Waikele Real Estate - Living in Waikele

Waikele is a residential and commercial area that was developed in the early 1990s on previous sugarcane plantations.  It is located directly beside the town Waipahu on the island of Oahu.

Living in Waikele

Many of the homes in Waikele are in excellent condition considering the oldest was built in 1990.  Residents get to enjoy the benefits of living in a master-planned community.  Some of these benefits would be the wide roads and sidewalks, landscaping, and easy to access highways. 

Other benefits of Waikele are its conveniently located bus stops for those that are traveling to Honolulu.  There are now several restaurants and shopping centers in the area to offer residents the ability to shop without having to leave town.  There have also been improvements made to the local elementary school.

 

Activities in Waikele

Waikele is home to the Waikele Golf Course and golf professionals from all over take advantage of the long tees.  There is also a public park for families to go and have a fun day out.  People can do their shopping at the Waikele Shopping Center and other premium outlets. 

Choosing Waikele

Waikele is a newer residential area in Oahu that has its own commercial center, but is also minutes away from the larger area of Honolulu. It is an especially great area for first time buyers.  A home in Waikele, at its very reasonable price, provides a great reason for anyone looking to move to Hawaii to actually commit. It is particularly a great area for anyone looking to start a family.

Live Lavishly in Kahala

Kahala is the home to some of the most expensive real estate in all of Hawaii. It is located on the island of Oahu in the county of Honolulu.  It is next to the neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Waialae. A great feature of the area is the beautiful beachfront properties.

Many people come to the area to stay at the Kahala Resort and Hotel which is renowned for having celebrities flock to stay. It is also home to the Kahala Mall and on the border of the Diamond Head crater. There are a number of secluded sparkling-blue beaches where anyone could immerse themselves in paradise. 

The area consists of residents, who have lived in the area for more than half a century and new homeowners that are buying expensive, mansion-like homes.  Many of these newer homes have been purchased by celebrities or business moguls for their regular home or in most cases their vacation house. This is an ideal area for investors, who wish to find old homes and renovate them to sell for record-breaking prices.

Living in Kahala

The average home in Kahala sells for $2.9 million and is usually a four bedroom made in the 1970s. Condos are also available although on a much smaller scale. The typical condo sells for around $650,000. Most of the Kahala Luxury homes are quite large and display lush lawns. Many have swimming pools and those that do not, it is usually because they sit on the beach.

The area is home to gorgeous beaches and scenery. Much of it has been captured on film as many television shows have filmed in the area. Kahala is in the perfect location to not only go to the beach but also see a concert or eat fine dining. The Kahala Mall, which is the best on this side of Waikiki, is also a great stop to do some shopping. 

Activities in Kahala

Residents can become members at the Waialae Country Club where they can take advantage of the 18-hole golf course. The Diamond Head crater is on the border of Kahala and can always be a great hike to take or to enjoy the grounds around it. Another crater that residents in Kahala can visit is Punchbowl. 

Waikiki beach is also not that far of a trek for anyone living in Kahala. They can take advantage of the beautiful strip of sand and go kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing, and sailing. The Honolulu Zoo is a short ride away where people can take their families or just enjoy the magnificent animals.

Choosing Kahala

Kahala has been growing in popularity since the 1960s, when celebrities started to make the place so desirable. Now homes are owned by the elite or those who wish to join their ranks. Homes in this area are top of the class and only keep getting better. Not only is Kahala a lavish place to live all own its own, but it is placed in the perfect area to reach the fun and bigger cities of Waikiki and Honolulu. Homes in Kahala are for those who only desire to have the very best in life.

Waikiki Is the Home of Beauty and Life

Waikiki is located in the city and county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It is found on the south shore of the island, and Waikiki beach is one of the most beautiful beaches worldwide. The Waikiki neighborhood starts at Ala Wai Canal on the west and north side of the island and runs to Diamond Head on the east side of the island.

The translation of Waikiki means “spouting fresh water”. It was named so because of the many streams and springs of water that used to separate the area from the rest of the island.  The area was once home to Hawaiian royalty and has long since been a popular tourist destination.

Many people from the world over come to Waikiki to learn to surf. Hawaiian waterman and Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing in this area.

Living in Waikiki

Although Waikiki is mostly known for being a gorgeous tourist attraction, there are people who choose to call it home.  People, who live here, get to experience a unique way of life. Everything is in walking distance, so there is not much of a reason to own a car. It is a place for people who like to see all walks of life because Waikiki really does get people from all walks of life visiting.

