Most of Palolo Valley’s bungalows are simple “Hawaiian Plantation Style” dwellings. Palolo is the name of a valley, a waterway, and a residential neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii. The region is about four miles east of downtown Honolulu, inland, and less than a mile from Diamond Head. Palolo, like many of Hawaii’s communities, is made up of a valley. The valley’s mauka (mountainside) is primarily agricultural. The valley’s makai (ocean side) stops at Waialae Avenue and is highly populated, largely with single-family residences. The majority of the houses date from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. For the most part, the houses are simple and sit on small lots. Houses range in size from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet and are built on lots ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. Many of the little yards are full of mango trees, plumeria, orchids, and ginger, with plenty of space for your dog or cat. If you’re searching for a calmer, more rural atmosphere with lower temperatures, head to the valley’s backside. Focus on the front of the Valley, facing Waialae Avenue, for individuals who seek convenient access to town and a dryer environment.

This is one of Honolulu’s more rural neighborhoods, particularly in the back of the valley, where you’ll find flower nurseries, mondo grass farms, and Buddhist temples. The valley’s mouth drains into Waialae Avenue, which is lined with fashionable restaurants and cafes as well as everyday necessities. It’s also close to the University of Hawaii, which makes it a popular area for students and teachers. Palolo Elementary School and Jarrett Middle School, as well as Palolo Chinese Home for Seniors, are all located in the Valley. 

Palolo combines a laid-back tropical lifestyle with convenient access to the city. Palolo has milder temperatures as you travel deeper into the Valley, and it rains every night, making it an excellent environment for gardening. Palolo Valley offers a wide range of activities, including hiking the Seven Falls trail in Ka’au Crater and Dinosaur Mountain, as well as swimming at the community center with a free public saltwater pool.