The “Big Pineapple,” Honolulu, HI, is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and rich cultural heritage. With a one-of-a-kind blend of natural beauty and urban excitement, Honolulu draws residents with its laid-back island lifestyle and warm tropical climate.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling downtown area or a quiet residential neighborhood to rent an apartment in Honolulu, the city has something for everyone. For example, the average rent in Honolulu is $2,200, while the median sale price is $553,500.
From the trendy Ala Moana-Kakaako district to the historic charm of Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights, each neighborhood in Honolulu has its own distinct character and appeal. So, if you’re considering making this island paradise your home, find out 10 popular Honolulu neighborhoods to find the perfect place to live.
1. Ala Moana-Kakaako
Ala Moana-Kakaako comprises the Ala Moana and Kakaao neighborhoods. Both areas are known for their vibrant urban atmosphere. This neighborhood is home to Ala Moana Center, one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world, as well as beautiful beaches and parks. Some major attractions in Ala Moana-Kakaako include the Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island, and the Hawaii Convention Center.
Ala Moana-Kakaako offers a mix of housing types, including high-rise condos and luxury apartments, in styles ranging from modern and contemporary to traditional Hawaiian designs.
Median Sale Price: $785,000
Homes for Sale in Ala Moana-Kakaako | Apartments for Rent in Ala Moana-Kakaako
2. Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights
Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights is a picturesque neighborhood located east of downtown. It’s famous for its iconic Diamond Head crater, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of beachfront sights to explore, like Kaimana Beach, Mākālei Beach Park, and Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain. This neighborhood also has popular attractions like Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and the Waikiki Aquarium. The housing types in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights range from single-family homes to luxury estates.
Median Sale Price: $1,732,500
Homes for Sale in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights | Apartments for Rent in Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights
3. Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is the bustling heart of the city. It’s home to many historic landmarks, including the Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, the King Kamehameha Statue, and the Aloha Tower. This neighborhood offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists. You can also enjoy the oceanfront views from Kakaʻako Waterfront Park ,where you’ll find walking paths, an amphitheater, and fishing spots.
Downtown Honolulu features a variety of housing options, including high-rise condos and historic townhouses in styles like Colonial and Victorian to modern and contemporary.
Median Sale Price: $435,000
Homes for Sale in Downtown Honolulu | Apartments for Rent in Downtown Honolulu
4. Kaimuki
Kaimuki is a charming neighborhood located just north of Diamond Head. It has an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and local businesses. This neighborhood is also home to the famous KCC Farmers Market on the Kapiolani Community College campus, where residents can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Kaimuki offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments, varying from classic Hawaiian farmhouses to modern designs.
Median Sale Price: $1,225,000
Homes for Sale in Kaimuki | Apartments for Rent in Kaimuki
5. Kalihi-Palama
Kalihi-Palama has a rich cultural heritage and plenty of historic sites, such as the Palama Settlement, the Bishop Museum, and the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. You can also find plenty of local shops and restaurants located throughout this neighborhood. Kalihi-Palama features a range of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $391,000
Homes for Sale in Kalihi-Palama | Apartments for Rent in Kalihi-Palama
6. Makiki-Lower-Punchbowl-Tantalus
Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus is a scenic neighborhood located north of downtown Honolulu. It is known for its lush greenery, hiking trails, like Makiki Valley Trail, and panoramic views of the city from Tantalus Lookout. This neighborhood is also home to sites like HOMA (Honolulu Museum of Art) and The Liljestrand House. Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus offers a mix of housing options, including mid-century modern single-family homes and contemporary condos.
Median Sale Price: $380,000
Homes for Sale in Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus | Apartments for Rent in Makiki-Lower Punchbowl-Tantalus
7. Manoa
Manoa is a lush and picturesque neighborhood, home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Manoa Falls hiking trail and the Lyon Arboretum. Manoa offers many housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses, ranging from classic Hawaiian designs to modern and contemporary.
Median Sale Price: $1,300,000
Homes for Sale in Manoa | Apartments for Rent in Manoa
8. McCully-Moiliili
McCully-Moiliili is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located east of downtown. It’s known for its central location and its proximity to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can also explore the Ala Wai Community Park located along the Ala Wai Community Park. McCully-Moiliili features a range of housing options, including apartments and condos.
Median Sale Price: $493,000
Homes for Sale in McCully-Moiliili | Apartments for Rent in McCully-Moiliili
9. Nuuanu-Punchbowl
Nuuanu-Punchbowl is a historic neighborhood located in Honolulu and is known for its charming residential streets, historic homes, and panoramic views of the city. This neighborhood is home to the popular Nuuanu Pali Lookout, which offers breathtaking views of the Oahu coastline. You can also take a walking tour of the Punchbowl Crater to check out the extinct volcano.
The homes in Nuuanu-Punchbowl range from classic Victorian homes to mid-century modern properties. With its rich history and stunning vistas, Nuuanu-Punchbowl is a neighborhood that combines old-world charm with modern conveniences.
Median Sale Price: $775,000
Homes for Sale in Nuuanu-Punchbowl | Apartments for Rent in Nuuanu-Punchbowl
10. Palolo
Palolo is a charming neighborhood located north of Diamond Head, along the Ka’au Crater. It’s known for its lush greenery, quiet streets, community-feeling, and plenty of natural areas like Waimānalo Forest Reserve and the Kaʻau Crater Trail. This neighborhood offers residential and agricultural areas, with many residents growing fruits and vegetables. Palolo features a range of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $1,180,000
Homes for Sale in Palolo | Apartments for Rent in Palolo
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during October 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during October 2023.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.