Living in Mililani: A Guide

Mililani, located in central Oahu, was one of Hawaii’s first planned communities, with homes rising from the former plantation fields starting in the 1960s. The initial developer, Castle & Cooke, envisioned a new suburban neighborhood on Oahu to meet the island’s extensive housing needs. Today, Mililani is a desirable family-friendly community with a mix of newer and older homes for all types of homebuyers.

Mililani is comprised of two distinct geographical areas: Mililani Town, the older portion west of the H-2 Interstate Highway, and Mililani Mauka, developed beginning in 1990 and to the east of H-2. Mililani also has approximately 70+ distinct micro-neighborhoods, offering an abundance of housing options for all types of homebuyers.

Living in Mililani means enjoying all the conveniences and organized layout of a planned development, along with all the natural beauty of Hawaii.

What's the real estate like in Mililani?

Mililani has a range of housing options. There are newer homes as well as older homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. There are single-family homes, as well as condominiums and townhouses. There are large executive houses on larger lots, as well as smaller, quainter homes. Mililani’s diverse housing options make it a neighborhood for all types of homebuyers – whether first-time homebuyers, expanding families, downsizing empty nesters, single professionals, military families, or more.

Where is Mililani?

Mililani’s Central Oahu location make it a convenient place to access almost any neighborhood on Oahu. With the construction of the H-2 freeway in 1976, the commute to Honolulu became twice as fast. Without traffic, the trip to Honolulu from Mililani might take a little under 30 minutes; however, traffic can double or triple that time.

Mililani is also a convenient commute to Kapolei, and its central location is only twenty minutes from the pristine beaches and storied surf of the North Shore. Mililani is four miles from Wheeler and Schofield Barracks and eight miles from Camp Smith, making it a great community for military families as well.

• The average travel time to work is 32 minutes, according to the U.S. Census from 2012-2016. With minimal traffic, it takes 26 minutes to go to Honolulu and 21 minutes to arrive in central Kapolei.
• TheBUS, Honolulu City & County’s public bus service, serves Mililani with routes 51, 52, 501, 503, and 504.
• Honolulu Rail Transit expects to have a Waiawa station at Pearl Highlands with an H2 access ramp and parking, which could expedite travel from Mililani to Honolulu, the international airport, and to Kapolei.

What's there to do in Mililani? Lifestyle and Recreation

Shopping

Mililani has convenient shopping centers that offer options for finding all your family’s needs. Here are the main shopping centers, and long-time Mililani residents will often describe the location of their home by their proximity to the Town Center, Shopping Center, Safeway, or “Mauka” (Mililani Mauka).

• Town Center of Mililani. 95-1249 Meheula Parkway. With a Fun Factory, Consolidated movie theater, UFC Gym, and numerous restaurants – along with a Walmart, PetSmart, City Mill, and public library nearby, the Town Center is Mililani’s central place for shopping needs and family-friendly entertainment.
• Mililani Shopping Center. 95-390 Kuahelani Avenue. A smaller shopping center with a variety of shops, eateries, and businesses, including a Foodland grocery store and Ross Dress for Less clothing store. This shopping center also serves as a place for community members to host events, like the farmers market that is held every Friday afternoon.
• Mililani Marketplace. 94-780 Meheula Parkway. With a Safeway, Longs Drugs, and a few restaurants, this shopping center adds convenience for the families who live nearby.
• The Gateway at Mililani Mauka. 1840 Meheula Parkway. This shopping center has a Long’s Drugs, Starbucks, gas station, dry cleaner, comic book store, and a variety of restaurants.
  

Golf

Mililani Golf Club on 91-050 Fort Weaver Road is a well-maintained golf course with a driving range, pro shop, and restaurant. They offer kama‘aina twilight special rates after 2 p.m. on the weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on the weekends and also have special low rates for juniors ages 7 to 17.

Parks

Mililani parks provide walking and exercise options for the entire family, including the dog. Whether you live in Mililani Town or Mililani Mauka, a public park is most likely nearby.

