Makakilo | Neighborhood Guide | Team Hawaii Real Estate

Discover elevated living in Makakilo, West Oahu's premier master-planned community offering panoramic views, modern amenities, and the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and island convenience.

Historical Development & Community Planning

Master-Planned Excellence (1980s-Present): Makakilo, meaning "observing eyes" in Hawaiian, was developed as one of Oahu's most thoughtfully planned communities beginning in the 1980s. Built on former sugar plantation land in the foothills of the Waianae Mountains, this elevated community was designed to maximize the natural topography and trade wind patterns while providing stunning panoramic views from Pearl Harbor to the Ko Olina coastline.

Strategic Location Development: The community's development coincided with West Oahu's growth, positioned to serve families working at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Airport, and downtown while offering a more affordable alternative to urban living. The master-planned approach included wide streets, abundant green spaces, and infrastructure designed for long-term sustainability.

Modern Infrastructure: Unlike older Oahu neighborhoods, Makakilo features contemporary urban planning with proper drainage, wider roads designed for current traffic patterns, and utilities built to modern standards. The community continues to expand with new phases of development while maintaining its cohesive character and commitment to preserving mountain and ocean views.

Geographic Location & Accessibility

Makakilo sits at an elevation of 200-600 feet on the slopes of the Waianae Mountains, providing natural air conditioning through elevation and consistent trade wind exposure. The community is strategically positioned in West Oahu with convenient access to major employment centers:

Distance to Key Locations:

• Kapolei Regional Center: 3 miles / 8-10 minutes
• Ko Olina Resort & Beaches: 8 miles / 15-20 minutes
• Pearl Harbor: 12 miles / 20-25 minutes
• Honolulu Airport: 15 miles / 25-30 minutes
• Downtown Honolulu: 20 miles / 35-45 minutes
• Waikiki: 22 miles / 40-50 minutes

Transportation Connectivity: H-1 Freeway access via Makakilo Drive provides direct routes to all major island destinations. The community benefits from less traffic congestion than central Oahu, with reverse commute advantages for those working in West Oahu. Public transportation connections available through TheBus routes serving the Kapolei Transit Center.

Demographics & Community Statistics

Population & Households: Makakilo has approximately 18,000 residents across 6,500 households, with an average household size of 2.8. The community attracts a diverse mix of residents including families, professionals, and retirees drawn to the area's peaceful atmosphere and modern amenities.

Age Distribution: The neighborhood has a balanced age demographic with a median age of 42, reflecting its appeal to both young families starting out and established residents seeking quality of life improvements.

Housing Characteristics: The community features primarily single-family homes (65%) and townhomes (25%), with select condominium developments (10%). Average lot sizes range from 4,000-8,000 square feet for single-family homes, with townhomes typically featuring 2,000-3,000 square foot lots.

Real Estate Market & Property Types

Current Market Conditions (April 2025): Makakilo home prices have shown steady appreciation, with median home prices ranging from $750,000 for townhomes to $1.2M+ for single-family homes with premium views. Properties typically sell within 45-65 days on market, reflecting strong demand for West Oahu living.

Property Categories:

Single-Family Homes:

• Entry Level: $750,000-$950,000 (newer construction, 3-4 bedrooms)
• Mid-Range: $950,000-$1.2M (premium locations, ocean/mountain views)
• Luxury: $1.2M+ (custom homes, expansive lots, panoramic views)

Townhomes & Planned Communities:

• Makakilo Heights: Gated community with luxury townhomes
• Makakilo Drive Corridor: Mixed residential with townhome complexes
• Mountain View Estates: Custom homes on larger lots with mountain views

Investment Considerations:

• All properties are fee simple ownership
• Strong rental demand from military and professional tenants
• Limited inventory maintains property values
• New construction continues selectively in upper elevations

Schools & Education

Public Schools Serving Makakilo:

• Makakilo Elementary School: Serves grades K-6 with modern facilities and technology integration
• Kapolei Middle School: Comprehensive middle school program with STEM focus
• Kapolei High School: Full high school curriculum with college prep and career technical programs

Educational Advantages:

• Newer school facilities with updated technology
• Lower student-to-teacher ratios than urban schools
• Strong community involvement in school programs
• Proximity to University of Hawaii West Oahu campus

Private School Options:

• Island Pacific Academy (nearby Kapolei)
• Various religious and charter school alternatives
• Easy access to Central Oahu and Honolulu private schools

Recreation & Outdoor Activities

Parks & Community Facilities:

Makakilo Community Park: The neighborhood's recreational hub featuring:

• Baseball and softball fields
• Soccer fields and multi-use courts
• Playground equipment and picnic areas
• Walking trails and open lawn areas
• Community center with meeting rooms

Makakilo Recreational Association: Private recreation center offering:

• Swimming pool and hot tub facilities
• Tennis courts and basketball courts
• Fitness facilities and group exercise classes
• Social events and community programming

Outdoor Recreation Access:

