  • Retirees/downsizers
  • Second-home buyers

Key Selling Points

  • New infrastructure (pedestrian bridge)
  • Vibrant urban lifestyle
  • Modern, amenity-rich buildings
  • Walkable to shopping, dining, and beaches

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively given increased inventory and longer DOM; highlight unique features and upgrades to stand out.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High HOA fees

Response Strategy:

Detail included amenities (pool, gym, security, concierge) and compare to single-family home maintenance costs.

Objection: Urban noise and construction

Response Strategy:

Show units with soundproofing, higher floors, or quieter exposures; highlight future completion timelines for major projects.

Objection: Limited parking or guest parking

Response Strategy:

Emphasize secure resident parking, proximity to public transit, and walkability.

Objection: Average public schools

Response Strategy:

Highlight access to top private schools and enrichment programs nearby.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate to high long-term, especially for new luxury towers and mixed-use projects. Short-term softness due to increased supply and longer DOM.[1][3]

Rental Demand

Strong for furnished and luxury rentals; high demand from professionals, expats, and medical staff.

Buyer Competition

Lower than peak years; buyers have more leverage in 2025 due to increased inventory and longer DOM.

Best For

  • Investors seeking rental income
  • Urban professionals
  • Second-home buyers
  • Retirees seeking amenities

Potential Concerns

  • HOA fees can be high
  • Short-term price volatility
  • Urban noise and construction

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay current on new development incentives and inventory

2

Leverage walkability and new infrastructure in marketing

3

Educate buyers on HOA value and urban lifestyle benefits

4

Network with relocation specialists and international agents

5

Highlight rental income potential for investors

6

Stage and photograph units to emphasize light, views, and amenities

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Ala Moana
  • Downtown Honolulu
  • Waikiki

Market Positioning

Kaka'ako is Honolulu’s premier urban-lifestyle neighborhood, appealing to buyers seeking new construction, amenities, and walkability.

Competitive Advantages

  • Newest luxury inventory on Oahu
  • Best walkability outside Waikiki
  • Proximity to both Downtown and Ala Moana Beach

Price Comparison

Priced above Downtown but below luxury beachfront in Waikiki; more affordable than Kahala or Diamond Head single-family homes.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% (typical for luxury condos in 2025)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross annual yield for long-term rentals; higher for furnished or executive rentals
Rental Yields
High (indicative of premium market and strong appreciation expectations)
Price-to-Rent
Neutral to slightly positive for well-priced units; best for long-term appreciation and lifestyle buyers
Cash Flow
Stable to moderate growth over 5–10 years, with short-term volatility possible due to new supply
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing for urban professionals; may be priced out of larger units, but 1-bed condos are accessible. Education on HOA fees and urban living is key.

Move-Up Buyers

Attractive for those upgrading from older condos or seeking more amenities; focus on new towers and larger floor plans.

Downsizers

Ideal for retirees/empty nesters seeking low-maintenance, amenity-rich living close to culture and healthcare.

Investors

Strong rental demand, especially for furnished units; focus on buildings with flexible rental policies and strong management.

Relocators

Popular for mainland and international buyers seeking a turnkey, walkable lifestyle in Honolulu.

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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