• Launani Park. 95-515 Wikao Street. A dog and keiki-friendly park with a playground, two tennis courts, a basketball court, trees, and green areas. It’s also very clean!
• Mililani Ravine Park. 95-1145 Lehiwa Drive. This park has a beautiful trail for walking or running and well-maintained grounds for relaxing.
• Kipapa Neighborhood Park. 95-439 Kuahelani Avenue. If you are yearning for a grassy area or the traditional park amenities – baseball field, basketball court, playground equipment, bathrooms – this neighborhood park is the place for you.
• Kuulako Park. 95-1030 Kuauli Street. A newly remodeled smaller park with a unique play structure for school-aged children – complete with three slides, a rock-climbing wall, a hammock and more.
• Mililani District Park. 94-1150 Lanikuhana Avenue. Many sporting events, including basketball, tennis, baseball, or volleyball, are held in this park. Facilities also include an indoor gym, a skatepark, and restrooms.
• Makaunulau Community Park. 95-800 Makaunulau Street. Park in one of the many parking spaces to enjoy a game in the big, level grassy area or a picnic on one of the tables.
• Ukuwai Park. Ukuwai Street. A small neighborhood park in Mililani Mauka with benches, pull-up bars, and an area to walk the dog.
• Mililani Waena Neighborhood Park. 95-590 Naholoholo Street. This park has an open grassy field and bathroom facility and is the place for frequent dog training classes.
• Mililani Mauka District Park. 95-1069 Ukuwai Street. A newer park in Mililani Mauka with a baseball field, basketball courts, and bathrooms.
• Mililani Off-leash Dog Park. 94-245 Kaloapau Street. With water bowls, toys, waste bins, several benches, and lots of open space, this park is a great Mililani feature for dog owners.

Mililani Recreation Centers

The Mililani Town Association has seven recreation centers which offer different facilities, classes, and special events for community members.

• Recreation Center 1. 95-400 Ikaloa Street. This facility is located in central Mililani. Its magnificent pool boasts two waterpark-style slides, lap swimming area, and a warm jet spa. A popular event is Movie by the Pool. An air-conditioned hall also offers classes, such as ballet and judo, and can be rented out.
• Recreation Center 2. 94-300 Anania Drive. With a pool for lap swimming and a separate kiddie pool, this facility is able to offer swim lessons and water aerobic classes. There is also an outdoor playgroup, basketball court, an indoor ping pong table, and a covered seating area for pool parties.
• Recreation Center 3. 95-281 Kaloapau Street. This facility has tennis and pickle ball courts and a hall that can hold up to 230 people. The small pool offers swim lessons for children with special needs and is open for everyone on school holidays. A popular event is Friday Night Fever, and karate and Zumba classes are often offered here.
• Recreation Center 4. 94-233 Makapipipi Street. Located in Ke‘alohi Neighborhood Park, this facility has two circular pools and a splash park, which is popular with younger children. There is covered seating areas, which also makes it a popular place for pool parties.
• Recreation Center 5. 95-1101 Ainamakua Drive. This recreation center doesn’t have a pool, but it does have a great space for parties and events like craft fairs and Bingo Nights. There is plenty of parking available here.
• Recreation Center 6. 95-1010 Konaku Street. With a 25-yard lap pool and jet spa, this facility is popular for lap swimming and for the Jr. Master’s swim team. A small hall makes a nice space for tranquil parties.
• Recreation Center 7. 95-1333 Lehiwa Drive. At the top of Meheula Parkway, you will find the newest and largest center with five outdoor pavilions, a swimming lap pool, an indoor basketball and volleyball court, a game room, a playground, a café, and a business office, where Mililani Town Association assessments can be paid.

Restaurants

Thai, Japanese, Italian, Korean, local food and more – there are Mililani restaurants for all types of cravings. Here are some of our favorites:

