Best Places to Live in Honolulu

Are you searching for the best neighborhoods in Honolulu, HI? If you are moving to Honolulu, check out these great places to live in Honolulu. 

Honolulu is one of the best cities to call home in America and is known for its world-famous surf spots and as a center for business, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Offering a unique blend of cultures, art, and activities, this city on the South Shore of Oahu is the most populous city in the state and is recognized as the capital of Hawaii. 

Stretching across the southeastern shores of the Island, Honolulu features beautiful homes for sale, historical landmarks, top-rated dining options, white sandy beaches, and excellent shopping opportunities. Regarded as a sought-after tourist destination, Honolulu is a great place to call home for families and retirees. 

Home to many safe neighborhoods and lively communities, there are many great places to live if you are moving to Honolulu. Whether you are searching for single-family homes for sale near local amenities or condos for sale with beautiful ocean views, there are many great places to live to fit your lifestyle. 

Here are the best neighborhoods in Honolulu

Waikiki 

The vibrant and lively neighborhood of Waikiki is characterized by high-rise hotels and resorts that line the shore. Best known for its popular beach that is frequented by visitors from around the world to surf and swim, Waikiki offers a beautiful backdrop with calm blue waters and warm white sand. 

Legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing in Waikiki and is often referred to as "the father of modern surfing." Today, a statue of Duke is located on Waikiki Beach to honor his legacy, and it has become an iconic symbol of surf culture in Honolulu and the Island of Oahu. 

Surrounded by world-class shopping, delicious restaurants, outdoor activities, and tons of entertainment, living in Waikiki is great for all ages. Offering gorgeous sunsets, live music performed by local artists, and plenty of events that bring the whole community together, Waikiki has made a name for itself as one of the best places to live in Honolulu. 

As a sought-after place to live, Waikiki continues to be a fantastic representation of Hawaiian culture. If you are searching for homes for sale in Waikiki, the median home price is $1,063,745 as of July 2023, and the average price per square foot is $1,311. Most homes spend an average of 164 days on the market. 

Local Favorites: 

Honolulu Zoo: This 42-acre zoo is home to over 1,230 animals and is recognized as the only zoo in the United States that was established by grants made by a sovereign monarch. 

Lolani Palace: Home of Hawaii's last remaining monarchs, this palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua and is now a National Historic Landmark that features tours and exhibits. 

Dukes Waikiki: This iconic seafood restaurant in Waikiki is known for its location on the beachfront, umbrella drinks, surfing atmosphere, and live music on the beach. 

Manoa 

Manoa is a residential community in Honolulu that is known as the home of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Found in a lush valley at the base of the Ko'olau mountain range, Manoa is surrounded by huge palm trees and other native plants and is a beautiful place to live, located just 12 minutes from Downtown Honolulu. 

Providing a relaxed and laid-back way of life, there are more than 10,000 residents that call Manoa home. Featuring beautiful architecture and homes for sale, spectacular views of the mountains, plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, colorful plants and flowers, and rainbows, living in Manoa is truly a tropical paradise. 

Since this is a landlocked neighborhood, most residents tend to love going hiking and can be found at one of the many parks in the area. Home to many young professionals and college students, many residents that live here attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which offers more than 200-degree programs. 

Local Favorites: 

Manoa Falls: Visit this 150-foot waterfall in Honolulu, located 8.5 miles from Waikiki, with hiking trails, an arboretum, and beautiful lush vegetation. 

Manoa Heritage Center: This cultural center in Honolulu is a living classroom that teaches visitors about Hawaiian culture and its natural heritage through workshops, programs, and events. 

Lyon Arboretum: This public botanical garden is part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is home to more than 5,000 exotic plants, walking trails, and different species of singing birds. 

Kaka'ako

As one of the most hip and trendy neighborhoods in Honolulu, Kaka'ako is a growing urban community that is best known for its colorful street art, vibrant food scene, top-of-the-line shopping, and fun entertainment. With a diverse and rich history, this revitalized neighborhood is not only walkable, but it provides plenty of housing options to fit any lifestyle. 

From beautiful single-family homes to high-rise towers, Kaka'ako offers some of the most sought-after real estate in Hawaii. If you are looking for homes for sale in Kaka'ako, the median home price is $1,178,200 as of July 2023, and the average price per square foot is $1,505. 

Not only is Kaka'ako a safe place to live, but it provides excellent views of the ocean and is found only seven minutes from Downtown Honolulu. With a median age of 45, Kaka'ako is considered a younger neighborhood that is home to many young professionals and families. Recognized as a retail and commercial district, there are many local boutiques, department stores, coffee shops, and restaurants found here. 

Local Favorites: 

Kaka'ako Waterfront Park: Also known as "Point Panic Park," this waterfront park south of Downtown Honolulu is a great place for surfing, fishing, walking, and watching the sunset. 

Pitch Sports Bar: This new sports bar in Honolulu is located in the SALT Our Kaka'ako Shopping Center and is known for its great food and drink specials, happy hour deals, and live sports viewing. 

Hana Koa Brewing Company: Enjoy a brewery tour and tasting at this craft brewery in Honolulu that specializes in bold and unique flavors from stouts to IPAs. 

