Ala Moana Hawaii Real Estate & Living Guide 2026

Your Oahu Home Team at eXp Realty helps buyers and sellers throughout the Ala Moana corridor. As agents based on Oahu, we know this neighborhood well — from the high-rise condos along Kapiolani Boulevard to the beachside units near Ala Moana Beach Park. Whether you're a first-time condo buyer, a buyer evaluating a rental property, or a seller preparing to list in an active urban market, this guide covers what you need to know about Ala Moana real estate.

Ready to talk Ala Moana real estate? Call or text us at (808) 670-1548 or email info@kahomegroup.com.

Why Buyers Are Looking at Ala Moana

Ala Moana is one of Honolulu's most centrally located and walkable neighborhoods, situated between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki along the southern shore of Oahu. The area is anchored by Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Center—the largest open-air shopping mall in the state—making it a hub for both residents and visitors. Real estate here is almost exclusively high-rise and mid-rise condos, with a wide range of units from hotel-condo studios to multi-bedroom residences with ocean and city views.

What sets Ala Moana apart: it's home to Ala Moana Center with over 350 retailers and 160+ dining options; Ala Moana Beach Park with its protected lagoon and 76 acres of green space; and a central position that puts downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and the H-1 freeway within minutes. Compared to nearby Waikiki or Kaka'ako, Ala Moana tends to feel more residential while still offering an active urban condo market.

Ala Moana Condo Market and Key Buildings

Ala Moana's real estate market is dominated by condominium units ranging from compact studios to spacious multi-bedroom residences. As of 2025, condo prices in the area range from approximately $290,000 for small studios to $2,000,000+ for larger or higher-floor units with premium views (estimates based on recent MLS activity; verify current pricing with us).

Key buildings and complexes in the area include:

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Ala Moana Hotel Condominiums

— hotel-condo units often considered by buyers exploring rental programs >

The Central Ala Moana

— modern tower with resort-style amenities >

Sky Ala Moana

— newer luxury development with panoramic views >

1555 Kapiolani (ALA MOANA)

— well-located mid-rise with ocean views >Several buildings along

Kapiolani Boulevard and Amana Street

Some units are eligible for short-term rental programs or hotel programs. Short-term rental rules in Honolulu change frequently, so buyers should verify current zoning, building rules, and tax treatment before relying on any rental projection. The Ala Moana rail station—part of Honolulu's Skyline rail system—is planned for this area, which may influence long-term demand, though future market conditions are not guaranteed.

See all Honolulu real estate listings | Search Ala Moana condos for sale

Living in Ala Moana: What to Expect

Walkability and Lifestyle

Ala Moana is one of the more walkable areas on Oahu. Residents have access to grocery stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and entertainment within a short distance. The 76-acre Ala Moana Beach Park offers a protected lagoon, sandy beach, tennis courts, jogging paths, and open lawn space.

Ala Moana Center features over 350 retailers and more than 160 dining options, ranging from local favorites to international brands. The neighborhood's central location also makes commuting from this area straightforward for many destinations.

Commuting from Ala Moana

Ala Moana's central location makes it one of the more well-connected neighborhoods on Oahu. General commute considerations include downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and West Oahu via the H-1. Actual drive times vary significantly by time of day and traffic conditions, so we recommend testing your specific commute before buying.

Oahu's Skyline rail has a planned station at Ala Moana, which would offer an additional commute option once complete. TheBus also serves the area extensively with multiple routes.

Schools Near Ala Moana

Ala Moana is served by schools within the Honolulu complex of the Hawaii Department of Education. Nearby public schools include Lincoln Elementary, Stevenson Middle School, and McKinley High School. Several private schools are also accessible within a short drive, including Punahou School and Mid-Pacific Institute.

For the most current school zone and enrollment information, we recommend visiting the Hawaii Department of Education website and researching options independently, since assignments and reputations can change.

Shopping and Dining

Ala Moana Center is a centerpiece of shopping in the area—Hawaii's largest open-air mall with 350+ stores, a food court, and a wide range of dining options from local plate lunches to upscale restaurants. Beyond the mall, the neighborhood has a growing restaurant scene along Kapiolani Boulevard and Keeaumoku Street, with everything from ramen shops to Korean BBQ to fine dining.

Property Taxes

Ala Moana falls within the City & County of Honolulu tax jurisdiction. Owner-occupants may qualify for the homeowner exemption ($100,000 off assessed value) and are taxed at the residential owner-occupant rate of $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed value (2025–2026). Rates and exemptions can change — verify current figures with the City & County before relying on them.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Ala Moana borders several Oahu communities. Residents are close to Kaka'ako, which has been seeing significant new development. Waikiki is just to the east, and Makiki sits to the north. Mo'ili'ili is adjacent to the northeast and offers a quieter residential feel.

New Developments Near Ala Moana

The Ala Moana corridor continues to attract new development. Recent and upcoming projects include Sky Ala Moana (completed), Muse Honolulu (under development at 1538 Kapi'olani Blvd), and Amana Lofts, an adaptive reuse office conversion at 765 Amana St. that will bring affordable rental units to the area. The planned Ala Moana rail station may also influence additional transit-oriented development in coming years.

Interested in new developments across Oahu? Visit our new developments blog for updates.

