A subdivision of Makiki in metro Honolulu, Punahou consists of older single-family homes and apartment complexes. The subdivision, now, is more famous for being the place where Madelyn Dunham, President Barack Obama’s grandmother, lived and owned a house in Punahou Circle Apartments. For sometime, the President lived with his grandmother in this area. The Punahou Cirlce Apartments is near the Punahou School, where Obama graduated high school. While he was the Illinois junior senator, Obama occasionally visited his grandmother. He also made a stopover here shortly when Dunham fell ill and passed away shortly before the election.

Located near several freeway entrances, the Punahou neighborhood is perfect for those who commute to work. Also, the place is highly accessible via the local bus system. Moreover, the place is family-friendly because of the safe recreational parks and community programs at Makiki District Park.

Commercial establishments are within close proximity to the community. These commercial sections are in Makiki, Manoa and Molili. Residents have a whole lot of choices of multi-ethnic restaurant venues and services.

This neighborhood is part of the Roosevelt Complex school district. Within this area, you can find the Punahou School. It is a private educational institute that provides kindergarten to 12th grade education. The school is well-known as a challenging college-prep school and for its nationally recognized sports program.