Waialua offers all the allure and excitement of the North Shore at a fraction of the price.
Unlike Pipeline, Sunset Beach and other high-priced neighborhoods, this burgeoning community on Oahu’s North Shore has much to offer in the way of beautiful coastline and outdoor adventure, at an affordable cost. Though it’s a bit off the beaten path, locals and visitors alike love the old-school charm of Waialua which is home to a host of shops and businesses unique to the region. Adding to its appeal, Waialua is some of the only “country” remaining on Oahu and is surrounded by agriculturally zoned properties.
Nosh on custard-filled Snow Puffies at Paalaa Kai Bakery, take in the exhilarating scents of handmade coconut and plumeria soaps at North Shore Soap Factory or tour the Waialua Coffee and Chocolate Mill—you’ll never be at a loss for something fun to do.
One of the last remaining areas of unspoiled country terrain, Waialua is in proximity to Haleiwa and Honolulu—minus the hectic traffic of other areas—where you’ll find endless opportunities for nightlife, shopping, and cultural experiences. Still, Waialua is a longer drive to “town” making trips to Costco or into Honolulu itself a bigger excursion.
Home prices in Waialua start as low $500,000 and can be as high as several million, depending on their proximity to the beach. With styles and sizes ranging from luxury beachfront estates and contemporary condominiums to classic plantation homes, design-wise, Waialua has something for everyone.
Waialua dates back to 1100 when the Hawaiians first settled in the area. They established villages along valleys and streams and used the nutrient-rich natural resources to grow a variety of crops. In 1832, Hawaiians invited Christian missionaries to Waialua, and together they built the first Protestant Church. At the end of the 19th century, Benjamin Dillingham built a railroad, sugar mill, and a destination hotel in Haleiwa. Waialua became a sugar mill town and is now a residential area, much quieter than the nearby tourist destination of Haleiwa. The Waialua Sugar Mill is a well-known landmark and the basis for the town’s historical roots. As sugar production decreased in the late 1980s, many of the families brought to Waialua during the initial sugar rush remained in the area.
Today Waialua is the perfect mix of old school charm and rugged natural beauty. It’s a sought-after surfing and swimming destination and its proximity to larger cities makes it a popular choice for those who long for the North Shore lifestyle without the high prices.
Whether you’re thinking about listing your property, beginning your search for a new home, or simply have questions about the buying/selling process, we are here to help.