Home > About Hawaii > Oahu Neighborhoods Neighborhoods on Oahu
Waikiki
Waikiki remains Oahu’s most iconic tourist attraction, but it is also home to a
diverse and vibrant residential neighborhood. This community of condominiums
shares the 2-mile stretch of urban Waikiki with visitors from all over the
world. Residential life in Waikiki has morphed from a small community of surfers
and artists in the 1960s to an urbanized neighborhood of high-rises after a $100
million initiative by several private developers in the 1970s. Family-oriented
attractions in the area include the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and the
famous Waikiki shoreline with its soft sand and gentle surf. Although much of
the district is hotels and condominiums, several nearby open spaces remain
available for residents to leisurely enjoy greenery. Kapiolani Park serves as a
practice arena for various sports and activities that local teams utilize
year-round. The park also features tennis courts and an archery range that is
available to the public. The Kapiolani Bandstand and Waikiki Shell offer concert
venues for rising, local artists and nationally recognized acts to share their
music and message with the people of Hawaii. The school district in Waikiki
offers several elementary school options (Waikiki Elementary, Ala Wai
Elementary, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary), which feed into the Kaimuki High
School and Kalani High School complex districts.
Millilani
Mililani Town in central Oahu was originally vast sugar cane fields until the
1960s when Castle & Cook began development to create a new suburban area to meet
the island’s extensive housing needs. The result was a master-planned community
that is known for its close-knit neighbors and boasts titles like an All
American City (1986) and Money Magazine’s best places to live (2007). The
Mililani Town Association has enacted a set of rules and guidelines for the
neighborhood to keep the area safe and well-kept, and to maintain high property
value in the community. The association also sponsors several recreational
centers—some equipped with pools or tennis courts—throughout Mililani Town,
plans various family programs and activities, and has enacted a neighborhood
watch. Some of the programs highlighted are martial arts, hula, tennis, dance,
exercise, and health classes; as well as specialized activities for seniors and
young children. Other highlights include a 72-par, 18-hole golf course and
shopping center to meet the leisure needs of residents. Mililani Town Center
hosts several mega-stores like WalMart, Star Market and Longs Drugs.
Additionally, there are over a dozen eateries, beauty and health venues,
clothing stores, and even a movie theatre. The Mililani complex is made up of
several elementary schools, which all feed into Mililani Middle School and
Mililani High School.
Kakaako
The residential area of Kakaako consists of several scattered condominiums amidst
the older industrial buildings and undeveloped sites. However, the Hawaii
Community Development Authority has begun a master plan for the 600-acre
district that will create a dynamic neighborhood aimed at establishing an
economically and socially viable community. Through assistance by the government
and members in the private sector, HCDA seeks to revitalize Kakaako with more
residential accommodations, parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities. The
redeveloped community is geared toward being environmentally-friendly, with
pedestrian-oriented infrastructure. Until the master plan is completed,
residents of Kakaako can still enjoy access to leisure areas like Kewalo Basin
Park and Kakaako Waterfront Park. Kewalo Basin is a commercial harbor adjacent
to a park frequented by surfers, fishermen, divers, swimmers, and joggers. The
30-acre Kakaako Waterfront contains rolling, grassy mounds that lead to an
oceanfront promenade equipped with picnic areas and comfort stations. Next door,
is the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, a facility geared towards challenging
children to develop all of their senses to better understand the world around
them. Kakaako is also home to the new University of Hawaii Manoa John A. Burns
School of Medicine where the cafeteria, Café Kulia, offers delicacies crafted by
the culinary students of Kapiolani Community College to the general public
during the week. Additionally, every Monday the City and County’s People’s Open
Market at Mother Waldron Park offers locals the opportunity to purchase
agricultural and aquaculture products at about 35 percent below general retail
costs.
Makiki
A close-knit community, Makiki, is in the core of Honolulu that mainly consists
of older houses and apartment complexes. As a centralized location in Oahu’s
most urbanized city, Makiki is kept clean and safe by its residents and through
the work of Hui O Makiki, a nonprofit organization of neighbors who address
issues like graffiti eradication and fostering a strong sense of community among
residents. Makiki hosts multiple locations that promote family-oriented
activities for residents. The Hawaii Nature Center, an organization dedicated to
nature education since 1981, offers guided hikes, nature adventures, and earth
care projects on weekends. Makiki District Park provides a spacious, open arena
in the busy neighborhood and is equipped with tennis and basketball courts, a
skateboard ramp, swimming pool, and playground. The nonprofit group, Friends of
Makiki Library, run the reading room and lending library for recreational
literary enjoyment of the district, a testament to the close-knit ties that hold
the community together. Several churches of various denominations are located
within Makiki and many of them offer free or low-cost services to residents like
senior center classes, tutoring for students, discussion groups, and
community-oriented activities like hiking or board games. The Makiki Shopping
Village offers residents convenient access to several casual eateries, a video
rental venue, wine shop, and a small corner market stocked with groceries.
Schools in Makiki are part of the Roosevelt complex, and it is also home to the
illustrious, private Punahou School.
Salt Lake
The residential area of Salt Lake is comprised of high-rise condominiums,
mid-rise town-dwellings, and houses that were built during the construction boom
of the 1960s. The suburban area is alternately referred to as Aliamanu because
of its close proximity to a nearby crater that shares the name. The name “Salt
Lake,” however, is derived from the crater the area actually resides—Alia
Pa’akai, or “salt pond.” Salt Lake is a green neighborhood community with ample
access to parks despite the many urbanized dwellings in the area. Salt Lake
District Park, the largest in the neighborhood, has various hiking trails that
lead up and around the Aliamanu and Alia Pa’akai craters. The park also houses
basketball and tennis courts, playing fields, a gymnasium, and a 50-meter
swimming pool. Salt Lake Municipal Park hosts the People’s Market on Saturday
mornings, a venue that gives residents the opportunity to purchase agricultural
and aquaculture products directly from local businesses. The Salk Lake Shopping
Center is the centralized commercial venue of the district. There are large
chain stores like Safeway, Longs Drugstore, and McDonalds, as well as a slew of
smaller, locally-based eateries and service store. Salt Lake is home to one of
the most acclaimed public schools on Oahu, Moanalua High School. MHS opened in
1972 to meet the growing educational needs of the Salt Lake community and has
gained reputation for its academic excellence over the years—even being dubbed
by the Honolulu Advertiser as “the private school of public schools.” Aliamany
Elementary and Middle Schools feed into Moanalua High.
Hawaii Kai
In the 1960s, Henry J. Kaiser dreamed of creating a California marina-style
community and began dredging the area of the Maunalua fishpond and Kuapa
wetlands. The result was the transformation of Hawaii Kai from a “country area”
used for farming into one of the most affluent communities on Oahu. Hawaii Kai
is considered one of the premier suburban areas of the island and includes
single-family residences, townhomes and condominiums. West Marina is the
neighborhood in Hawaii Kai in direct vicinity to Koko Marina, from which it gets
its name. The marina area itself is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and
other services including supermarkets, fitness centers, and even medical
facilities so that the 12-mile trek to downtown Honolulu is rarely necessary for
residents. There is also a movie theatre, ample playgrounds, and nearby golf
courses and tennis courts available for recreational use. For outdoor and water
sports, Maunaloa Bay is frequented by residents and visitors alike for water
skiing, boating, and canoe paddling. Additionally, Hanauma Bay—a nature preserve
which remains one of the top attractions on Oahu—is just a short drive up the
road. West Marina is part of the Kaiser complex with several elementary schools
and Niu Valley Middle School feeding into Kaiser High School.
Kapolei
Kapolei is one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Hawaii, and was
developed to become the “second city” of Oahu to meet the needs of an expanding
population that could no longer be accommodated in the general Honolulu area.
This master-planned community was meant to be an alternate urban center where
residents could live, work, and play. To achieve this, Kapolei has become the
site of many new homes, a business park, medical park, government services
complexes, and houses the state’s largest industrial park. The residential
community in Kapolei consists of single-family homes, townhomes, and executive
homes with amenities like marinas, golf course access, and community recreation
centers. Residents never have to travel far to get the necessities that they
need. Between the many new developments like Kapolei Shopping Center, Kapolei
Entertainment Center, and the Kapolei Parkway Shops, residents can find venues
to eat out or shop for groceries for home-cooked meals, rent videos or make it a
night out at the 16-theatre movie complex. The Kapolei complex is made up of
four elementary schools which feed into Kapolei Middle and High Schools.
Pearlridge is home to one of Oahu’s largest high-rise condominium markets, and
also hosts a number of townhome locations as well. Most of the residential area
is within a few blocks from Pearlridge Shopping Center, the state’s largest
enclosed mall. Large chain stores like Macy’s, Inspiration Furniture, Sears,
Borders Books and Music, and Toys R Us anchor the shopping center and it is also
home to 16 theatres, 12 full-service restaurants, 2 food courts, 2 arcades, a
miniature golf course, and an emergency clinic.
Pearlridge
Pearlridge is also near Pearl Country Club which offers golfers a challenging
course overlooking sights like Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, the USS
Missouri, and the Waianae Mountain Range. The country club offers tee times,
access to a driving range and practice putting greens year-round to residents.
Pearlridge is part of the Pearl City complex with eight elementary schools
feeding into Highlands Intermediate, then Pearl City High School. Pearl City
High School is noted for its exceptional music program, and its concert and
marching bands have been invited to play at various national and international
venues.
Makakilo
Makakilo is a community on the hillside of the Waianae Mountains that began
development in the 1960s. The styles of accommodations in the area range from
the newer single family homes in Royal Ridge, recently developed townhomes in
Westview at Makakilo Heights, and a variety of older, more reasonably priced
homes. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy cooler temperatures because of their
elevation on the mountain, as well as panoramic scenes of the Ewa community
below them and ocean view stretching out to the horizon. Makakilo Shopping
Center provides residents with Malama Market for groceries, a handful of small
restaurants, and a dental office. A short drive down the hillside into Kapolei
also allows access to the slew of shops in the Kapolei Shopping Center including
an additional market and drug store, an auto parts store, and dry cleaning
services. The Hawaiian Adventures Waterpark is near this area for aquatic
frivolity suitable for children and adults. There are a number of parks in the
neighborhood for recreation including Makakilo Neighborhood Park, Makakilo
Community Park, Makakilo Heights Neighborhood Park, and Mauka Lani Neighborhood
Park. Makakilo shares the Kapolei Complex school district and gives parents the
options of four elementary schools which all feed into the newly built Kapolei
Middle and High Schools.
Ala Moana
Ala Moana is a community of high-rise condominiums and low-rise apartments located in the heart of Honolulu, with access to
both urban necessities and plenty of outdoor leisure activities. The district hosts multiple high-end, luxury condominiums
offering views of the lush mountains on one side and the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean on the other. Ala Moana is highly
accessible by foot or bicycle, with attractions like a beach park, boat harbor, multiplex theatre, and shopping center all
within walking distance of most of the
condominiums. At the heart of the area is Ala Moana Shopping Center, the nation's largest open-air mall. Big name department
stores that anchor the mall include Macy's, Sears, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, but the mall houses over 200 stores ranging
from high-end fashion to casual wear.
A number of eateries varying from the food court to fine-dining options are available in the shopping center; as well as
nightlife venues at the Mai Tai Bar and Pearl Ultralounge. The Victoria Ward Centers are a short jaunt away and also offer a
wide variety of restaurants, smaller boutique shops, and the megaplex Ward Theatres. Ala Moana Beach Park is a 76-acre
stretch that inclues a gentle beach perfect for swimming, bike paths, picnic areas, and comfort stations for the general
public. Adjacent to the park is Ala Wai Yacht Harbor where a variety of patrons moor their boats for recreational sailing.
Waipio Gentry
Waipio Gentry is a small community of less than 4,000 units that consists of a
mixture single family and townhouses. During construction, many of the
residences built were meant to provide homes for new, start-up families and the
clean, tidy neighborhood reflects this intention. The Gentry Waipio Community
Association has rules for homeowners about maintenance of property and others to
ensure that the family-friendly atmosphere is preserved. There is commercial and
industrial area in the district where residents can find the wholesale store
Costco, several car sales stores, and several strip malls for daily necessities.
The vibrant Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park is a popular recreational spot
for many residents. The park was renamed for the late congresswoman Patsy Mink
who championed issues like women and minority rights during her terms in
Washington D.C. The park grounds are a spectacular 269-acres and include walking
paths, 20 tennis courts, four youth baseball fields, four regulation-sized
baseball fields, four softball diamonds, and an Olympic-size swimming pool in
the Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center. Residents of Waipio Gentry often frequent
the nearby Waikele Premium Outlets where over 50 retail shops, numerous
restaurants, and other stores that provide hardware and general supplies are
available. Waikele is part of the Waipahu High School complex, and the Pearl
City-Waipahu complex-area. The nearest elementary school, Waikele Elementary,
feeds into Waipahu Intermediate and High Schools.
Punchbowl
Punchbowl is an older community housed on the slopes of and the area surrounding the large crater by the same name, which
houses the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The residential area is mainly single-family homes with scattered
apartment buildings that offer cooler temperatures because of the elevation, as well as scenic views of the communities below
stretching to the shoreline. The neighborhood is centrally located in Honolulu, which gives residents quick access to the
freeway in both directions. There are also direct routes to the downtown area where the business district, a large post
office, the State Capitol, City Hall, and Oahu’s other state and federal government buildings are located. It is also close
to most of the nightlife, shopping, and restaurant options condensed in the metro section of Honolulu.
Within the district are a handful of small mom-and-pop grocery stores that service the community. The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza
is a small complex with a Laundromat, florist, and several restaurants—including the famous Hungry Lion Coffeehouse.
Punchbowl is part of the Roosevelt Complex school district. The closest schools are Pauoa and Lincoln Elementary, which feed
to either Stevensen or Kawananakoa Middle Schools, and then into Roosevelt High School.
Moiliili
Moiliili is a small but culturally rich district that is made up of close-knit
neighbors who are active in various community projects throughout the year. In
the early days of development, the area was home to many different ethnic
groups, which led to a cultural amalgamation of events, shops, restaurants and
services for residents. Today there are still a variety of different people who
reside in the neighborhood, enhanced by students attending the University of
Hawaii at Manoa that sits on the outskirts of Moiliili. There are a variety of
businesses alive and well in Moiliili including a slew of restaurants of
different backgrounds, florists, and supermarkets. Star Market has long been a
grocery provider to residents, and recently a Japanese-based store, Nijiya
Market opened its doors to provide locals with access to specialized Asian
products. The Moiliili Community Center is the central hub of neighborhood
activity, and brings residents together for cultural-themed events to foster
community relations. The programs are geared towards every age group from
children’s activities, teen-focused volunteer opportunities, adult leisure
classes, and elder care services. A popular program that MCC offers are Japanese
language classes with daily lessons in culture, writing, and speaking for
children up to the sixth grade level.
McCully - Kapiolani
Kapiolani Boulevard is a large, main road on Oahu with multiple high-rise apartment and condominium buildings along its
stretch. There are older homes in the surrounding neighborhood as well, and the area largely intersects with the Moiliili and
McCully districts. Kapiolani is in the center of the urban Honolulu area and residents have access to a variety of shops and
activities, including the island’s largest mall, Ala Moana Center.
There are also a variety of smaller business complexes in close proximity. The McCully Shopping Center is a two-story
compound with dry cleaning and salon services, women’s clothing shops, and diverse restaurants that serve Chinese, Japanese,
Thai, and Italian cuisine. Kapiolani Boulevard ends near the Market City Shopping Center that hosts a Foodland for grocery
needs, a storage center, and the Pet’s Discount store. There are also several restaurants including the favorite Gina’s
Bar-B-Q for local Korean plate lunches, and the Formaggio Wine Bar for late night drinks.
This neighborhood is part of the Kaimuki Complex school district, which has seven elementary schools and two middle schools
that feed into Kaimuki High School.
Diamond Head
The Diamond Head community is a luxury area consisting of high-end condominiums
and opulent residences along the coastline and areas surrounding the infamous
landmark. This area is known as “Hawaii’s Gold Coast” because of the prime
location that gives residents unobstructed, scenic, oceantfront views of the
vast Pacific. This is the upscale neighborhood that houses mansions like Doris
Duke’s Shangri-La and the expansive estate featured on MTV’s The Real World:
Hawaii. Those who reside in this lavish community have ample access to outdoor
activities. The Diamond Head State Monument has a hiking trail that leads up to
the iconic crater and the grounds of the state park that surrounds it is
equipped with rest stations and picnic areas. Additionally, the sprawling green
grasses of Kapiolani Park are located a short jaunt away. The park serves as a
practice field for various local sports teams year-round, and has tennis courts
and an archery range available to the public. Kapiolani Park grounds also
include the Waikiki Band Stand and Waikiki Shell Arena where local artists and
nationally known musicians perform on a regular basis. Diamond Head sits on the
outskirts of Waikiki so the hustle and bustle of the tourist locale are absent
from the luxury neighborhood, but residents can still take advantage of the many
restaurants and shopping options of the two-mile strip.
Donwtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is mainly a business district although it does include a number of high-rise condominiums for residential
occupation. Downtown is further divided into four sub-districts: Capitol District, Central Business District, Chinatown, and
Waterfront. The first two areas are mainly business areas with high-rise office buildings and most of Oahu’s state and
federal government buildings compacted into the 12-block area. The latter two districts hold the residential buildings.
Downtown has many historic buildings that have played roles in the development of Hawaii’s progress towards statehood and
economy sustainability.
Aloha Tower Marketplace—home to the iconic clock tower overlooking the harbor—has a variety of boutique shops, restaurants,
and nightlife options available. Downtown itself has a slew of eateries of wide variety and price range that cater to the
business crowd during the week, but most of these close after the lunch rush or in early evening. The exotic neighborhood in
Chinatown offers fresh produce and fish daily, many restaurants featuring Asian cuisine, dozens of florists filled with fresh
flowers and leis, and shops that import goods from the East. Downtown is highly accessible by foot or by the local bus system
because of the condensed business and residential areas. On the outskirts of downtown, there are also large chain stores like
Longs Drugstore, Safeway, and a Kmart.
Ewa
The Ewa District began as a plantation town surrounded by fields of sugar cane,
but overtime has been developed into a slew of residences to meet the growing
housing needs of Oahu. The development of the Ewa community began with the
opening of Campbell Industrial Park, which brought a slew of jobs in it’s
petroleum refineries, steel fabrication plant, and cement plant. Soon thereafter
developers began construction residential units consisting of a variety of
housing units. There are single- and multi-family projects in the original
development of Soda Creek and in areas like the Sun Terra project. Plentiful
townhomes with spacious grassy lawns are available in Palm Villa and Palm Court.
For residents who need more space, the townhouses of the Arbors project are the
ideal location—additionally, there are recreational centers and swimming pools
available for residents to utilize. There is a small condominium unit in the
Sunrise subdivision as well. An ever-growing number of subdivision are developed
in Ewa Gentry each year and the Ewa by Gentry Community Association has created
community guidelines, rules, and regulations to keep the area safe and neat. The
association is also in charge of the Ewa Gentry Community Center where classes
on hula, karate, yoga, and a variety of aquatic activities are offered.
Additionally, there are abundant social functions to foster community
togetherness among neighbors..
Soda Creek is one of the first projects started in Ewa and is a
single-family home project that will eventually have a total of 8,000 units of
single and multi-family projects Soda Creek is near to many new developments
like Kapolei Shopping Center, Kapolei Entertainment Center, and the Kapolei
Parkway Shops, residents can find venues to eat out or shop for groceries for
home-cooked meals, rent videos or make it a night out at the 16-theatre movie
complex. This area is also where Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is located, a
favorite spot for local residents and visitors alike. Soda Creek is part of the
Ewa community’s Campbell Complex school district that includes seven elementary
seven elementary schools that feed into Ilima Intermediate and Campbell High
School.
Lanikai
Lankai on the Windward side of Oahu is a beachfront neighborhood of single-family
homes along one of the island’s most popular beaches. The soft, white sands and
calm waters of Lanikai Beach is the biggest perk of the community, which draws a
number of locals and visitors to its shores as well. The scenic beach area is
perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and picnics on the weekend. In
nearby Kailua Town, Lanikai residents can find just about every kind of shop or
service. The cluster of businesses in the middle of Kailua town include a slew
of restaurants in every variety and price range, small boutiques and a Macy’s
department store, and services from dog day care to graphic design.
Additionally, there are physicians, dental offices and law offices so there is
rarely a need to make the 30-minute drive over the Pali Highway or Likelike
Highway to Honolulu. Lanikai is part of the Kailua Complex school district,
which includes six elementary schools that feed into Kailua Intermediate and
then Kailua High School. Olomana School and Ke Kula O Kamakau Lab, a charter
school, are also in the district.
Kailua Town
The residents of Kailua Town on the Windward side have a cohesive community with
most services and necessities contained within the neighborhood so that their
distance from the city of Honolulu is rarely a problem. Kailua Town has a number
of restaurants, parks, schools, libraries, and shopping venues condensed in the
main business center, with plentiful residences surrounding the hub of activity.
Additionally, homeowners enjoy the close proximity to Kailua Beach, one of the
most popular beaches on Oahu. The beach and surrounding beach park are ideal for
picnics, swimming in the gentle waters, sunbathing on the white sand, and is
known as the windsurfing capital of Oahu. The center of Kailua Town has
restaurants in every ethnicity and price range open for breakfast, brunch,
lunch, and dinner. The diverse shops in the area include boutiques and
department stores, supermarkets and drugstores, and every kind of service or
repair available from computers to plumbing. Kailua Town also has local
dentistry and physician practices in its scope. The strong sense of community in
Kailua has also led residents to form various local clubs for tennis, running,
senior activities, hiking, bicycling, and a number of organized youth sports.
The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex consists of eight elementary schools, Kailua
Intermediate, and Kailua and Kalaheo High Schools. There are also several
private school options available in the district, including Le Jardin Academy.
Waipahu
Waipahu is a historic section of the island of Oahu that has undergone various
reinventions to meet the changing times. It began as a fishing village in early
days, became a wetland farm area, and then a plantation town when the sugar boom
hit Hawaii. Today, remnants of the old plantation era remain throughout Waipahu
in the form of buildings that have been preserved for cultural and educational
purposes. This site is known as the Hawaii Plantation Village and serves as a
living museum to commemorate the years when sugar reigned and inevitably shaped
the history of Hawaii. Waipahu has several shopping venues which contain grocery
stores, restaurants, and a variety of services for residents in the area. The
Waipahu Shopping Plaza Shopping Center, Waipahu Shopping Village Shopping
Center, Waipahu Town Center Shopping Center, and Westgate Shopping Center are
contained within the area. Waipahu also has several parks for leisurely
recreation and they are popular places for family get-togethers on weekends.
Honowai Neighborhood Park, Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, Waipahu Field all have
spacious green areas for residents to enjoy. Hans L’Orange Park was originally
established as a playing field in 1923 and is the home of the West Oahu
CaneFires, a minor league baseball team. Waipahu has it’s own school complex
that includes five elementary schools which feed into Waipahu Intermediate and
High Schools. The charter school Hawaii Tech Academy is also located in this
school district.
Waianae
The Waianae Coastline is known for it’s beautiful beaches, fertile valleys, and
small community lifestyle that residents have sought to keep as untouched by
development as possible. Waianae is one of the few places on Oahu where people
still farm products like vegetables, flowers, and livestock in substantial
numbers. The residents pride themselves for maintaining a community that is
still deeply tied to the cultural ways of Old Hawaii and Waianae is home to
numerous multigenerational families. Waianae residences consist of single- and
multi-family homes, apartment buildings and condominiums which are highly
affordable. As the community has shied away from over-development of pristine
Waianae, only a few high-end luxury homes dot the coastline. Waianae remains a
rural area with plenty of beach access and open areas at Wai‘anae Field, Waianae
Regional Park, Kaupuni Neighborhood Park, and Pililaau Community Park. The
Waianae Mall Shopping Center is anchored by the popular Longs Drugstore and
provides residents with a handful of restaurants and services as well. The
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center is a unique facility that focuses on
health services with a strong, traditional native Hawaiian foundation. Many
residents in the Waianae have come to prefer the health center since it’s
opening 30 years ago because of their preference to keep lifestyles with a
strong influence of their past and heritage. This area is part of the
Waianae-Nanakuli Complex school district, which includes six elementary school
options that feed into Waianae and Nanakuli Intermediate and High Schools. There
are also several charter schools in this area which focus on native Hawaiian
traditions and values.
