Koa Ridge: Live, Grow, Thrive in Central Oʻahu
A master-planned "surban" community blending urban conveniences with suburban serenity in Central Oʻahu, Hawaii. Koa Ridge offers residents a unique lifestyle that combines the best of both worlds: the vibrancy and accessibility of urban living alongside the tranquility and open space of suburban neighborhoods. Designed to foster a close-knit and active community, Koa Ridge is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees seeking quality living in a beautiful natural setting.
Location & Community Vision
Prime Central Oʻahu Location
Koa Ridge spans approximately 576 acres on former pineapple fields between Waipio and Mililani, just mauka (inland) of the H-2 freeway's Ka Uka Boulevard interchange. The site is directly across from the Waipiʻo Costco and about 15 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu. Developed by Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii (the same company behind Mililani in the 1960s), Koa Ridge broke ground in 2017 after decades of planning.
Community Vision
Koa Ridge's community vision is "Live, Grow, Thrive" – creating a place where residents can live, work, learn, and play in one integrated neighborhood. The master plan calls for roughly 3,500 homes to be built in phases over about 10 years. Housing will include a full mix of types – from single-family homes and duplexes to townhomes and condos – serving everyone from first-time buyers to downsizers. Notably, 30% of the homes are designated as affordable housing for local families (about 1,000 units).
Map highlighting the Koa Ridge site in Central Oʻahu (between Waipiʻo and Mililani). White dots indicate the planned Ho'āla Trail looping through the community; the "Village" town center and the Malu Koa West condo site are marked near the center.
The "Surban" Concept
Live, Work, Learn, Play
A self-contained "town" for generations
Walkable Community
7.5-mile multi-use path network connects homes to amenities
Space and Serenity
Green parks and tree-lined streets
Urban Conveniences
Shops, eateries, services and jobs within walking distance
Koa Ridge is branded as Hawaiʻi's first "surban" master-planned community. In practice, this means it combines the convenience of urban living (shops, eateries, services and even jobs within walking distance) with the space and serenity of suburbia (green parks, tree-lined streets, and detached homes). The community's design emphasizes walkability and healthy outdoor living: a 7.5-mile multi-use path network (the Ho'āla Trail) will connect homes to parks, a village center, and future commercial areas. By situating daily needs and workplaces close to housing, Koa Ridge aims to foster a close-knit, multi-generational neighborhood while reducing reliance on cars. In short, the development's long-term goal is to create a self-contained "town" where residents can "live, work, learn, and play" for generations to come.
Current Neighborhoods for Sale
Waioha II at Koa Ridge
Waioha (meaning "joy" or "happiness" in Hawaiian) is a series of detached single-family condominium homes geared toward growing families. Waioha II offers eight contemporary 3- and 4-bedroom floor plans ranging from ~950 to 1,482 sq. ft. of living area. These homes feature open-concept layouts, modern kitchens, split-system air conditioning, an enclosed two-car garage, fenced yard, and energy-efficient touches. Prices start in the high-$900,000s for fee-simple ownership. Waioha homes emphasize indoor-outdoor living with their yard space, and the neighborhood is located along planned greenways and a segment of the Ho'āla Trail for easy access to parks and the village center.
Nanea III at Koa Ridge
Nanea (meaning "at ease" or "tranquil") represents the largest home series in Koa Ridge to date. The newly released Nanea Phase III includes spacious 3- and 4-bedroom detached homes with 1,314 to 2,228 sq. ft. interiors – offering the most square footage in the community. These designs cater to flexible living: select floor plans have vaulted ceilings and options to add extra rooms, allowing some models to expand up to 5 or even 6 bedrooms to suit extended family needs. Each Nanea home comes with a two-car enclosed garage (with EV-ready outlets), central A/C, and high-quality finishes by Castle & Cooke. Prices start around the low $1.1 million range (fee simple). Situated on slightly larger lots, Nanea homes provide a bit more privacy and comfort – ideal for those needing more space or multigenerational households.
