Hawaii Kai is a planned community located around ten miles east of the vibrant Honolulu. The neighborhood used to be wetlands, but it was reconstructed in the 60s by Henry J. Kaiser. His vision was to create a perfect neighborhood for everyone. Whether you have a young family, you’re retiring, or you’re used to living in the lap of luxury, Hawaii Kai would appeal to you.
Living in Hawaii Kai
The neighborhood is brimming with outdoor activities that allow homeowners to absorb the sunrays, ocean breeze, and the sense of community deriving from neighbors. Koko Marina is a hub of entertainment that features shopping, dining, a park, and basketball space. The Hawaii Kai Golf Course is available to homeowners in the town allowing them to perfect their swings, puts, and follow through. Families can take a day to pace the Koko Crater Botanical Garden or head out to the sandy beaches like at Hanauma Bay. Watersports, activities, and adventures like body surfing, snorkeling, and whale watching are pastimes that can be accomplished in beautiful Hawaii Kai.
Hawaii Kai has become one of the wealthiest communities on Oahu, and many amazing amenities have moved in.
There has been significant growth in the community since it’s inception like Hawaii Kai Towne center; host to numerous dining options and retail stores, and some of the top schools.
Sandy’s Beach and Hanauma Bay are close by to go boating, snorkeling, and surfing, along with areas to go for a hike, walk, or bike ride.
What neighborhoods border Hawaii Kai?
Waimanalo, to the east of Hawaii Kai, is known for its lush greenery, beautiful mountains, and spectacular beaches. Waimanalo Beach, with its turquoise waters and soft, white sand, is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. Agriculture plays a significant role in Waimanalo, and it’s not uncommon to see horses grazing and large tracts of farmland.
Kuliouou, to the west of Hawaii Kai, is another residential area, but with a different atmosphere. Nestled against the Koolau mountains, it’s known for its valley landscapes and serene hiking trails like the Kuliouou Ridge Trail. This neighborhood is less commercially developed compared to Hawaii Kai, offering a quieter lifestyle with easy access to nature.
In comparison to the other two, Kuliouou strikes a balance between the more commercialized Hawaii Kai and the rural Waimanalo. It offers a peaceful residential area with the convenience of city amenities just a short drive away.
Weather
Hawaii Kai, like the rest of Honolulu, typically enjoys a tropical semi-arid climate with warm temperatures year-round. The region gets plenty of sunshine, with a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March). It is recommended to check a reliable weather website or app for the most current conditions.
What does Hawaii Kai mean?
Hawaii Kai refers to a largely residential area located in the City & County of Honolulu, in the East Honolulu CDP on the island of Oahu. Kai is Hawaiian for “sea”. So, Hawaii Kai translates to “Sea of Hawaii”.
Is Hawaii Kai short for Hawaii Kaiser?
Hawaii Kai is not short for Hawaii Kaiser. The name Hawaii Kai comes from a development by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser around the ancient Maunalua fishpond and wetlands area known as Kuapā (meaning “fishpond wall”). He called his development “Hawaii Kai” to denote it was in Hawaii and beside the sea.
Is Kai an island in Hawaii?
No, Kai is not an island in Hawaii. It is an area within the city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Hawaii is composed of eight main islands: Hawai’i, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
What is the old name for Hawaii Kai?
Before it was developed and named Hawaii Kai by Henry J. Kaiser, the area was known as Kuapā, which refers to the ancient Maunalua fishpond and wetlands that were located in the area.
Where to stay in Hawaii Kai?
There are no hotels in Hawaii Kai so if you’re planning to visit or you expect you’ll have your own guests, they’ll likely want to look for lodging in Waikiki. You can look for Hawaii Kai Airbnb or VRBO stays but recent legislation on island has prohibited vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods and limited them 3 Resort Zoned neighborhoods on Oahu that allow for Legal Vacation Rentals.
Are there gyms in Hawaii Kai?
If you’re moving to the area, join a gym! The Oahu Club and F45 provide membership options for more traditional fitness needs when you’re not hiking or paddling.
Is there Public Transportation?
Hawaii Kai is both transit-accessible and great for those who own their own vehicles. It’s located about 20 minutes from Honolulu’s city center with minimal traffic, and TheBus serves the area. The award-winning transit system offers several routes through Hawaii Kai.
How’s the crime in Hawaii Kai?
According to Area Vibes, Hawaii Kai’s crime rate 20% lower than the national average with majority of the offenses categorized as theft and petty crime.
How many people live in Hawaii Kai?
As of the 2010 census, about 30,000.
What is Hawaii Kai known for?
Hawaii Kai is known for a variety of attractions and features:
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: This is a nature preserve and a marine life conservation area with some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.
- Koko Crater Trail: It’s a challenging hike up an old railway to the top of Koko Crater, offering stunning panoramic views of the area.
- Maunalua Bay: This is a popular spot for water activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing.
- Shopping and Dining: Hawaii Kai also has several shopping centers, including the Hawaii Kai Towne Center and Koko Marina Center, which offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and services.
- Luxury Homes and Marina Living: Hawaii Kai is also known for its affluent residential communities, many of which have homes fronting the marina and the ocean.
- Sandy Beach: Located nearby is Sandy Beach, known for its large shore break and popular among bodyboarders and expert surfers.
- Sea Life Park: Just north of Hawaii Kai is Sea Life Park, where visitors can see and interact with a variety of marine life.
Hawaii Kai Real Estate
From hillside communities with sweeping ocean and city views to serene valley neighborhoods tucked between mountains, and from marina-centric areas to stunning seaside homes, each neighborhood offers its unique character and appeal. You’ll find everything from luxurious estates and single-family homes to condos and townhouses, each presenting a distinct taste of island living.
The prices in this diverse market also span a broad spectrum, with condos in Hawaii Kai starting as low as $600k, townhouses from $700k, and single-family homes ranging from around $1 million to over $15 million for grand oceanfront estates. However, these are not just homes, but entry points to a coveted lifestyle, where natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and community spirit are the threads that weave together the tapestry of life in Hawaii Kai.