Royal Kunia
Royal Kunia is the most recent addition of homes to Central Oahu. This
master-planned community was developed by Castle & Cooke to provide affordable
single-family and condominium townhomes to the island’s expanding population.
The residences in Royal Kunia are designed to include plenty of open spaces for
recreation and to take advantage of the scenic ocean, mountain, and ravine
views. Within the district, residents have a variety of shopping options. Times
Supermarket provides daily grocery needs, and there is also a WalMart for just
about everything else. The Royal Kunia Shopping Center is a strip of shops that
also provides locals with quick-eat restaurants like Sumo Sushi and Starbucks.
Royal Kunia Country Club is equipped with an 18-hole golf course that prides
itself on being the most scenic courts on Oahu. For green spaces, residents can
visit the new Royal Kunia Community Center and Royal Kunia Park. This
neighborhood is geared towards being a family-oriented community and the Royal
Kunia Community Association has set rules and guidelines to keep properties in
the area neat and safe. To promote cohesiveness among neighbors, the community
association plans various activities and seasonal events for families to come
out and get to know one another. The organization also has put together an
active neighborhood watch that posts any criminal activity on a website to keep
residents informed.
Kahala
Kahala is an upscale neighborhood that contains some of the most expensive
beachfront property in the nation, and one of the wealthiest communities on
Oahu. The area has long been a destination frequented by royalty, movie stars
and the rich and famous. The community is made of mansion-like houses with
sprawling grounds and ample public access to quiet beaches along the Kahala
Coast. The Waialae Country Club has a stunning 18-hole course and driving range
for golf aficionados, and is the location that hosts the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The luxurious Kahala Hotel and Resort is frequented by residents for its
world-class spa and dining options. More restaurants and a number of boutiques
are also available at Kahala Mall, a nearby shopping center that contains most
of the commercial property in the district. Kahala Mall hosts Macy’s department
store, Barnes & Noble bookstore, and has a small movie theatre as well. There is
also a new Wholefoods Market for grocery shopping at the mall, and a Times
Supermarket nearby. Kahala is part of the Kalani Complex school district which
includes five elementary schools that feed into Kaimuki Middle School and Kalani
High School. Waialae Public Charter School is also located within this district.
Enchanted Lake
Enchanted Lake is a subdivision in Kailua that encompasses the area around
Kaelepulu Pond from which the neighborhood gets its name. Like the rest of
Kailua, Enchanted Lake hosts a diverse, close-knit community of neighbors who
are invested in the well-being of the neighborhood and their neighbors. Kalepulu
Pond is the centralized point of activity for many Enchanted Lake residents,
especially those who have lakefront property. Swimming, fishing, and boating all
among the aquatic activities offered, and the Enchanted Lake Residents
Association has created guidelines to regulate these activities to protect
waterways and the local wildlife that also call it home. Within the subdivision
is Enchanted Lake Shopping Center where residents enjoy a number of local
restaurants mixed with chain venues like Starbucks and McDonald’s. The shopping
center is anchored by a Safeway for convenient grocery shopping and a handful of
service providers like the Enchanted Lake Massage Clinic. Residents can also
make the short drive to Kailua Town, which hosts a wide variety of eateries and
shops consolidated in the main commercial center. Enchanted Lake is part of the
Kailua-Kalaheo Complex, which consists of eight elementary schools, Kailua
Intermediate, and Kailua and Kalaheo High Schools. There are also several
private school options available in the district, including Le Jardin Academy.
Waialua
Waialua is a quiet town on Oahu’s famous North Shore that hosts a close-knit,
small-town community. This former plantation town is in the process of going
through new development for new businesses in the old Waialua Sugar Mill.
Residents have voiced their desire to keep much of the community’s country
character intact so overdevelopment of the residential have is unlikely. This
undeveloped and historic area hosts the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum.
Presently, the Waialua Sugar Mill has a handful of retail shops, eateries, and
services housed on property. The mill is also the site of the weekly Waialua
Farmer’s Market where residents can find vendors selling fresh produce, flowers,
and a variety of locally made goods. As the North Shore has some of Hawaii’s
most beautiful and untouched beaches, Waialua is an ideal location for a variety
of water sports. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and
surfing are popular recreational activities for residents of the area. Kaiaka
Bay Beach Park and Haleiwa Aii Beach Park are two venues for such activities, as
well as favorite sites for family picnics or parties. Waialua is also located
the Turtle Bay Resort, where a world-class golf course with a stunning 36 holes
is available. The Waialua Complex school district is made up of Haleiwa and
Waialua Elementary Schools, and Waialua High & Intermediate School.
Nuuanu Valley
Most of the residential units in Nuuanu are contained within Nuuanu Valley, where
ample rainfall ensures that backyards and surrounding areas are lush with
tropical vegetation year-round. The district is largely made up of single family
homes, which a handful of high-rise condominium and apartment building scattered
in the region just outside of the valley. Pali Highway cuts through Nuuanu,
which gives residents here direct routes over to the Windward side of Oahu, a
quick entry point to metro Honolulu and the business district, and convenient
access to the H-1 freeway. Because of its location right outside of the urban
area of Honolulu, Nuuanu residents can enjoy all the shopping, restaurant, and
nightlife venues of the city while maintaining quiet suburban life. Ala Moana
Shopping Center and the Victoria Ward Centers are within a short drive of most
Nuuanu homes, and there is a small shopping center within the area. The Nuuanu
Shopping Plaza is a small complex with a Laundromat, florist, and several
restaurants—including the famous Hungry Lion Coffeehouse. The Nuuanu YMCA
provides a variety of programs including martial arts and personal training.
There is a health and fitness center, gymnasium, and swimming pool on the
facility’s grounds as well. Nuuanu is part of the Roosevelt Complex school
district that includes six elementary schools, Stevensen and Kawananakoa Middle
Schools, and Roosevelt High School.
Kaimuki
Kaimuki is an older neighborhood on Oahu—in fact, a bulk of the residential and
commercial properties are over 100 years old and many of the homes are owned by
multigenerational families. A community of spacious single-family homes, many of
the properties in this area range around 5,000 square feet with only a few of
them being whittle down to smaller areas by residents over the years. Kaimuki
has most of its homes clustered together on block after block of hilly street.
The commercial areas are contained separately, mostly along Waialae and Kapahulu
Avenues. This allows residents to enjoy all the conveniences of close
restaurants and services without ever-present noise throughout the day. Both
main streets have a large variety of restaurants in every ethnicity and price
range and many, like Rainbow Drive-Inn, are traditional local haunts that every
generation in Hawaii frequent. Aside from the multiple shops and eateries that
line Waialae and Kapahulu, there are several clusters of commercial businesses
including Market City Shopping Center, and the Avenue Shops at Safeway Center, a
handful of new shops that is anchored by the largest Safeway in the state.There are
also several community parks that are equipped with basketball courts and large
open spaces for recreational use. The Kaimuki Complex school district consists
of seven elementary schools, Washington and Jarrett Middle Schools, and Kaimuki
High School. The grounds of Kaimuki High School also house the Kaimuki Community
School, a learning center for adults.
