Makakilo, which means “observing eyes,” is located just above Kapolei in the foothills of the Waianae Mountains. This rapidly expanding town is located on Oahu’s west shore, approximately a 30-minute drive from Honolulu, just beyond Ewa and above Kapolei.

This lovely area, which reaches 1,000 feet in height at its highest and is steeped in Hawaiian culture, offers excellent views from the hillsides. Puu Makakilo (Mount Makakilo) was a historic gathering place for Kahuna Kilokilo, or ancient Hawaiian astronomers, who met there. Makakilo is now a peaceful neighborhood divided into two sections: Makakilo Upper, which has newer homes and significantly higher elevations, making it cooler and breezier, and Makakilo Lower, which has older, custom homes, larger lots, and no maintenance fees because it is not a master planned community.

Uncrowded beaches, world-class golf, a resort paradise just up the highway at Ko Olina, and all the facilities of adjacent Kapolei are all nearby, all within a short (km) drive to downtown Honolulu. Although traffic in and out of town may be a challenge, Honolulu’s high-speed rail project is well underway and will offer a high-speed option for business travellers.

Makakilo was first developed in the 1960s and has subsequently expanded up the hillside with a combination of single-family houses and townhomes. In recent decades, developer D.R. Horton has been active in extending Makakilo and Kapolei, providing a variety of fresh new houses for sale.

Parks and green places abound, adding to the quality of life enjoyed by Makakilo inhabitants. Makakilo Neighborhood Park, which is a favored site for residents to watch the Honolulu cityscape and Diamond Head in the distance, provides spectacular city and ocean views throughout the day and into the evening.

Because Kapolei is just next door, homeowners can walk to the lively “Second City” of Oahu and its major merchants, world-class restaurants, and exciting activities in just a few minutes. It may be difficult to return to town after you’ve arrived at Makakilo.