With its gorgeous weather, breathtaking beaches, amazing cuisine, array of outdoor activities year-round, and warm, welcoming, and laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why Oahu attracts countless visitors and new residents annually.
Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is an island that has it all, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking forward to a relaxing lifestyle in paradise.
If you’re planning to purchase a property in Oahu, you’ve come to the right place! On this page, you’ll find an overview of Oahu’s real estate market and the many benefits of working alongside an experienced real estate agent in Oahu as you navigate this exciting market. You’ll also get a glimpse of Oahu’s development as both a prime residential destination and one of the most visited Hawaiian Islands today.
Table of Contents
Location
The third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Oahu is located within Honolulu County in is home to Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu. The entire island encompasses nearly 600 square miles and has a shoreline of approximately 227 miles.
Oahu consists of two separate but overlapping mountain ranges running parallel to each other: The Koolau Range in the east and the Waianae Ranges in the west, connected together by the Leilehua Plateau in the middle. Notable locations in Oahu include:
- Diamond Head
- Hanauma
- Kailua Bay
- Kaneohe Bay
- Ko Olina
- North Shore
- Pearl Harbor
- Waikiki
Oahu’s windward coast is known for being home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world such as the famous Lanikai Beach, which consistently ranks among the list of top beaches and vacation destinations across the globe.
How Oahu became the powerhouse it is today
Oahu’s development, combined with the island’s deep connection to its rich culture and history has helped make it into a tourism haven as well as one of the best places to call home.
Here’s a glimpse at how Oahu became one of the top destinations for both visitors and new residents:
- Tourist activity started in the 1860s on Oahu’s neighboring islands. Back then, the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano was one of the most sought-after attractions in the world for thrill-seekers and adventure travelers. Hawaii’s very first tourist hotel, the Volcano House nestled on the Halemaumau Crater was constructed in 1865. The start of Oahu’s vibrant tourism industry, however, occurred at the end of the plantation era.
- In 1901, British-born saloonkeeper and liquor dealer W.C. Peacock constructed the gorgeous Beaux-Arts Moana Hotel, giving visitors a place to stay on the picturesque Waikiki Beach.
- In 1902, W.C. Weedon convinced businessmen from Honolulu to bankroll his plans to promote Hawaii as a tourist destination in San Francisco. The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) was formed the following year, and over 2,000 visitors were welcomed into Hawaii that same year.
- The steamship became the main mode of transportation for tourists visiting Honolulu, taking them 4.5 days to arrive from San Francisco. Many affluent visitors stayed for months, experiencing everything Hawaii has to offer such as floral parades, tours, and shows highlighted by the traditional hula dance.
- Flights from San Francisco to Honolulu started in 1936, taking passengers on a seven-passenger Pan American Martin M-130 flying boat called the “Hawaii Clipper.” The flight took over 21 hours and was the beginning of modern tourism for Oahu. By 1941, the visitor count reached nearly 32,000.
- Hawaii officially became the United States’ 50th state in 1959. That same year also marked the arrival of the first jet airliners, which brought more than 250,000 tourists to Hawaii. The room count in Waikiki almost doubled in just two years to accommodate the swelling tourist numbers, from around 16,000 in 1969 to 31,000 in 1971. The count continued to increase until Waikiki officials decided to stabilize its growth. By 1980, annual arrivals reached over four million.
Overview of luxury residential real estate in Oahu
Those looking to savor a luxurious and relaxing lifestyle in Oahu will be able to choose from an array of enticing real estate options designed to accommodate nearly any type of requirement or preference.
Whether you’re in the market for a luxury condo with resort-style amenities, an expansive oceanfront estate, a lovely hillside home surrounded by panoramic views, or a home in a prestigious golf and country club community, Oahu’s variety of luxury real estate offerings are guaranteed to satisfy.
Typical features of Oahu luxury homes
Luxury homes in Oahu are designed to offer the perfect blend between privacy, sophistication, and convenience, and are equipped with the finest state-of-the-art features found in many of today’s modern luxury homes.