Temple Valley
Temple Valley is a subdivision of Kaneohe on the Windward side of Oahu nestled in
the crevices of the Koolau Mountain Range. The neighborhood gets its name from
the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, a tranquil and picturesque piece of
property where many residents of Buddhist, Christian, and Shinto background are
laid to rest. The Windward side gets ample amounts of rain year-round so the
valley is always plush and vibrant with tropical foliage. This community houses
Temple Valley Shopping Center where residents can pick up groceries at the Times
Supermarket, catch a movie at the large multiplex theatre, or browse the other
small shops and restaurants in the area. There is also Windward Mall further in
Kaneohe and a handful of smaller strip malls to provide the community with a
variety of restaurants and services from banking to auto repair. Temple Valley
is part of the Castle Complex school district which consists of eight elementary
schools, King Intermediate, and Castle High School.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is a subdivision of single-family homes in Kailua on the Windward
side, a cohesive community with most services and necessities contained within
the neighborhood so that their distance from the city of Honolulu is rarely a
problem. The neighborhood is known for its quiet streets and tranquil
atmosphere. Near by Kailua Town has a number of restaurants, parks, schools,
libraries, and shopping venues condensed in the main business center, with
plentiful residences surrounding the hub of activity. Additionally, homeowners
enjoy the close proximity to Kailua Beach, one of the most popular beaches on
Oahu. The beach and surrounding beach park are ideal for picnics, swimming in
the gentle waters, sunbathing on the white sand, and is known as the windsurfing
capital of Oahu. The center of Kailua Town has restaurants in every ethnicity
and price range open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The diverse shops
in the area include boutiques and department stores, supermarkets and
drugstores, and every kind of service or repair available from computers to
plumbing. Kailua Town also has local dentistry and physician practices in its
scope. The strong sense of community in Kailua has also led residents to form
various local clubs for tennis, running, senior activities, hiking, bicycling,
and a number of organized youth sports. The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex consists of
eight elementary schools, Kailua Intermediate, and Kailua and Kalaheo High
Schools. There are also several private school options available in the
district, including Le Jardin Academy.
Kapahulu
Kapahulu is a subdivision of the Kaimuki community along the busy strip of
Kapahulu Avenue. Residences in this area are a mix of single- and multi-family
homes with a handful of small apartment complexes as well. The length of
Kapahulu extends towards Waikiki and the avenue is lined with a wide variety of
restaurants, shops, and service providers. Most of the residential area litters
either side of the main street. Kapahulu has direct access to recreational
activities like family trips to the Honolulu Zoo, tee times at the Ala Wai
Public Golf Course, and the sprawling open spaces at Crane Park that are
equipped with basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, picnic area,
playground, and community center. As it is an older neighborhood, Kapahulu is
home to many eateries that have been local favorites for decades—iconic Rainbow
Drive-Inn, Leonard’s Bakery with their malasadas, and Waiola Shave Ice—as well
as trendy new venues including Burgers on the Edge and Wasabi & Nadaman. There
are slew of restaurants in the area in just about every ethnic style and price
range. There are ample service providers from animal care to tailoring, shops
that sell everything from dive equipment to running shoes, and a major chain
store, Safeway—the largest in the state.
Kalama Valley
A subdivision of the upscale Hawaii Kai community, Kalama Valley is a niche
secluded from the bustling business district in Honolulu for quiet suburban
lifestyles while still being centrally located for easy commutes. Kalama Valley
is made of predominately single-family homes with a handful of condominium
townhouses that are relatively high-priced because of their location within
Hawaii Kai. Kalama Village Center is a small mall with a convenience store and a
single Thai restaurant within the valley. Residents do have the option of making
the quick drive further into Hawaii Kai where the Hawaii Kai Towne Center and
Koko Marina have a large variety of supermarkets, multiplex theatres, ample food
venues, and a wholesale distributor, Costco. Kalama Valley has its own community
park that is equipped with basketball courts, but a wide variety of outdoor
recreation is available nearby. Sandy Beach is a popular bodyboarding spot
because of the big waves and lack of tourists, Makapu’u Beach is a quiet spot,
and the Makapu’u Lighthouse hiking trail is a leisurely walk frequented by whale
watchers. Additionally, Queen’s Gate Golf Course is available for golf aficionados
looking to work on their swing. Kalama Valley falls into the Kaiser
Complex school district. There are six elementary schools which feed into Niu
Valley Middle School and Kaiser High School.
Palolo Valley
Palolo Valley is an older, multi-ethnic residential area that spans the entire
width and depth of the surrounding valley with reasonably priced single-family
homes. The mountain end of the valley is still used for agricultural purposes
where crops and orchids are farmed. The valley is densely populated and includes
a low income housing complex and this often gives outsiders a hesitation in
approaching the community. However, longtime homeowners have come to appreciate
the quiet, friendly area. There is a Zen Buddhist Center within the valley, as
well as Palolo Chinese Home for the elderly. There are small convenience stores
scattered within Palolo, but most of the commercial needs are met by the myriad
of restaurants, stores, and services stationed along Waialae Avenue on the
outskirts of the valley. There are grocery stores, gas stations, and a large
variety of eateries in broad price ranges available for residents up and down
the hilly Waialae. In the back of the valley, there is a hiking trail that leads
to a waterfall and Ka’au Crater, a favorite hike of residents from all over the
island. At Palolo District Park, residents can find open spaces, basketball
courts, and a playground for recreational use. The park also hosts Summer Fun
Programs for children and teens when they are out of school and is the site of
the yearly Palolo Pride celebration each September.
Kaheka
Centrally located in the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, lies the small
residential area of Kaheka. This area is made up of single family homes and a
number of smaller, older apartment buildings. Residents of Kaheka are close to
the business district of downtown and a short distance away from multiple
freeway entrances for commuting during the work week. The commercial center of
Kaheka is Don Quijote, a large 24-hour grocery and supermarket, and the sorrounding
eateries that share its complex. Local residents favor the large, Japan-based
store for it’s large variety of Asian products that mainland chain stores like
Safeway just don’t stock. Don Quijote sells produce, fresh fish and seafood
products, groceries, and also has a pharmacy on property. In the same
neighborhood, there are a large variety of small restaurants, as well as bars
and lounges for those looking for nightlife options. A favorite local haunt
located in Kaheka is Hawaiian Brian’s, a large pool hall with an arcade area.
Residents are also in close proximity to Ala Moana Shopping Center, which is the
largest mall in the state of Hawaii and has numerous department stores, clothing
stores, restaurants, and a post office. Additionally, there is a WalMart and the
wholesale distributor Sam’s Club within walking distance from most residences.
Aiea Heights
Aiea Heights is a community of single-family homes and scattered townhouses which
sit at an ideal location overlooking Pearl Harbor for ocean and sunset views.
This community provides residents with attractive homes in a moderate price
range and allows a fairly short commute to military personnel and civilians who
do business in Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Camp Smith, and Hickam Airforce Base.
The residential community has the benefits of close proximity to parks, ball
fields, dental and medical practices, and ample shopping venues. At the bottom
of Aiea Heights is the Aiea Shopping Center where residents can enjoy chain
establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks alongside small businesses serving
local fare. This small shopping complex is where Aiea Bowl is located, one of
the few bowling alleys left on Oahu. There is a small strip mall across the
street where more local eateries and salon services are offered. A little
further away is the Pearlridge Shopping Center, a facility with large chain
stores like Macy’s, Inspiration Furniture, Sears, Borders Books and Music, and
Toys R Us as anchor stores and home to 16 theatres, 12 full-service restaurants,
2 food courts, 2 arcades, a miniature golf course, and an emergency clinic. The
Aiea Complex school district consists of five elementary schools, which feed
into Aiea Intermediate and Aiea High Schools.
Pearl City
Pearl City gets its name from the discovery of oysters laden with the iridescent
gems in the Pearl River. It is a large, older community of several subdivisions
of single-family homes. The area was once used for a variety of
farming—watercress, rice, and taro in the lowlands as well as pineapple and
sugarcane on the hillside—and harvesting seafood in the area around the
shoreline. These industries led to the multi-ethnic residential settlement of
Pearl City. There are a number of strip malls outside of the residential area
along the stretch of Kamehameha Highway consisting mostly of small local
restaurants and fast-food venues. Pearl City is also a short distance away from
the Pearlridge Shopping Center, a facility with large chain stores like Macy’s,
Inspiration Furniture, Sears, Borders Books and Music, and Toys R Us as anchor
stores and home to 16 theatres, 12 full-service restaurants, 2 food courts, 2
arcades, a miniature golf course, and an emergency clinic. The Pearl City
District Park has ample open areas and a swimming pool for recreational use. The
Pearl City complex has eight elementary schools feeding into Highlands
Intermediate, then Pearl City High School. Pearl City High School is noted for
its exceptional music program, and its concert and marching bands have been
invited to play at various national and international venues.
