O‘ahu’s Great Neighborhoods: Hawai‘i Kai

O‘ahu’s Great Neighborhoods

Kaimukī  | Mililani | Kāne‘ohe | Kaka‘ako | Lē‘ahi | Kapolei/Makakilo | Hawai‘i Kai 

O‘ahu is full of notable neighborhoods, each with its own character. Some are havens for urban singles and couples, others for young and growing families. Hot spots for foodies, emerging local businesses, retro charm, outdoor activities, nightlife: Here are seven of our favorites.

The name “Hawai‘i Kai” isn’t an ode to the ocean or some other island waterway. Instead, it was named for and by its controversial developer, Henry J. Kaiser, a real estate tycoon and industrialist who also built the Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel, later known as the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Here’s how Time magazine described O‘ahu’s first planned community in 1960: “Last week Kaiser showed off the first houses in his most ambitious project: Hawai‘i Kai, a projected $350 million dream city on the eastern end of O‘ahu Island, to be built on 6,000 acres between picturesque Maunalua Bay and Kuapa Fishpond.”

Hawai‘i Kai. Photo: Anthony Consillio

And for people seeking a scenic, coastal lifestyle, Hawai‘i Kai has over the years become the “dream city” that Kaiser envisioned.

It’s minutes away from world-class bodysurfing beaches—Awāwamalu (Sandy Beach) and Makapu‘u—and one of the few places on O‘ahu where you can Jet Ski off Maunalua Bay Beach Park. Both residents and visitors head to the pristine marine ecosystem of Hanauma Bay, one of the island’s optimal spots for snorkeling. And no matter the swell conditions, keiki can splash around in the tide pools at nearby Baby Makapu‘u or in the calm shallow waters around Portlock. The unobstructed view of Lē‘ahi is just another perk, along with the gorgeous sunsets seen from Koko Kai Mini Beach Park and China Walls.

Hawai‘i Kai’s coastal vibe is decidedly different from that of beachier communities like Lanikai and Hale‘iwa. Along with barefoot surfers, boards in hand, the area is also a hot spot for boat enthusiasts. In fact, boat life and the marina are at the heart of this community, and several residents along its roughly 300 acres of waterways have their watercraft docked right in back of their houses, townhomes and condominiums. One of the most beloved community events is the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, with boats decked out in themes and spectacular lights.

Hawai‘i Kai boat harbor shot from Koko Marina. Photo: Anthony Consillio

Boaters can also dock at any of the three town centers—Koko Marina Center, Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center and Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center—and enjoy a meal at a waterfront dining spot.

As you drive through the neighborhood, you’ll see plenty of colorful kayaks and paddleboards. And canoe paddlers are here, too: Maunalua Bay is home to the Hui Nalu Canoe Club, founded by legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, William “Knute” Cottrell and Kenneth Winter in 1908.

As residents of the nearby Kuli‘ou‘ou neighborhood, my family and I are lucky to call this larger East O‘ahu community home. Our kids go to Hawai‘i Kai schools, and on most afternoons around sunset, you’ll find us (and our dog) wading in the pet- and keiki-friendly waters at Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park. My husband impatiently waits for the perfect conditions so he can surf Portlock Point, and he regularly gets smashed by the waves at Sandy’s and Makapu‘u.

We were hesitant to leave our former neighborhood, Kapahulu, with its proximity to Waikīkī and Diamond Head, but as beach-loving parents of young kids, Hawai‘i Kai is definitely the slice of suburban paradise that we now know we needed.

Population: 28,398
Housing Units: 11,410
Median Household Income: $128,079

Source: Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting Neighborhood Profiles

 

Favorite Waterfront Eateries
Kona Brewing Co.
Liko’s Tap and Table
Island Brew Coffeehouse
Māla Market

Favorite Places in Hawai‘i Kai: