Waimānalo, Hawaii

Waimānalo () is a census-designated place (CDP) in the District of Koolaupoko, in the City & County of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, United States. This small windward community is located near the eastern end of the island. In the Hawaiian language ''Waimānalo'' means "potable water"; it is so named for the many brackish ponds in the area that were used for irrigation. As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a population of 6,057.

About 1000 meters east of Waimānalo is the neighborhood of Waimānalo Beach. Waimānalo has a small commercial center along Kalanianaole Highway, but is separated from the shoreline and Waimānalo Beach (the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on Oahu) by Bellows Air Force Station. Waimānalo is noteworthy for its local flavor and large agricultural lots in the valley that extend back towards the Koolau from the center of town. Numerous plant nurseries are found in this area. There are no hotels in Waimānalo.

Waimānalo is the site of Sea Life Park, located near Hawaii Kai on Kalanianaole Highway. The U.S. postal code for Waimānalo is 96795.

Geography

Waimānalo is located at . The nearest towns are Kailua to the west, and Waimānalo Beach to the east. Waimanalo Beach is located within the traditional Ahupuaa of Waimānalo. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all of it land.

Climate

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,664 people, 849 households, and 751 families in the CDP. The population density was . There were 904 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the CDP was 10.84% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 26.80% Asian, 24.73% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 37.01% from two or more races. 10.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 849 households, 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 21.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.5% were non-families. 8.5% of households were one person, and 3.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 4.31 and the average family size was 4.42.

In the community 31.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.7% was from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% 65 or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median household income was $47,594 and the median family income was $43,347. Males had a median income of $28,036 versus $21,621 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,493. 8.1% of the population and 5.9% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.6% of those under the age of 18 and 5.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Tourism

Waimanalo is the home of Sea Life Park, a marine biology and sea-life attraction located near Makapu'u Beach. Japanese sumo grand champion, Chad Rowan (aka Akebono) was born in Waimanalo. A large statue of Akebono stands at the Waimanalo Shopping Center and serves as a tourist photo opportunity.

Notable residents

* Sasha Colby, drag performer and winner of Season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race
* Richard Chamberlain, actor known for playing Dr. Kildare in the series by that name. Died here in 2025.
* Tetairoa McMillan, wide receiver for the Arizona Wildcats and Carolina Panthers first round pick, winner of the 2022 Polynesian Football Player of the Year Award
* Chad Rowan, better known as Akebono, the 64th and first non-Japanese sumo wrestler to reach the highest rank of yokozuna in 1993

References

External links

Waimānalo ahupuaa
- non-commercial community site

{{DEFAULTSORT:Waimanalo
Census-designated places in Honolulu County, Hawaii
Populated coastal places in Hawaii