Manoa Valley
Manoa Valley is a lush, fertile area with frequent showers and abundant rainbows
lacing the skies. The community consists of older single-family homes done in
traditional New England style architecture and known for their charisma and
charm. The tree-lined streets and spacious yard areas that accompany many
properties flourish in the misty rains of the valley. Manoa prides itself on its
close-knit neighbors and strong community ties, making it an ideal deal place
for families. Manoa Marketplace is a cluster of small boutique shops, a variety
of multi-ethnic restaurants, and anchored by a Safeway and Longs Drugstore to
serve the community’s needs. Next door to the shopping complex is Manoa Valley
Theatre where year-round performances are given. For outdoor recreation, a
favorite hiking trail of many locals from around the island starts at the back
of the valley and leads to Manoa Falls. There are also the sprawling green lawns
of Manoa District Park where children’s football, soccer, and baseball leagues
practice during their respective seasons. The park facilities also include a
gymnasium for volleyball and basketball, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The
nonprofit community organization Malama O Manoa oversees preservation efforts in
the land and seeks to celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of all
residents in historic Manoa Valley. A popular event put together by the group is
a biennial walking tour that highlights properties on the State Register of
Historic Homes.
China Town
Chinatown is an exotic and diverse subdivision of the downtown Honolulu area. A
community of high-rise condominium and apartments, Chinatown has long been a
historic hub linked to commercial activity since the days Chinese immigrants
began to move off the plantation lands. In recent years, Chinatown has battled
problems with crime and unsightly buildings in need of serious repair.
Fortunately, a city-based push to encourage local businesses to clean-up and
take back the area has turned into a complete renaissance effort. Chinatown
offers fresh produce and fish daily, many restaurants featuring Asian cuisine,
dozens of florists filled with fresh flowers and leis, and shops that import
goods from the East. After the clean-up of Chinatown began, numerous art
galleries began to open shop in the area, as well as upscale restaurants and
bars like Indigo, Bar 35 and 39 Hotel. The presence of these new businesses led
to the establishment of First Friday, a monthly event to encourage the community
back into Chinatown to enjoy local artists and feature the smaller restaurants.
Additionally, The Hawaii Theatre Center received a complete restoration and is
beginning to reclaim its former glory as a gathering spot for locals. Chinatown
also closes down sections of its streets to create space for block parties and
residents can always count on a spectacular event every Chinese New Year.
Punahou
Punahou is a subdivision of Makiki in metro-Honolulu that consists of older
single-family homes and aging apartment complexes. Today, it is most well-known
for being the area where President Barack Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham,
owned a residence in the Punahou Circle Apartments. Thus, the President lived
here from the time he was in the fifth grade until obtaining his high school
diploma, as the apartment complex is near the illustrious Punahou School.
President Obama also returned to the Punahou Circle Apartments to visit his
grandmother while he was the Illinois junior senator and made stopovers during
his campaign for President, most notably when Dunham fell ill and passed away
shortly before the election. The Punahou neighborhood is centrally located close
to several freeway entrances for those who need to commute to work. It is a
family-friendly area that benefits from the recreational park access and
community programs at Makiki District Park a short distance away, as well as
being highly accessible via the local bus system by foot. This community is
also in close proximity to the commercial sections of Makiki, Manoa, and
Moiliili so residents are provided with a slew of multi-ethnic restaurant venues
and ample services. Within this area is Punahou School, an institute that
provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade, is a private
institution well-known as being a challenging college-prep school and for its
nationally recognized sports program. This neighborhood is also part of the
Roosevelt Complex school district.
Aina Haina
Aina Haina means “Hind’s Land” in the native Hawaiian language, and is so named
after the Hind-Clarke Dairy (and founder Robert Hind) which was a staple
business in the area during early years of development. Today the community that
sits nestled in Aina Haina valley is a close group who deeply invested in the
recreational and commercial development of their home. This neighborhood
consists largely of single-family homes that stretch from Kalanianaole Highway
to deep into the valley. The Aina Haina Shopping Center provides residents with
options for grocery shopping, several restaurant options, banks, a hair salon,
and a conveniently located gas station. In recent years, community members have
been concerned with the vitality of the shopping center after years of wear have
taken their toll on the structure. There are ongoing plans to renovate the aging
building and community members have a very strong presence in the procedures.
The neighborhood has a strong community association that has been bringing
residents together to address the issues that impact them all. The 40-year-old
Aina Haina Community Association consists of concerned citizens who volunteer
their services for the betterment of the district. This area falls into the
Kaiser Complex school district that includes five elementary schools, Niu Valley
Middle School, and Kaiser High School. Holy Nativity School, a private co-ed
school run by Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, also accepts students from age 3
to 6th grade.
Waialae iki Ridge
Waialae Iki Ridge is home to a premier gated community of executive homes that
began development in 1986. This location graces residents with spectacular
scenic views of Kahala, Diamond Head, and Oahu’s south shore. Another perk is
instant access to the cool trade winds that bluster along the ridge. Restaurants
and a number of boutiques are available at Kahala Mall, a nearby shopping center
that contains the most condensed area of the commercial property. Kahala Mall hosts
Macy’s department store, Barnes & Noble bookstore, and has a small movie theatre
as well. There is also a new Wholefoods Market for grocery shopping at the mall,
and a Times Supermarket nearby. This community is also a short drive from the
Niu Valley Shopping Center and the Aina Haina Shopping center, smaller complexes
that offer their own charming restaurants and service options. Further along
Kalanianaole Highway are Koko Marina and Hawaii Kai Towne Center where a large
variety of shops and restaurants can be found. The Waialae Iki Community
Association ensures that property values are maintained with a set of guidelines
for residences, scheduled maintenance, and is responsible for the upkeep of
roads and shared community infrastructures. There is a private recreation club,
tennis courts, and an entertainment center available for residents on the
property.
Wilhelmina Rise
Wilhelmina Rise is a hillside neighborhood above Kaimuki. It retains a mixture of
older and newer mid-priced homes, all of which are known for their architectural
charm and personality. The elevation on the hillside allows for weather that is
mostly sunny and dry, and, of course, gives residents scenic views of the land
and ocean sprawling beneath the rise. Most of the commercial needs are met by
the myriad of restaurants, stores, and services stationed along Waialae Avenue
at the bottom of Wilhelmina Rise. There are grocery stores, gas stations, and a
large variety of eateries in broad price ranges available for residents up and
down Waialae. A number of service agencies litter Waialae including gas
stations, nail and hair salons, and small repair stores. Kahala Mall is also in
close proximity to this community. The mall has market options like Wholefoods
Market and Times Supermarket, a number of boutique shops, and even a small
multiplex movie theatre. Wilhelmina Rise is part of the Kalani Complex school
district which includes five elementary schools that feed into Kaimuki Middle
School and Kalani High School. Waialae Public Charter School is also located
within this district.
Kapalama
Kapalama is a close-knit community settled by Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians in the
early 1900s. The residential area consists of medium-priced single- and
multi-family homes. It is a highly-populated district that shares much of its
space with various commercial and retail venues. As Kapalama is an older
district, many of the businesses remain small mom-and-pop shops that are known
for a wide variety of local fare or well-established groceries and markets that
are the heart of the community. At these venues, local residents can find many
unique cooking ingredients that are used in island favorites, but not likely to
be carried at mainland chain stores like Safeway. There are several small strip
malls that run along Dillingham Boulevard with a nice selection of multi-ethnic
restaurants and local service providers. Additionally, there is a Costco
wholesale warehouse available for bulk purchases as well. The Kalihi-Palama
Health Center is an affordable, full-service clinic that seeks to meet the
community’s health needs and promotes a number of educational and awareness
programs for residents. Kapalama is part of the Farrington Complex school
district that includes eight elementary schools, Kalakaua and Dole
Intermediates, and Farrington High School. Honolulu Community College also
shares the grounds of Farrington High School.
