Hawaiʻi Kai is an upscale, master-planned residential community on Oʻahu's southeastern shore, nestled beneath the Koko Head volcanic crater and centered around a protected marina and network of waterways. About 12–15 miles east of downtown Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Kai combines suburban convenience with strong boating and outdoor recreation lifestyles, attracting residents who value easy ocean access without the density of central Honolulu.
The community's focal point is Koko Marina, which supports yachting, sportfishing, paddleboarding, and small-boat outings; many homes in waterfront neighborhoods and Portlock have private docks or easy launch access, making boating a central part of daily life for enthusiasts. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve lies a short drive away, providing world-class snorkeling (note: timed entry and occasional closures). Inland green spaces, shoreline parks, and hiking routes up Koko Head provide additional outdoor options.
Hawaiʻi Kai was developed with a mix of single-family neighborhoods, townhomes, and waterfront properties, many featuring boat docks or short launches to the marina. Waterfront and ocean-view homes command premiums, and the area's well-established residential character draws buyers seeking space, privacy, and marine access. The climate is generally drier and sunnier than windward communities, offering consistent outdoor weather year-round.
Retail and services are concentrated at Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center and nearby shopping plazas, which include grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, and essential services; a nearby Costco provides convenient bulk shopping and is popular with residents across East Oʻahu. The community is car-oriented, with Highway 72 (Kalanianaʻole Highway) providing the main connection to Honolulu and other parts of the island; commute times vary with peak-hour traffic.
For those seeking suburban comfort with strong marine recreation opportunities, scenic coastal neighborhoods, and convenient local shopping including Costco, Hawaiʻi Kai offers a polished, well-connected alternative to both central Honolulu and the more rural windward towns.
30,903 people live in Hawaiʻi Kai, where the median age is 50 and the average individual income is $68,561. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Hawaiʻi Kai, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Keoki's Scuba Repair, and Thai Massage & Stretch, Hawaii Kai.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Active | 3.86 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.35 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Hawaiʻi Kai has 11,188 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Hawaiʻi Kai do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,903 people call Hawaiʻi Kai home. The population density is 6,736 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
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