A beach for everyone
Waimānalo Bay's long sandy shoreline includes Waimānalo Beach Park, Sherwood Forest, and Bellows Field Beach Park, which is open to the public on weekends and holidays.
Oʻahu neighborhood guide · Windward Oʻahu
Living in Waimānalo
One of Oʻahu's longest white-sand beaches, farms and horse country under the Koʻolau cliffs, and a slower, country pace. Here's our honest take on life in Waimānalo.
What it's like to live in Waimānalo
Waimānalo sits between Kailua and Makapuʻu, with the Koʻolau cliffs on one side and turquoise water on the other. It's rural and relaxed, with small farms, roadside stands, and plenty of open space, but Kailua Town is only about 10 minutes away. Homes come up for sale less often than in bigger towns, so it helps to be ready when the right one does.
- Side of the island
- Windward (southeast) Oʻahu
- Vibe
- Country, beachy, close-knit
- Home types
- Mostly single-family homes and farm lots
- Typical prices
- Roughly $1M–$1.7M for houses
- Nearest bases
- MCB Hawaiʻi Kāneʻohe Bay, about 20–25 min
- To downtown
- About 30–35 min off-peak
Waimānalo at a glance
What people love about Waimānalo
Country living
Farms, nurseries, horse properties, and local food stands give Waimānalo a feel you won't find anywhere else this close to town.
Hikes and views
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail and the Koʻolau ridgelines are right here.
Close to Kailua
Kailua Town's shops and restaurants are about 10 minutes away.
Homes and prices in Waimānalo
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 $1M–$1.7M | Beachfront and larger lots run higher. Some listings are leasehold or have special buyer eligibility rules. |
| Agricultural lots | Varies widely | Farm lots come with zoning and use rules, so we'll walk through them with you. |
| Insurance and flood zones | Check early | Homes near the shoreline may need flood insurance. |
Approximate ranges as of fall 2026. Prices change often. See today's Waimānalo listings
Getting around from Waimānalo
Typical drive times. Rush hour on Oʻahu can add a lot, so we'll test-drive your commute with you.
| To | Typical drive | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Kailua Town | About 10–15 min | Kalanianaʻole Hwy |
| MCB Hawaiʻi Kāneʻohe Bay | About 20–25 min | Kalanianaʻole Hwy through Kailua |
| Downtown Honolulu | About 30–35 min off-peak, 50+ min at rush hour | Pali Highway |
| Hawaiʻi Kai | About 15–20 min | Kalanianaʻole Hwy around Makapuʻu |
Military move? See which neighborhoods fit every base in our PCS to Oʻahu guide.
Schools in Waimānalo
Public schools serving Waimānalo include Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate and Blanche Pope Elementary, with Kailua High as the area's public high school. Private and charter options in nearby Kailua are a short drive away.
School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned school for a specific address with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education.
Who Waimānalo is great for
Beach lovers
A long, uncrowded white-sand beach right in town.
Anyone who wants land
Farm lots and bigger yards are more common here than almost anywhere near town.
Windward families
Country living with Kailua's schools and shopping close by.
Neighborhoods within Waimānalo
Beachside
Homes makai of Kalanianaʻole Highway, steps from Waimānalo Bay.
Mauka Waimānalo
Residential streets toward the mountains, with bigger lots and cliff views.
Farm lots
Agricultural parcels with nurseries, orchards, and horse properties.
Search homes for sale in Waimānalo
Live MLS listings, updated daily. Waimānalo is already selected; adjust price, beds, and baths and hit search.
Waimānalo FAQ
Is Waimānalo a good place to live?
For many people, yes. Waimānalo offers a beautiful beach, country living, mountain views, and quick access to Kailua. The trade-offs are fewer homes for sale and a drive over the Pali or around Makapuʻu to town.
How much does a house cost in Waimānalo?
Single-family homes in Waimānalo generally sell from roughly $1 million to $1.7 million, with beachfront homes and large lots going higher. Few homes sell each year, so prices vary. Check current listings for today's numbers.
How long is the commute from Waimānalo to Honolulu?
About 30 to 35 minutes off-peak over the Pali Highway, and often 50 minutes or more at rush hour.
Is Bellows beach open to the public?
Bellows Field Beach Park is generally open to the public on weekends and holidays, and to military families more often. Check current hours before you go.
What should I know before buying in Waimānalo?
Check whether a listing is fee simple or leasehold, whether any buyer eligibility rules apply, the zoning on farm lots, and flood zones near the shore. We look into all of this for every home you consider.
Thinking about Waimānalo?
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.