Waikiki Condos and apartments are the usual home choice in Waikiki and the average condo sales for $143 thousand.  The best thing about most of these homes is that they are just a few steps from being on the beach. Many overlook the beautiful sceneries of not only the coast but also the silhouette of Diamond Crater.

Activities in Waikiki

There is no shortage of things to do in Waikiki. There is an abundance of shopping, night life, and great restaurants. Any day can be spent enjoying the beautiful scenery, and anyone who lives here never grows tired of the sunsets. Water activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, canoeing, and taking in a surf lesson or two.

Waikiki is also not far from military locations such as Pearl Harbor. It is always a popular tourist destination, but those that live here can really soak up the history. 

The marketplace is a great place to visit on occasion. There is a blend of stores and restaurants.  Top of Waikiki is a great restaurant to visit and is the only revolving restaurant on Hawaii.  The Aloha Swap Meet is another choice for shopping.

Choosing Waikiki

Waikiki is great for anyone who wants to have an exciting and busy life.  There are always things to do and new ways to have fun.  It is easy to take advantage of Honolulu from this distance and also enjoy major water parks. There are a countless number of events that take place in this area on a daily basis. People who live here love that they can take advantage of walking to their destinations on a regular basis. Most importantly those that move to Waikiki have an energetic lifestyle that always has a great view in the backdrop.

Kaneohe Is a Great Residential Area

Kaneohe is located on the island of Oahu in the county of Honolulu. In Hawaii’s native language Kaneohe means “bamboo man”, which supposedly resonated from a woman comparing her husband’s cruelty to the sharp edge of cutting bamboo. The town is one of the largest on the Kaneohe Bay and one of the largest residential areas on the windward side of Oahu. 

In the 1900s the town became one of the largest sugar plantations in the state. Many people from foreign lands moved to Kaneohe to seek out life as a farmer. Today the many different races and cultures are proof of the many diverse groups of people who moved to the area long ago.  While it used to be an agriculture area, now it is mostly reserved for residential life. The only commercial product that is worth any mention is the banana.

Living in Kaneohe

The population in Kaneohe is 33,856. The average home costs $536,200. The unemployment rate is 5.10 percent with job outlook generally being on the positive side. The climate is neither too hot nor too cold thanks to the local trade winds. 

Student life flourishes in Kaneohe due to Windward Community College and Hawaii Pacific University both being located here. Many people who work at the schools also call Kaneohe home.

Kaneohe offers the comfortable town life as well as the seclusion of country life for those who like to be away from it all. No matter where a home is located it is hard to not have a place that overlooks the Pacific or even sits on the mountainside.

Activities

There are several things in Kaneohe to keep anyone living here busy. The Koolua Golf Course is a good start.  It has been named in Golf magazines “Top 100 Courses to Play”. Two other golf courses to use are the Pali Golf Course and Bayview Golf Park. For the putt-putt lover in everyone, there is Glow-Putt Indoor Mini Golf.

The Byodo-In Temple is a great place to go to seek out Hawaiian history and to understand the peace a Buddhist temple can offer. Take a walk through the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens.  This lush rainforest is also a great place to make a camping trip. 

Choosing Kaneohe

People live in Kaneohe to experience the beautiful scenery of low-key life, but to also be a direct drive away from Honolulu and the larger cities on Oahu. Kaneohe real estate is for those that want to live in a residential area with amazing views and year-long pleasantly warm weather.

North Shore Oahu Is a Relaxing Way of Life

The North Shore is the area that is geographically to the north in Oahu. It is between Kaena Point and Kahuku Point.  Hawaiians have lived in the North Shore area since 1100 AD. It was a prominent area to grow taro and sweet potato.  People were drawn to the fertile land and settled along rivers and valleys.  Today the North Shore has grown into a diverse area with a mix of agriculture, laid back lifestyle, family living, several growing business areas, and a sense of adventure.

North Shore has many communities people can find and call home. A few are more commercial and have similarities to the busier places like Waikiki, while the others are indeed appreciating the island’s beauty without tourist distractions.

Areas to Live in North Shore

Haleiwa is the largest settlement in the North Shore.  It is located on the Waialua Bay, where a small boat harbor is located.  The shore is surrounded by Haleiwa Beach Park on the north side and Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park on the south side.  It is home to the more artistic side of Oahu.  It is known as the surf capitol of the world, and is located an hour away from Waikiki.  Haleiwa was a sugar plantation for over 100 years and many of the buildings have retained the old styles. This is the largest commercial center on the north side of Oahu.