Kalihi
Kalihi residential area consists of medium-priced older houses and aging
apartment buildings. It is a highly-populated district that shares much of its
space with various commercial venues, car repair shops,industrial businesses.
Part of the district moves up into the crevices of Kalihi Valley, while the
other stretches down into the commercial area near Kapalama. The bulk of
activity in Kalihi is centered around the Kamehameha Shopping Center. This venue
is anchored by Longs Drugstore and Star Market for daily necessities and also
houses a number of restaurants and fast-food stores. WalGreens recently opened a
location across the street from the shopping center after the historic
Kamehameha Bowling Alley was closed and torn down. Family activities in the
district include a variety of parks (many equipped with basketball courts) for
open spaces, as well as the Bishop Museum, which seeks to preserve traditional
Hawaiian artifacts and cultural pastimes. The Kalihi-Palama Health Center is an
affordable, full-service clinic that seeks to meet the community’s health needs
and promotes a number of educational and awareness programs for residents.
Kalihi is part of the Farrington Complex school district that includes eight
elementary schools, Kalakaua and Dole Intermediates, and Farrington High School.
Honolulu Community College also shares the grounds of Farrington High School.
Keolu Hills
Keolu Hills is a subdivision of single-family homes in Kailua on the Windward
side, a cohesive community with most services and necessities contained within
the neighborhood so that their distance from the city of Honolulu is rarely a
problem. Kailua Town has a number of restaurants, parks, schools, libraries, and
shopping venues condensed in the main business center, with plentiful residences
surrounding the hub of activity. Additionally, homeowners enjoy the close
proximity to Kailua Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Oahu. The beach
and surrounding beach park are ideal for picnics, swimming in the gentle waters,
sunbathing on the white sand, and is known as the windsurfing capital of Oahu.
The center of Kailua Town has restaurants in every ethnicity and price range
open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The diverse shops in the area
include boutiques and department stores, supermarkets and drugstores, and every
kind of service or repair available from computers to plumbing. Kailua Town also
has local dentistry and physician practices in its scope. The strong sense of
community in Kailua has also led residents to form various local clubs for
tennis, running, senior activities, hiking, bicycling, and a number of organized
youth sports. The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex consists of eight elementary schools,
Kailua Intermediate, and Kailua and Kalaheo High Schools. There are also several
private school options available in the district, including Le Jardin Academy.
Newtown
Newtown is a subdivision of Pearl City includes newer homes and condominiums. The
area was once used for a variety of farming—watercress, rice, and taro in the
lowlands as well as pineapple and sugarcane on the hillside—and harvesting
seafood in the area around the shoreline. These industries led to the
multi-ethnic residential settlement of Pearl City. There are a number of strip
malls outside of the residential area along the stretch of Kamehameha Highway
consisting mostly of small local restaurants and fast-food venues. Pearl City is
also a short distance away from the Pearlridge Shopping Center, a facility with
large chain stores like Macy’s, Inspiration Furniture, Sears, Borders Books and
Music, and Toys R Us as anchor stores and home to 16 theatres, 12 full-service
restaurants, 2 food courts, 2 arcades, a miniature golf course, and an emergency
clinic. The Pearl City District Park has ample open areas and a swimming pool
for recreational use. The Pearl City complex has eight elementary schools
feeding into Highlands Intermediate, then Pearl City High School. Pearl City
High School is noted for its exceptional music program, and its concert and
marching bands have been invited to play at various national and international
venues.
Hawaii Loa Ridge
Hawaii Loa Ridge is an upscale, gated community that houses millionaire estates.
One of the most prized features are the spectacular views of the ocean, Diamond
Head crater to the west or Koko Head crater in the. It is an exclusive
neighborhood where even those with the means to personally design their homes
must get approval from the developer’s review board to ensure that all estates
meet specific guidelines and requirements so as not to block the treasured view
of others’ lots. Residents do have the option of making the quick drive further
into Hawaii Kai where the Hawaii Kai Towne Center and Koko Marina have a large
variety of supermarkets, multiplex theatres, ample food venues, and a wholesale
distributor, Costco. Additionally, Kahala Mall hosts Macy’s department store,
Barnes & Noble bookstore, and has a small movie theatre as well. There is also a
new Wholefoods Market for grocery shopping at the mall, and a Times Supermarket
nearby. This community is also a short drive from the Niu Valley Shopping Center
and the Aina Haina Shopping center, smaller complexes that offer their own
charming restaurants and service options. Hawaii Loa Ridge is part of the Kaiser
complex with several elementary schools and Niu Valley Middle School feeding
into Kaiser High School.
St. Louis Heights
Saint Louis Heights climbs the 483-foot Wa'ahila Ridge and is filled with older
single-family homes. The location and elevation give residents stunning views of
the ocean, Manoa Valley, and Waikiki. Most of the residential area is located up
on the hillside, but there are an impressive amount of commercial activity at
the base of Saint Louis Heights that give homeowners ample restaurant and
service options. The nearest commercial areas are contained along Waialae and
Kapahulu Avenues. This allows residents to enjoy all the conveniences of close
restaurants and services without ever-present noise throughout the day. Both
main streets have a large variety of restaurants in every ethnicity and price
range and many, like Rainbow Drive-Inn, are traditional local haunts that every
generation in Hawaii frequent. Aside from the multiple shops and eateries that
line Waialae and Kapahulu, there are several clusters of commercial businesses
including Market City Shopping Center, and the Avenue Shops at Safeway Center, a
handful new shops that is anchored by the largest Safeway in the state. This
neighborhood falls into the Kaimuki Complex school district, which consists of
seven elementary schools, Washington and Jarrett Middle Schools, and Kaimuki
High School. The grounds of Kaimuki High School also house the Kaimuki Community
School, a learning center for adults. There is also Saint Louis School at the
base of the residential area, a private, all-boys academy.
Niu Valley
Niu Valley houses a mid- to high-priced community in the ridges of the Ko'olau
Mountain’s far eastern foothills. The weather on the eastern coast of Oahu is
drier and sunnier, which compliments the many beach access points available.
Kalanianaole Highway is the access point to get in and out of Niu Valley, and
the area sits between commercial venues of Kahala Mall and the upscale centers
in Hawaii Kai. Restaurants and a number of boutiques are available at Kahala
Mall, a nearby shopping center that contains most condensed area of the
commercial property. Kahala Mall hosts Macy’s department store, Barnes & Noble
bookstore, and has a small movie theatre as well. There is also a new Wholefoods
Market for grocery shopping at the mall, and a Times Supermarket nearby. This
community is also a short drive from the Niu Valley Shopping Center and the Aina
Haina Shopping center, smaller complexes that offer their own charming
restaurants and service options. Further along Kalanianaole Highway are Koko
Marina and Hawaii Kai Towne Center where a large variety of shops and
restaurants can be found. Niu Valley is part of the Kaiser complex with several
elementary schools and Niu Valley Middle School feeding into Kaiser High School.
Maili'
Maili is a small subdivision in Waianae, a small community lifestyle that
residents have sought to keep as untouched by development as possible. Waianae
is one of the few places on Oahu where people still farm products like
vegetables, flowers, and livestock in substantial numbers. The residents pride
themselves for maintaining a community that is still deeply tied to the cultural
ways of Old Hawaii and Waianae is home to numerous multigenerational families.
Waianae residences consist of single- and multi-family homes, apartment
buildings and condominiums which are highly affordable. As the community has
shied away from over-development of pristine Waianae, only a few high-end luxury
homes dot the coastline. Waianae remains a rural area with plenty of beach
access and open areas at Wai‘anae Field, Waianae Regional Park, Kaupuni
Neighborhood Park, and Pililaau Community Park. The Waianae Mall Shopping Center
is anchored by the popular Longs Drugstore and provides residents with a handful
of restaurants and services as well. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health
Center is a unique facility that focuses on health services with a strong,
traditional native Hawaiian foundation. Many residents in the Waianae have come
to prefer the health center since its opening 30 years ago because of their
preference to keep lifestyles with a strong influence of their past and
heritage. This area is part of the Waianae-Nanakuli Complex school district,
which includes six elementary school options that feed into Waianae and Nanakuli
Intermediate and High Schools. There are also several charter schools in this
area which focus on native Hawaiian traditions and values.
