$500K: What Could It Buy You on Oahu?

One of my favorite things about Oahu is the variety of neighborhoods around the island. There are so many pockets of personality – truly a place for every occasion and lifestyle. Dolphins play along the less populated Leeward coast, close enough for kayaks and stand-up paddleboarders to be among the pods.

Construction and economy boom in Kapolei. Millilani is “the suburbs” at its finest. You can’t think “Oahu” without a picture of Waikiki flashing through your mind, and the entire downtown area is a bustling center of entertainment, restaurants, government, and tourism.

Photo credit: Bluewater Maps

Moving eastward, the quieter communities of Diamond Head and Hawaii Kai boast gorgeous, oceanfront, gated homes. Quaint Kailua has its world-famous beaches and Kaneohe gets to see both the waterfalls flowing down the carved ridges of the Ko’olau range and the largest swimming pool on Oahu, Kaneohe Bay. The North Shore rounds out the coastline, with a surfer state of mind and unbeatable ocean views.

Naturally, with so much variety between communities, the housing markets around the island are quite diverse – $500K looks much different in Makakilo than in Honolulu.

Classy Condos

Downtown, between Ala Moana and Waikiki, sits the McCully neighborhood – in the middle of all the action. The commute to any Honolulu location is easy from Century Center, a luxury condominium complex on the corner of Kapiolani and Kalakaua. Here, $550K buys you a 1,200 sq.ft. 1 bed/2 bath condo in a modern high-rise with views over the city. Classy condo perks – such as a pool and sauna, security guard, and exercise room – are included in the monthly condo fees.

1750 Kalakaua Ave #2502, Honolulu (MLS# 201511285)

Single-Family Homes with a Yard

As you move out of the downtown area, $515K can get you a bit more space – just over 1,400 sq.ft. for this single-family home with a mountain view and a yard, built in 1963. In the Kalihi Valley, homes are generally of older construction, but the neighborhoods have a rich history. You would have a 3 bed/3 bath home, no monthly association fees, and an opportunity to make this home your own with custom renovations.

3133 Nihi St, Honolulu (MLS# 201511350)

Townhomes in Newer Communities

Just twenty miles away in Makakilo, your same $500K will secure you a townhome in a newer community. Ocean views from the master bedroom, the cooler breezes, and a two-car garage with a large storage area sell this 1,508 sq.ft. home! Three bedrooms, all with brand new carpeting, and fresh paint throughout the house set this property apart. The bright kitchen opens to the living area and a beautifully maintained lanai with mature landscaping.

92-1125 Panana St #605, Kapolei (MLS# 201517398)

Want to Explore the Oahu Real Estate Market?

There really is a place for every personality on Oahu! If you’d like to explore a little and figure out where you feel at home, contact me for an overview of the island.