Location & Geography

Manoa Valley sits at the base of the Ko'olau mountain range, bordered by Makiki to the west and St. Louis Heights to the east. The neighborhood is located 3 miles from Waikiki, 4.5 miles from Downtown Honolulu's business district, and 9.8 miles from Honolulu Airport. Known as the "valley of rainbows," the Manoa neighborhood offers a quilt of history, scenery and innovation, with its forested inland watershed reserve creating cooler temperatures and misty mornings that differ from busy downtown areas.

Dining & Shopping

The neighborhood centers around Manoa Marketplace, anchored by Safeway Supermarket and Longs Drugs. From sandwich to poke shops, chocolatiers, and even crepe spots, the Manoa food scene comes in an assortment of diverse offerings. Notable dining establishments include:

• Feast by Jon Matsubara: A famous and accomplished chef who has served as executive chef of Merriman's, featuring seafood dishes and popular burgers
• Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies: One of the most beloved restaurants in Manoa, serving sandwiches, soups, salads, and smoothies
• Asia Manoa: The most popular Chinese restaurant in the Manoa neighborhood, with dishes that are known to be flavorful and fresh
• Off The Hook Poke Market: Located across from Manoa Marketplace
• Various restaurants near the University of Hawaii campus offering diverse cuisines

Educational Institutions

Manoa is renowned for its educational opportunities, hosting several highly-rated institutions:

Public Schools:

• Manoa Elementary School: A highly rated, public school with 513 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. According to state test scores, 81% of students are at least proficient in math and 80% in reading
• Noelani Elementary School: Nestled close to the East side of the valley, behind Manoa Marketplace and right across the street from Manoa Public Library

Private Schools:

• Punahou School: Lauded as one of, if not the best private school on the island of Oahu, with 3,731 students and nearly 180 years of educational history
• Mid Pacific Institute
• University Laboratory School

Higher Education:

• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Established in 1907, the largest and oldest of the 10 UH campuses, known for its robust research programs and nationally ranked NCAA Division I athletics

Real Estate Market & MLS Neighborhoods

In April 2025, Manoa home prices were up 20.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.5M. On average, homes in Manoa sell after 54 days on the market. The Manoa area is divided into four distinct MLS neighborhoods:

1. Manoa Area (Largest section)

• Situated in the valley interior, houses near the edges of the valley will likely be more elevated for Diamond Head, Ocean, and City views. This is where you'll find the majority of flat lots and sidewalks
• Properties along Manoa Road and University Avenue
• Includes areas north of Lanihuli Drive, Haena Place, and Maile Way

2. Manoa Lower

• Nearest to the freeway, Punahou School, and Mid Pacific Institute. This will be the most convenient part of Manoa for sure
• Most accessible section with some properties offering ocean, Diamond Head, and city views
• Properties typically range from the freeway to mid-valley

3. Manoa Upper

• At the very back of Manoa Valley, nearest the mountains. This is the least convenient part of Manoa as you're tucked away at the very back of Manoa Road
• Includes lush green back portion starting in the 3300 block of Huelani Drive, Keahi Street, Oahu Avenue, and Pawaina Street
• Higher rainfall and more tropical vegetation

4. Manoa Woodlawn

• Located at the back right side of Manoa Valley and you'll recognize it from the homes built into the hillside. Many of these homes will have views overlooking Manoa Valley, or Diamond Head, Ocean, & City views
• Northeast back portion including all properties east of East Manoa Road from Kahaloa Drive
• Features the gated Manoa Hillside Estates community with 60 newer homes (1991-2004)

Market Statistics

Manoa homes for sale are typically valued in the $800K to $2.5M range on lot sizes between 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft. Average lot sizes in Manoa are approximately 11,500 square feet which in Oahu standards, is large. Properties feature charming Asian flair reminiscent of the early Chinese and Japanese immigrants that first settled here as early as the 1920's, with vintage colonial and plantation-style home designs being predominant.

Recreation & Natural Features

The neighborhood is home to Manoa Falls, a popular hiking destination that serves as somewhat of a rite of passage, and a continual source of inspiration for residents. The area features multiple parks including Kamanele Park and access to various mountain trails. The valley's unique microclimate creates daily passing showers and maintains lush vegetation year-round.

Transportation & Access

Manoa provides convenient freeway access, with Waikiki/Ala Moana (2.5 miles) & Downtown Honolulu (4 miles) within reach. The neighborhood's central location allows for easy commuting while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere distinct from urban centers.