• Hiking Trails: Direct access to Waianae Mountain trails including Makakilo Forest Reserve
• Beach Access: 15-20 minutes to Ko Olina's pristine beaches and lagoons
• Golf: Close proximity to Ko Olina Golf Club, Kapolei Golf Course, and Coral Creek Golf Course
• Water Sports: Easy access to Barbers Point, Ko Olina, and West Beach for surfing, fishing, and water activities

Shopping & Dining

Local Shopping Centers:

Makakilo City Shopping Center:

• • • Foodland grocery store for daily necessities
    • Local restaurants and fast-casual dining
    • Personal services including banking and postal services
    • Pharmacy and medical offices

Nearby Kapolei Commons (5 minutes):

• • • Target, Walmart, and Home Depot for major retail needs
    • Restaurants including Olive Garden, Chili's, and local favorites
    • Medical services and specialty retail
    • Entertainment options including movie theater

Ko Olina Resort Area (15 minutes):

• • • Luxury resort dining at Four Seasons, Aulani Disney Resort
    • Ko Olina Golf Club restaurant and pro shop
    • Spa services and recreational facilities
    • Special event venues and wedding facilities

Dining Highlights:

• Local Favorites: Kapolei Shopping Center food court, various ethnic cuisines
• Fine Dining: Resort restaurants at Ko Olina for special occasions
• Casual Options: Chain restaurants and local plate lunch options in Kapolei
• Specialty Markets: Asian markets and specialty food stores in nearby areas

Major Attractions & Nearby Amenities

Ko Olina Resort Area: 15-20 minutes to luxury resort destination featuring:

• • Four pristine man-made lagoons with calm swimming conditions
  • Championship golf course designed by Ted Robinson
  • Luxury resorts including Four Seasons and Disney's Aulani
  • Marina with yacht services and water sport rentals
  • Spa services and fine dining options

Cultural & Historical Sites:

• • Hawaiian Railway Society: Historic sugar plantation railway with weekend rides
  • West Beach: Undeveloped coastline for fishing, surfing, and beach activities
  • Kahe Point Beach Park: Local beach park with snorkeling and picnic facilities
  • Tracks Beach: Secluded beach access for surfing and fishing

Entertainment & Events:

• • Wet'n'Wild Hawaii: Water park and family entertainment (seasonal)
  • Ko Olina Marina: Boating, fishing charters, and sunset cruises
  • Kapolei Commons: Movie theater and chain dining options
  • Community Events: Farmers markets, community festivals, and seasonal celebrations

Transportation & Commuting

Freeway Access: Direct H-1 Freeway access provides efficient transportation to:

• • Pearl Harbor and military installations
  • Honolulu Airport for inter-island and mainland travel
  • Downtown Honolulu business district
  • University of Hawaii Manoa campus
  • Tourist destinations including Waikiki and North Shore

Public Transportation:

• • TheBus routes connecting to Kapolei Transit Center
  • Express routes to Downtown Honolulu during peak hours
  • Local routes serving West Oahu employment centers
  • Connection to rail transit system (future completion)

Commuting Advantages:

• • Reverse commute traffic patterns for West Oahu employment
  • Less congested than East Oahu routes
  • Multiple route options via H-1 and secondary roads
  • Park-and-ride facilities available at transit centers

Investment & Living Considerations

Lifestyle Benefits:

• • Elevated Location: Natural air conditioning and consistent trade winds
  • Planned Community: Wide streets, sidewalks, and green spaces throughout
  • View Opportunities: Ocean, mountain, and city views from elevated lots
  • Family-Friendly: Safe neighborhoods with good schools and recreation
  • Modern Infrastructure: Updated utilities, drainage, and road systems

Investment Advantages:

• • Growth Area: Continued development and appreciation potential
  • Rental Demand: Strong military and professional tenant base
  • Infrastructure Investment: Government commitment to West Oahu development
  • Limited Supply: Geographic constraints maintain property values
  • Quality Construction: Newer homes built to modern standards

Market Considerations:

• • Commute Factor: Consider travel time to employment centers
  • Development Timing: New phases may affect traffic and construction
  • Elevation Levels: Higher elevations command premium prices for views
  • Community Amenities: HOA fees vary by community and amenities included
  • Future Planning: West Oahu continues expanding with retail and employment opportunities

Notable Makakilo Communities:

Makakilo Heights:

• • Gated community with luxury townhomes and single-family residences
  • Private recreation facilities and landscaped common areas
  • Premium mountain and ocean views from elevated positions
  • Higher-end finishes and larger floor plans
  • Price range: $900,000-$1.4M+

Villages of Makakilo:

• • Established community with mature landscaping
  • Mix of townhomes and single-family homes
  • Community recreation center and pool facilities
  • Family-friendly environment with playgrounds and parks
  • Price range: $650,000-$950,000

Makakilo Drive Corridor:

• • Mixed residential development along main thoroughfare
  • Convenient access to shopping and services
  • Range of housing types from condos to single-family homes
  • Transit-friendly location with bus route access
  • Price range: $550,000-$850,000

Whether drawn by the panoramic views, modern amenities, planned community atmosphere, or convenient West Oahu location, Makakilo represents contemporary Hawaiian living at its finest—where thoughtful development meets natural beauty to create one of Oahu's most desirable residential communities.

