Ewa real estate is an area located on the leeward coast of the island Oahu in Hawaii. This is the southernmost area of the island.  The word ewa in the Hawaiian language means stray.  Legend has it that the Hawaiian gods were playing with stones and they rolled them into the area that is now known as Ewa.

Ewa is 1.4 miles of lush land that is home to approximately 14,650 people. This is the fifteenth largest community in Hawaii.  It is only five feet above sea level so a quarter of the land is subdued or composed by the Pacific Ocean. It is located 10 miles west of Honolulu.

The Ewa Plain is divided up into eight main areas:  Ewa Beach, Ewa-Gentry, Kapolei, Ka Olina, Leeward Estates, Ocean Pointe, Westloch Estates, and Westloch Fairway.  Most of these areas are home to single-family homes, but there are several condominiums and townhouses that are for lease.  Housing costs here are some of the highest in the nation, but they do not compare with some of the highest housing areas in Hawaii.

Most occupations in Ewa are a combination of blue and white collar. Many of the jobs are service related.  Many sales and office related jobs are also available in the area.  Almost five percent of the people who live in Ewa are employed with local military. In fact Ewa is right next to the Pearl Harbor base. The government is also a major employer in this area.

The area is mostly a tourist destination so most attractions have been designed for them, but there are many activities for residents to do as well.  Ewa Beach Park is the most common reason people will move here. The Ewa shopping center is an additional bonus, along with the community park, and being in close approximation to the Honolulu Zoo.

Much of Ewa is nautical meaning that it is connected to some form of water whether that is the ocean, streams, valleys, or rivers. This plays a lot into how most people spend their time here.  Water front activities or even taking in the local scenery is a common way to spend free time. 

This is a great neighborhood for raising a family. There are good quality public schools, low-crime rate, and most of the people that live here are single family homes. Many of these families have children that are of school age.  In all of Hawaii, Ewa sits in the top 12.7 percent of family-friendly residential areas. 

This is also a wealthy area to live in. It is ranked in the top 15 percent of highest incomes in the United States.  The childhood poverty rate is lower than in 64.6 percent of communities in America. 

The commute rate for individuals is typically 15 to 30 minutes. This is more time spent driving to work than in many areas in Hawaii, but in comparison with the rest of the United States it is a very small amount of time.

Manoa is a residential area in the county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu.  It is three miles inland and east of Honolulu and around one mile from Waikiki.  The neighborhood consists of an entire valley running from Manoa Falls to King Street.  Rain is an almost daily occurrence in the area and contributes to the lush area. The valley walls are typically dryer.

Many of the homes were built in the 1960s. There are also condominiums available as well as faculty and student residences because The University of Hawaii at Manoa is located in the area.  Recent housing development has been happening on the Diamond Head side of the valley.  Most homes are surrounded with huge trees and great views of the mountains.  Many of the older homes were built with appealing architecture, but there are still several homes that need modern renovations. People who buy a home in this area to renovate can turn a nice profit.

The Manoa Marketplace is home to a farmer’s market several days of the week. There are also several coffee shops residents can visit. The area is home to one of the best public elementary schools in the area with high national test averages.

Manoa real estate probably has the visual that most people have in mind when they think of Hawaii. There is lush greenery everywhere the eye can see. This area gets over 200 inches of rain a year, and the area is what people who have lived in Hawaii grow to love about the islands.  The beautiful mountainside and lush green valley has more beauty than the areas around the ocean for many people.

Many people who work in downtown Honolulu choose to live in Manoa. Most love the New England style homes, the average 85 degree weather with 70 percent humidity, and of course the extensive greenery and mature trees. Manoa offers people a calm and relaxed way of life.  It is away from the tourist areas in Oahu, but is still in close enough proximity that residents can enjoy the busier side of life whenever they choose.

Aina Haina is an unincorporated town of the city and county of Honolulu. It is a residential area east of Waikiki and Diamond Head.  Aina Haina translates to “Hind’s Land” and was named after Robert Hind, the owner of Hind-Clarke Dairy.  Aina Haina is within 20 minutes of Waikiki, Ala Moana, and downtown.  It also sits between the two more well-known areas of Kahala on the west end and Hawaii Kai on the east side.

