Waipahu Tower in Waipahu, HI

Pros

• The management is awesome and the building is secure with a key elevator.
• It features a spacious living room.
• It has been renovated a couple of years ago.
• The view can be great depending on the side (east or west).
• It is a HUD building that helps families with low income.

Cons

• The space in the house is not suitable for a family with more than four people.
• The apartment stays hot 24/7, and there is a roach infestation even after renovations.
• Security in the building isn't strict, so anyone can walk in and do whatever they want.
• The rent is too high for one paycheck, and getting another job would trigger rent increases.
• Paying twice a month leaves little money for personal needs and saving to move elsewhere.
• The neighbors stink and smell like weed.
• The washing machines aren't cleaned often enough and lack proper door security.

Review

Waipahu Tower in Waipahu, Hawaii is best suited for budget-conscious families who need stable, affordable housing with practical security features and a recently refreshed interior. The building presents as an eight-story HUD property offering two-bedroom, one-bath units with a spacious living area, and it benefits from on-site management that residents describe as capable. The presence of a key elevator and a generally secure focus in the building design provides a solid baseline of safety for households with children or seniors who can move around without constant care but still want predictable access controls. For families prioritizing value over luxury, this community delivers a viable, low-cost housing option with a tangible sense of structure.

That said, this isn't the right pick for every household. Those who need daily hands-on care, or who demand pristine pest control and climate comfort as non-negotiables, should look elsewhere. A recurring theme in resident experience is a roach infestation that persisted despite renovations, paired with units that run hot and can push cooling costs higher. Security expectations also clash with some reports of lax access, which can erode the sense of safety for families with valuable belongings or young children. Rent concerns add another layer: one reviewer notes a tension between income levels and housing costs, a reminder that affordability can still feel stretched even within a HUD framework.

On the upside, the combination of a recently renovated unit and strong on-site management creates a meaningful offset to several drawbacks. The two-bedroom layout, praised for its spaciousness, remains particularly appealing for families needing extra living space for busy households. Management is described as responsive and reliable, a critical factor when pests, heat, or maintenance questions arise. The building's design - secure access, elevator, and a clear flow of common spaces - helps minimize daily friction, while the potential for a favorable view on some sides of the structure adds a welcome perk that can improve day-to-day mood and comfort. Maintenance, though not flawless, is viewed as acceptable and capable of sustaining a functional living environment.

Still, the cons deserve serious weight in a decision about residency. The roach problem and heat stress are not minor annoyances; they represent ongoing upkeep realities that renters must tolerate or address through ongoing pest control and unit-specific climate management. Inconsistent security - where outsiders can sometimes gain entry - directly undermines the core benefit of a "home with protection." Neighborhood factors compound the challenge: a limited surrounding amenity landscape and reports of odor or disruption from neighbors can erode the perceived quality of life, especially for families seeking a quiet, stable home base. Laundry facilities that lack robust door security further complicate daily routines, a detail that may matter when balancing work, school, and household responsibilities.

For families weighing alternatives, a practical course is essential. If affordability remains the primary lens, Waipahu Tower still represents a compelling option given its HUD-backed framework and the favorable testimony about management. Prospective tenants should conduct a thorough unit tour, question pest-control schedules and response timelines, and verify exactly how rent aligns with income so the monthly burden is understood upfront. If the care needs surpass what the building can provide - such as daily medication reminders or 24/7 supervision - then exploring dedicated senior or assisted-living options will likely yield substantially better outcomes. When comparing, also consider other HUD properties or affordable communities that may offer stricter access controls and more robust pest management.

The bottom line is clear: Waipahu Tower delivers a practical, budget-friendly home for families who can tolerate certain everyday irritants in exchange for security, space, and a refreshed living environment. It is not a fit for households requiring regular caregiving or those who demand near-flawless pest control and climate comfort as baseline standards. For those who move forward, prioritize locating a unit with favorable airflow and a view that suits daily life, confirm pest-control practices, and verify the responsiveness of management. If deeper care is needed, pivot toward dedicated assisted living or other senior housing options that integrate on-site support. In the end, Waipahu Tower serves as a pragmatic landing spot - strong for affordability and basic security, weaker for those chasing high-touch care and flawless comfort.

Physicians

• Westgate Medical Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Rosalo Paeste Rosalo Paeste MD (0.1 miles)
• Dr Leticia Diniega (0.1 miles)
• Hawaii Vein Center (0.1 miles)
• Romero Ray, MD (0.3 miles)
• Gozun Medical Care (0.3 miles)
• Island Orthopaedics (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• Don Quijote Drugs (0.4 miles)
• Times Supermarket (0.8 miles)
• Times Super Market (1.3 miles)
• Times Supermarket - Royal Kunia (1.3 miles)
• Longs Drugs (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Honolulu Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Zippy's Ewa (2.3 miles)
• Zippy's Pearl City (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (4 miles)
• Moani Island Bistro An (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Chief's Luau (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (3.4 miles)
• Waimano Hospital Dental Clinic (4.4 miles)

Transportation

• Pearl City Manana Bus Facility (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Manana Neighborhood Park (3.7 miles)
• Neal S. Blaisdell Park (3.9 miles)
• Manana District Park (3.9 miles)
• Mililani District Park (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• Consolidated Theatres Mililani 14 (5 miles)
• Sharkey Theater (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Community Lutheran Church Wels (5.8 miles)