D.R. Horton Communities in Makakilo (1990s-Present)

Company Background: D.R. Horton - Schuler Division is a kama'äina company with deep roots in Hawai'i. The company has been building homes in the Islands since 1972 under Schuler Homes, which was later acquired by D.R. Horton.

Historical Development Timeline: Makakilo development began in the early 1960s on the lower slopes, extending upward over the decades. DR Horton has been especially active in adding new subdivisions starting in the early 1990s continuing to the present day.

Key D.R. Horton/Schuler Communities in Makakilo:

Starsedge (2001-2002): Developed by Shuler Homes (now DR Horton) between 2001 and 2002. Located above the Westview at Makakilo condos on R-5 zoned land, with homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Some homes along Puapake Street offer westerly and sunset views 

Kahiwelo (2008-2016): The most recent community by DR Horton in Makakilo with homes built between 2008 and 2016. Situated on the lower eastern side of Makakilo, built in two phases - first off Kulihi St. and later off Welo St. Homes range from 1,405 to 2,379 square feet on R-5 zoned land D.R. Horton America's Largest Homebuilder. Prices for these newer homes start around $700,000 

Development Impact: D.R. Horton has been one of the prominent developers in Makakilo with multiple single family home and townhome projects. In addition to Makakilo projects, D.R. Horton has also developed Kahiku at Mehana (Kapolei), Manawa at Mehana (Kapolei), Olino at Mehana (Kapolei), Kawena at Mehana (Kapolei), and Ka Malanai (Kailua)

Ongoing Expansion: DR Horton's work has continued to the present day, with recent completion of brand new homes in the Makakilo-Kahiwelo subdivision, featuring houses and townhomes with generous layouts of 3, 4 and even 5 bedrooms.

This represents D.R. Horton's significant contribution to Makakilo's growth from the 1990s through today, focusing on quality single-family homes and townhomes that maximize the area's elevated views and trade wind exposure.

Makakilo MLS Neighborhoods - Newer Developments (Palehua Community Association Areas)

MLS Neighborhood Classifications in Makakilo-Upper:

1. Makakilo-Anuhea

• • MLS designated neighborhood in upper Makakilo area
  • Single-family homes in cul-de-sac communities
  • Part of the newer development phase with elevated views

2. Makakilo-Highlands

• • MLS designated neighborhood featuring upscale residential development
  • Higher elevation properties with premium mountain and ocean views

3. Makakilo-Highpointe

• • MLS designated neighborhood in the upper elevations
  • Single-family homes with spacious lots and panoramic views

4. Makakilo-Kahiwelo

• • D.R. Horton development built between 2008-2016, situated on the lower eastern side of Makakilo. Homes built in two phases off Kulihi St. and Welo St., ranging from 1,405 to 2,379 square feet 

5. Makakilo-Kumulani

• • MLS designated neighborhood 
  • Gated collection of expansive houses primarily built by individual owners, offering privacy and vistas from 1000 feet above the Ewa Plain with coastline views from Diamond Head and beyond

6. Makakilo-Palehua Heights

• • MLS designated neighborhood (listed as "Makakilo-Palehua Hgts") 
  • Part of the Palehua Community Association area

7. Makakilo-Royal Ridge

• • MLS designated neighborhood in the upper Makakilo area
  • Premium single-family home development

8. Makakilo-Starsedge

• • Developed by Schuler Homes (now DR Horton) between 2001-2002, located above Westview at Makakilo condos with homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.

9. Makakilo-Wai Kaloi

• • MLS designated neighborhood 
  • Residential community with single-family homes

10. Makakilo-West Hills

• • MLS designated neighborhood on the western slopes
  • Single-family residential development

Palehua Community Association Subdivisions:

Palehua Townhouses (Multiple phases 1, 2, 3)

• • Split-level townhomes halfway up Makakilo with floor plans from 2BR/1BA (952 sq ft) to 4BR/2BA (1431-1451 sq ft), featuring back yards and excellent views of Kapolei, mountains, and ocean.

Palehua Hillside

• • Townhomes on Kikaha St. with generous interiors featuring 4BR/2.5 or 3BA (1429 sq ft) split-level designs, fenced backyards, and views of mountains, Kapolei, and ocean.

Palehua Nani

• • Townhomes at 1000 feet elevation offering single and dual level floorplans from 2BR/1BA (635-638 sq ft) to 3BR/2BA (1106-1112 sq ft) with fenced backyards. 

Seascape at Makakilo

• • Gated community built in 2003 featuring 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residences with two-car garages, fenced yards, and ocean views from elevated positions.
    

All of these neighborhoods fall under the broader Makakilo-Upper designation, which features newer homes at higher elevations, making it cooler and breezier compared to Makakilo-Lower.