Aina Haina
NEIGHBORHOOD
Tucked between Kahala and Hawaii Kai along Oahu’s prized southeastern coastline, Āina Haina is a serene residential valley that embodies the essence of classic island living. Just 15 minutes from Waikiki, this well-established neighborhood is celebrated for its generous lots, family-friendly atmosphere, and enduring local charm.
Nestled within the community lies Wailupe Circle, a coveted oceanfront enclave offering some of East Honolulu’s most exclusive coastal properties. Here, elegant island-style homes enjoy direct access to calm waters ideal for swimming, paddling, and sunset gatherings along the shore.
Surrounded by lush valley slopes and the sparkling Pacific, Āina Haina provides a peaceful, suburban retreat without sacrificing convenience — residents enjoy top-rated schools, nearby Kahala Mall and Aina Haina Shopping Center, and easy access to the beaches and restaurants of Hawaii Kai. With its mix of mid-century island classics, thoughtfully renovated homes, and custom ocean-view estates, Āina Haina continues to attract those seeking comfort, community, and timeless Hawaiian elegance.
Nestled between Kahala and Hawaii Kai along Oahu’s scenic southeastern shoreline, Āina Haina is one of Honolulu’s most beloved residential neighborhoods — known for its spacious lots, family-friendly atmosphere, and sense of community. The name “Āina Haina,” meaning “Hind’s Land,” pays homage to dairy magnate Robert Hind, who once owned much of this lush valley. Today, it remains a place where classic island living meets modern convenience, with a peaceful suburban feel just minutes from the city.
Residents enjoy:
Large, level lots often exceeding 10,000 square feet
Proximity to Kahala Mall, Aina Haina Shopping Center, and top-rated schools
Easy access to beaches, parks, and the Wailupe Beach Park waterfront
A quiet, walkable setting with a strong sense of local pride
Convenient commute to Downtown, Waikiki and Hawaii Kai
Life in Āina Haina moves at a relaxed, neighborly pace. The community attracts local kamaʻāina families, professionals, and retirees who value its peaceful setting and established reputation. Streets are lined with mature trees and well-kept homes, many of which have been lovingly cared for by the same families for generations.
Residents enjoy a balance of convenience and tranquility — with everyday essentials just minutes away, along with recreational opportunities such as surfing at Wailupe Beach, hiking nearby valley trails, or dining at locally loved restaurants in Niu Valley and Kahala. Āina Haina is also known for its excellent public and private schools, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods for families seeking a classic Honolulu lifestyle.
Aina Haina / Wailupe - East Oahu - Hawaii
Āina Haina’s demographics reflect its character as an established, family-oriented community. The neighborhood has a population of roughly 9,200 residents, with a median age in the late 40s, signaling a balanced mix of professionals, families, and long-term homeowners.
The median household income is approximately $166,000, well above Honolulu’s citywide average, and the majority of residents are employed in management, business, and professional sectors. Around 60% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting the area’s stability and pride of ownership. Educational attainment is high — nearly 55% of residents hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree — and the community maintains a low turnover rate, contributing to its enduring sense of connection and continuity.
Culturally, Āina Haina embodies the spirit of local Hawaii living: close-knit, welcoming, and deeply rooted. Residents represent a mix of long-time kamaʻāina families and newer professionals drawn by the neighborhood’s convenience, charm, and natural beauty.
ALL DATA FROM UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU 2023 - DATA FOR AINA HAINA AREAS, ZIP CODE 96821
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Āina Haina offers an exceptional value proposition for those seeking space, tranquility, and proximity to Honolulu. Homes are known for their generous lots and single-level floor plans, often featuring expansive yards, tropical landscaping, and ocean or mountain views. Architecturally, the area blends mid-century island classics with modernized remodels and a growing number of contemporary rebuilds.
Home prices typically range from the high $1 million range for older, well-maintained properties to $3 million or more for newly rebuilt estates or homes closer to the ocean. The Wailupe Peninsula and surrounding streets feature some of the neighborhood’s most coveted waterfront residences, offering calm ocean access and a distinctly coastal lifestyle.
For buyers, Āina Haina represents a chance to enjoy refined suburban living with ocean proximity; for sellers, it offers consistent value and high buyer interest from both local and mainland audiences. Blending natural beauty, convenience, and timeless aloha spirit, Āina Haina stands as one of Honolulu’s most authentically Hawaiian luxury communities.