Welcome to Manoa
Blending small-town suburban feel with natural beauty
Located just 3 miles from Honolulu is Manoa, a lush tropical jewel tucked away in a picturesque valley. It stretches deep into the Koolau Mountains, providing the perfect combination of small-town charm and natural beauty. It's truly a beautiful place to call home for anyone who wishes to live in a tropical paradise.
Manoa features beautiful pre-1960s architecture with gorgeous mountain views, year-round rainfall, and lush, exotic flowers and plants. Plantation-style homes, historic mansions, charming bungalows, New England-style homes, and gingerbread houses can be found inside Manoa’s real estate landscape along with residential streets and spacious lots. You'll find more historic properties in Manoa than in most neighborhoods in Hawaii.
What to Love
- Plenty of green and natural spaces
- Quiet, cozy, and serene
- The unique architectural design of Manoa's homes for sale
Local Lifestyle
Manoa residents enjoy a quiet, laid-back, and community-oriented lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment options at the University of Hawaii. The vibe in Upper Manoa is friendly, and everyone knows everyone. It's the preferred area for homebuyers looking for tranquility. Lower Manoa offers a slightly higher pace of life, as it is home to the University of Hawaii. Between the university’s basketball, football, and beach volleyball seasons, there are always sporting events to attend. UH is also a hub for art and cultural events, many of which are open to the general public.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Delightful shops and restaurants are located inside Manoa Marketplace in Central Manoa. You'll find a wide selection of multi-ethnic restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, grocery stores, and a variety of small businesses to cater to your needs. Eateries and shops worth checking out include Fendu Boulangerie, Bakery Manoa, and Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies. Also located near the marketplace is Leahi Health, a health food store that sets farm-to-table standards by using the best and freshest fruits and vegetables.
What was once Salvation Army Wai'oli Tea Room has been brought to a new life as a restaurant known as Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop. Located on the road to Manoa Falls, it offers a menu centered around high-quality artisanal ingredients and house-made baked goods.
Located a short distance from Manoa Marketplace is the Manoa Valley Theatre. The entertainment venue is popular for both locals and visitors, as it plays host to a variety of local and national productions throughout the year.
Take the short drive to Honolulu for more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Shop your favorite brands, such as Kate Spade New York, Tory Burch, and Anthropologie at Ala Moana Center.
Things to Do
The popular Manoa Falls Trail is easily accessed through the back of upper Manoa Valley and offers a quick and stunning hike through the jungle. The hike ends with a stunning waterfall perfect for wading through.
Manoa is also home to the Lyon Arboretum, an expansive botanical garden run by the University of Hawaii. It features a wide variety of tropical plants, scenic waterfalls, and views of Manoa. For more scenic vistas, head to Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. It is the site of one of Hawaii’s most iconic battles and the Old Pali Road, which once connected Windward Oahu to downtown Honolulu.
Take time to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, which is located in the middle of an extinct crater. It is the final resting place for over 38,000 personnel from World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War. There is also a shrine commemorating those missing in action.
Schools
The Hawaii Department of Education serves the community of Manoa. Top-rated schools in the area include:
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Mid Pacific Institute
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The University of Hawaii
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Punahou School
