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Picture this: You wake up Saturday morning, grab your coffee, and step onto your private boat dock. Within minutes, you're cruising Maunalua Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains behind you and the Pacific ahead. This isn't a vacation fantasy—it's everyday life in West Marina, Hawaiʻi Kai's rare waterfront community where owning your own marina access is simply part of coming home.

West Marina offers something you won't find anywhere else in Hawaiʻi: private residential boat docks along the Hawaii Kai Marina and its interconnecting canals. Developed in the early 1960s as part of Henry J. Kaiser's vision for Oʻahu's first planned community, these homes sit on narrow streets that run parallel to the water, creating an intimate neighborhood where your backyard opens directly to the marina. Whether you're into fishing, diving, paddleboarding, or simply watching the sunset from your lanai with water views, West Marina delivers that resort-style living locals dream about.

Oahu Neighborhoods

Hawaiʻi's Only Private Marina Community

The area was originally a fishpond and wetland before Henry J. Kaiser transformed it in the 1960s into his vision of an idyllic suburban waterfront community. Development continued through the 1970s and 1980s, with a resurgence in the early 2000s. Because many West Marina homes predate the major development of Hawaiʻi Kai, they show more architectural variation than newer neighborhoods. Today it serves as the only community in Hawaiʻi offering private residential marina access, managed by the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association.

Explore Island Design

1960s Foundations, 2025 Aspirations

West Marina's architectural character tells the story of Hawaiʻi Kai's evolution. Most homes date to the early 1960s, featuring single-level ranch-style designs with 3-5 bedrooms and 1,200 to 2,400 square feet of living space on lots typically under 9,000 square feet. Because these properties predate the major Hawaiʻi Kai buildout, you'll find more design variety here than in later developments—no cookie-cutter subdivisions. Many homes have been completely renovated with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and contemporary finishes, while others retain their mid-century charm and offer buyers the opportunity to customize to their exact vision.

What makes these properties special isn't just the square footage—it's the waterfront positioning. Private boat docks, lanais overlooking calm canal waters, and backyards that slope down to the marina create outdoor living spaces that feel like your own private resort. Even homes without direct water frontage often feature marina or mountain views, and the compact lot sizes mean less yard maintenance and more time on the water.

Vibrant Lifestyle

From Boat Dock to Breakfast: The West Marina Rhythm

West Marina puts you at the center of Hawaiʻi Kai's best amenities. Koko Marina Center is your neighborhood hub, featuring Kona Brewing Company with its waterfront dining, watersports rentals, and dozens of shops and services. Hawaii Kai Towne Center, anchored by Costco, offers major retail conveniences including Ross, City Mill, and varied dining from fast casual to sit-down restaurants. The marina lifestyle extends beyond your own dock—water skiing is permitted in designated areas, and the annual Hawaiʻi Kai Boat Parade brings the community together in true island spirit.

"Living in West Marina means every weekend feels like vacation. We paddleboard before breakfast and take the boat out to dive spots tourists can't easily reach. It's the ultimate water lifestyle without leaving home." — West Marina resident and diving enthusiast. Beyond the marina, you're minutes from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for world-class snorkeling, Sandy Beach for bodyboarding and people-watching, and the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail for sunrise hikes with panoramic coastline views.

Real Estate in Hawaii Kai

West Marina's Waterfront Premium: Market Trends You Need to Know

As of September 2024, West Marina's median home price reached $1,925,000, up 13.24% from $1,700,000 the previous year. The neighborhood typically sees about 11 fee simple home sales annually, reflecting the limited inventory and high demand for this rare waterfront lifestyle. Properties with private boat docks command premium pricing, while homes with marina views or proximity offer more accessible entry points into the neighborhood.

The West Marina market rewards patience. With such limited inventory, finding the right property means working with an agent who knows the neighborhood intimately and can move quickly when opportunities arise. Homes range from original 1960s properties needing updates (offering customization potential) to completely renovated estates with modern finishes. Days on market remain moderate, and serious buyers recognize the value proposition: you're not just buying a home, you're buying one of the few private marina lifestyles available in all of Hawaiʻi.

Community Spotlight

Top Schools and Easy Access: The Complete Community Package

West Marina families benefit from the highly-ranked Kaiser High School Complex. Koko Head Elementary School ranks #12 in Hawaiʻi with 77% of students achieving math and reading proficiency—well above state averages. Henry J. Kaiser High School, ranked #6 statewide, offers International Baccalaureate programs, 50% AP participation, and a 93.2% graduation rate. The 20-30 minute commute to downtown Honolulu via Kalanianaʻole Highway keeps professionals connected while maintaining that East Oʻahu escape feel. Medical clinics, veterinary services, banks, and entertainment are all within Hawaiʻi Kai, creating a self-contained community where you rarely need to venture far.

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Connect & Subscribe

Ready to explore waterfront living in West Marina? Let's talk about what makes this neighborhood the right fit for your lifestyle and goals. Whether you're dreaming of marina access or simply curious about Hawaiʻi Kai's unique offerings, I'm here to help you find your place in paradise.

Schedule your personalized Hawaii Kai consultation to start the conversation.