• Thai Village. 95-1249 Meheula Parkway. Refreshing papaya salad, crispy fried chicken, vegan stir fries – this restaurant has delicious Thai food in a clean environment with excellent customer service.
• 94-780 Meheula Parkway. Sakura serves an array of sushi rolls are buy one get one half off during happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They also have an excellent kids’ menu and daily Japanese food specials.
• 95-1249 Meheula Parkway. Sit down to a candle-lit Italian lunch or dinner while divulging in a traditional pasta dish or trying a unique Assaggio creation.
• Mililani Bar-B-Q. 95-1249 Meheula Parkway. Delicious local, Korean food served with great service and for a great price. Try the array of side dishes and the specials.
• Nagoya Ramen. 95-221 Kipapa Drive, Ste C-15. Tasty ramen, crisp mochiko chicken, delicious curry, and free gyoza – Mililani has a great place to satisfy your Japanese cravings.
• Taps & Apps Brewpub. 95-1830 Meheula Parkway, Ste C6. With unique pupus like spicy pistachio poke, a large selection of beers, and live entertainment on the weekends, Taps & Apps offers a lively venue to meet with friends or family.
• Rajanee Thai Cuisine. 95-390 Kuahelani Avenue, Ste 3C. Locals love this place with delicious Thai at a great price! Good for take-out or eating in the restaurant. They also do catering.
• Mililani Restaurant. 95-221 Kipapa Drive. Located in the Mililani Shopping Center and serving Hawaiian and local favorites for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Friendly service and great for take-out.
• Rise and Shine Cafe. 95-1057 Ainamakua Drive, Ste F-6. A popular spot for breakfast and lunch with delicious food and refreshing coffee at reasonable prices.
• Freestyle Cafe. 94-780 Meheula Parkway. A cute café decorated in a wonderland theme. Their menu includes acai bowls, milk tea, crepes, coffee, and more.

Mililani Public Schools

There are neighborhood public elementary schools throughout Mililani, which all feed into Mililani Middle School and Mililani High School.

Mililani High (Public, Grades 9-12)

95-1200 Meheula Parkway
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-307-4200
https://www.mililanihs.org

Mililani High School’s vision is “a safe, nurturing learning community that guides and supports all its members in their efforts to become responsible, productive citizens,” and its mission is that “graduates of Mililani High School will be able to: think critically, independently, and compassionately about the world they live in; produce quality products; communicate ideas clearly and effectively; use technology in a knowledgeable and ethical manner; and exhibit a responsible commitment to society,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Middle (Public, Grades 6-8)

95-1140 Lehiwa Drive
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-626-7355
http://www.milmdl.k12.hi.us/

“Mililani Middle offers a nurturing, safe and challenging academic environment. Core teams provide opportunities for student-centered learning, integrated curricula, varied instructional strategies, flexible scheduling and a rich exploratory program. An array of afterschool enrichment opportunities is also available to students. Mililani Middle implements a consistent curriculum, the result of continuous dialogue and articulation within and among the schools’ Professional Learning Communities. To create engaging, active learning environments, teachers integrate project-based learning. The school offers service-learning opportunities to increase rigor and relevance. Mililani Middle is a multitrack school and runs on a special calendar​,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Kipapa Elementary (Public)

95-076 Kipapa Drive
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-627-7322
https://www.kipapaelementary.org

“Kipapa Elementary's philosophy is to educate the ‘whole child’ by supporting students to learn and grow academically, physically, socially and emotionally. The school believes early intervention is crucial and supports all students with a variety of transition services. Students lacking preschool experience can attend a free summer KinderCamp to help prepare them for school. A parent orientation meeting communicates program goals and expectations. Parent and community engagement continue to be a high priority for Kipapa Elementary. Many parent workshops and coffee hours are offered throughout the school year to assist parents with information to support student achievement in standards-based education, personal growth in character and areas of strength and passion. The Parent-Teacher Group and School Community Council actively support school initiatives and activities,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Ike Elementary (Public)

95-1330 Lehiwa Drive
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-626-2980
https://www.milike.k12.hi.us/

“Mililani Ike Elementary provides a comprehensive Common Core State Standards education and a full scope of student services ranging from student adjustment, counseling and behavioral supports to gifted and talented program and a several cocurricular activities. The school offers robotics, student government, junior police officers, choir, strings orchestra, drama and library clubs, cross-country, track and flag teams. All students receive instruction in Hawaiian studies, world languages, physical education, fine arts and career and technical education,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Mauka Elementary (Public)

95-1111 Makaikai Street
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-626-3350
https://www.milmauka.k12.hi.us/

“At Mililani Mauka Elementary, use of technology to enhance teaching and learning is integral to the school's operation. The school was built under Harvard’s Project Zero Smart School on a principle that ‘learning is a consequence of thinking and should be reflective of deep understanding.’ The school has an active School Community Council and supportive Parent Teacher Organization, which funds various initiatives for the students in the arts, technology, music and physical education. Mililani Mauka Elementary's Parent Community Networking Center encourages parents to volunteer for a variety of activities ranging from single events to year-long assistance as tutors, library helpers and classroom helpers,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Uka Elementary (Public)