Many of the residents here are retired. There is a great amount of younger individuals who have started moving to the area to either start a family or take advantage of the great schools for their kids.  There are two excellent private schools and Aina Haina Elementary is consistently ranked among the top five schools in the state.

Most homes in Aina Haina are already occupied, and many of the later generations like to add additions to these older homes or modernize them.  The homes range from ones made in the early 1950s to more luxurious modern houses.  Some of these rival best homes in Oahu’s more expensive areas.

Homes here have a minimum of 7,500 square feet.  Those that sit in the lower part of the valley sit on lots up to 10,000 square feet.  Duplexes and condominiums are far and few between as they are not legal in most areas of Aina Haina.  There are some cottages that have been grandfathered in.  Most streets have underground facilities.  It is a great neighborhood for walking with wide sidewalks and streets everywhere.

The average home sells for $696,000. Many of these are simple homes from the 1960s.  Many of the older homes are now being demolished to make room for newer construction. These newer homes are still typically owned by the same people.

There are parks in the area to offer a number of recreational activities.  There are a few tennis courts, basketball court, a baseball field, and even a playground. There is also a great dog park to go for walks, and Kawaikui Beach is a close area to go kayaking or surfing. 

Aina Haina real estate offers all the essentials someone needs in an area. There is a post office, bank, medical building, and a pharmacy.  There are also several varieties of restaurants and grocery stores. The local shopping center was just reopened so now there are a few more choices.

Many of the older homes could use a renovation.  For anyone that is looking for a small town with a great family environment, they should consider purchasing and remodeling one of these older homes.  Aina Haina has a great personality with small town charm.  People here are humble and do not really need the hectic life that comes with living in areas like Waikiki.  Many work out of town, but the commute is easy.  They get to come home to a great little area that is laid back and has some of the best oceanic views on this side of Oahu.  Aina Haina offers all the conveniences in life.

Mililani is located in the city and county of Honolulu on the island Oahu.  The land was former plantation fields, but has now been remodeled by a subsidiary of Castle and Cooke to offer affordable housing.  In 1986 Mililani was named the “All-American City”, and it is the third wealthiest zip code in all of Hawaii.  In 2005 Mililani was named one of the best places to live in the United States. 

Living in Mililani

Mililani is only 35 years old and is Oahu’s first planned community.  It is now home to 40 to 45 thousand people, which is close to the original goal of 50 thousand.  It is located between the two volcanic mountains that occupy the island.  People who live here can take the H-2 interstate and get directly to Honolulu in one direction and Wahiawa in the other.

Mililani sits at an elevation of 720 feet above sea level and has a closer proximity to the mountainside.  This means it is greener and cooler than the rest of Oahu. 

This area consists of two parts, Mililani Town and Mililani Mauka.  Mililani Town is the older part of Mililani and Mililani Mauka was built on the other side of the H-2 interstate after it was built. 

Most of the homes in Mililani are sold to people already living in the area and that want to upgrade.  Around 78 percent of all of the homes are occupied.  This town is where much of Hawaii flocks to because of all it has to offer.  Residents are offered a variety of options such as recreational facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts, and public parks.

Everything in this town was planned down to the letter including the number of trees, which equals seven per home.  There are also no driveways and no parking on the thoroughfares to make the neighborhood safer.

Activities in Mililani

Mililani was not built to be a community center, but there are the commercial activities that people, who live there, can enjoy.  The Fun Factory is an amusement park for families to come and enjoy and to let the kids run free.  The Mililani Golf Club is home to Oahu’s most scenic courses and is where the pros come to play.  Gamers have their very own Play N Trade in Mililani, which offers a variety of video games as well as tournaments.  For those that want to enter a more commercial center, Honolulu is a short distance away and provides a variety of restaurants and shopping centers.

Choosing Mililani

Mililani has been custom designed to be the perfect community for the past 40 years.  It has been made to offer the very best in housing, schools, and environment.  This is probably one of safest towns not only in Oahu but in Hawaii just by design.  Mililani is a great place for bringing up a family.  The first generation of homeowners is now raising their own families.  The only place to go in Mililani is up as the area keeps being built only to be better.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.