The Kualoa Beach neighborhood is the western-most community on the Windward side of the island of Oahu. The name "Kualoa" means the "springing forth" or the “making to sprout.” This area is found at the north shore of the Koolau mountain range and it was once a thriving fishing ground before urbanization overtook the land. The past century saw the transformation from rural farmlands into a flourishing residential area (through the 1980s) and more recently, commercial centers have begun to crop up as well. Despite the increasing urbanization, Kualoa remains one of Hawaii's last true neighborhood communities with its own schools, churches and parks. The Kualoa Beach neighborhood stretches west from the town of Waimanalo to the edge of the city of Kaneohe.
As the last neighborhood on the Windward side before the town of Kailua and the single island of Oahu becomes the Koolau mountain range, this area is relatively undeveloped, with farmland covering a large portion of the community and the Pacific Ocean providing the coastline.
Kualoa Beach homes for sale span from beachfront properties to larger acreage parcels and include ocean views as well as serene country settings. Many of the oceanfront homes have been built upon ancient Hawaiian heiau, or temple sites, that draw tourists in droves year round. The highest elevation in the Kualoa area is at Laie Point at 575 feet above sea level. A couple of other points worthy of note are Palikao Point at the western end of the neighborhood and the Kualoa Ranch area on the eastern side. The entire Kualoa area is surrounded by the rest of the Windward coastal communities south to north: Waimanalo, Makaha and Kaiaka Bay (Kaneohe).
There is a fairly even split between single-family homes and townhouses or condos available on the market today. The average listing price falls between $596,340 and $2,174,130, which covers all types of the Kualoa homes found among the real estate listings.
Oceanfront property is the most desired real estate in the Kualoa Beach area and the inventory of oceanfront homes for sale is therefore among some of the most competitive. The listing prices for these coveted homes average just under $3,400,000. The most common types of properties you can find on the market include single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and vacant land parcels.
In terms of the surrounding areas, the median home listing price just outside of the neighborhood is currently $829,900. These sprawling homes are mostly single-family residences surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Living in Kualoa Beach, Honolulu
There are a number of fantastic perks to living in Kualoa Beach! From the well-maintained parklands to the quiet beach area, the accessible shopping and charming selection of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, it's no wonder that Kualoa Beach is such a highly coveted area to call home!
There are many beautiful parklands available to Kualoa Beach residents including Hulopoe Park, the Makaha Recreational Pier State Recreation Area, and the Makapuu Lighthouse State Recreation Area.
Hulopoe Park is one of the more popular parks in Kualoa Beach, Honolulu. It includes amenities such as a play area, free parking, picnic tables and diving platforms. There is a small beach which is accessible via walking paths.
The Makaha Recreational Pier State Recreation Area is known for the jetty extending 1,500 feet into the waters of Kalanianaole Highway (Route 76). It is used as a well-known fishing spot by native Hawaiians and has a history of serving as an important base in activities ranging from smuggling to military defense.
Makapuu Lighthouse State Recreation Area is a state recreation area located in Kualoa Beach, Honolulu. The park features include restrooms, picnic tables and showers. These amenities are available at no charge for day use by visitors to the lighthouse or other areas of the park. There is also a small beach which is accessible via walking paths.
Of course, there is also a beach area to be enjoyed in Kualoa Beach. The small stretch of sand isn't anywhere near as grand as, say, Waikiki Beach, but it also doesn't attract the same crowds of tourists, leaving locals to enjoy the sun and sand in peace. Many residents in Kualoa Beach enjoy fishing from the piers, walking the docks and scenic paths, or picnicking with friends and family.
There are no grand shopping malls in Kualoa Beach such as those found in Downtown Honolulu, but locals do have some choice when it comes to shopping. The Windward Mall is one of the busiest shopping centers in Kualoa Beach. It is recognized for its wide range of amenities including an AMC theater and a large food court. A smaller shopping option is the Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, offering a small selection of stores and restaurants to choose from.
For those looking for an area of Oahu away from the hustle and bustle of the busier Downtown living, Kualoa Beach may just be for you! The quiet setting, natural beauty, and incredible selection of real estate make this area the perfect Hawaii destination to call home!