Sunset Beach is where many people come to vacation, and more importantly to surf.  The area is where experienced surfers seek out each year during the winter months when waves are the largest.

The Pupukea community is a popular destination not only for visiting but for living.  It is located to the southwest of Kawela Bay and northeast to Haleiwa. The residential areas are the Sunset Beach lots and in the uplands. A drawback to living here is that it is a considerably long drive to Honolulu.

Waialua is the quiet residential community version of Haleiwa. It was a sugar mill town for a long time.  The Waialua sugar mill is actually located in the center of the town and gives a reminder of the town’s history.

Laie is another community that has a history that goes back a long way. The town was once a  refugee, and it is now one of the best known Latter-day Saints communities with the fifth oldest Mormon temple. The town is very laid back and has views facing the ocean and the mountainside.  Cooling trade winds keep the weather very relaxing year long. Many residents here have some association with the local university.

Choosing North Shore

Many people make North Shore their home because the towns are typically more laid back than the rest of the island.  They are an escape into small town life. These areas are also generally less expensive than Honolulu or Waikiki. 

It may be a more relaxed environment on this side of Oahu, but the beauty is still as breathtaking if not more so.  Homes overlooking the ocean or on top of a hillside offer the same amazing views as in the Windward or Southeast portions. The difference is people here are not only five minutes from the ecstatic lifestyle of the outside world. North Shore Oahu real estate is for those that can really appreciate the small things in life.

Kapolei Is the Next Honolulu

Kapolei is located in Honolulu County on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii.  It is known as the “second city” because it is second in size to Honolulu; however, it is not technically a city because it is not a legal municipal corporation. 

The name Kapolei means “beloved Kapo”.  Kapo is believed to have been the sister of Pele, who was the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes.  Pele is popular in much of Hawaiian mythology, and Kapo is one of her thirteen sisters.

The current Kapolei sits on the former sugarcane and pineapple plantation fields.  The majority of the land is the estate of industrialist James Campbell, who was one of the largest and wealthiest landowners in Hawaii.  His subsidiary company Kapolei Property Development is the areas major developer.

Living in Kapolei

Kapolei Homes construction began in the area in the 1980s and the commercial building came soon after.  The current population is around 90,000, and it has grown at an average rate of 38 percent in the last decade. 

The area consists of younger people, with the median age being 31.  Many of these families have young school age children, but there are limited schools in Kapolei. Many of these children now have to go to other areas to attend a pre-school.  There are plans to develop certain areas into new elementary high schools.

Other parts of Kapolei are growing.  There are currently 28,000 jobs in the area with the potential for more to come.  There has been increasing discussions on moving jobs to the western side of the island to decrease the constant need of fighting traffic for many individuals.  Right now 22 percent of residents also work in Kapolei.

Activities

Kapolei is home to a few golf courses such as the Ko Olina Golf Club and Kapolei Golf Course.  Wet n Wild Hawaii is also located in Kapolei; so, for those that love to have some fun or a place to take their kids, it is a great place to go.  Astro Tours, a home built observatory, is something any star gazer would need to check out. 

The Leeward Coast is always a great place to go and enjoy the beautiful sites.  A free and fun day can be spent at the Ko Olina Lagoons.  Residents are also close to other beaches such as Oneula Beach in Honolulu and Ewa Beach.

Choosing Kapolei

Kapolei is a growing environment.  It has already begun to establish itself as a great residency, but now the people want to develop it as a real city.  There are businesses that have already been established, but this area is open to more people moving in businesses.  Kapolei is called the “second city” for a reason.  It is already booming to be like Honolulu.  In a few more years, it could well catch up.  Anyone looking to call Kapolei home should like a well-developed residency area with the hopes of a larger urban area becoming established.

Make Luxury a Home in Kailua

Kailua is located on the eastern side of Oahu and is across the from the mountain side of downtown Honolulu.  It is a residential community made up of mostly single-family homes.  In the center lies a compact business district.  The area is home to some of Hawaii’s best beaches.  Lanikai beach is actually known worldwide.

History of Kailua

Kailua was a renowned place for Hawaiian royalty.  Many kings called this area there home.  It possibly had something to do with the beautiful beaches or amazing weather.  The beaches are protected by the mountainside so it is not a typical windy area. 

The first people to have lived in this area were fisherman.  Archaeologists have proven that agriculture in this area was impossible so the original people must have used the marshes and lagoons to feed themselves.

After World War II the area changed after large amounts of the area were sold to the government to aide in Navy expansion.  This closed down cattle ranches that made up a lot of the area and development of stores, churches, and schools began.