Some examples of features you can find in Oahu luxury condos and single-family homes include:
- Lush tropical landscaping
- Seamless indoor-outdoor floor plans that enhance your relaxing island lifestyle
- Stylish and spacious living rooms with ocean views and lanai access
- Gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line chef-grade stainless steel appliances and granite countertops and islands
- Expansive yards with large resort-style swimming pools, sundecks, and patios perfect for entertaining
- Gorgeous master suites with spa-like baths, home offices, and panoramic views
- Easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, recreational venues, beaches, and other amenities
The best communities in Oahu
Going hand in hand with its wide variety of high-end homes is Oahu’s diverse selection of communities, allowing you to choose an ideal location that matches your lifestyle perfectly.
Kakaako
Kakaako is a vibrant urban neighborhood boasting a rich and diverse history rooted in industry and Hawaiian culture.
Once an area consisting of fishing villages and salt ponds, it transitioned to an industrial and residential hub in the 1800s before becoming the dynamic community and commercial district it is known as today.
Hawaii Kai
Located around 12 miles east of downtown Honolulu, the scenic Hawaii Kai is the first planned community in Oahu and is currently home to over 30,000 residents.
The community was originally a fishpond and wetland area before it was developed by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, who envisioned a laid-back suburban community with an idyllic charm.
Today, Hawaii Kai is both a top tourist attraction and a fantastic place to call home, thanks to its wide array of shopping and dining options, top-performing schools, and wealth of recreational opportunities including jet skiing, boating, snorkeling, hiking, and more.
Hawaii Loa Ridge
Nestled in East Honolulu, Hawaii Loa Ridge is a private suburban subdivision that features an array of amenities including scenic parks, tennis courts, and an expansive clubhouse.
This world-class community is located within the foothills of the majestic Koolau Mountains and is surrounded by panoramic views of eastern Oahu and the Pacific Ocean, creating a picturesque setting for residents. The community is also located just 15 minutes east of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, offering a highly convenient lifestyle
These are just a few of the many exceptional Oahu neighborhoods and communities featuring an excellent selection of luxury homes! To start your search for the perfect luxury home or condo in Oahu, take a look at our handpicked selection of Featured Condos and Featured Homes.
Benefits of working with a real estate agent in Oahu
Buying a luxury home in Oahu is a major financial decision, so you want to make sure you take all the right steps. With an experienced and knowledgeable professional at your side, you’ll be able to navigate the Oahu real estate market with ease, helping you make well-informed decisions while avoiding potential pitfalls as you make your way towards your goals.
Here’s a list of some of the many benefits and advantages you get when you choose to work with a real estate agent in Oahu:
Local expertise
In a desirable luxury real estate market like Oahu, there’s no substitute for a real estate agent with bone-deep expertise of the local market. Real estate agents specialize in specific areas and communities, which gives them insider’s knowledge as well as an in-depth understanding of key factors like current market trends and up-and-coming neighborhoods.
In addition, experienced agents are typically privy to unlisted homes and properties that are about to hit the market, giving you an advantage over other prospective buyers.
An experienced Oahu real estate agent knows exactly what to look for
Those searching for their dream Oahu luxury home or investment property usually have a solid idea of what type of home they want, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, to must-have features.
When you start your search, you’ll most likely have that idea in mind as you browse listings. Keep in mind, however, that there will always be homes in your chosen area that may not match your idea, but will still be worth considering. So the question will be, which of these homes will accommodate your budget and your unique needs?
Without a real estate agent, you’ll have no choice but to sift through and analyze all of the real estate options on your own, which can be a stressful and time-consuming process. But with an experienced pro at your side, you’ll have a handpicked selection of properties that fit what you have in mind. An Oahu real estate agent knows about every property on the market, and their main objective is to find one that perfectly matches your requirements, preferences, and budget.
Access to professional networks
For real estate agents, networking is part of the job. An experienced agent typically knows almost everyone in the local area who’s involved in the home buying and selling process.
An agent will be able to provide a list of preferred professionals including mortgage professionals, inspectors, and real estate lawyers whom they trust and have a good experience of working with in the past.