Upcoming Neighborhoods and Future Phases
Malu Koa West (Mid-Rise Condominiums)
Koa Ridge is not only building houses – it will also have a "Village" core with condominium residences. The first of these is Malu Koa West, an L-shaped four-story condominium building situated in the heart of the Village area. Malu Koa West will contain studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos, designed for those seeking a more urban, low-maintenance lifestyle within Koa Ridge. Prices for these condos begin under $550,000 for studio and one-bedroom units, making them relatively attainable. Each unit features contemporary finishes, open layouts, private lanais, split A/C in living and bedrooms, and energy-efficient appliances. Sales for Malu Koa West began in 2024–2025, and it is the first of four planned mid-rise condo buildings that will form the Village center residential area.
Next Affordable Homes Series
In line with the 30% affordable housing commitment, a second affordable for-sale series is in the pipeline. Castle & Cooke has confirmed that the next batch of affordable homes is in design and planned for release in 2025. Details are not yet public, but this phase will likely offer townhome-style or duplex homes with price caps for qualified local buyers (similar to the completed Malina at Koa Ridge townhomes). Interested buyers will need to meet City and County affordable housing criteria (generally for households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income) and apply through a designated process.
Additional Single-Family & Duplex Phases
Beyond the above, homebuyers can expect more releases of single-family homes and "paired" homes as Koa Ridge builds out. For example, Nanea III (discussed above) is launching in 2025, and further phases of Waioha or similar detached home series are likely if demand continues. Castle & Cooke has indicated that new phases will be introduced over the next decade until the roughly 3,500 homes are completed.
Rental Housing (Senior Apartments)
Apart from for-sale homes, Koa Ridge will also have some rental housing. A separate developer (Homes Hawaii, Inc., a nonprofit) is constructing Koa Vista, a 95-unit affordable senior apartment building within Koa Ridge. Koa Vista's first phase will offer rentals to qualifying seniors (30–60% of AMI) and is expected to be completed by late 2024.
Parks, Trails, and Community Amenities
Hoʻāla Trail (Shared-Use Path)
A 7.5-mile multi-use trail will weave through Koa Ridge, connecting the various neighborhoods to each other and to the Village center. In Hawaiian, hoʻāla means "to awaken," and this paved path is meant to awaken one's energy and encourage wellness. The Ho'āla Trail is for pedestrians and cyclists (no cars), providing a safe way to walk or bike to parks, shops, and even to work within the community. It forms a loop linking all major amenities – from the large central park to the school site and commercial areas – effectively tying Koa Ridge together.
Kalāhikiola Park
This is the first large park developed at Koa Ridge, named Kalāhikiola (perhaps meaning "the day's salvation" in Hawaiian). Kalāhikiola Park offers open lawns and recreation areas where residents can exercise, play, or relax at sunset. The park includes a playground for children, walking paths, and picnic spots for families to enjoy. Shaded by new trees and adjacent to the Ho'āla Trail, it's an inviting gathering place for the community.
Hale Lau Koa – Community Center
Hale Lau Koa (literally "house of Koa leaves") will be the community center and cultural heart of Koa Ridge. This facility is envisioned as a gathering place for residents to enjoy events, classes, and celebrations together. Hale Lau Koa is planned to include an outdoor event pavilion or stage, open-air lawns, and indoor multi-purpose spaces. It's the spot for community cultural events, concerts, hula performances, farmers' markets, and holiday celebrations.
Other Green Spaces
Beyond the main park and formal amenities, Koa Ridge will feature lush landscaping and smaller green pockets throughout. Streets are planned to be tree-lined and pedestrian-friendly. Greenways and drainage ways are being landscaped as linear parks. There will be community gardening plots and informal open fields where kids can play catch or neighbors can picnic. The intent is to ensure that even as the area develops, nature is woven into the community fabric.
Schools in and around Koa Ridge
Planned Koa Ridge Elementary
The Koa Ridge master plan allocates a 12-acre site for a new public elementary school within the community. Castle & Cooke has donated this land to the state Department of Education to ensure that young residents will eventually have a neighborhood school. The planned elementary school will likely be built as the community's population grows to support it (no official construction timeline has been announced as of 2025).
Kanoelani Elementary School
A well-regarded public elementary (Pre-K to 6) located in Waipio Gentry, about 0.5–1 mile from Koa Ridge. Kanoelani has a 7/10 GreatSchools rating and offers a strong community-focused education. It's close enough that some Koa Ridge kids may be able to walk or bike until the on-site school is built.
Highlands Intermediate School
The neighborhood middle school (grades 7–8) for this area, located in Pearl City (approximately 2.5 miles away). Highlands feeds into Pearl City High and has a variety of academic and athletic programs for early teens.
