Beaches with room to breathe
Mākaha, Pōkaʻī Bay, and Mākua are local favorites, and the far end of the coast leads to Kaʻena Point.
Oʻahu neighborhood guide · West Oʻahu
Living on the Waiʻanae Coast
Sunny skies, uncrowded beaches, dramatic valleys, and a deep sense of community. The Waiʻanae Coast is also where you'll find some of the most attainable homes on Oʻahu.
What it's like to live on the Waiʻanae Coast
The Waiʻanae Coast runs from Nānākuli to Mākaha along Farrington Highway, between the Waiʻanae mountains and some of the island's most beautiful beaches. It's the sunniest, driest side of Oʻahu, with a rural feel and strong family and cultural roots. The big trade-off is the drive: Farrington Highway is the main road in and out, so commutes to town take planning.
- Side of the island
- West (leeward) Oʻahu
- Towns
- Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha
- Vibe
- Country, coastal, close-knit
- Home types
- Mostly single-family homes, plus Mākaha condos
- Typical prices
- Roughly $550K–$900K for houses
- To downtown
- About 50 min off-peak, longer at rush hour
Waiʻanae Coast at a glance
What people love about the Waiʻanae Coast
Sunshine almost every day
The leeward coast gets some of the least rain on Oʻahu.
A real community
Families here often go back generations, and neighbors know each other.
Space and value
Bigger lots and lower prices than most of the island, with mountain and ocean views.
Homes and prices on the Waiʻanae Coast
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family homes | Roughly $550K–$900K | Some listings are leasehold or have special buyer eligibility rules, so we check every one. |
| Condos | Roughly $200K–$350K | Mostly in Mākaha, many with ocean or valley views. Review fees and reserves closely. |
| Insurance and flood zones | Check early | Homes near the shoreline may need flood insurance. We'll help you look it up before you offer. |
Approximate ranges as of fall 2026. Prices change often. See today's Waiʻanae Coast listings
Getting around from the Waiʻanae Coast
Typical drive times. Rush hour on Oʻahu can add a lot, so we'll test-drive your commute with you.
| To | Typical drive | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Kapolei | About 20–30 min | Farrington Hwy |
| Pearl Harbor-Hickam | About 40–60 min | Farrington Hwy to H-1 |
| Downtown Honolulu | About 50 min off-peak, 75+ min at rush hour | Farrington Hwy to H-1 |
| Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point | About 25–30 min | Farrington Hwy |
Military move? See which neighborhoods fit every base in our PCS to Oʻahu guide.
Schools on the Waiʻanae Coast
Public schools on the coast include Waiʻanae High, Waiʻanae Intermediate, and Nānākuli High and Intermediate, plus elementary schools such as Mākaha, Waiʻanae, Māʻili, Leihōkū, Nānāikapono, and Nānākuli. Kamaile Academy is a public charter school in Māʻili.
School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned school for a specific address with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education.
Who the Waiʻanae Coast is great for
First-time buyers
Some of the most attainable single-family homes on Oʻahu.
Ocean lovers
Surf, dive, fish, and paddle right outside your door.
Anyone who works from home
Sunshine, space, and views, without a daily drive to town.
Communities on the Waiʻanae Coast
Nānākuli
The first town on the coast, closest to Kapolei.
Māʻili
Long sandy beach and residential streets in the middle of the coast.
Waiʻanae town
Pōkaʻī Bay, the harbor, shops, and the coast's main services.
Mākaha
Famous surf, the valley, and most of the coast's condos.
Search homes for sale on the Waiʻanae Coast
Live MLS listings, updated daily. Waiʻanae is already selected, and the MLS includes Nānākuli, Māʻili, and Mākaha under Waiʻanae. Adjust price, beds, and baths and hit search.
Waiʻanae Coast FAQ
Is the Waiʻanae Coast a good place to live?
For many people, yes. The Waiʻanae Coast offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, a close-knit community, and some of Oʻahu's most attainable homes. The main trade-off is the commute, since Farrington Highway is the main road in and out.
How much does a house cost in Waiʻanae?
Single-family homes on the Waiʻanae Coast generally sell from roughly $550,000 to $900,000, and Mākaha condos often range from about $200,000 to $350,000. Prices change often, so check current listings for today's numbers.
How long is the commute from Waiʻanae to Honolulu?
About 50 minutes off-peak, and often 75 minutes or more at rush hour.
Are there condos on the Waiʻanae Coast?
Yes, mostly in Mākaha, including towers with ocean and valley views. We'll review each building's fees, reserves, and rules with you.
What should I know before buying on the Waiʻanae Coast?
Check whether a listing is fee simple or leasehold, whether any buyer eligibility rules apply, and whether the home is in a flood zone. We look into all of this for every home you consider.
Thinking about the Waiʻanae Coast?
Let's chat. We'll share what the listings don't tell you and help you find the right street, not just the right house.