Oahu homes for sale vary widely in price, from around $500,000 for a small fixer-upper in
Kalihi or
Waianae to more than $20,000,000 for expansive oceanfront properties in
Kahala or
Kailua Beachside. With nearly 40% of Oahu’s population in Honolulu but only 25% of its single-family homes - due to a
high condo presence - the island’s housing reflects diverse ages, developers, and cultural influences, ranging from Plantation Era relics to modern estates.
Regions and Cities- Honolulu
Offers diverse homes: Manoa’s wooden plantation cottages, Hawaii Loa Ridge’s gated luxury estates, Kahala’s modern and vintage mansions, Tantalus’s rainforest settings, Hawaii Kai’s marina-front properties, and Kai Nani’s upscale golf course homes. High prices reflect quality, with new neighborhood development stalling since the 1980s due to land scarcity.
- Kailua
A coastal town across the Pali Highway from Honolulu, featuring Lanikai and Kailua Beach Park. About 70% single-family homes, with low-rise condos; no high-rises expected. Lanikai and Beachside host exclusive beachfront homes ($10M-$20M), blending charm and laid-back living.
- Kaneohe
Windward Oahu’s urban hub, north of Kailua, with an Old Hawaii feel. Homes range from Mahinui and Lilipuna’s bayfront properties to Haiku Plantation’s gated, 1+ acre lots at the Koolau base. Prices typically hit $2M-$3M, occasionally higher.
- North Shore
Country living with winter big-wave surfing. Haleiwa’s tourist-friendly town complements oceanfront neighborhoods like Kawailoa, Sunset, and Waimea, plus rural Pupukea. Homes prioritize nature over city conveniences.
- Kapolei
A growing west Oahu town with new subdivisions, shopping centers, a UH branch, and rail plans. Homes range from $500K-$1M, with some golf course properties up to $1.3M, offering a cheaper alternative to Honolulu.
- Ewa Beach
Expanded in the 1980s-90s and beyond, with affordable homes ($500K-$1M) and newer luxury subdivisions like Ka Makana at Hoakalei and Cypress Point ($1M-$1.3M). Diverse areas include Old Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, and Ewa Gentry.
- Makakilo
Hillside above Kapolei, offering ocean views and cooler breezes. Homes, built from the 1960s upward, include recent DR Horton 3-5 bedroom houses, providing more space than eastern Oahu options.
- Aiea & Pearl City
Hilltop homes with Pearl Harbor views, built post-WWII in the 1950s. Retro wooden homes mix with newer builds higher up; prices range from $500K (needing work) to $1.3M for remodeled larger homes, fostering tight-knit communities.
- Mililani
Mililani Town, started in 1969 and completed over 40 years, offers suburban appeal with large lots, yards, and green spaces, plus two shopping centers (Walmart, Costco). Mililani Mauka, begun in 1991, features newer homes on a cooler plateau, with lots up to 10,000 sq ft and a small Starbucks-anchored strip.
Popular Blog Posts Note: This overview covers key single-family home areas on Oahu, though many other neighborhoods exist beyond this scope.
