August 2026 Oahu Real Estate Market Update — Two Markets, One Island
As summer winds down and Oahu families settle back into the school-year routine, I've been reflecting on what the August numbers from the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® are really telling us and the answer is that it depends on where you're looking.
Right now, Oahu is running as two distinct markets. If you're in the single-family home space, the market is still very much in sellers' favor — homes are moving quickly, prices are strong, and prepared buyers need to be ready to act. On the condo side, buyers have more breathing room than they've had in a while, with more listings to choose from and more time to make thoughtful decisions.
Neither of those things is a red flag. It's just Oahu being Oahu, a market with real nuance that rewards people who understand what's actually happening in their specific neighborhood and price range.
For single-family home sellers and buyers
Homes are still moving fast: 17 days on market on average, down from 22 days a year ago, and sellers are walking away with their full asking price more often than not. Inventory remains tight, which means well-priced homes in good condition continue to generate genuine competition. If you've been thinking about listing, fall is shaping up to be a strong window.
For buyers, preparation is everything right now. Knowing your financing, your priorities, and your target neighborhoods before you start looking will make the process a lot less stressful when the right home comes along.
For condo buyers and sellers
The condo market is giving buyers something they haven't had much of lately: options and time. With more listings available and sellers generally more open to negotiation, this is a good moment to be a thoughtful condo buyer, especially at the under-$500,000 price point, where more than 1,200 listings are currently available on Oahu.
For condo sellers, the key right now is pricing realistically and presenting your unit, and your building's financial picture, clearly and honestly. Buyers are paying close attention to monthly fees and reserve funding as part of their total cost of ownership, and the listings that address that upfront tend to do better.
A word for first-time buyers
I always want to make sure this piece of the story gets told: nearly 1,400 properties have already sold at or below $500,000 on Oahu so far this year. Homeownership here is more within reach than many people believe, especially with programs like HHFDC's Hale Kama'āina Mortgage Program, HBR's HOPE Homebuyer Education Program, and first-time buyer options from several local banks. If you've been wondering whether now could be your time, let's find out together.
What This Means for You
The Oahu market is healthy, active, and moving faster than it was a year ago across both property types. What it requires for buyers and sellers alike is a clear-eyed understanding of your specific situation. That's exactly what I'm here for.
Contact:
📞 (808) 722-0176 (cell)
📸 @denisemiyahira on Instagram
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