What’s Really Happening in the Oahu Housing Market Right Now?
If you’ve been watching the Oahu real estate market closely, December 2025 delivered some surprising data. From a 250% spike in North Shore home sales to sharp contrasts between single-family homes and condos, the market continues to shift in meaningful and highly localized ways.
In this monthly Oahu real estate market update, we’ll break down the most important trends across the island, highlight which neighborhoods are leading appreciation, and explain what buyers and sellers should be paying attention to heading into the next cycle.
North Shore Oahu Home Sales Jump 250%
The most eye-catching statistic this month came from the North Shore of Oahu, where single-family home sales surged 250% year over year, increasing from just two sales last December to seven this month.
While the percentage sounds dramatic, the key takeaway is momentum. Buyer activity has clearly returned to this area, signaling renewed confidence in North Shore real estate after a quieter period.
Across the island, the single-family home market showed solid health:
- 11 of 21 major Oahu neighborhoods saw increased home sales
- 5 neighborhoods were flat
- 5 neighborhoods experienced declines
Overall, this points to a stabilizing (and in many areas a strengthening) single-family home market on Oahu.
Waialae to Kahala Leads Oahu in Home Price Appreciation
When it comes to appreciation, Waialae to Kahala stood out as the strongest-performing neighborhood on the island. The median sales price jumped from $1,790,000 to $3,217,788, representing an 80% year-over-year increase. This dramatic rise is largely driven by one critical factor: extremely limited inventory. There were no active listings on or near Waialae Country Club. There were very few overall transactions, especially at lower price points.
Because only higher-end properties traded this year, the median price rose sharply. This data includes surrounding areas such as Waialae Nui Ridge and Waialae Iki, not just the golf course itself. Historically, Waialae, Kahala, and Diamond Head tend to be early indicators of broader Oahu appreciation, making this a trend worth watching closely.
Condo Sales Tell a Different Story Across Oahu
Unlike single-family homes, the Oahu condo market remains mixed. Only:
- 7 of 21 neighborhoods saw condo prices rise year over year
- 3 neighborhoods were flat
- 11 neighborhoods declined
This divergence highlights a critical truth about Oahu real estate: every condo building is its own micro-market. Some condos are appreciating steadily, while others are selling for less than they did 10 years ago.
Waialae to Kahala Also Leads Condo Sales Growth
Interestingly, Waialae to Kahala didn’t just lead in home appreciation. It also recorded the largest increase in condo sales, rising 167% year over year from three transactions to eight. This reinforces the strength of the area overall and suggests sustained buyer demand across both property types.
Windward Oahu Sees the Biggest Condo Price Gains
The Windward Coast of Oahu posted the strongest condo appreciation island-wide, with prices rising 22% year over year, from $230,000 to $281,000. Yes, condos at this price point still exist on Oahu. Much of this activity likely came from buildings such as Hanohano Hale and Pats at Punaluu These projects have faced past challenges, including assessments and deferred maintenance, but pricing appears to be rebounding. For certain buyers, this may represent a strategic opportunity, depending on risk tolerance and long-term plans.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers on Oahu
The December 2025 data reinforces an important theme: Oahu real estate is never one market. It is dozens of micro-markets moving at different speeds:
- Some neighborhoods are accelerating
- Others are correcting
- Condo performance varies building by building
- Inventory constraints continue to drive price spikes in premium areas
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding hyper-local data is essential to making smart decisions.
Get Expert Guidance on Oahu Real Estate
If you have questions about a specific neighborhood, condo building, or strategy for navigating the Oahu real estate market, professional guidance matters.
Principal Broker, Harcourts Island Real Estate
📞 808-371-3509
Mahalo for reading, and stay tuned for next month’s Oahu market update.