About Makaha, Honolulu, Real Estate
Makaha is a small coastal neighborhood nestled at the foothills of the Waianae Mountains, particularly the base of Mount Ka’ala, the highest point on the island of Oahu. Though Makaha is located 35 miles from the city of Honolulu, it’s still a part of Honolulu County.
The name Makaha comes from the Hawaiian word for “fierce” or “savage.” This refers to the bandits that used to populate the area, waiting in the foothills of the mountains for unsuspecting travellers that they could attack and rob. Of course, the area has long lost this problem and is a fantastic place to call home.
The residents of Makaha occupy primarily small (studio to one-bedroom) and medium (three- or four-bedroom) single-family, detached homes as well as a few small apartment buildings. This affordable neighborhood has an average real estate cost of $393,000. Many of the homes in this area were built in the 1980s and earlier, not a lot of modern homes have been built in the last decade.
The locals of Makaha are used to the quiet and peaceful neighborhood, far from the more hectic and tourist-laden regions of the island. Though the main beach, Makaha Beach, is a local hotspot and popular destination for visitors, most of the area is tucked away at the bottom of the mountains, providing a private and peaceful atmosphere for residents.
Living In Makaha, Honolulu
Though the residents of Makaha live in a private area, enjoying the quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of big-city living, that does mean that access to shopping and dining options are quite limited. The neighborhood is home to only one supermarket and a few small restaurants. For more variety of food and retail, locals use one of the major roadways to drive to one of the neighboring communities.
Nature-lovers will adore living in Makaha. There are so many wonderful opportunities to explore the great outdoors in this quaint neighborhood. The Makaha Beach, located at the heart of the community, is one of the most popular beaches in the entire world, specifically in the surfing community. Annual surfing competitions are held here including the Town and Country Pro, Buffalo’s Big Board Classic, and the Rell Sunn’s Menehune Surfing Championships. Some of the most experienced surfers in the world flock to this outstanding beach to ride the challenging waves.
The Makaha Caverns are an incredible diving experience, perfect for beginner divers and experts navigating the depths of these stunning slopes. The caverns feature a series of beautiful underwater arches and overhanging levels, just waiting to be explored.
More outdoor adventuring can be had at the Yokohama Bay, Ka’ena Point Trail, and the Maunalachilahi Botanical Gardens. The opportunities for outdoor exploration are endless in this scenic region of the island.
Makaha has a rich and interesting history, which the Makaha Resort intends to preserve and display. The resort stages events every weekend, including traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts fairs as well as many cultural programs to keep the Native Hawaiian traditions prominent in the hearts and souls of locals and visitors alike.