Is Makakilo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Makakilo
Makakilo, a residential community nestled on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and island charm. Perched on the slopes of the Waianae Mountains, it provides residents with panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. The community is known for its master-planned neighborhoods, modern amenities, and a diverse population drawn to its quality of life.
This area presents an appealing option for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and convenient living. Makakilo’s elevated position offers a respite from the coastal humidity, while its proximity to essential services and recreational opportunities enhances its desirability. The community’s development has focused on creating a comfortable and engaging environment for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Makakilo?
Makakilo is generally considered a safe community, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than the national average. Violent crimes are particularly infrequent, contributing to a sense of security for its residents. The neighborhood’s overall crime index is substantially below the national benchmark, making it a place where many feel comfortable raising families.
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Makakilo varies by specific area, though overall, the community ranks highly for safety. Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale, for instance, has a violent crime rate of 1.469 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis). This area is considered safer than 97% of neighborhoods nationwide, with a very low risk score for violent crimes (according to Augurisk). Property crimes and vehicle thefts are also present but are generally at moderate levels within the community.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Makakilo offers a range of housing options, from townhomes to luxury single-family residences, with prices varying by neighborhood and amenities. The median listing price for a home in Makakilo is approximately $650,000 (according to Zumper). Makakilo-Upper/Makakilo, specifically, has a median real estate price of $841,427, which is considered less expensive than many other Hawaii neighborhoods (according to NeighborhoodScout). The housing supply in Makakilo is notably tight, with a low vacancy rate indicating strong demand.
The cost of living in Makakilo is considered relatively affordable, especially when compared to other parts of Hawaii. The median home price is around $500,000, with a median rent of approximately $1,500 per month (according to OahuRE.com). However, more recent data from Zumper indicates the median rent for all property types in Makakilo is $3,700 as of May 2026, which is 90% higher than the national average. This median rent has remained stable month-over-month but has seen a 9% increase year-over-year. The average rental price in Makakilo-Upper/Makakilo is currently $3,418 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Home Prices and Ownership
Makakilo’s real estate market features a diverse array of homes, with prices reflecting the various neighborhoods and their offerings. For example, Makakilo Heights is known for its gated community with luxury townhomes and single-family residences, typically ranging from $900,000 to over $1.4 million (according to OahuRE.com). More broadly, the median listing price in Makakilo is $650,000, with 85 homes available for sale as of March 2026 (according to Zumper). The market is currently considered a seller’s market, indicating more buyers than available homes, which can lead to increased competition and strategic pricing for sellers.
The median home value in Makakilo is reported as $835,161 (according to Livability.com). While some sources indicate a median home price around $500,000, other data suggests higher figures for the broader Makakilo area. For instance, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale shows a median listing price of $799,900 (according to realtor.com®). The housing market in Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale is described as balanced, with a stable supply and demand for homes.
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Makakilo presents a range of options, with prices varying based on property type and size. As of May 2026, the median rent across all bedroom counts and property types in Makakilo is $3,700, which is substantially higher than the national average (according to Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,797, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $3,500.
More recent data from Zumper for April 2026 indicates the median rent for Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale is also $3,700. Houses for rent in this area average $3,700 per month. The rental market shows continued demand, with year-over-year rent price momentum at 7.94% (according to realtor.com®). The average renter income in Makakilo is $67,907, with a rent-to-income ratio of 40.2% (according to Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Makakilo’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Construction being the most common employment sectors for its residents (according to Data USA). Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support, and Sales & Related Occupations are the primary job groups held by Makakilo residents.
The unemployment rate in Makakilo is notably lower than the national average, standing at 5.7% (according to Zip Atlas). This figure is 31% lower than the national average, indicating a relatively strong job market for those living in the area. The income per capita in Makakilo is 46% higher than the national average, and the median household income is 105% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Makakilo are not detailed, the broader Honolulu County and Hawaii region feature significant employers across various sectors. The City and County of Honolulu is recognized as a top employer, ranking among America’s Best Employers by Forbes (according to the Office of the Mayor). Other prominent employers in Hawaii include the University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Airlines, and various healthcare and hospitality organizations (according to Hawaii Business Magazine and Forbes).
The employment sectors most prevalent among Makakilo residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Construction (according to Data USA). These sectors highlight the diverse economic base supporting the community. The consistent growth in these areas suggests a stable job market for residents.
Climate and Weather
Makakilo enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, characteristic of Hawaii’s weather patterns. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s Fahrenheit in the cooler months to the mid-80s Fahrenheit during the warmer months. The average annual temperature is around 77.0°F (according to IDcide).
The area experiences a warm, tropical climate, with average temperatures hovering around 75°F year-round (according to OahuRE.com). Summer highs are in the 80s, and winter lows are in the 60s. Makakilo receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 17 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. The wettest month is typically December, with around 2.50 inches of precipitation (according to IDcide).
Education and Schools
Makakilo is served by the Hawaii Department of Education, with Makakilo Elementary School being a primary educational institution for younger residents. This public school serves students from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade and has a student enrollment of 453. Makakilo Elementary School is ranked within the top 30% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores, with proficiency rates in math and reading higher than the state average (according to Niche and Homes.com).
The student-teacher ratio at Makakilo Elementary School is 14:1, which is on par with the Hawaii state average. The school has received a B+ rating on Niche and a GreatSchools Rating of 8/10. While Makakilo Elementary performs well, other schools in the Kapolei area, such as Holomua Elementary and Kapolei Elementary, have shown higher academic performance and rankings (according to SchoolDigger).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Makakilo is a diverse community with a population of approximately 20,735 residents (according to Data USA). The median age is around 36.6 years (according to AreaVibes). The racial makeup is varied, with significant Asian, White, and multiracial populations, alongside Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and Black or African American residents (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
The community is home to a mix of families and individuals, with about 24.6% of residents being children under 15 and 13.9% being 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). The average household size is around 3 members. A majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and a notable percentage were born outside the country, contributing to the area’s cultural richness.
Income and Economic Well-being
The average annual household income in Makakilo was approximately $154,414 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes). The median household income is reported at $118,550 (according to AreaVibes and Point2Homes). These figures indicate a strong economic standing for many residents, with the poverty rate at 9.16% (according to AreaVibes).
Households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $113,328, while those with individuals aged 45 to 64 earn a median of $134,327 (according to Point2Homes). The average salary in Makakilo is around $43,286 annually, with most salaries ranging between $29,635 and $52,340 (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate is lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Population and Diversity
Makakilo’s population is approximately 20,735, with a slight majority being female (50.3%) compared to male (49.7%) (according to Data USA). The community is characterized by its diversity, with a significant portion of residents identifying as Asian (29.18%), White (20.2%), and Two or more races (35.26%) (according to Data USA). Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and Black or African American populations are also represented.
The percentage of U.S. citizens in Makakilo is high, at 96.8% (according to Data USA). Approximately 14.1% of residents were born outside the United States, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. The median age in Makakilo is 36.6 years, indicating a population with a blend of young families, working-age adults, and older residents.