The Manoa neighborhood is largely a residential area surrounded by gorgeous greenery at the base of the Ko’olau Range. The name Manoa comes from the Hawaiin word for “thick” or “vast,” which is appropriate for the dense rainforest in and around the valley in which the neighborhood is situated.
Manoa is approximately three miles east of Downtown Honolulu and less than a mile from Ala Moana and Waikiki. The neighborhood is bordered by Makiki to the west and St. Louis Heights to the east.
The homes for sale in Manoa are mostly free-standing homes built before the 1960s as well as some low-rise condominium buildings. There are also many student residences in the area due to the location of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The single-family homes found in the area are set on large private lots, ranging from 5,000-15,000 square feet in size.
Much of the real estate in Manoa includes vintage, classical colonial and plantation style homes. These beautiful homes cost an average of $1.3 million, though homes for sale can be found anywhere from $800,000 to $2.4 million or more.
Living In Manoa, Honolulu
The quiet neighborhood of Manoa is the perfect retreat for nature-lovers due to the surrounding greenery and opportunity for hiking and incredible views at the top of the Ko’olau Range.
Several hiking trails of all challenge levels are available to the residents of Manoa that lead to the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve at the top of the valley. This includes the very popular Manoa Falls trail, which starts at the Lyon Arboretum and wanders through the lush rainforest and along the beautiful falls. The trail offers sweeping views overlooking Waikiki and the endless ocean beyond.
The Lyon Arboretum is a collection of botanical gardens managed by the University of Hawaii. The Arboretum consists of a vast artificial lowland tropical rainforest with numerous trails and water features for adventurers to explore.
The Manoa Valley District Park is centrally located in the Manoa neighborhood. This massive ground of green grasses includes a community swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fully stocked gymnasium available to the residents of Manoa.
For all the basic needs and amenities, the Manoa Marketplace has it all. This charming mall has a real small-town feel to it, a sense of community among the shoppers. The Marketplace is made up of a collection of retail and restaurant establishments including a Safeway grocery store, Longs Drug Store, a variety of eateries and bakeries, banks and more.
For further shopping opportunities, residents can venture the five minutes over to the Ala Moana Center. The Ala Moana is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. With a collection of over 350 retailers and restaurants to choose from, the Ala Moana truly has something for everyone. The four floors include four large department stores as anchors as well as a mix of familiar brand names and eclectic boutiques found only in Honolulu.