Kaimuki – Top 5 Reasons Why this Might be the Perfect Neighborhood for You

Kaimukī is an ancient Hawaiian name. Its name comes from Ka imu kī meaning “The ti root oven” Ostriches roamed wild over the land when it was King Kalākaua’s farm in the 19th century. There are a lot of great neighborhoods in Honolulu. Moving to town after many years spent on the North Shore of Oahu, I needed something that gave me a similar sense of community and peacefulness. When I was told by a friend that I would enjoy Kaimuki, a small town located by Diamond Head crater and in between Kahala and Palolo Valley, I knew I had found my home.

View of Kaimuki

Below are some reasons why I find Kaimuki the best place to be on Oahu:

1. The Convenience

Depending on where you live in Kaimuki, you may be able to walk to Waialae Avenue which is the main drag through town. The street has coffee shops, restaurants, yoga studios, hair salons, and shopping. There are multiple grocery stores in the area such as Whole Foods, Times Supermarket, and Down to Earth. Also lots of schools, including the private St. Patricks School.

Surrounding areas:

• 10 minutes ride to Waikiki
• 15 minutes to Ala Moana shopping center
• 10 minutes to great south shore beaches
• 15 minutes to University of Hawai’i Manoa
• 15 minutes ride to Hawaii Kai and east side
• 15 minutes to the Hawaii Yacht Club
• Multiple onramps to hop on the H1 freeway
• 16 minutes to Airport

2. Dog Friendly

Everywhere I look I see a cute dog walking down the street in this neighborhood. There are a lot of parks such as my favorite “Christmas Tree Park” as the locals call it, or Pu’u O Kaimuki Park located at 951 Koko Head Ave. It’s a great place to watch the sunset because there are sweeping views from East to North to West.

“Diamond Head Bark Park” is fully fenced and located at 4155 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816. Lot’s of the restaurants in the area allow dogs to visit!

A happy French bulldog at the beach

3. Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Some of my favorite places to eat are located in my neighborhood. You can find me in these different eateries weekly:

• Town: 3435 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii
• 12th Ave Grill: 1120 12th Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
• Himalayan Kitchen: 1137 11th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
• Ars Cafe: 3116 Monsarrat Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii
• Mud Hen Water: 3452 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, HI 96816

4. Great Family Environment

There are a lot of children in the neighborhood and long term residents who reside here. Overall Kaimuki offers a great community. Lot’s of schools, parks, churches, beaches, and events happening for families.

5. Close to the Beach & Diamond Head

Kaimuki is located very close to the beaches in Kahala, Diamond Head surf break, or my favorite local beach, Kaimana’s.

Beautiful sunset at Kaimana’s beach

If you don’t mind a hill, living up on the ridges of Kaimuki offers a cooler and quieter lifestyle with amazing views. I have lived up Wilhelmina Rise, for many years and love the feel of the 1930s – 1950s style homes. Maunalani Heights (one ridge closer to Kahala) is another community that I find beautiful and charming. Homes on both of these ridges run from $835,000 – $6.5M.

Views from Maunalani Heights Honolulu

Kaimuki is a great place to live if you are looking for city living with a small community feel. Homes with charm and uniqueness. Does this sound like the neighborhood for you? There are currently 26 homes on the market ranging from $588k to $4,200,000.

Here are a couple currently on the market:

• 3719 Lurline Dr, Honolulu 96816 (MLS 201717976)

This beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is tucked up on the ridge with gorgeous Diamond Head and ocean views. Listed at $1,988,000.

• 3600 Kawelolani Pl, Honolulu 96816 (MLS 201807629)

With almost 5,000 sq.ft., panoramic views, and Ko’olau mountain breezes, this home is a must-see. Listed at $2,188,000.

• 4827 Sierra Dr, Honolulu 96816 (MLS 201812401)

Lovingly restored 1930s colonial style home in Maunalani Heights with Diamond Head views. Listed at $1,888,000.

Please reach out to us at companyblog@hawaiilife.com or via phone at (800) 370-3848 if you are interested in moving to Kaimuki or the surrounding neighborhoods.