Liliha is the next door neighbor neighborhood to Nuuanu on the western side of Pali Highway. The neighborhood feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu but is actually located just ten minutes away. You’ll find very easy access to Pali Highway, Likelike Highway, H1 and H3.
Liliha People
Liliha fits somewhere on socio-economic scale between Nuuanu and Kalihi. You’ll find military personnel who appreciate the easy commute opportunities, young families just buying their first homes and retired kamaaina who have lived in the neighborhood for decades. You’ll find more cultural diversity here than in many other neighborhoods with many first and second generation families from all parts of Asia and the South Pacific. The median household income for the neighborhood is $69,000 (Honolulu city average: $63,000).
Apartments and Real Estate
The average median home value for Nuuanu is $680,000, as compared to the rest of the city’s average home value of $840,000 (average Hawaii state value: $550,000). A quick scan of available rental apartments shows most 1-bedroom units priced at around $1500, with two-bedroom apartments available for under $2,000.
Hospitals
There are a many hospitals within a short distance distance of the neighborhood: The Queen’s Medical Center at 1301 Punchbowl, Straub Emergency Room at 888 S. King St., and close by Kuakini Health System, which has a small emergency room operation at 347 N. Kuakini St.
Libraries
The closest public library is located at 1515 Liliha St.
Otherwise, the main State Library of Hawaii is located at 478 S. King St.
Parks
Nuuanu Pali State Park, a famous overlook and just a short distance from Liliha up the Pali Highway, was an infamous battleground for the fight which occurred between the warriors of King Kamehameha I (who reigned over the Big Island) and Chief Kalanikupule (who oversaw Oahu and Maui). Today, the site remains a favorite of visitors to the island, as the lookout provides a stunning bird’s eye view of the windward side of the island. Parking is free for kamaaina guests with a Hawaii state drivers license. It is always windy, so pack a jacket.
Though not a park, another local favorite is walking or running the Old Pali Road. It’s a scenic detour that parallels Pali Highway for about two miles. The road was originally commissioned in the late 19th century, and functioned as the primary mode of traffic for trips to and from the windward side of the island. While being constructed, skulls and bones from nearly 800 fallen warriors during the Kamehameha and Kalanikupule battle were found.
Nuuanu Valley Park is home to a playground, tennis and basketball courts and plenty of grassy areas to run around on. The official address is 2925 Pali Highway, but access it by turning onto Puiwa Road. Additionally, Liliha Road, when headed toward mauka, eventually intersects with Puunui Community Park.
Schools
Liliha schools are housed within the Roosevelt Complex of the Hawaii School District. There are six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high-school within the Roosevelt boundaries. For the Hawaii State Department of Education School Finder tool, click here. For a full listing of all schools, click here.
Shopping & Restaurants
Liliha is within close proximity to some of the major shopping centers on Oahu, including Ala Moana Shopping Center and Victoria Ward Centers. For small kine errands, check the Nuuanu Shopping Plaza where you’ll find a laundromat and dry cleaners, floral shop, and the requisite sushi joints. Two fan favorite Liliha eateries are located close by: Bangkok Chef and Liliha Bakery.
Other Neighborhood Links
Queen Emma Summer Palace: “Built in 1847, the restored and furnished home of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Hawaiian monarchy.”
Consular Row: learn more about the consuls in Hawaii, many located along Pali Highway close by. I Love Liliha is an organization that puts on an annual Liliha neighborhood festival in August.
Learn more about living and working in Honolulu. Visiting the islands on vacation? John Fischer has some excellent ideas for you here.