Pearl City High School
The zoned high school (grades 9–12) serving Waipio Gentry and now Koa Ridge, roughly 3 miles from the community. Pearl City High is a large public high school (enrollment ~1,600) with comprehensive academics, sports, music, and extracurricular offerings. It has a solid reputation (GreatSchools 8/10) and is known for programs like marching band and science club.
It's worth noting that these school assignments are based on current district boundaries. As Koa Ridge grows, the Department of Education may adjust school service areas or expedite the construction of the planned elementary to accommodate the influx of students. Families with school-age children should stay updated on DOE plans. Eventually, having an elementary school within Koa Ridge will be a huge convenience – imagine kids walking to school on the trail and coming home to grab lunch.
Shopping, Dining, and Community Services
The Gateway at Koa Ridge
A major commercial hub with 300,000 square feet of retail space
Village Center
Social and commercial heart with sidewalk cafés and local shops
Healthcare Campus
State-of-the-art medical center on a 16-acre site
Business Park
466,000 sq. ft. of employment space creating 2,000 permanent jobs
The Gateway at Koa Ridge (Retail Center): The Gateway is a major commercial hub being built on the southern end of Koa Ridge (fronting Ka Uka Boulevard). Planned as a regional shopping center, The Gateway will offer approximately 300,000 square feet of retail space across ~25 acres. According to Castle & Cooke, it will feature a mix of sidewalk cafés, unique retail shops, well-known large-format stores, a major grocery store, office/flex space, and restaurants. Construction is slated to begin soon, with a grand opening projected in fall 2027.
Village Center (Shops & Dining): Apart from the large Gateway shopping center, Koa Ridge will have a more intimate Village Center located near the middle of the community. The Village is envisioned as the social and commercial heart of Koa Ridge – a place with sidewalk cafés, local shops, and community gathering spots integrated with the residential Village Green.
A Complete Community Experience
Healthcare Campus (Planned Hospital)
Uniquely, Koa Ridge will also include a state-of-the-art medical campus on a 16-acre site, which Castle & Cooke is dedicating for healthcare use. The developer partnered with The Queen's Health Systems and others to plan a new medical center at Koa Ridge. This could potentially be a full hospital or major clinic, bringing emergency services, specialists, and possibly a birthing center closer to Central Oahu residents. Having a hospital within the community will provide peace of mind and convenient care – imagine being minutes from doctors and urgent care.
Business Park and Other Services
Another component under development is the Koa Ridge Business Park, which comprises 12 fee-simple commercial/industrial parcels on ~10.7 acres. This area (zoned IMX-1) will host businesses that may include light industrial, logistics, offices, or service providers. For example, local companies might build warehouses, workshops, or small offices here. The business park adds about 466,000 sq. ft. of employment space to the community. For residents, this means potential job opportunities minutes from home – whether at the business park itself, the future school, the medical center, or the shops and restaurants.
Nearby Off-Site Retail
While Koa Ridge's internal retail is coming, residents already benefit from the community's central location near existing shopping centers. For big-box shopping and groceries today, families can simply go across Ka Uka Blvd to Waipiʻo Costco (literally across the street) for bulk groceries, appliances, and gas. Just 5 minutes down the highway is Waikele Premium Outlets and Waikele Center (with stores like Lowe's, Safeway, and Target). Mililani Town Center (with a Times supermarket, Walmart, movie theater, etc.) is about a 10-minute drive north.
In conclusion, Koa Ridge is shaping up to offer a comprehensive lifestyle for its residents. The master plan intentionally includes everyday conveniences (from groceries to healthcare) within the community. For a homebuyer, this means you're investing not just in a house, but in a well-rounded neighborhood where schools, parks, shops, and even jobs are intertwined. Military families will appreciate the short commute to bases (Wheeler Army Airfield and Schofield Barracks are roughly 15 minutes north; Pearl Harbor-Hickam is about 15–20 minutes south via H-2/H-1) and the family-friendly design. Local families will enjoy staying in Central Oahu with new facilities at their doorstep. Koa Ridge's "surban" vision – live, work, play all in one place – is coming to life with each new phase. As development continues through the decade, this community is on track to become Oahu's next thriving hometown, blending the best of suburban comfort and urban convenience in the heart of the island.
Loading...