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Punalu’u is a rural community located in the Ko’olauloa District of Honolulu, Oahu. The name Punalu’u comes from the Hawaiian meaning “coral dived for” referring to the fringe of coral reef extending off the shoreline. There is a small commercial center in the middle of the neighborhood, but mostly the area is made up of residences.
The boundaries of the neighborhood are made up by the Kahana Bay to the south and Hau’ula to the south along Kamehameha Hway (State Route 88). The east is nothing but endless, beautiful ocean water and to the west is mountainous terrain covered in lush rainforests, making for some beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of the small neighborhood and vast waters beyond.
Punalu’u is a tight-knit community, far from the hustle and bustle of busier areas on the island, such as Downtown Honolulu. The homes for sale are primarily free-standing country homes mixed with a few newer condominium developments including a high-rise residential building at Haleaha Beach and Kaluanui Beach.
Real estate in Punalu’u averages approximately $314,500, making it one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Honolulu. Homes can be anywhere from a 358-square foot studio condo priced at $89,900 to a $1,348,800 free-standing home consisting of four bedrooms and is 2,392 square feet in size.
Living In Punalu'u, Hauula
Although Punalu’u only has a few commercial buildings providing access to a grocery store and some small businesses, residents needn’t worry about accessing all the basic needs and amenities needed for daily living. If they can’t find what they are looking for in Punalu’u, they can drive along Kamehameha Hwy to the neighboring towns, including Laie, which is under ten minutes from the neighborhood, and fully stocked with a variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Punalu’u is known for its main beach, Punalu’u Beach and Park. This beautiful black sand beach is a popular fishing destination, known by the locals to have an excellent source of octopus. The waters are shallow and covered in reef, so the conditions are poor for swimming, though when the ocean is calm, the snorkelling opportunities are incredible. Snorkellers can get a chance to examine the intricate reefs lining the shores of Punalu’u Beach. The beach is also a fantastic spot for sightings of the endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles, who consistently bask in the sun right on the beach.
There are several other beaches along the Punalu’u neighborhood as well, including the Haleaha Beach and the Kaluanui Beach.
For hiking enthusiasts, locals can venture south about six minutes to the Crouching Lion Hike. This steep climb has two paths, a challenging path and a more laid back, wooded path. For those who love a challenge, the first path is a steep trail, often slippery due to all the rain, and may cause you to get down in the dirt a little. But if you can make it to the top, the views are absolutely breathtaking and worth every puff of breath it took to get up there!