Is Makaha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Makaha

Makaha, located on the western shores of Oahu, Hawaii, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a relaxed island lifestyle. This coastal community is known for its stunning beaches, including the world-famous Makaha Beach, and its proximity to natural attractions like Kaena Point State Park. The area provides a quieter retreat compared to the bustling city life of Honolulu, yet remains accessible for commuters.

The community’s character is shaped by its rich history and a strong sense of local identity. Makaha’s blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban centers creates a supportive environment for various residents. The neighborhood features local schools, grocery markets, and a growing selection of shops and eateries, contributing to its self-sufficient charm.

Is it Safe to Live in Makaha?

The overall crime rate in Makaha is reported to be 19.58 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While this is higher than the national average, violent crimes are noted as being 23% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the eastern parts of Makaha to be the safest areas within the community.

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Makaha varies by neighborhood. Some analyses indicate a B grade for safety, suggesting crime rates are slightly lower than the average U.S. city, while other reports place Makaha in the 65th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 65% of cities but less safe than 35% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes). Year-over-year crime has seen an increase of 17% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Demographics and Community

Makaha is home to approximately 10,100 residents (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant presence of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander residents, as well as individuals identifying with Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) (as reported by Data USA). The community also includes White and Hispanic populations, contributing to its varied cultural fabric.

The median age in Makaha is 37.9 years (as reported by Makaha, HI Population 2026). The gender distribution shows a slightly higher proportion of males, with 120.3 males for every 100 females (as reported by Makaha, HI Population 2026). A notable portion of residents, around 14.3% as of 2024, were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The median home price in Makaha was approximately $300,000 as of last month, showing a slight decrease of 2.8% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $558, which has increased by 11.6% since last year (as reported by Redfin). Housing affordability is a key characteristic, with median home prices significantly lower than the Honolulu median (as reported by OahuRE.com).

Rental costs in Makaha vary by property type and size. Studio apartments can range from the mid-$1300s to $1500s, while one-bedroom units are typically found in the $1300-$1400 range (as reported by Rentometer). Two-bedroom apartments often fall into the $2000 range, and three-bedroom units can be around $2100-$2200 (as reported by Rentometer). For houses, three-bedroom homes are generally priced between $3000 and $3200 (as reported by Rentometer).

Job Market and Economy

Makaha’s economy employs approximately 3,440 individuals (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries in Makaha include Educational Services, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The highest paying sectors are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, followed by Wholesale Trade and Information (as reported by Data USA).

Employment in Makaha has seen growth, with a 3.06% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Makaha Valley is noted at 4.6% (as of 2026) (as reported by Zip Atlas).

Climate and Weather

Makaha experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average daily high temperatures range from 81°F in the cooler months to 86°F during the hotter months (as reported by Mākaha Valley, Hawaii, United States Climate). The temperature typically varies between 65°F and 88°F, rarely dropping below 60°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Mākaha, Hawaii, United States Climate).

Rainfall is seasonal, with January being the wettest month, averaging around 2.6 to 2.7 inches of precipitation (as reported by Mākaha Valley, Hawaii, United States Climate and Mākaha Valley, Hawaii, United States Climate). The drier season typically runs from late March to mid-October, with June receiving the least rain, around 0.4 inches (as reported by Mākaha, Hawaii, United States Climate).

Education and Schools

Makaha Elementary School serves students from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 (as reported by Makaha Elementary School). According to recent data, 28% of students achieve proficiency in math and 26% in reading, which places it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii for test scores (as reported by Makaha Elementary School).

The school’s diversity score is lower than the state average, and its minority enrollment is high at 97% (as reported by Makaha Elementary School). Makaha Elementary School has received a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10 (as reported by Makaha Elementary School).

Major Employers and Economic Landscape

While specific major employers within Makaha are not extensively detailed, larger employers across Oahu include healthcare systems and educational institutions. The Queen’s Health Systems and Hawaii Pacific Health are among the largest employers statewide (as reported by Hawaii.gov). The Hawaii State Department of Education is also a significant employer, overseeing numerous schools across the islands (as reported by Hawaii Business Magazine).

The economic landscape of Hawaii is diverse, with tourism, agriculture, education, and the military playing key roles. Companies like Servco Pacific Inc. are noted for their significant presence and employee base across various industries (as reported by Hawaii Business Magazine).