The Current Area

While Kailua has its own central business center that is home to 50,000 people, Kailua is mostly a residential area suburb like area for those that commute to Honolulu.  Most of the housing is single-family homes with the average being worth $1.6 million.  This is a tight-knit community that has a low-crime rate and a great education system.

There are many condos located in the area to, but most of these are rented out to the numerous amounts of tourists that visit each year.  The economy in Kailua relies a lot on its tourist industry, but it does not seem to be disappearing anytime soon.

The town is a mixture of modern and historic sites.  The main street Ali’i Drive runs beside the oceanfront to from the Kailua Pier to the Kuamo’o Battlefied allowing people to see the different variations this area has to offer.

What to Do in Kailua

The area is a popular tourist destination because several cruise ships stop here so there are numerous activities to keep the locals busy.  Due to the cruise ships Kailua has some of the best shopping experiences possible.  In fact many locals make a profit selling to the tourists at the Kona Marketplace, Kona Arts Center, and Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Of course living in Kailua, means experiencing some of the best beaches known to man.  The crescent beach is where people come to enjoy swimming, windsurfing, kite boarding, and the general tropical weather year round. 

Why Kailua Is a Great Place to Call Home

Kailua offers a calm way of life and luxury at the same time.  The homes in Kailua are modern and not far from the urban part of life with the business district located in the center of the town and Honolulu being 20 minutes away.  It also has a great beauty that not many other places can claim of having.  The amazing beach area is even magnified with glorious sunsets and the minus of heinous beach winds thanks to the mountain side.

People who live in Kailua claim to belong to a great community.  The locals are involved with much of what goes on in the area even aiding in tourist activities, which keeps the town thriving.  There is little to lose by living in Kailua.

Lanikai: A Little Piece of Heaven

Lanikai, which means heavenly, has one of the best recognized beaches in the world.  It is a community in Kailua on the windward coast of the island Oahu. It was developed in the 1920s designed around the idea to allow people to get away from the “hustle and bustle” of the outside world. It is surrounded by the Koolau mountain range which calls for warm weather with cool trade winds year round.

The area has been used by many photographers over the years to get not only great landscape photos, but to take pictures of swimsuit models. The community also played home to many of the actors of the television show Lost that did a lot of its filming in Kailua.

Homes Found in Lanikai

Lanikai is an upscale community that is home to numerous million-dollar homes. People here have the luxury of having one of the only non-county beach parks in Hawaii.  Which means those that live here can avoid having visitors year long. There is a tourist season, however, when the beach can get quite crowded.

Most homes for sale in Lanikai are single family homes, and they are typically only a stroll away from the beach. They are found along the coastline or on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Mokulua Islands. 

Lanikai is a tight-knit community with many long-time residents. The average sale price for a home here is around $2.1 million, with the low range being a two-bedroom home around $800,000 and the high-range being a beach-front home for $5 million.

Activities in Lanikai

While the area is known for its seclusion and beautiful beaches there are a variety of choices of activities for residents to choose from. Spending a day at the beach is always a great idea here.  This is one of the best and safest swimming areas in the state. There is also the ability to kayak to the Mokulua Islands and go for a picnic or have some fun playing sports in the nearby Lanikai Park.

The fact that Lanikai is located in Kailua is a bonus, too as there are a numerous amount of restaurants, department stores, Thursdays’ Farmer’s Market, a movie theater, and live entertainment on occasion to take part in. There is also the ability to take the 30 minute drive through the mountain or along the coast to downtown Honolulu. 

Lanikai really is heaven. How many other places can have seclusion and beauty all wrapped up in one. The community is great, and they love their town. They even have the Lanikai Association to protect the community owned park and their unique way of life.  It is a great place to escape from the world, but the world is just a few minutes away at the same time. Anyone that is seeking an upscale residential community that overlooks one of the best secluded landscapes should look no further than Lanikai.

Find Bliss in Diamond Head Real Estate

Diamond Head is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.  It is just to the east of Waikiki and sits on the southeast portion of the island facing the Pacific Ocean.  The locals call the island Le’ahi.  It received its modern name from British sailors, who confused the sparkling calcite with diamonds. 

Diamond Head is a volcanic crater in a chain of Hawaii’s craters.  This crater has been extinct for 150,000 years, and when Hawaii became annexed by the United States, Fort Ruger, one of the major defense forts of the time, was built inside Diamond Head.  This turned Diamond Head into an observation deck and underground complex.  The Diamond Head trail still gives evidence to the command post that once stood, and is still home to radar.  The trail is one mile and three-quarters long and leads to the west side of the island where hikers will get a breathtaking view of Waikiki to Koki Island.

