Waikiki

Honolulu, HI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$550,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
87 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools are average; private schools nearby are highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Waikiki is bordered by Ala Wai Canal to the north and west, Kapahulu Avenue to the east, and the Pacific Ocean (Waikiki Beach) to the south.

Zip Codes

96815

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos: $350,000–$1.5M+; Single-family homes: rare, typically $1.5M+
Price per Sq Ft$743 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsHigh for condos; inventory up 54% YoY island-wide for condos as of March 2025.[4]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

High-rise condosCo-opsHotel-condosFew single-family homes

Architectural Styles

Modern high-riseMid-century resortContemporary tropical

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesCondos: N/A (shared lots); Single-family: small, rare lots
Home Age Range1960s–2020s (majority 1970s–1990s)
Construction QualityVaries; many buildings have undergone recent renovations, but some older stock may need updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of local residents, seasonal residents, and international buyers. High proportion of retirees, investors, and hospitality workers.

Community Vibe

Vibrant, urban, tourist-centric, energetic, with a strong international influence.

Typical Residents

  • Retirees
  • Investors
  • Second-home owners
  • Young professionals
  • Hospitality workers

Family Friendly

Moderate; more suited to singles, couples, retirees, and investors than families with young children.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Kapiolani Park
  • Waikiki Beach
  • Ala Wai Golf Course
  • Honolulu Zoo

Dining Options

  • Duke's Waikiki
  • Marukame Udon
  • Roy's Waikiki
  • Numerous international and local eateries

Shopping Centers

  • International Market Place
  • Royal Hawaiian Center
  • Waikiki Shopping Plaza

Local Businesses

  • Boutique shops
  • Surf schools
  • Art galleries
  • Convenience stores

Education & Schools

Public schools are average; private schools nearby are highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Jefferson Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Washington Middle School

High Schools

  • Kaimuki High School

Private Schools

  • Iolani School (nearby)
  • Mid-Pacific Institute (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • TheBus (multiple lines)
  • Waikiki Trolley

Major Roads

  • Kalakaua Ave
  • Ala Wai Blvd
  • Kuhio Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to Downtown Honolulu (by car or bus); 30–45 minutes to airport.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands and amenities accessible on foot.
ParkingLimited; most buildings offer paid or assigned parking, but street parking is scarce.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Investors (domestic and international)
  • Second-home buyers
  • Retirees
  • Young professionals

Key Selling Points

  • Proximity to Waikiki Beach
  • Vibrant urban lifestyle
  • Strong rental demand
  • World-class dining and shopping

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to increased inventory and longer days on market; highlight unique features or upgrades.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High HOA fees

Response Strategy:

Break down what fees cover (security, amenities, utilities); compare to similar buildings.

Objection: Older building infrastructure

Response Strategy:

Highlight completed or planned renovations; provide inspection reports.

Objection: Noise and crowds

Response Strategy:

Showcase quieter units, higher floors, or buildings set back from main streets.

Objection: Short-term rental restrictions

Response Strategy:

Clarify current regulations and highlight buildings that allow legal vacation rentals.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; steady long-term appreciation, but slower than other Hawaii regions in 2025.[1]

Rental Demand

Very high for short-term and long-term rentals; strong vacation rental market.

Buyer Competition

Lower than 2024; buyers have more leverage due to increased inventory.[3][4]

Best For

  • Investors
  • Second-home buyers
  • Retirees
  • International buyers

Potential Concerns

  • HOA fees can be high
  • Older buildings may need upgrades
  • Strict short-term rental regulations

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on short-term rental regulations and building-specific rules.

2

Highlight rental income history and potential for each property.

3

Leverage virtual tours and remote closing tools for off-island/international clients.

4

Stage and photograph units to emphasize views, light, and resort lifestyle.

5

Monitor inventory and price reductions to identify negotiation opportunities.

6

Network with building managers for inside track on upcoming listings.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Kakaako
  • Ala Moana
  • Downtown Honolulu

Market Positioning

Waikiki is positioned as Honolulu’s premier urban resort neighborhood, ideal for investors and lifestyle buyers seeking walkability and rental income.

Competitive Advantages

  • Iconic beach access
  • Established tourism infrastructure
  • High walkability

Price Comparison

Waikiki condos are generally more affordable than Kakaako new builds but pricier than older stock in Ala Moana or Makiki.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–5% (varies by building and rental type)
Cap Rates
4%–6% for short-term rentals; 3%–4% for long-term leases
Rental Yields
High (indicative of strong rental demand but also high purchase prices)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed short-term rentals; neutral to slightly positive for long-term rentals after HOA/fees.
Cash Flow
0.5%–1% annual appreciation projected for 2025.[1][3]
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Waikiki is less common for first-timers due to high entry prices and HOA fees, but some smaller condos are accessible.

Move-Up Buyers

Rare, as most properties are condos; buyers seeking more space often look elsewhere.

Downsizers

Ideal for downsizers seeking low-maintenance, walkable lifestyle with amenities.

Investors

Excellent for rental income and appreciation; focus on legal vacation rental buildings.

Relocators

Popular for those seeking urban, beach-centric living; must adjust to density and tourism.

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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