Halawa
Halawa is a small area in central Oahu that is part of an ahupuaa of the same
name (division the breaks the land into sections running from mountain to ocean)
that has been a culturally and historically important spot for Native Hawaiians
for hundreds of years. Most of Halawa Valley is undeveloped, although those who
wish to preserve the area have been greatly upset by the pollution in Pearl
Harbor at the ocean end of the valley, as well as the construction of the H-3
freeway that cuts through sacred spots. The residential section of Halawa is
disjointed because the H-3, as well as other freeway on-ramps, off-ramps, and
overpasses circumvent the area. Halawa also has a large industrial section, and
encompasses parts of Pearl Harbor at the base of the valley. Residents
appreciate the close access to the freeway when they need to make the commute to
town, but there are a number of businesses and restaurants a short distance away
as well. Halawa has especially close proximity to Aloha Stadium, the main area
for many major sports events on Oahu; most notably, it is the home field of the
University of Hawaii Warrior football team. The stadium also hosts a local swap
meet weekly where a variety of goods are sold. A small shopping plaza is near
the stadium where a number of fast-food spots, eateries featuring local fare,
small shops, and the island’s only ice skating rink can be found.
Makaha
Makaha is a residential area on the Waianae Coast that shares the quiet, sleepy
town feeling like the rest of Waianae. There are stunning views of the Waianae
Mountain Range, and direct access to the pristine coastline as well. Waianae is
one of the few places on Oahu where people still farm products like vegetables,
flowers, and livestock in substantial numbers. The residents priVillage Park
Village Park is a subdivision in Waipahu that consists of single- and
multi-family homes, as well as townhouse units. Today, remnants of the old
plantation era remain throughout the neighborhood in the form of buildings that
have been preserved for cultural and educational purposes. This site is known as
the Hawaii Plantation Village and serves as a living museum to commemorate the
years when sugar reigned and inevitably shaped the history of Hawaii Waipahu has
several shopping venues which contain grocery stores, restaurants, and a variety
of services for residents in the area. The Waipahu Shopping Plaza Shopping
Center, Waipahu Shopping Village Shopping Center, Waipahu Town Center Shopping
Center, and Westgate Shopping Center are contained within the area. Waipahu also
has several parks for leisurely recreation and they are popular places for
family get-togethers on weekends. Honowai Neighborhood Park, Waipahu Cultural
Garden Park, Waipahu Field all have spacious green areas for residents to enjoy.
Hans L’Orange Park was originally established as a playing field in 1923 and is
the home of the West Oahu CaneFires, a minor league baseball team. Waipahu has
it’s own school complex that includes five elementary schools which feed into
Waipahu Intermediate and High Schools. The charter school Hawaii Tech Academy is
also located in this school district.
Waiau Ahupuaa
Waiau Ahupuaa is a section that stretches from the mountains down to Pearl Harbor
at and the surrounding ocean area. Part of Waiau cuts through the Keaiwa Heiau
State Recreation Area with most of the residential units in an area between
Waimalu and Pearl City. Many residents enjoy the grounds of the 384-acre park
area within the recreation site. There are four campsites available and the
State Parks office sells permits for their use at the reasonable price of $5.
The camping area includes picnic areas, restrooms and covered pavilions with
barbeque grills. The park grounds are also the location of the popular Aiea Loop
Trail, a 4.8 mile trek that offers stunning views of Pearl Harbor, the Waianae
Mountain Range, and Diamond Head. There are a number of small strip malls
outside of the residential area along the stretch of Kamehameha Highway
consisting mostly of small local restaurants and fast-food venues. The
Pearlridge Shopping Center is also available for shopping at department stores
like Macy’s and Sears, as well as a number of shops joined by the state’s only
monorail system. Waiau is in the Pearl City complex that includes eight
elementary schools feeding into Highlands Intermediate, then Pearl City High
School. Pearl City High School is noted for its exceptional music program, and
its concert and marching bands have been invited to play at various national and
international venues.
Wailuna
Wailuna is a community above Pearl City, and near the Waiau neighborhood. There
is a mixture of large single-family homes and townhouses in this district. This
area has especially close proximity to Aloha Stadium, the main area for many
major sports events on Oahu; most notably, it is the home field of the
University of Hawaii Warrior football team. The stadium also hosts a local swap
meet weekly where a variety of goods are sold. A variety of small strip malls
are located within Pearl City that offer fast-food venues and small local
eateries. Wailuna also has access to the many shops and department stores at the
Pearl Ridge Shopping Center. Recreational activity can also be found on the
384-acre grounds of Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area has campsites and the
famous Aiea Loop Trail. The State Parks office sells permits for their use at
the reasonable price of $5 and camping areas includes picnic areas, restrooms
and covered pavilions with barbeque grills. Wailuna is in the Pearl City complex
that includes eight elementary schools feeding into Highlands Intermediate, then
Pearl City High School. Pearl City High School is noted for its exceptional
music program, and its concert and marching bands have been invited to play at
various national and international venues.
Lualualei
Lualualei is a subdivision of Waianae that consists of single-family homes,
apartments, and condominiums. There is also a section dedicated to Hawaiian
Homestead Lands in this area. There are stunning views of the Waianae Mountain
Range, and direct access to the pristine coastline as well. Waianae is one of
the few places on Oahu where people still farm products like vegetables,
flowers, and livestock in substantial numbers. Recreational activities in this
area is largely centered around outdoor activities. Lualualei is near two
camping grounds, Camp Timberline and Camp Mokuleia. There are several hiking
trails including the Honouliuli Contour Trail, Dupont Trail and Mokuleia Trail.
There are streams and the Lualualie Reservoir are also popular lounging areas
for locals. The Makaha Golf Course is an 18-hole world-class course that also
has a country club on the grounds. This area is part of the Waianae-Nanakuli
Complex school district, which includes six elementary school options that feed
into Waianae and Nanakuli Intermediate and High Schools. There are also several
charter schools in this area which focus on native Hawaiian traditions and
values.
Wahiawa
Wahiawa’s ethnic makeup closely follows that of the plantation contract laborers
who were brought to the islands and settle in the neighborhood over 100 years
before. In 1998, this proud community celebrated its centennial and the
residents pride themselves on the diverse amalgamation of people in the area.
Wahiawa is a historic, older community that consists of mostly single-family
homes. In recent years, there has been a growing number of military personnel
settling in the neighborhood as well because of the close proximity to Schofield
Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. There are a large variety of restaurants
that mirror the diverse ethnic make-up of the community. Residents enjoy
eateries in just about every style, and many are older establishments that have
been around for decades and attract locals from all over Oahu. There Wahiawa
State Freshwater State Park is a tranquil open space surrounded by the Hawaii
Country Club Golf Course (also open to residents to use). Wahiawa is part of the
Leilehua Complex school district. There are seven elementary schools that feed
into Wahiawa and Wheeler Middle Schools, then into Leilehua High School.ers
who were brought to the islands and settle in the neighborhood over 100 years
before. In 1998, this proud community celebrated its centennial and the
residents pride themselves on the diverse amalgamation of people in the area.
Wahiawa is a historic, older community that consists of mostly single-family
homes. In recent years, there has been a growing number of military personnel
settling in the neighborhood as well because of the close proximity to Schofield
Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. There are a large variety of restaurants
that mirror the diverse ethnic make-up of the community. Residents enjoy
eateries in just about every style, and many are older establishments that have
been around for decades and attract locals from all over Oahu. There Wahiawa
State Freshwater State Park is a tranquil open space surrounded by the Hawaii
Country Club Golf Course (also open to residents to use). Wahiawa is part of the
Leilehua Complex school district. There are seven elementary schools that feed
into Wahiawa and Wheeler Middle Schools, then into Leilehua High School.