West Marina: Hawaiʻi Kai’s Rare Waterfront Lifestyle

Where Your Boat Dock Meets Your Back Door

In all of Hawaiʻi, there’s only one place where you can own a home with private boat dock access to a marina: West Marina in Hawaiʻi Kai. This intimate neighborhood of waterfront properties and canal-front homes delivers something most island residents only dream about—a lifestyle where your morning paddleboard session and evening boat cruise start the moment you step out your back door.

The Marina Lifestyle, Redefined

West Marina sits along the Hawaii Kai Marina and its interconnecting canals, offering direct access to Maunalua Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Developed in the early 1960s as part of Henry J. Kaiser’s vision for Oʻahu’s first planned community, these homes were built on narrow streets running parallel to the water, creating an intimate neighborhood where the marina truly becomes an extension of your living space. Whether you’re into fishing, diving, water skiing, or simply watching boats glide past from your lanai, West Marina turns everyday life into a waterfront retreat.

The numbers tell the story of this neighborhood’s appeal: median home prices reached $1,925,000 as of September 2024, up 13.24% year-over-year. With only about 11 homes selling annually, inventory stays tight and buyers need patience to find their perfect property. But for those seeking Hawaiʻi’s most unique residential lifestyle, the wait is worth it.

Design Meets Function

Most West Marina homes date to the 1960s, featuring 3-5 bedrooms and 1,200 to 2,400 square feet on lots typically under 9,000 square feet. What makes these properties special isn’t just the architecture—it’s the waterfront positioning. Private boat docks, water-view lanais, and backyards that slope to the marina create outdoor spaces that feel like your own private resort. Many homes have been completely renovated with modern kitchens and contemporary finishes, while others offer buyers the opportunity to customize to their vision.

Community and Convenience

Living in West Marina means you’re surrounded by Hawaiʻi Kai’s complete infrastructure. Koko Marina Center offers waterfront dining at Kona Brewing Company, watersports rentals, and neighborhood shopping. Hawaii Kai Towne Center, anchored by Costco, provides major retail and dining options. You’re minutes from Hanauma Bay for world-class snorkeling, Sandy Beach for bodyboarding, and the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail for sunrise hikes.

Families benefit from the top-ranked Kaiser High School Complex, with Koko Head Elementary (#12 in Hawaiʻi) and Henry J. Kaiser High School (#6 statewide, offering IB programs). The 20-30 minute commute to downtown Honolulu keeps professionals connected while maintaining that East Oʻahu escape.

Ready to Explore?

West Marina represents something truly rare: a chance to own waterfront living with private marina access in Hawaiʻi. If you’re curious about this unique lifestyle or want to learn more about Hawaiʻi Kai’s diverse neighborhoods, let’s connect.

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