Homes in Diamond Head

Diamond Head is home to people who are looking to get away for a while or who are looking to stay gone.  This area is where vacationers come for quiet and relaxation and where retirees and millionaires look to call home.  This is an exquisite upscale community.

The Gold Coast is located at the base of Diamond Head on Kapiolani Park.  It has the feel of a residential area but is still in close proximity to nearly everything.  Waikiki and Honolulu are both just a few minutes away.  This area is home to some of the best condos, with amazing views of the Pacific and Waikiki, in Hawaii.

Along the Gold Coast there are cottages and mansions alike lined up beside the crater.  Many of these homes sit on the bases of cliffs and overlook the ocean.  Some of the most luxurious homes are located in this area alone due to the spectacular views available.

The average home in Diamond Head starts at a price of $800,000.  Most of the homes here have an average of four bedrooms, and the condos have an average of two bedrooms.

Activities in Diamond Head

Besides being able to go on the Diamond Head trail there are numerous other things people will love about living in this area.  Diamond Head is made for someone who loves to be outdoors.  The Kapiolani Park is in walking distance from the beach.  There people can enjoy practicing any number of sports from tennis to archery. 

Waikiki is located just on the outside of Diamond Head.  This provides some privacy and quietness from this widely popular tourist destination, but also is close enough where homeowners can enjoy the two-mile strip shopping center.  They also have the option of eating at any number of high-rated restaurants, visiting the Honolulu Zoo, or checking out the Haunama Bay.

People are buying peace when they buy real estate in Diamond Head. This area is great for those who want to live a quiet life in an epicurean lifestyle.  The beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean always in view and the ability to enjoy it in a comfortable environment is a dream come true for many people.  Plus, there is the bonus of never having to travel far to enjoy other activities. Diamond Head really does offer everything.

Hanauma Bay just east of Hawaii Kai

Hanauma Bay, with its beautiful half circle shape, could be a stand-in for paradise.  The white sand beach is framed by swaying palm trees.  The bay is actually an extinct volcanic crater; after an exterior wall collapsed, the ocean waters entered and formed the bay.  It has a large coral reef and supports a variety of marine species.  Snorkelers at Hanauma Bay may encounter turtles and tropical fish including the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the reef triggerfish), Hawaii’s state fish. 

In 1967, Hanauma Bay became a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park.  According to the City and County of Honolulu site on Hanauma Bay, recognition of the damage caused by neglect and by too many visitors (three million annually), engendered a plan to restore Hanauma by reducing the number of visitors allowed into the area, setting up an education program, and using other supportive restrictions.  The result has been a cleaner, healthier Hanauma Bay.

Beyond “just” scuba diving or snorkeling, visitors to Hanauma Bay can also enjoy great swimming.  The bay is usually pretty well protected from big waves and rough surf.  Once out of the water, the beach is great for sunbathing and relaxing.  Many people also enjoy a picnic whilst on the beach.  There is also hiking available on trails that both hug the water and go up ridges that provide great views of the area.

Hanauma Bay was once the local “fishing hole” for Hawaiian royalty.  Fish that are commonly found in Hanauma Bay include Blue Pacific Marlin or A`u, which, legend has it, could use its heavy bill to poke holes in the ancient Hawaiians’ fishing canoes.  Another popular eating fish found in Hanauma Bay is the Ono (“delicious” in Hawaiian is “`ono”) which has white, delicate and flaky meat. Both of these fish appear in a Hawaiian take on sashimi, which is called poke:  pieces of raw fish marinated in Hawaiian salt, seaweed, soy sauce, sesame oil, kukui and chilies.  Of course, the exact recipe varies from chef to chef!

Contemporary residents can still enjoy the tastes and beauty of Hanauma Bay’s bounty.  Finding homes very close to Hanauma Bay may prove to be difficult.  However, there are nearby communities such as Portlock and other upscale Hawaii Kai communities that are very convenient to Hanauma Bay.  The community of Koko Kai, which sits along the rise of KoKo Head, lies just to the west of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park.  Koko Kai homes have good-sized lots and most were custom built about 35 to 40 years ago.  Best of all, the homes in Koko Kai have panoramic views where both the ocean and the mountains can be seen. 

The Koko Marina Center is a nearby establishment of retailers, water sports activity agents and a variety of restaurants.  There is also an eight-theater cinema.  The nearest guest accommodations are at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (less than 5 miles away), or else at any of the numerous bed and breakfast establishments in the area.