Welcome to Hawaii Kai
A scenic, suburban escape with a marina-oriented lifestyle
Located 12 miles east of Honolulu, Hawaii Kai is a popular area featuring many luxurious residences. Formerly a wetland area, Hawaii Kai was transformed in the 1960s by the industrialist Henry J. Kaiser. He saw the area as the ideal spot to convert into a developed community that would be home to families, young couples, retirees, and everyone in between.
Since then, the area has experienced rapid development, both in the commercial and residential sense. Stores, restaurants, and other businesses have quickly moved into the area, and the number of residents moving to Hawaii Kai has surged as well. Despite all of this development, preserving the stunning natural landscape of Hawaii Kai has remained a priority for local officials and residents alike.
What to Love
- Easy access to boating and marina-life
- Iconic landmarks and experiences
- Recreational activities that accommodate all interests
Local Lifestyle
Hawaii Kai offers residents a peaceful, serene vibe while also being near the liveliness of downtown Honolulu.
Boating is very popular in Hawaii Kai, as the marina is located centrally within the community. Most residents have straightforward access to the water, meaning that plenty of people have their boats docked in their yards. This allows for frequent boat rides, and residents often circle the area during sunrise and sunset to enjoy the water, with many sailing on a daily basis to complete errands or visit friends' homes.
The weather in Hawaii Kai is beautiful year-round, as there is a generally dry climate with moderate to high temperatures. Residents find this to be the best weather for outdoor activities, so locals often find ways to enjoy the weather.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There is no shortage of local eateries in the Hawaii Kai area. Kona Brewing Company is one popular brewery that encourages locals to enjoy a fresh pint of “Liquid Aloha'' anytime. If you’re looking for a boost of caffeine, check out Island Brew, which serves coffee made from beans that are grown and roasted locally. Make sure not to miss a dinner at Roy’s Hawaii Kai in the evening - this high-end Asian fusion restaurant was voted the Best Oahu Restaurant 2021.
If you or your family loves spending time shopping and running errands, there are plenty of places to choose from. The Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center has everything you need in one place - from stores to fast-food restaurants, banks, and salons, this center has it all for daily errand runs. Be sure to stop at Koko Marina Center as well - this retail center has boutiques, restaurants, and frequent community events!
Things to Do
There are many things to see and do near Hawaii Kai. Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular destinations to visit when residents first move to the area. This state park features a curved bay formed within a volcanic cone. Visitors love to come here to snorkel and take in the stunning marine ecosystem. Many people also love to hike the surrounding areas.
For more oceanic exploring, check out the nearby Sea Life Park, Hawaii's premier marine experience park. Here, families can learn about the Hawaii Kai ecosystem and the many conservation efforts working to preserve it.
Those who enjoy getting active can hike up 1,048 steps to reach the top of the Koko Head Crater. The stairs here are old railroad tracks once used for equipment transport, making the climb slightly challenging. However, at the top, hikers are rewarded with some of the most stunning island views, which are even more beautiful during sunrise and sunset. For those looking for more terrain to explore, Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail offers beautiful coastline views, and this is an excellent place to view humpback whales during their season of migration.