Buying a Condo in Ala Moana

Here are key things to keep in mind if you're buying a home in Ala Moana:

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Understand condo fees.

Monthly HOA/maintenance fees vary widely by building—from around $300/month for older walk-ups to $1,500+ for luxury towers. Factor these into your total monthly cost. >

Know the rental rules.

Some buildings allow short-term rentals, others don't, and Honolulu's rules continue to evolve. If you're considering a property as a rental, verify the building's policies and current city regulations before making an offer. >

VA loans work for condos too.

Many Ala Moana condos are VA-approved. VA-eligible buyers can purchase with $0 down and no PMI, subject to lender and VA requirements. >

Consider transit timing.

The planned Ala Moana rail station may influence the area's long-term outlook, though timing and impact are not guaranteed. >

Work with a condo-aware agent.

Condo purchases require reviewing reserve studies, HOA financials, and building rules. We help our clients work through this as part of the buying process.

Ready to start looking? Search Ala Moana condos for sale or contact us to schedule a personalized strategy session.

Selling a Condo in Ala Moana

Ala Moana is an active condo market for well-priced, well-presented units. The buyer pool includes local residents, mainland buyers, international buyers, and military personnel. Units with ocean views, updated interiors, or in buildings with strong amenities packages typically draw more attention.

Pricing correctly from day one matters — overpriced units often sit while accurately priced units tend to move more quickly. We offer professional photography, targeted digital marketing, and MLS expertise to help your unit stand out.

Curious what your Ala Moana condo is worth? Get a free home valuation or call us at (808) 670-1548.

Is Ala Moana Right for You?

Ala Moana tends to be a fit for:

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Buyers who want walkability:

Shopping, dining, the beach, and transit are within walking distance. >

Buyers evaluating rental income:

Hotel-condo programs and short-term rental eligible buildings can be considered, with current city rules verified case by case. >

Buyers who want a central Honolulu location:

Ala Moana sits between downtown and Waikiki with access to much of the island. >

VA-eligible buyers stationed nearby:

VA-approved condos with reasonable commutes to multiple bases are worth comparing. >

Downsizers and retirees:

Lock-and-leave condo living with amenities at hand.

If you're comparing Ala Moana to communities like Waikiki, Kaka'ako, or Makiki, we can help you weigh the tradeoffs based on your lifestyle, budget, and commute.

Military and VA Buyers in Ala Moana

Ala Moana is one of the Honolulu condo markets some VA buyers and PCS households compare when moving to Oahu, especially when they are looking at Fort Shafter, Tripler Army Medical Center, Camp Smith, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, downtown Honolulu, Kakaako, Waikiki, Makiki, and other town-side options.

Buyers often consider Ala Moana because of its Honolulu location, condo options, shopping, dining, beach access, nearby medical centers, and convenience to town-side routes. It can be a practical fit for buyers who want urban convenience while still comparing commute, monthly payment, maintenance fees, parking, insurance, building condition, association rules, and long-term resale flexibility.

For VA buyers, the right Ala Moana condo is not just about the purchase price. It is also about the full monthly payment, VA condo eligibility, maintenance fees, reserves, insurance, parking, building condition, commute, and how the property may fit your plans after a future PCS.

If you're planning a PCS move, these guides can help:

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PCS to Oahu Military Home Buying Guide

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PCS to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam VA Home Buying Guide

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PCS to Camp Smith, Fort Shafter & Tripler VA Home Buying Guide

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Best Oahu Neighborhoods for Military Families

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VA Home Loan Guide Oahu Hawaii

Comparing Ala Moana to Other Oahu Communities

Ala Moana is often compared with Kakaako, Waikiki, Makiki, Manoa, Kaimuki, Salt Lake, and downtown Honolulu because each area offers a different mix of location, commute, condo style, amenities, maintenance fees, and price point.

If you are still deciding where to focus your search, we can walk through tradeoffs based on commute, budget, condo type, and long-term plans.

Selling a Home in Ala Moana

Ala Moana sellers often benefit from marketing that speaks to multiple buyer groups, including local Oahu buyers, VA buyers, PCS households, Honolulu condo buyers, first-time buyers, buyers exploring rental options, and buyers comparing urban Honolulu with nearby town-side neighborhoods.

A strong Ala Moana listing strategy should highlight the specific building, unit condition, upgrades, parking, maintenance fees, association details, amenities, views if applicable, beach or shopping access, commute considerations, and what makes the property stand out compared with similar condos in Ala Moana, Kakaako, Waikiki, Makiki, and nearby Honolulu communities.

Your Oahu Home Team helps Ala Moana sellers position their property clearly so buyers understand not just the unit, but the building, lifestyle, and location tradeoffs.

Talk With Local Oahu Agents Who Know Ala Moana

We're Kristy and Austin Nakamura with Your Oahu Home Team at eXp Realty, and we've helped buyers and sellers across Metro Honolulu with their real estate goals. We know the Ala Moana condo market from the inside — how buildings differ on fees, reserves, amenities, and resale, and how to position a unit so it shows well to today's buyer pool. We're approachable, responsive, and focused on your outcome.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just starting to explore, we'd love to be your resource.

>Phone/Text:

(808) 670-1548

>Email:

info@kahomegroup.com