Manoa

Honolulu, HI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,680,000 (April 2025, +10% YoY)
Median Home Price
65–75 (walkable to schools, parks, shops, but hilly terrain)
Walkability Score
Excellent—Manoa Elementary consistently ranks among the best public schools in Hawaii. Private options are nationally recognized.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Manoa Valley, bordered by Makiki to the west, St. Louis Heights to the east, and Mānoa Stream running through the valley. Main access via East Mānoa Road and Oahu Avenue.

Zip Codes

96822

Market Data Summary

Price Range$1.2M–$3M+ (most homes $1.5M–$2.5M)
Price per Sq Ft$900–$1,200 (varies by lot size, condition, and view)
Inventory LevelsLow—only 14 active listings in April 2025 (down 42% YoY). MRI (months remaining inventory) at 2.5 months, indicating a strong seller's market.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSome small apartment buildings

Architectural Styles

Classic kamaʻāina (plantation)Mid-century modernContemporary renovationsCraftsman bungalows

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes5,000–10,000 sq ft (some larger estate lots)
Home Age Range1920s–1970s (many updated); some new builds and major remodels
Construction QualityGenerally high; many homes well-maintained or recently renovated, but some older properties may need updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Highly educated, professional, and academic population. Many residents affiliated with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Diverse, with strong Asian and Pacific Islander representation.

Community Vibe

Leafy, tranquil, and historic. Emphasis on education, culture, and outdoor living. Pride of ownership is high.

Typical Residents

  • Families with children
  • University faculty/staff
  • Medical professionals
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Very—quiet streets, parks, and top-rated schools attract families. Low turnover and strong community ties.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Manoa Valley District Park
  • Lyon Arboretum
  • Mānoa Falls Trail
  • Community tennis courts and playgrounds

Dining Options

  • Local cafes
  • Asian cuisine
  • Bakeries
  • Farmers market

Shopping Centers

  • Manoa Marketplace
  • Nearby Ala Moana Center (10 min drive)

Local Businesses

  • Morning Glass Coffee
  • Andy’s Sandwiches
  • Manoa Marketplace (grocer, pharmacy, eateries)
  • Local boutiques

Education & Schools

Excellent—Manoa Elementary consistently ranks among the best public schools in Hawaii. Private options are nationally recognized.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Manoa Elementary (top-rated)

Middle Schools

  • Stevenson Middle

High Schools

  • Roosevelt High (public)
  • Mid-Pacific Institute (private, nearby)

Private Schools

  • Mid-Pacific Institute
  • Punahou School (nearby)
  • Maryknoll School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • TheBus routes along East Manoa Rd and Oahu Ave

Major Roads

  • East Manoa Road
  • Oahu Avenue
  • University Avenue

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 min to downtown Honolulu; 5 min to UH campus; 20–25 min to Waikiki/Ala Moana during peak hours.
WalkabilityModerate—walkable to shops and schools, but some steep streets.
ParkingMostly off-street parking; some older homes have carports or garages. Street parking can be tight near schools and parks.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families with school-aged children
  • University faculty/staff
  • Medical professionals
  • Move-up buyers from urban Honolulu

Key Selling Points

  • Top public and private schools
  • Leafy, tranquil valley setting
  • Proximity to UH and downtown
  • Historic homes with character

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to rising but price-sensitive market. Updated homes command premium; dated properties require strategic pricing.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and cost estimates; highlight recent renovations and potential for customization.

Objection: Higher price point compared to other Honolulu neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize school quality, safety, and long-term value retention.

Objection: Flooding risk in some areas of the valley.

Response Strategy:

Disclose flood zones, provide insurance info, and highlight mitigation measures taken by sellers.

Objection: Limited nightlife or urban amenities.

Response Strategy:

Position Manoa as a peaceful retreat with easy access to Waikiki and downtown.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong—historic demand, limited land, and top schools drive long-term value. 10% YoY price growth in 2025.

Rental Demand

Consistently high, especially for university-affiliated tenants and families seeking school access.

Buyer Competition

Moderate—bid-up rate dropped to 23.9%, but low inventory keeps competition steady.

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Families
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require costly updates
  • Flood risk in some areas
  • Limited new construction

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school and community data in marketing materials.

2

Stage homes to highlight family and academic lifestyle.

3

Network with university HR and relocation services for buyer referrals.

4

Educate sellers on realistic pricing and prep for inspection-related negotiations.

5

Monitor flood zone disclosures and proactively address buyer concerns.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Nuuanu
  • Makiki
  • Kaimuki
  • Kahala

Market Positioning

Premium family neighborhood with enduring demand and limited supply.

Competitive Advantages

  • Best public school access
  • Leafy, cooler climate
  • Historic charm and community feel

Price Comparison

Manoa is pricier than Makiki and Nuuanu, but less expensive than Kahala and Diamond Head.

Investment Metrics

2.5%–3.5% (single-family rentals)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
High (reflects owner-occupant demand and school premium)
Price-to-Rent
Generally neutral to slightly negative for new purchases; strong appreciation offsets lower cash flow.
Cash Flow
5%–7% annualized over next 3–5 years, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high entry price, but possible with family assistance or dual incomes. Focus on smaller homes or fixer-uppers.

Move-Up Buyers

Popular choice for families upgrading from condos or smaller homes in town. Seek larger lots and updated interiors.

Downsizers

Some appeal for retirees seeking quiet, walkable living, but limited single-level inventory.

Investors

Stable, low-vacancy rental market. Best for long-term hold and appreciation, not short-term cash flow.

Relocators

Highly attractive for university or medical professionals moving to Honolulu; emphasize ease of commute and community integration.

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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