Is Waikele Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waikele

Waikele, a census-designated place in Honolulu County, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Known for its association with the Waikele Premium Outlets and the Waikele Golf Club, the area provides a lifestyle that appeals to families and professionals seeking a balanced island living experience. Its strategic location in central Oahu positions residents advantageously, offering a commute that is often more manageable than in areas closer to Honolulu, while still providing access to the island’s economic and cultural hubs.

The community is characterized by its well-planned neighborhoods, which often feature sidewalks, parks, and quiet streets, contributing to a generally safe and family-friendly atmosphere. While specific crime data for Waikele can be challenging to pinpoint, broader statistics for Hawaii and Honolulu County suggest a relatively safe environment. This perception of safety is often supported by factors such as a low unemployment rate and a relatively high median household income, which are commonly associated with lower crime levels. Proximity to commercial centers like the Waikele Shopping Center and its well-maintained surroundings further enhance this sense of security.

Is it Safe to Live in Waikele?

Waikele is generally considered a safe community for both residents and visitors. Crime rates in Waikele are reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crimes being significantly lower (as reported by AreaVibes). While specific, granular crime data for Waikele is not always readily available from sources like the FBI’s uniform crime reporting program, the overall safety profile is positive. The area benefits from community engagement and neighborhood watch programs that contribute to maintaining a secure environment.

Property and tourism-related crimes, such as shoplifting and vehicle break-ins, are noted as typical occurrences, consistent with areas that attract visitors. However, violent crimes remain relatively low, and vigilance is encouraged to maintain community harmony. The presence of major retail centers and a stable economic environment, indicated by a low unemployment rate, often correlates with lower crime levels, further contributing to Waikele’s reputation as a secure place to live (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Market

Home Prices

The real estate market in Waikele presents a range of options, with median home prices fluctuating based on market conditions and reporting sources. As of March 2026, the median sale price for a home in Waikele was approximately $705,000, showing a year-over-year increase of 15.6% (as reported by Redfin). Other reports indicate a median listing price around $554,000 (as reported by Waikele, HI Housing Market: House Prices & Trends | Redfin) and a median home value of $761,367 (as reported by Livability.com). These figures suggest a competitive market with upward price trends.

The median real estate price in Waikele is approximately $823,968, positioning it as more expensive than a significant portion of neighborhoods within Hawaii and the U.S. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Homes in Waikele are primarily composed of single-family homes and apartment complexes, with most residences being owner-occupied. A notable characteristic of Waikele’s housing stock is that many homes were established between 1970 and 1999, with some newer constructions also present (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Waikele offers a dynamic rental market. The median rent in Waikele is reported to be around $2,825 per month (as reported by Realtor.com® and Waikele, HI Housing Market: House Prices & Rent, Inventory & More | Redfin). Other data points suggest a median rent of $2,156 per month (as reported by Livability.com) and an average rental price of $4,601 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The rental market includes a variety of options, from two-bedroom apartments to larger family homes. Two-bedroom apartments typically range from $2,600 to $2,800, while three-bedroom properties can command rents around $4,400 (as reported by Rentometer). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is around 33.4%, indicating the portion of earnings typically allocated to housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes).

Cost of Living and Economic Factors

Cost of Living

Waikele’s cost of living is influenced by its housing market and overall economic conditions in Hawaii. While specific cost of living indices for Waikele are not detailed in the search results, the median home prices and rental rates suggest a cost of living that is above the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses. The median household income in Waikele was reported as $138,411 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the state of Hawaii’s median household income ($100,389) and Honolulu County’s median household income ($106,195) within a 5-mile radius (as reported by Census Data). This higher income level helps to balance the cost of living for residents.

The median income in Waikele was $122,330 (as reported by Livability.com), and the median income stood at $120,525 (as reported by Point2Homes). These figures indicate a generally affluent community where residents’ earnings help to offset the higher costs associated with living in Hawaii.

Job Market and Employment

The job market in Waikele is robust, with a significant portion of its working population employed in professional and administrative roles. Approximately 86.3% of the workforce is engaged in these sectors, with 13.7% in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). The area’s economy is supported by major employers and a variety of retail establishments, particularly around the Waikele Shopping Center and outlets.

The unemployment rate in Hawaii has been consistently low, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 2.2% in November 2025 (as reported by the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism). More recently, in March 2026, Hawaii’s unemployment rate was 2.4% (as reported by USAFacts). This low unemployment rate across the state, including areas like Waikele, contributes to economic stability and job availability for residents.

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Waikele experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, classified as ‘As’ (Tropical wet and dry or savanna) (as reported by Waikele, HI Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data). The yearly average temperature is approximately 24.24ºC (75.63ºF), which is higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Waikele, HI Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data). The annual high temperature averages around 26.09ºC (78.96ºF), with average lows around 21.48ºC (70.66ºF) (as reported by Waikele, HI Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data).

Precipitation in Waikele is relatively low, with an average of about 27.97 millimeters (1.1 inches) annually. The area experiences around 56.73 rainy days per year, which is about 15.54% of the time (as reported by Waikele, HI Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data). This translates to a significant number of dry days, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Waikele Elementary School serves students from Pre-K to 6th grade and is part of the Hawaii Department of Education. It has consistently ranked among the top elementary schools in Hawaii, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and a B+ rating from Niche (as reported by Waikele Elementary School in Waipahu HI – SchoolDigger and Waikele Elementary School – Hawaii – Niche). The school demonstrates strong academic performance, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics often exceeding state averages (as reported by Waikele Elementary School in Waipahu HI – SchoolDigger).

Waikele Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Hawaii for overall test scores, including math and reading proficiency (as reported by Waikele Elementary School (Ranked Top 20% for 2026) – Waipahu, HI). The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1 (as reported by Waikele Elementary School – Hawaii – Niche), which is slightly higher than the Hawaii state average.

Demographics

Waikele is home to approximately 7,528 residents, with a median age of 44.4 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Data Commons). The population is diverse, with a significant Asian demographic, making up approximately 61.1% of the residents, followed by Multiracial at 22.7%, and White at 8.0% (as reported by Waikele, HI Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes and Waikele, HI Demographics – Map of Population by Race – Census Dots). This demographic composition is higher in Asian representation compared to the state of Hawaii overall.

The community is characterized by an upper-middle-income level, with a median annual household income reported at $138,411 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). A low percentage of children live below the federal poverty line, indicating a stable economic environment for families within the neighborhood (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).