94-380 Kuahelani Avenue
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-627-7303
http://mililaniuka.org/

“Mililani Uka emphasizes high academic standards, a positive learning environment, parental involvement and the development of good character and civic responsibility. The school provides tailored interventions to students and professional development to educators to help them implement research-based strategies. Art, music, healthy activities and technology are infused into the curriculum. Student activities include Student Council, Junior Police Officers, Egret Chorus, cross country and track. The school's Hui O Mililani Uka (parent teacher organization), School Community Council and military partners are active and supportive of school goals,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Waena Elementary (Public)

95-502 Kipapa Drive
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-627-7300
https://www.mililaniwaena.org/

“Mililani Waena Elementary embraces research-based best practices that promote student achievement. The school's foundation is based on 5Rs: Rigor, Relevance, Relationship, Reflection and Results. Educators utilize a combination of literacy approaches, while mathematics is taught with the emphasis on investigating and applying concepts. Scientific exploration is also a major emphasis,” according to hawaiipublicschools.org.

Mililani Private Schools

In addition to the public schools, Mililani also offers a preschool to Grade 12 private school option.

Hanalani Schools (Private, K3-12)

94-294 Anania Drive
Mililani, Hawaii 96789
808-625-0737
https://www.hanalani.org/

“Nestled on six beautiful acres in Mililani, Hanalani Schools has nurtured, challenged, and prepared students for success in both college and life for over 65 years. Hanalani seeks to enrich the whole child—mentally, physically, and spiritually—and develop successful leaders by offering high-quality programs focused on three foundational pillars: core knowledge, critical skills, and Christian character. We believe that these three pillars best equip students to become successful leaders in their future careers, communities, and families,” according to hanalani.org.

Mililani Micro-Neighborhoods

What are the sub-neighborhoods of Mililani? below is a break down.

1: Single-wall construction homes, built during Castle & Cooke’s initial Mililani construction in 1969.

2: Mililani Garden. This is a townhome community.

3: Mililani Garden. This is a townhome community.

4: Single-wall construction homes, built during Castle & Cooke’s initial Mililani construction in 1970.

5: Mililani Manor. This is a townhome community.

6: Laulea. These are townhomes with carports and fenced backyards.

7: Makana Hale. This building offers state-run rental apartments.

8: Kalani Garden Apartments. This building offers low-income rentals run by state.

9: Pine Knoll Villas. These are attached duplexes with garages built by Hebb & Narodick in 1970.

10: Single-family homes with "triangle" roofs and single-wall construction, built during Castle & Cooke’s initial Mililani construction in 1970.

11: Single-family "starter" homes with double-wall construction built in 1983. Their proximity to H2 might make traffic audible.

12: Single-family homes and townhomes , which were constructed in the early 1980s. There are no multi-family homes in this micro-neighborhood.

13: Single-family and executive homes, with gating except in the top section. Some homes border conservation land, and some homes may experience noise from H-2 freeway.

14: Single-family homes built in 1985, with some bordering conservation land.

15: Single-family homes on larger lots, built in 1985.

16: Single-family homes built in 1985.

17: Single-family homes built in 1985. The streets are narrower, and homes are closer together on smaller lots. Some homes border the park. Some are Dream Homes, which are smaller.

18: Dream Homes. These are smaller homes and lots, built in 1985. The homes do not have lanais.

19: Mililani Terrace. These are garden-style condos.

20: Single-family homes that back up to wooded areas. These are mostly custom homes, built in 1985.

21: Executive Home Series. These larger homes have gulch and ocean views and were built in 1985.

22: Castle & Cooke starter homes , which were built in 1985.

23: Single-family homes with ocean views, built in 1985.

24: Double-wall single-family homes , which were built in the 1980s. Some homes toward the bottom of the micro-neighborhood may have ocean views.

25: Na Hale. This is a CPR development with private road and maintenance fees, which was built in 1990.

26: Single-family homes , which include starter and Islanders Homes. These were built in 1987.

27: Single-family homes with ocean views. These homes include starter and Islanders Homes, and they were built in 1987.

28: Nob Hill. These are townhomes.

29: Single-family homes built by Hebb & Narodick.

30: Spruce Ridge Villas. These are townhomes.

31: Single-family homes and single-wall townhomes , built by Hebb & Narodick in 1973.

