Kapalama, often called Palama, comes from the phrase ka pa lama which means “the enclosure of lama wood” due to the endemic ebony trees surrounding the neighborhood that were used in religious ceremonies. The beautiful views surrounding the Kapalama neighborhood include beautiful mountains and valleys as well as the nearby Downtown Honolulu.
Homes for sale in this breathtaking, scenic community range in price from affordable family-oriented homes to large, stately mansions nestled into the rolling hills of Hawaiian terrain. Real estate includes a mix of condominiums, lofts, apartment complexes, and low- to mid-rise apartment complexes. Residents can find a 750-square foot, two-bedroom home for approximately $239,000 up to a stately 4,176-square foot home costing upwards of $2,388,000 as well as everything in between.
The Kapalama neighborhood is bordered by the Kalihi Valley to the north, the Kalihi neighborhood to the west, Downtown Honolulu along with its variety of incredible retail opportunities and diverse dining to the south, and dozens of picturesque walking trails to the east including the Nu’uanu Trail, Pu’u Ohia Trail, Kalawahine Trail, and the Makiki Valley Trail.
Living In Kapalama, Honolulu
Kapalama residents, and potential residents, can enjoy the diverse selection of retailers, local businesses and services, as well as diverse dining opportunities. The Kapalama Shopping Center is a fantastic shopping complex that has been recently renovated and includes a wide variety of businesses, shops, and eateries. Surrounding the mall is a variety of big-box stores along with locally-run unique boutique shops.
If residents of Kapalama can’t find what they’re looking for in the neighborhood, or just want a change of scenery, Downtown Honolulu is under ten minutes away where they can explore even more fantastic options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The Aloha Tower Marketplace is an exciting destination for night owls. The vibrant atmosphere found at the Marketplace is filled with live music performed by local talent over happy hour, continuing late into the night. A variety of popular bars and restaurants as well as exciting activity and entertainment options are also available at this thriving venue.
Kapalama is filled with several gorgeous parks and gardens. The Na Pueo Park and Pu’unui Community Park are among dozens of beautifully maintained public access parklands featuring tranquil walking paths, babbling brooks, open spaces for sports, and children’s playgrounds. The Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden is 7.5 acres of beautiful flora given to the city by Queen Lili’uokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. Found in this stunning area is the Nu’uanu Stream and the Waikahulu Waterfall, providing picturesque scenes for visitors.
The Oahu Country Club was designed by William Bell. This incredible golf course is often called the “Grand Dame” of Hawaii. The 18-hole golf course is an award-winning course consisting of a wide variety of challenging obstacles. The stunning views that the course overlooks includes Downtown Honolulu, sweeping valleys, and the surrounding mountains. The Club is also host of the Moana Cup Championship, the oldest continuous tournament in the state, offering the winner the most coveted and prestigious titles.