Hawaii Loa Ridge, a private gated subdivision in East Honolulu, is the most exclusive and expensive community on the oasislike Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Set in the foothills of the Koolau Mountains, it’s prized for its privacy, its relaxing lifestyle, and its panoramic ocean and mountain views—a true escape from busy city life.

“It’s a magical place to live as it embraces so much beauty in all directions, including peaceful interaction with nature that’s calming to the mind,” says Akimi Mallin, a realtor with List Sotheby’s International Realty. “Yet one can still be close to many island activities.”

Grand Resort-Style Estates

Only a 15-minute drive from the beachy neighborhood of Waikiki, Hawaii Loa Ridge, which the locals call simply “The Ridge,” is nestled between the communities of Aina Haina and Niu Valley on Oahu’s south shore. It backs up to the Pia Valley preserve, a large rainforest.

It is home to a variety of residents, ranging from prominent personalities and celebrities to families and retirees; the population hovers around 18,000.

“It attracts people from all over the world,” Mallin says. “It is very friendly and neighborly.”

Established in 1980, the community has only about 550 custom-built homes that are set on up to an acre of land each. Although their styles range from Mediterranean to contemporary, they all share a grandeur that Mallin says, “makes you feel like you’re living in a resort.”

Many of the residences, she says, have pools and were designed to merge interior and exterior spaces. “There are views of Diamond Head and Koho Head,” she says. “You can see the Pacific Ocean and the fabulous sunrises. There are stars galore on a clear night. There also are cool mountain breezes and many rainbows.”

The community itself features a variety of amenities that reinforce the luxury lifestyle of the residents. In addition to 24/7 security, there are tennis courts, a park with places to picnic, a clubhouse, common landscaped areas, and a professionally managed homeowners association.

Prices range from $3 million to $27 million, Mallin says, adding that the most recent sale, in March 2022, was slightly more than $6 million for a 5,658-square-foot house that has five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and a half bathroom, and that is sited on a third of an acre.

“There rarely are vacant lots available,” she says, noting that there currently are only 20 active listings. The priciest is $27 million.

What Makes It Unique

The beauty of Hawaii Loa Ridge starts with the views, Mallin says. “On a clear day, you can see three of the island chains—Molokai, Maui, and Lanai.”

The Pia Valley preserve, which covers 300 acres, extends the beauty and the views. “It’s home to priceless native plants and has an intact native forest of Ohi trees, Koa trees, and rare and threatened endangered species,” she says.

The climate is another draw: The average year-round temperature is 78.4 to 84.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to The Ridge’s own park, there are several green spaces nearby, including Kuliouou Beach Park and Kawaikui Beach Park.

There are a variety of luxury shopping malls in the area that feature dining options. Kahala Mall has over 100 jewelry, clothing, and electronics shops as well as Whole Foods. Ala Moana, which is 15 minutes away, offers “world-class designer merchandise and has a beach park and restaurants,” Mallin says.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Mallin notes, “has five stylish restaurants and a world-class spa. You can swim in a private lagoon with dolphins.”

Nearby golf clubs include the Waialae Country Club and Hawaii Kai Golf Course.

There are several private schools in the area, including Honolulu Waldorf School, which enrolls students from prekindergarten through eighth grade; Holy Nativity School, for children in prekindergarten through sixth grade; and Mary, Star of the Sea School, a Roman Catholic institution for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

“There are many things to do in Honolulu,” Mallin says. “Hawaii Loa Ridge is close to everything.”