Nicknamed “the Big Pineapple,” Honolulu, HI, is an iconic island paradise. This city is known for many things including its stunning Waikiki Beach, the historic Pearl Harbor site commemorating World War II, and the picturesque lush greenery seen from Diamond Head. If you’re considering buying a home in Honolulu, expect the median home sale price to be around $556,000, and the average rent for an apartment in Honolulu to be about $2,350.
But if you’re not sure about living in a big city, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to buy a home, Redfin has compiled a list of the 9 best Honolulu suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 25 miles away from the city. That way you can live close to Honolulu and all its awesome activities without living the city life.
#1: Waipio
Median home price: $418,000
Average sale price per square foot: $721
Average rent for an apartment: $2,308
Distance from Honolulu: 16 miles
Waipio, HI homes for sale
Waipio, HI apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $418,000, Waipio is the first spot on our list of Honolulu suburbs. About a 16 mile drive from downtown Honolulu, Waipio is home to roughly 10,700 people. Living in Waipio, you can visit one of the parks like Waipiʻo Neighborhood Park or Crestview Community Park.
#2: Waimalu
Median home price: $435,000
Average sale price per square foot: $592
Average rent for an apartment: $2,175
Distance from Honolulu: 14 miles
Waimalu, HI homes for sale
Waimalu, HI apartments for rent
The second suburb on our list is Waimalu. About a 14 mile drive away from downtown Honolulu, you can explore the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in just a quick drive. Some popular things to do in Waimalu include enjoying a picnic at Neal S. Blaisdell Park, hiking the Waimano Valley/Ridge Trail Head, and golf at the Pearl Country Club.
#3: Makakilo
Median home price: $585,000
Average sale price per square foot: $615
Average rent for an apartment: $2,983
Distance from Honolulu: 20 miles
Makakilo, HI homes for sale
Makakilo, HI apartments for rent
Taking the third spot is Makakilo. Just 20 miles away from Honolulu, you’ll find the home prices are much less expensive. There’s plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Makakilo. If you find yourself moving here, check out one of the parks like Makakilo Community Park, and see the views from Makakilo Gulch.
#4: Ocean Pointe
Median home price: $761,000
Average sale price per square foot: $619
Average rent for an apartment: $3,950
Distance from Honolulu: 22 miles
Ocean Pointe, HI homes for sale
Ocean Pointe, HI apartments for rent
The next suburb on our list is Ocean Pointe. With roughly 15,700 residents in this Honolulu suburb, make sure to have a beach day at one of the many beaches like Nimitz Beach, White Plains Beach, or Oneʻula Beach Park.
#5: Ahuimanu
Median home price: $765,000
Average sale price per square foot: $689
Distance from Honolulu: 14 miles
Ahuimanu, HI homes for sale
Ahuimanu, HI apartments for rent
Drive 14 miles outside of Honolulu and you’ll find the suburb of Ahuimanu, another great area to add to your list. Home to 8,200 residents, this town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Honolulu without living in the city. Living in Ahuimanu, you can hike the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail which has breathtaking views of the ocean and hills.
#6: Waipahu
Median home price: $775,000
Average sale price per square foot: $558
Average rent for an apartment: $2,254
Distance from Honolulu: 14 miles
Waipahu, HI homes for sale
Waipahu, HI apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known Honolulu suburb is Waipahu, where you’ll find the home prices are $775,000. With roughly 38,300 people calling Waipahu home, it’s a great area to consider renting or buying a home in. There are also plenty of activities to do in this suburb. For example, you can tour Hawaii’s Plantation Village, a recreated 1900s sugar plantation, and check out one of the many parks, among many other local favorites.
#7: Kapolei
Median home price: $842,500
Average sale price per square foot: $601
Average rent for an apartment: $2,858
Distance from Honolulu: 21 miles
Kapolei, HI homes for sale
Kapolei, HI apartments for rent
Next on our list of Honolulu suburbs is Kapolei, which is only about a 30 minute drive into downtown. With a population of roughly 21,500, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there is no shortage of things to do in Kapolei. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to visit Kapolei Regional Park, golf at Kapolei Golf Club, or shop at one of the shopping centers.
#8: Pearl City
Median home price: $943,082
Average sale price per square foot: $653
Average rent for an apartment: $2,570
Distance from Honolulu: 13 miles
Pearl City, HI homes for sale
Pearl City, HI apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Honolulu for some time, you likely know the suburb of Pearl City. About 45,200 people live in Pearl City, so you’ll have a fraction of Honolulu’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, hike the Mānana Ridge Trail, and stop by Pan Am Transpacific Landing Site where you can see the USS Peleliu LHA-5.
#9: Aiea
Median home price: $990,000
Average sale price per square foot: $533
Average rent for an apartment: $2,366
Distance from Honolulu: 8 miles
Aiea, HI homes for sale
Aiea, HI apartments for rent
To end our list of Honolulu suburbs is Aiea. Just about 8 miles away from Honolulu and with a median home price of $990,000, there are lots of reasons you may want to move to Aiea. About 9,700 people live in this suburb, but you’ll find lots of outdoor activities in Aiea. Popular things to do in Aiea include exploring the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area where there are scenic views of Pearl Harbor.
Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 25-mile drive from downtown Honolulu. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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