O'ahu Real Estate Market Snapshot: January 2026
The O'ahu real estate market entered 2026 with quiet confidence-like a canoe gliding out of the harbor. No sudden swells, no sharp turns. Just steady forward motion powered by consistent demand and measured decision-making.
January's numbers reinforce a familiar theme: single-family homes remain tight and competitive, while the condo market offers buyers more breathing room.
Single-Family Homes: Strong Current, Limited Supply
Single-family home sales were essentially flat year-over-year, down just 1.0%, but prices held firm. The median sales price edged up 0.2% to $1,122,500, a clear signal that value remains well-supported despite shifting conditions.
Inventory tightened further, with active listings down 8.2%, keeping supply lean at 2.8 months. That limited availability continues to fuel competition-nearly 31% of homes sold above asking price, especially in the $800,000 to $1.4 million range. That segment alone accounted for almost 60% of all single-family sales, reinforcing where demand is most concentrated.
Homes also moved efficiently. The median days on market came in at 27 days, and a 14.4% increase in pending sales suggests buyer momentum is carrying forward into the spring season.
Condominiums: More Room to Navigate
The condo market told a different story-one that favors patience and negotiation.
Condo sales dipped 4.8% year-over-year, and the median price softened 1.9% to $529,000. Inventory expanded by 5.8%, pushing supply to 6.0 months and giving buyers noticeably more leverage than in the single-family segment.
Condos took longer to sell, with a median of 47 days on market, and only 7% closed above asking price. Most sales occurred below list price, particularly in the $700,000-$899,999 range, where pricing sensitivity was more apparent.
That said, demand hasn't disappeared. Pending condo sales rose 5.0%, signaling steady-if selective-buyer activity as purchasers weigh value more carefully.
The Takeaway
This is a market finding its balance.
Single-family homes remain competitive, with limited supply continuing to support prices. Condos, on the other hand, offer opportunity-especially for buyers willing to negotiate and sellers who price realistically.
Like paddling with the tide, success in 2026 won't come from fighting the current. It will come from understanding where the momentum is-and moving with intention.