Kapolei: Oahu's Second Urban Center

Kapolei lies on the southwest side of Oahu, and is quickly becoming Oahu's Second City. Prior to residential development in 1980, the area was acres of sugar cane fields. Today, Kapolei is home to nearly 12,000 homes and condos, and the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting anticipates that number will exceed 50,000 by 2035. 

Real Estate in Kapolei

It would be an understatement to say Kapolei is a growing community. Several major residential development companies are building master-planned communities to keep pace with the region's expanding population. In the near future, three planned developments – Kapolei West, Makaiwa Hills and Ho'opili, are expected to bring 18,000 homes to Kapolei.

"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.

There are currently 6,588 single family homes and 4,947 condominiums in Kapolei, which is part of the region known as the Ewa Plain.

Click here to see all homes for sale on the Ewa Plain.

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

Ko Olina Resorts and Lagoons

Want to get away? Kapolei residents are just a short drive from the beautiful Ko Olina Resorts, where there’s something for everyone. Families can escape to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, while avid golfers can plan an outing to the JW Marriott Ihilani, which was recently named one of the "Top 15 Hawaii Golf Resorts" by Travel + Leisure.

Ko Olina boasts two miles of white sandy beaches and four lagoons connected by over a mile and a half of seaside paths. Activities include a marina, the Paradise Cove Luau, a challenging 18-hole golf course, sport-fishing charters, snorkel and dolphin adventures and private roadways with bike and golf paths. The area is definitely a tourist attraction, but driving past you wouldn’t know it. Unlike the traffic and crowds at Waikiki, Ko Olina has a peaceful, resort vibe.  

"Ko Olina has a lot of cool stuff going on—the Keiki Festival, food and wine events, Aulani, fireworks and some new fantastic restaurants such as Monkeypod Kitchen," says Bedford.  "All of this makes Ko Olina a great amenity for the Kapolei community."

Weather in Kapolei

Weather in Hawaii is very consistent, with only two seasons: May – October is summer, or Kau, and November to April is winter, or Hooilo. The average temperature of Kapolei is around 75°F, slightly higher than Hawaii’s average temperature of 72°F, and much higher than the national average temperature of 54°F. 

Kapolei is warmest in August and September, with highs reaching 88°F, and coldest from December through March, with highs averaging 81°F. The town is in West Oahu, which tends to receive less rain than elsewhere on the island.  

The highest recorded temperature was 93°F in 1967, while the lowest recorded temperature was 49°F in 2005.

Click here for more weather information. 

Kapolei on the Map

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

Things to Do and See Around Kapolei

Residents of this West Oahu community 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.

Although Kapolei is expanding rapidly, Bedford says it still has a small-town feel.

"You can't go anywhere in Kapolei without bumping into a dozen people you know—whether it's from church, work or school—there are friends all over the place."

Take a drive out West to see why nearly 40,000 people are happy to call this vibrant and thriving community home!

Dining

Golf
Barbers Point Golf Course (Navy)
Coral Creek Golf Course 
Ewa Villages Golf Course (Municipal) 
Hawaii Prince Golf Course 
Hoaklei Country Club 
Kapolei Golf Club 
Ko Olina Golf Club 
New Ewa Beach Golf Course 
West Loch Golf Course (Municipal) 

Banking in Kapolei

Bank of Hawaii
First Hawaiian Bank
American Savings Bank
Central Pacific Bank
Navy Federal Credit Union
Territorial Savings Bank
HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union
Hickam Federal Credit Union
Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union

Parks and Beaches
Makakilo Community Park
Makakilo Neighborhood Park
Makakilo Heights Neighborhood Park
Kapolei Regional Park
Kahe Point Beach Park
Makaiwa Beach Park
Barbers Point Beach Park 

Kapolei Schools