Kapalama, Honolulu, HI
Kapalama — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Kapalama, Honolulu, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Kapalama Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Kapalama is a densely populated residential neighborhood in Honolulu, located on the ridge between downtown and Kalihi. It is home to several major institutions, including the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, the main campus of this prestigious private school system. The area offers panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor, the Koolau Mountains, and the city skyline.
Character & Lifestyle
Kapalama is a working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community and deep Native Hawaiian roots. The presence of Kamehameha Schools profoundly shapes the area's character, with students in uniform a common sight. The lifestyle is practical and family-oriented, with many multi-generational households.
Housing
Housing in Kapalama consists primarily of older single-family homes, many built in the post-World War II era, and low-rise apartment buildings. The housing stock is generally more affordable than in many other Honolulu neighborhoods, though prices have risen. Lots are often steep, with many homes built on slopes offering those signature views.
Getting Around
The neighborhood is bisected by major thoroughfares like the Likelike Highway and School Street, providing direct routes to downtown, the H-1 freeway, and the Windward side. Public bus service via TheBus is extensive along these corridors. Traffic congestion during peak school hours around Kamehameha Schools can be significant.
Dining & Shopping
Residents rely on a mix of local eateries, small groceries, and nearby larger retail centers. Popular spots include Helena's Hawaiian Food, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant famous for traditional dishes. For broader shopping needs, residents often go to the adjacent Kalihi or downtown areas.
Parks & Recreation
Kapalama is not known for large parks, but it features the Kapalama Firebreak Trail, a steep, unofficial hiking path with challenging climbs and sweeping views. The expansive grounds of Kamehameha Schools include athletic fields and cultural sites, though they are private. The neighborhood's central location provides quick access to recreation throughout urban Honolulu.
Kapalama Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $907K |
| Median Gross Rent | $1K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $73K |
| Homeownership Rate | 41.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.2% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.8% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96817 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Kapalama, Honolulu
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Kapalama, Honolulu, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-13