Hawai'i Kai

Introduction

Located at the Easternmost point of O'ahu, Hawai'i Kai is a large community spanning from the tips of the mountain ranges all the way to the Pacific Ocean. "Kai" in Hawaiian means "sea", which is a very fitting name for its location.

Hawai'i Kai was at one point home to the state's largest Native Hawaiian fish pond called Kuapa Pond, which spanned 523 acres and was used primarily to raise mullet. This pond was also home to many endemic and indigenous waterbirds. Originally owned by the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, the area eventually transformed due in large part to Henry J. Kaiser, a successful American industrialist and real estate expert. In 1960, the pond was dredged and the development began. Some feel that it is not a coincidence that the name "Hawai'i Kai" also references the first part of Kaiser's name as well.

Today, Hawai'i Kai is home to over 25,000 residents in a beautiful and well-thought-out community. Located on the Southeast side of O'ahu, Hawai'i Kai is located roughly 10 miles from downtown Honolulu, with a commute time ranging anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

The Neighborhood

The suburban feel of Hawai'i Kai with nicely paved sidewalks and a large marina running through the neighborhood is a large draw to those who want to technically be in Honolulu, but not in the middle of a concrete jungle. The feel of this neighborhood is open, airy, and less congested than many other neighborhoods in Honolulu.

Hawai'i Kai spans just over 4 miles long, and in this region alone, there are 10 sub-neighborhood pockets and over 25 townhome or condominium projects. Most of the properties are single-family homes and townhomes, with only a handful of high-rise condominiums. The real estate here sits up in ridges, valleys, on marinas, and in the ocean, resulting in a wide range of pricing. The median home price is around $1.6 million, and it's important to note that this includes both ocean-fronting and marina-fronting homes, which command a substantial premium to be located on the water. The median townhome and condominium price is closer to $800,000. Many of the properties on the marina have their own docks, which is a boat enthusiast's dream. For a single-family home on the marina, you can expect to pay upwards of $800,000+, as compared to a home not on the marina.

Hawai'i Kai is a really great place for outdoor activities, but it's very well known for its ocean sports. With several water outlets from the marina to the ocean, there are so many options for water sports. The marina is calm and protected, which is perfect for wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those who prefer surfing, jet skiing, or fishing, you can also head out to the open ocean. If you don't live on the water, there are a few places offering kayak and paddleboard rentals, and even jetski, fishing, and parasailing tours.

Hawai'i Kai is also home to the very popular Koko Head Stairs Hike, an old railroad track made up of over 1,000 steps that go 1.4 miles up a ridge. At the peak of Koko Head, you are rewarded with panoramic coastline views of East Honolulu.

There are around 8 public parks spread throughout Hawai'i Kai, as well as a dog park and 2 golf courses (including a regular long course and a shorter course). For gym lovers, Hawai'i Kai also has 24-Hour Fitness, Crossfit, F45, and yoga studios as well.

3 separate shopping areas provide solutions to nearly all your daily necessities, including big stores like Costco, Petco, and CVS (or Long's Drugs). There is a gas station, self-storage, hardware store, and even a medical center as well. Not to mention, the Koko Marina Theatres completes your need for a fun weekend without having to travel into town.

Churches and religious centers for various denominations are also spread throughout the neighborhood as well. Perhaps one of Hawai'i Kai's best-known family features is the abundance of schools, with a few pre-schools, 4 elementary schools, a middle school, and a top-ranked International Baccalaureate-accredited high school called Henry J. Kaiser High School.