Everything close by
Ala Moana Center, Kakaʻako's restaurants, downtown offices, and the beach, often within a short drive or walk.
Oʻahu neighborhood guide · South Shore, Oʻahu
Living in Honolulu
City energy, ocean views, and everything within a few minutes. From Waikīkī and Kakaʻako to Makiki and Mānoa, here's what living in town is really like.
What it's like to live in Honolulu
Living in town means short drives (or walks) to work, beaches, restaurants, and shopping. Most homes are condos, ranging from older Waikīkī and Makiki buildings to brand-new Kakaʻako towers. The valley neighborhoods like Mānoa and Kaimukī offer single-family homes at a higher price point. Condo buying here has its own rules, like leasehold land and association finances, so local guidance matters.
- Area
- Urban Honolulu, Oʻahu's south shore
- Vibe
- Walkable, urban, close to everything
- Home types
- Mostly condos, plus homes in the valleys
- Typical prices
- Condos from roughly $350K to $1M+
- Nearest bases
- Fort Shafter and Tripler, about 15–20 min
- To downtown
- You're already here
Honolulu at a glance
What people love about Honolulu
Ocean and mountain views
Many condos look out over Waikīkī, Diamond Head, or the Koʻolau mountains.
Lots of options
From starter condos to luxury towers, town has the widest range of homes on Oʻahu.
Short commutes
Living in town skips most of Oʻahu's notorious rush-hour drives.
Homes and prices in Honolulu
General ranges to help you plan. Every home is different, so we'll pull exact, up-to-date numbers for the homes you like.
| Home type | Typical range | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Condos | Roughly $350K–$1M+ | Older Waikīkī and Makiki buildings start lower. Newer Kakaʻako towers run higher. |
| Single-family homes | Roughly $1.2M and up | Found in valley neighborhoods like Mānoa, Kaimukī, and Makiki Heights. |
| Leasehold | More common in older condos | Leasehold units cost less up front, but you don't own the land. We flag every one. |
| Maintenance fees | Varies widely | We review each building's fees, reserves, and any planned projects before you buy. |
Approximate ranges as of fall 2026. Prices change often. See today's Honolulu listings
Getting around from Honolulu
Typical drive times. Rush hour on Oʻahu can add a lot, so we'll test-drive your commute with you.
| To | Typical drive | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Honolulu | About 5–15 min | Surface streets / H-1 |
| Fort Shafter and Tripler | About 15–20 min | H-1 / Moanalua Fwy |
| Pearl Harbor-Hickam | About 20–30 min | H-1 / Nimitz Hwy |
| Camp H.M. Smith | About 20–25 min | H-1 / Moanalua Fwy |
Military move? See which neighborhoods fit every base in our PCS to Oʻahu guide.
Schools in Honolulu
Public high schools serving town include McKinley, Roosevelt, Kaimukī, and Kalani, depending on the neighborhood. Honolulu is also home to well-known private schools such as Punahou, ʻIolani, Mid-Pacific, and Saint Louis.
School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned school for a specific address with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education.
Who Honolulu is great for
First-time buyers
Condos make town one of the most attainable ways to own on Oʻahu.
City lovers
Walkable neighborhoods, dining, and culture right outside your door.
Investors and second-home buyers
Strong rental demand and a wide range of buildings to choose from.
Neighborhoods within Honolulu
Waikīkī
Beachfront city living, from older studios to luxury high-rises.
Kakaʻako
Newer towers, parks, murals, and some of the island's best restaurants.
Ala Moana
Right by Ala Moana Center and Beach Park, with lots of condo choices.
Makiki
Central and residential, with many affordable older condos.
Mānoa and Kaimukī
Leafy valley and neighborhood living with single-family homes.
Search homes for sale in Honolulu
Live MLS listings, updated daily. Honolulu is already selected; adjust price, beds, and baths and hit search.
Honolulu FAQ
Is it better to buy a condo or a house in Honolulu?
Most homes in town are condos, which are the most affordable way to live close to everything. Single-family homes are mainly in valley neighborhoods like Mānoa and Kaimukī and cost more. It depends on your budget, space needs, and lifestyle.
What does leasehold mean for Honolulu condos?
In a leasehold condo, you own the unit but lease the land for a set term. Leasehold units often cost less up front, but financing, resale, and the lease terms all matter. We flag leasehold on every listing and explain the details.
How much does a condo cost in Honolulu?
Condos in town range widely, from roughly $350,000 in some older buildings to $1 million or more in newer towers. Prices change often, so check current listings for today's numbers.
What should I check before buying a Honolulu condo?
Look at the monthly maintenance fee, the building's reserves, any special assessments or upcoming projects, pet and rental rules, and whether it's fee simple or leasehold. We review all of this with you.
Which Honolulu neighborhoods are close to military bases?
Town is close to Fort Shafter, Tripler Army Medical Center, and Camp H.M. Smith, and about 20 to 30 minutes from Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Thinking about Honolulu?
Let's talk story. We'll share what the listings don't tell you and help you find the right street, not just the right house.
Dedicated guidance for first-time buyers, luxury homes, military families, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
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Information considered reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity applies. Listings are subject to change or prior sale. The O Team and its brokers disclaim liability for errors.
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