Welcome to
Waikele
Welcome to Waikele. A small, master planned community built in the 90’s just above the H-1 & H-2 freeway split. Best known for Waikele Premium Outlets, the outdoor mall boasts some of the best discount shopping in our state and is a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. Surrounding the outlets is an 18-hole resort styled golf course and roughly 3,000 residential properties comprised of low-rise townhomes and single family homes. Waikele isn’t a self-sustained town (it’s actually a sub-division of Waipahu) but remains one of the more popular Central Oahu neighborhoods because of its location, overall look, and “newer” builds.
Key Details
Other Considerations
- Waikele is primarily made up of low-rise townhomes with 12 different complexes ranging in price and attributes. Some townhomes are quite large and have attached 2-car garages while the majority are smaller townhomes with assigned parking stalls in community lots.
- All Waikele residential properties are governed by the Waikele Community Association and residents must adhere to its rules and regulations.
- Lot sizes in Waikele are typically on the small side with less yard space.
Around the Neighborhood
Waikele is one of the “newer” communities in Central Oahu and offers a quicker commute to Honolulu when compared to most of Central Oahu.
It’s conveniently located just above the H1/H2 merge, allowing for easy freeway access in any direction. The residential areas are a bit dense with smaller lot sizes and lots of townhomes but they’re laid out efficiently. There are quite a few properties that border green spaces and the golf course. Overall the area is visually appealing with lots of greenery and well-maintained homes.
Shopping
Did we mention the Waikele Premium Outlets? It’s the premier destination for discount shopping here in Hawaii and attracts tourists and locals alike. It’s an outdoor mall and pretty warm year-round so dress accordingly. Aside from the outlets, there’s a new Safeway (one of the largest on island and includes the area’s only pharmacy), and a Lowe’s Home Improvement Center. Costco is roughly 10 minutes away in Waipio and there’s a Sam Club in Pearl Highlands…also 10 minutes away.
Dining
Unfortunately, Waikele doesn’t have much in regards to dining. For sit down options, there’s three – Chili’s, Kunio’s (a local Japanese restaurant) and Genki Sushi. There are a handful of take out and fast food restaurants but nothing we’d consider extraordinary.
Schools
Waikele falls under the Waipahu school district which means Waikele residents will attend Waipahu Intermediate and Waipahu High School; both of which are middle of the pack according to ratings. The good news is Waikele Elementary has consistently scored well and is one of the better elementary schools. The rankings below are done by Honolulu Magazine and are for 2019 statewide. For a more detailed breakdown and explanation of the rankings, please visit HonoluluMagazine.com
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- Waikele Elementary #31 of 170
- Waipahu Middle #29 of 51
- Waipahu High School #14 of 49
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Market Attributes
Trending
Due to a lack of inventory, low-interest rates, and a high demand for affordable housing, Waikele is currently a hot market.
Date of Builds
Waikele was developed from 1990 to 2000 with the majority being built in the early 90’s.
Days on the Market
Transportation Dynamics
Like most Central Oahu neighborhoods, the majority of Waikele residents will make some form of a commute for work. And when compared to Mililani and Wahiawa, Waikele is a more convenient commute to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor or the airport…just about anything southeast of Central Oahu. There are two main freeway access points heading East that put you right at the H-1/H-2 merge when heading southeast. Once in Waikele, driving through the neighborhoods is pretty easy; all of the traffic is clustered around the outlet mall. And with fairly mellow hills mixed in with flat areas Waikele as a whole is walkable/rollable.
Car Dependent ➔ Yes
Bicycle Friendly ➔ Sort of/Not Really
Uber ➔ 4 to 5 drivers in the area
City Bus ➔ Yes
Common Commutes by Car:
- Downtown Honolulu – 20 minutes without traffic; 50-60 minutes with traffic
- Schofield Barracks – 15 minutes without traffic; 25-30 minutes with traffic
- Honolulu Inter. Airport – 15 minutes without traffic; 25-35 minutes with traffic
- Grocery Store – 2 to 5 minutes
- Costco – 10 minutes