This is one of the best advantages you get when you choose to hire a real estate agent in Oahu – you get access to your agent’s network, so you won’t have to spend time researching providers individually and getting in touch with them on your own. This is extremely beneficial especially for first-time investors, as it also presents an opportunity to develop your own network of trusted professionals for future investment deals.
Unmatched commitment and first-class service
A luxury real estate agent in Oahu is fully committed to providing unparalleled service. As their client, you can expect to be put first at all times.
Your real estate agent will take the time to gather information and understand all of your needs, do research on schools, recreational activities, golf courses, country clubs, and all of the nearby services and amenities that you’ll find useful.
They’ll schedule home showings in accordance with your busy schedule and make sure to take into account all of the specifics and requirements you have to ensure the perfect match.
More time saved
If you’ve already been through the process of searching for a new home, then you’re aware of how time-consuming it can get – even more so if you’re looking to buy a luxury home in Oahu, where choices are abundant and there are plenty of factors to consider.
Once a real estate agent in Oahu gathers and understands the specifics of what you’re looking for in a home, they’ll get to work by weeding out options that do not fit your criteria. Additionally, agents participate in events and attend open houses regularly on behalf of their clients, so they won’t have to spend their time doing so themselves.
With a real estate agent at your side, you won’t have to worry about wasting your time on homes that do not fit your requirements and preferences.
Experience with handling complex transactions
Seasoned luxury real estate professionals are adept when it comes to handling all of the complex processes that typically come with real estate transactions.
When you’re searching for Oahu homes on your own, you’ll likely encounter a few unfamiliar details which may cause you to second guess your decisions, causing delays, or even derailing your search entirely. But when you’re working with a real estate agent in Oahu, you’ll have an expert who will be there to effectively interpret key elements of the deal which may be unfamiliar to you.
In case you encounter issues or certain information is required from you, your agent will be there to guide you so you can progress through complex parts of the transaction efficiently.
Expert assistance with paperwork
Dealing with the large amounts of paperwork when purchasing a home in Oahu can be a chore. For those working without a real estate agent, it’s easy to get so caught up on offer to purchase forms and contracts, causing you to lose sight of what’s important.
Fortunately, there are professionals who will be there to offer expert assistance with paperwork – real estate agents. With access to all of the right tools and resources, your real estate agent in Oahu will guide you through all of the required paperwork as smoothly and efficiently as possible in order to take the transaction to the next steps.
When you hire a real estate agent who’s experienced and proficient with paperwork, it’s unlikely for you to miss out on finding a home in Oahu that matches all of your goals.
Negotiation
Negotiating for the ideal price and terms is often a very complicated process, so having someone on your side with years of negotiation experience under their belt will be extremely helpful.
A skilled real estate agent will work diligently on your behalf to expertly negotiate an accepted offer for the best price and terms possible.
Assistance for future transactions
Once you’ve worked with a real estate agent in Oahu, you’ll have someone to count on for your real estate needs in the long run. Should you decide to sell your home down the line or purchase another property, all you’ll need to do is get in touch with them.
Many real estate agents in Oahu build their reputation on referrals from satisfied clients, so you can expect to get the very best service when you hire them. You’ll also have someone whom you can recommend to family and friends should they need assistance with their real estate needs.
Why choose Marshall Mower as your Realtor in Oahu, Hawaii
Ready to begin your search for the perfect luxury home in Oahu? Let award-winning Hawaii real estate broker Marshall Mower be your guide as you navigate this exciting market.
With over 22 years of real estate experience in Hawaii, Marshall has built a stellar reputation for his bone-deep knowledge of the market, exceptional service, and unmatched negotiation and communication skills.
Throughout his career, Marshall has attained various awards, honors, and accolades from the Hawaiian press and a number of distinguished publications. Among his achievements include:
- Hall of Fame, Top 100, and 9-Time Awardee from Hawaii Business
- Top 50 Hawaii Realtors from Pacific Business News
- Prudential Legend Award
- Multiple Salesperson of the Year
Your dream luxury home in Oahu is waiting for you! Start your search today by getting in touch with Marshall Mower at 808.277.7878 or send an email to marshall(dotted)mower(at)compass(dotted)com.