32: Noholoa Hale. These are townhomes with private yards and carports, which were built in 1973. Pets are allowed; verify this with your Locations agent.

33: Single-family homes built in 1973.

34: Quality Pacific. These are single-family homes with cement exteriors.

35: Kaholo Hale. These two-story townhomes have front and back/side yards and carports. This micro-neighborhood is located across from the Mililani Town Rec Center.

36: Quality Pacific. These are single-family homes with cement exteriors, and the entrance is via Anania Drive.

37: Hokualii Hale. This micro-neighborhood offers two-story townhomes with carports. It is across the street from Hanalani Schools and Noholoa Park.

38: The Ridge. These are single-family homes. Some have ocean views, and most have large, 10, 000 square foot lots. Islander Homes are located on some of the perimeter lots.

39: Single-family homes . Some of the homes have reservation views, and Islander Homes are located on some perimeter lots.

40: Single-family homes and townhomes with carports.

41: Hokuala Hale. These are townhomes with wood construction, built in 1974.

42: Lanikuhana Patio Homes. These are single-level townhomes with lofts, built in 1976.

43: Single-family custom homes .

44: Single-family homes.

45: Single-family homes.

46: Single-family cluster homes . Some of these homes have ocean views with zero-lot line zero-lots).

47: Kealohi Hale Patio Homes. These are single-level, two- to three- bedroom single-family homes built in 1977.

48: Single-family homes.

49: Single-family homes on cluster lots/zero-lot lines with a private road to the entrance of the micro-neighborhood.

50: Single-family homes. These homes are located on cul-de-sacs off of Lanikuhana Avenue, and many of them border agriculture land.

51: Single-family homes with lines . The homes surround Hōlanialiʻi Neighborhood Park.

52: Opua Hale Patio Homes. These single-level, two-bedrooms, one-bathroom townhomes were built in 1977.

53: Mililani Parkway. These are townhomes that were built in 1989 as affordable townhomes with a10-year buyback period. These homes neighbor Mililani District Park.

54: Hokuahi. These are two-bedroom condos with parking, which were built in 1977.

55: Single-family homes on zero-lot lines off Apele Street.

56: Single-family homes on zero-lot lines off Apele Street.

57: Single-family cluster homes off Kuanalio Loop.

58: Single-family homes near the Safeway and surrounding Kamaʻiʻo Neighborhood Park.

59: Single-family patio homes with garages or carports that face Meheula Parkway.

60: Meheula Patio Homes. These are single-family homes near Hōkūahiahi Neighborhood Park.

61: Holaniku Hale. These are townhomes with up to four bedrooms.

62: Meheula Hale Patio Homes are single-level townhomes with two to three bedrooms, some of which back up to the Hōkūahiahi Neighborhood Park.

63: Single-family homes in a range of sizes off Keaolani Street.

64: Pine Fields. These are 1,500+ square foot single-family homes, some with golf course views. The proximity to golf course includes chance of golf balls landing in your yard. These are mostly starter homes on smaller lots.

65: Mililani Pinnacle. These townhouses have golf course and preservation views and were built in 1990. These are 90 units total, each with two to three bedrooms and two-car garages. Pets are OK; verify this with your Locations agent.

66: Fairway Village. These townhomes built in the 1970s have a golf course location along with garages and a pool in the micro-neighborhood.

67: Quality Pacific Homes are single-family homes built with exterior cement block walls and hollow tile. Kuahelai Apartments are also in this area and have covered parking and a pool. This micro-neighborhood was built in 1970s.

68: Single-family custom homes.

69: Nahoa Condos. These traditionally have been the lowest priced two-bedroom, two-bath condos in Mililani. They were formerly affordable condos for purchase through a Honolulu City & County program.

70: Hale Kaloapau. These are townhomes across from the Mililani Town Association Recreation Center.

71: Hokulani Townhomes. These are single-wall townhomes built by Castle & Cooke.

72: Single-wall homes built by Castle & Cooke.

73: Custom homes built in the 1970s. Many of these homes have 10,000+ square foot lots and views of the golf course.

Conclusion

Mililani has a variety of communities offering various housing options for all types of buyers. Whether upsizing or downsizing, on the golf course or in the mountains, for a first-time homebuyer or for an investor – Mililani might be the right neighborhood for you. We recommend working with your Locations agent to find the right home for your individual situation.