Oahu Real Estate Market Update – January 2026

Did home sales really jump 133% on the Windward Coast of Oahu? Yes and that was the biggest sales increase across the island this past month. January 2026 brought notable shifts in the Oahu real estate market, from rising median prices on the Windward Coast to major condo appreciation near Diamond Head. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in single-family homes and condos across the island.

Windward Coast Single-Family Homes Lead the Island

The Windward Coast of Oahu, stretching from Kaneohe north to Hauula, saw the strongest growth in home sales island-wide.

Key Highlights:

  • Home sales increased 133% month-over-month
  • Transactions rose from 3 to 7 sales
  • Median sales price increased 27% year-over-year
  • Prices climbed from $1,180,000 to $1.5 million

While seven transactions may seem small, percentage growth at this level signals renewed buyer activity and strong demand in this coastal region.

Island-Wide Single-Family Home Trends

According to data tracked by the Honolulu Board of Realtors, most neighborhoods saw softer activity in January.

Out of 21 major neighborhoods:

  • 8 experienced declining home sales
  • 7 were flat
  • Only 6 saw increases

After a strong year overall, January showed signs of cooling or stabilization in many parts of Oahu’s housing market.

Waipahu Condos Show Strong Momentum

When it comes to condo sales, Waipahu stood out as the top-performing neighborhood.

Condo Sales Growth:

  • Up 67% year-over-year
  • Transactions increased from 9 to 15

This makes Waipahu the strongest condo market on Oahu for January 2026 in terms of sales growth. Increased affordability compared to metro Honolulu areas continues to make Waipahu attractive to buyers.

Diamond Head to Kapahulu Condo Prices Surge 110%

The most dramatic shift in appreciation occurred in the Diamond Head to Kapahulu region.

Appreciation Highlights:

  • Median condo price increased 110%
  • Prices rose from $567,000 to $1,192,000

Large jumps like this typically happen when:

  • More fee simple properties sell compared to leasehold units
  • Higher-end properties in the Gold Coast close in greater numbers
  • Fewer lower-priced leasehold transactions skew the median upward

When median prices rise above $1 million in this area, it often reflects stronger activity among premium oceanfront properties.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

January 2026 showed a mixed but opportunity-filled Oahu real estate market:

  • Select neighborhoods are seeing explosive growth
  • Others are stabilizing after a strong year
  • Condo appreciation is outperforming single-family homes in several areas
  • Median price swings can reflect shifts in property types sold

Every neighborhood on Oahu behaves differently. Monthly data matters. If you are considering buying or selling, understanding hyper-local trends is critical in today’s market.

Final Thoughts on the January 2026 Oahu Housing Market

The Windward Coast led the island in both sales growth and appreciation. Waipahu dominated condo transaction growth. Diamond Head to Kapahulu saw extraordinary condo price appreciation. The takeaway? The Oahu housing market is not moving uniformly. Strategic decisions require neighborhood-specific insights and current data. If you have questions about buying, selling, or investing in Oahu real estate, staying informed month-to-month can make a significant difference.