North Shore 

The North Shore in Oahu is a surfer's paradise and welcoming beachside community. Attracting some of the best surfers in the world to the area, the North Shore features towering waves in the winter that are more than 20 feet high and smaller, gentler waves in the summer that are ideal for beginners. 

Hosting multiple world-famous surfing competitions at Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, most residents can be found catching big waves. Featuring over seven miles of sandy beaches, the North Shore includes some of the most pristine and well-preserved sections of coastline in Oahu. 

Local Favorites: 

Kono's Northshore - Honolulu: Enjoy Hawaiian sandwiches, bowls, and slow-roasted pork at this casual, counter-service barbeque restaurant that has been serving the area since 2002. 

Uncle Bo's Haleiwa: Recognized as the second restaurant that opened on the Island of Oahu, this family-friendly establishment serves Asian and American-inspired dishes. 

Haleiwa Beach House: Offering amazing views of the North Shore, this quiet and casual seafood restaurant offers delicious menu options and craft cocktails. 

Kaimuki

Described as an eclectic and quaint neighborhood, the community of Kaimuki is located east of Manoa and eleven minutes from Downtown Honolulu. As one of the oldest communities in Oahu, Kaimuki was once the site of King Kalākaua's ostrich farm, and it has since turned into one of the best places to live in Honolulu. 

Found just a short distance from Waikiki, Kaimuki is home to many local eateries, ice cream shops, coffee shops, boutiques, and other local favorites, including the KCC Farmer's Market. Home to over 51,000 residents with an average age of 46, Kaimuki is a relatively young community that is ideal for young professionals and families. Offering a high safety rating and many beautiful single-family homes to choose from, living in Kaimuki is unlike any other neighborhood in Honolulu. 

Local Favorites: 

KCC Farmers' Market: With more than 80 vendors selling local produce and homemade products, this famous farmers market on the Island of Oahu brings together the whole community on Saturdays. 

Diamond Head Bark Park: Bring your furry friends to this community dog park to run and play with a fenced area for smaller dogs, water fountains, and shaded areas. 

Koko Head Cafe: A great spot for brunch and breakfast favorites, visit this beloved cafe that is owned by celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong. 

Kapahulu

The neighborhood of Kapahulu is found at the eastern end of Waikiki and is within walking distance of many popular amenities. This thriving local neighborhood is home to many boutiques, vintage stores, and fine dining establishments that serve anything from authentic Hawaiian cuisine to gourmet burgers. 

Featuring many fun things to do, this laid-back community is known for its quiet suburban streets, family-friendly public parks, mom-and-pop stores, and vintage charm. If you are searching for homes for sale in Kapahulu, the median home price is $1,649,000 as of July 2023, and the average price per square foot is $1,038. 

Local Favorites: 

Fresh Catch Kapahulu: Enjoy fresh-caught seafood and friendly service for lunch and dinner at this highly-rated restaurant. 

Ono Seafood: This locally owned and operated restaurant serves ahi poke dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. 

Sweet E's Cafe: Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites daily, this cafe in Honolulu is a must-visit with friends and family. 

Kahala

Kahala is an upscale area in Honolulu that offers quiet beaches, a low crime rate, excellent public schools, and top-rated amenities. Recognized as an affluent neighborhood on the Island of Oahu, this residential community is found in a central location with proximity to Downtown Honolulu and Interstate H-1. 

Considered a great place to live for families, Kahala is situated near the ocean and offers stunning views of the water. Home to the iconic Kahala Hotel and Resort, Kahala is not just a great place to live but a fun place to visit since this hotel features afternoon tea, fantastic dining options, a secluded beach, and beautiful rooms. 

As one of the most expensive places to live in Honolulu, Kahala is home to a large selection of luxury real estate and beachfront properties. With a median listing home price of $7,557,875 and an average price per square foot of $1,260, living in Kahala is not a budget-friendly neighborhood. 

Local Favorites: 

Diamond Head Lighthouse: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, this lighthouse is a landmark and United States Coast Guard facility that attracts many visitors. 

Zippy's Kahala: This Hawaiian restaurant is best known for its comfort food, stews, and chili, served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Arancino at The Kahala: Located in The Kahala Hotel and Resort, this Italian restaurant offers a modern take on classic Italian dishes in an open setting with great service. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about the best places to live in Honolulu, HI. 

What is the nicest place to live in Hawaii? 

Some of the best places to live in Hawaii are Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Haleiwa, Pearl City, and Paia. 

Is Honolulu a good place to live? 

Honolulu is a great place to live in Hawaii since it offers amazing views, plenty of outdoor activities, warm weather, and a lively cultural and arts scene. 

What is the nicest place to live in Oahu? 

The Island of Oahu is home to many nice places to live for families, including Honolulu, Kailua, Mililani, and Kapolei. 

What is the safest area in Oahu? 

Oahu offers many safe communities and areas to call home, including Honolulu, Kahala, Hawaii Kai, and Manoa. 

Best Neighborhoods in Honolulu - Final Thoughts

From Waikiki to Kahala, there are many great places to call home in Honolulu that are surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops, and fun things to do. If you are moving to Hawaii and are ready to call Honolulu home, reach out to the realty specialists at UpHomes. Please reach out to us today to kick-start your home search.