Kapolei Real Estate Market Snapshot August 2014

Kapolei is a master-planned community located on the western shores of Oahu. Known for its new developments and larger, more affordable homes, Kapolei is growing exponentially and is even referred to as "Oahu's Second City."

Overlooking Kapolei, Hawaii

Kapolei Property Prices

Here are property prices in Kapolei as of August 2014:

• Starting at $265,000 for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 843 square-foot townhome
• Around $455,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,242 square-foot condo
• Starting at $375,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 1,261 square-foot single family home 
• Reaching $600,000 for a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 1,419 square-foot single family home
• Up to $1.8 million for a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2,216 square foot furnished single-family home situated next to the Ko Olina golf course

Kapolei, which is part of the area known as the Ewa Plain, consists of over a dozen neighborhoods, offering a diverse selection of real estate. Click here to see homes for sale in the Ewa Plain. 

Kapolei’s available land is also a huge draw for investors and developers. Click here to see the vacant parcels.

A typical newer home in Kapolei

Kapolei Real Estate

In 1980, the city of Kapolei was acres of sugar cane fields, but in recent years both residential and commercial real estate development has taken off. Today there are nearly 12,000 homes and condos, and the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting anticipates that number will exceed 50,000 by 2035. 

"Kapolei is a young and exciting community with lots of changes happening fast. This means new businesses and business opportunities," says Todd Bedford, president of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce. "What's different is that Kapolei is still an affordable place for a young family to purchase a home, raise a family AND still have some great job opportunities." Bedford is president/CEO of Lifeline Fire & Security and has lived in Kapolei since 2005.

The current median price of a single family home is $593,000, which is nearly 5% below the Oahu median value of $622,100. The median price of a condo in Kapolei is $345,000, which is about 3% above the Oahu median of $335,700.

The average rent in Kapolei is $2,001, which is 26% higher than the Oahu average of $1,580. 

There are currently 6,588 single family homes and 4,947 condominiums in Kapolei. According to a report by the Hawaii Information Service (HIS), average 2013 annual property taxes for a single family home are $1,708, $1,004 for condos and $1,025 for vacant lots.

A street in Lower Makakilo

New Builds in Kapolei

Several major residential development companies are building master-planned communities to keep pace with the region's expanding population. These companies include DR Horton - Schuler Division, Gentry Homes, Haseko and Kisco Senior Living. In the near future, three planned developments – Kapolei West, Makaiwa Hills and Ho'opili – are expected to bring 18,000 homes to Kapolei.

"My husband and I are buying in Kapolei because it's more affordable," says Ashley Gordon, a first-time homebuyer and current resident of Kailua. "It has a lot of growth potential with the future plans for the rail, mall, shops and dining and a new elementary school. It's a great area for young families like us." Gordon plans to purchase a condo in DR Horton’s new build, Awakea at Mehana.

Opening in 2017, The Honolulu Rail Transit Project will connect Kapolei to downtown Honolulu with 20 miles of transit line, with two stations planned for Kapolei's urban core and three stations in the East Kapolei region - Ho'opili, Univeristy of West Oahu and East Kapolei.

The rail system, new builds and affordable home prices are a big draw to the city. "Kapolei is the growth center of Oahu," says Bedford.  "As young families that never imagined owning their own home realize that the dream can become a reality in Kapolei the growth will only accelerate."

Senior Living in Kapolei

For the elderly looking for assisted living in Kapolei, Ka Punawai Ola offers intermediate care, Alzheimer's care, therapy and rehabilitation. Residents have access to an activity room, outdoor courtyards, a beauty salon and other amenities. 

If independent senior living is more up your alley, check out 'Ilima at Leihano, the newest Kisco Senior Living community. Construction began in June for the 84-unit facility, which will include studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. The site is located in the heart of Kapolei, close to shopping, medical services, the Kapolei Public Library, regional transit hub and parks. Leihano also offers assisted living and memory care services. 

Kapolei Lifestyle

Residents enjoy access to an array of modern amenities. Several major shopping centers, national big box retailers and eateries from local sushi joints to upscale restaurants cater to every taste. World-class resorts and spas in Ko Olina are just a short drive away. There are family-friendly destinations like Wet'n'Wild Hawaii, iTrampoline and Disney's Aulani Resort as well as challenging golf courses, charter fishing and snorkel adventures. There's truly something for everyone in this growing community of 40,000.

Prudential Locations Kapolei Office

Interested in moving to Kapolei? Stop by our brand new office in the Kapolei Shopping Center! Our agents can tell you more about Kapolei real estate and show you available properties. At Prudential Locations, we know neighborhoods.

Prudential Locations Kapolei:
590 Farrington Hwy #125
Kapolei, HI 96707
808-690-9550

Kapolei on the Map

Drive Times without Traffic:
Waikiki: 35 minutes
Downtown Honolulu: 29 minutes
Diamond Head: 36 minutes
Airport: 20 minutes