Hawaii, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is made up of seven islands. Actually, the Hawaiian Island Chain stretches all the way to Russia, but most of what were once Islands of the chain, have worn away by Sea Action and are now, what is called, Sea Mounts. Sea Mounts don't break the surface of the ocean and are basically under Water Mountains. But I digress...
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest in the chain. It has mountains that are high enough to get, and actually do get Snow in the winter. There are High Deserts and rolling grass lands, sea cliffs and black sand beaches. The people of the Big Island are warm and friendly.
Maui is one of the most popular islands. It's laid back life style is what visitors have in their minds when they think of Hawaii. There are many Luxury Condos in Maui and Golfing in Maui is kind of like Skiing in Aspen. The Best. Cool Maui mornings and Sunrise Tee Times are the way to go.
Kauai is very much like Maui. Great Golfing, Great People and Wonderful Hawaii Residential Properties for those who demand the very best. Imagine being stuck on a desert island...with anything and everything you could ever ask for. Now you are thinking of Kauai!
Oahu is the most populated Island in the Hawaiian Island Chain. Oahu is the home to Honolulu, Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, The Banzai Pipeline, Diamond Head and Great Hawaiian Homes. While the people of Oahu and Hawaii over all, are made up and just about every ethnicity, there is some of what some call a "Melting Pot" happening, but for the most part, different cultures maintain their wonderful habits. This really gives Honolulu an excellent flavor!
Neighborhoods around Oahu offer many different lifestyles. Starting with Honolulu proper, we have put together a list that Hawaii Home Buyers that are new to our island will find very helpful when trying to decide where they want to live. Please call upon us at any time for information and current Honolulu property listings. Or, Click Here.
Moanalua / Salt Lake District
Moanalua is an established community of single-family homes situated in either the valley or along the hillside. Foster Village has two recreation centers, each with its own swimming pool and playground equipment. Nearby are Aloha Stadium, a large retail discount shopping center and Tripler Army Hospital. Salt Lake is only a ghost of its former self; it was filled for land development and a golf course. The community is predominately medium to high-rise condominiums with some single-family homes surrounding the golf course. All of these communities are within a short distance of the airport, Hickam Air Force Base, the downtown business district, and the Pearl Harbor Navy Base.
Downtown / Nuuanu District
There are several condominiums on the edge of town near Chinatown and one in the heart of the business district. Most of these condominiums offer mountain or ocean views. The slopes and hillsides of Nuuanu have older single-family homes, some with city views and most on lots of 5,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. Several large estates can be found on the lush hills of Nuuanu and Pacific Heights offering panoramic city and ocean views. A handful of quality condominiums as well as eateries, private and public schools, churches and hospital abound in the area. The consulate homes of Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines can also be found in the Nuuanu area.
Ala Moana / Kakaako District
Ala Moana is at the edge of the Waikiki district and therefore attracts a large number of visitors. Luxury and high-end apartments are found here, many with spectacular ocean, park, and city views. Residents can enjoy the walking convenience to Ala Moana Center Oahu's largest regional shopping center; Ala Moana Beach Park, a boat harbor, restaurants and megaplexes. Surrounding communities are Kapiolani, Ward, and Kinau. There are a few pockets of older single-family homes here but residences are primarily low rise and high-rise condominiums. Kakaako, close to Downtown Honolulu, was mostly industrial, however in recent years the re-development of Kakaako with planned parks, the new medical school and bio-medical center, condominiums and multi-use living projects well underway.
Makiki / Manoa District
Makiki is another popular choice for those wanting a short commute to downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and the University of Hawaii. The low land area of Makiki is predominately condominium with a few single family homes mixed in. Choices of condominium styles (walk-up, low rise, high rise) abound and so does the price range. The hillside neighborhoods of Makiki Heights and Tantalus have single-family homes in the higher price range. Quite a few public and private schools, two hospitals and churches are found in the area. Part of Manoa's appeal is its tree-lined streets with traditional and New England style architecture. Manoa extends deep into the lush valley from which emerges another desirable neighborhood, Woodlawn. As its name implies, this section is woodsy and the homes are often set amidst green lawns. This area is home to several restaurants, grocers and neighborhood shopping centers. The University of Hawaii is in the lower section of Manoa, but it too gets frequent Manoa shower mists that come, even under sunny skies.
Waikiki District
This world famous beach resort is only 2 miles long but it is the center of the state's billion-dollar tourist industry. There is a high concentration of movie theaters, nightlife, restaurants and hotels. It is a densely populated condominium area but many of the residential type buildings are as pleasant and quiet as you'll find elsewhere. The busier condominiums are those in which hotel operations or short-term rentals are permitted. This is the one district where rentals can be obtained fully furnished, down to the plates and linen. A quieter end of Waikiki is near Kapiolani Park and the slopes of Diamond Head crater, a tree-lined area often referred to as the Gold Coast. Oceanfront or ocean view apartments are at a premium here. A number of the buildings are cooperatives rather than condominiums.
Kaimuki District
Kaimuki, located mainly on the slopes of Diamond Head, is an older established area particularly appealing to residents whose families have lived there for generations. Its residential and business community is over 100 years old. The majority of single-family properties are at least 5,000 sq. ft with some properties subdivided into areas as small as 2,400 sq. ft. Chaminade University (private), neighborhood shopping centers, restaurants, private and public schools, parks and grocers service the needs of the population. Although the elevation is high in these hillsides they are generally sunny and dry. Nearby in the arid neighborhoods of St. Louis Heights, Wilhelmina Rise and Maunalani Heights you'll find a mixed style of older and newer homes, many with city and ocean views.
Waialae / Kahala District
Kahala takes on the look of a nicely defined suburb with regional shopping center Kahala Mall and the Kahala Mandarin Hotel (formerly the Kahala Hilton). The lots in Waialae average 7,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. Many of the 10,000 sq. ft. and larger lot homes in the area have swimming pools, wider streets, deeper front lawns and have consistently been on the higher end of Oahu's price scale. The beachfront properties of Kahala, Diamond Head, and Black Point are some of the most expensive in the nation. For those desiring more view, there is the hillside neighborhood of executive homes called Waialae Iki. Other options are the golf course homes in the Kai Nani area and the homes on a peninsula called Wailupe. Other residential alternatives for the area are two high-rise condominiums and four nearby townhouse projects.
Hawaii Loa Ridge District
Hawaii Loa Ridge is an exclusive, gated hillside community of large homes offering buyers a community clubhouse and tennis courts. Many have spectacular views of the ocean, Diamond Head crater to the west or Koko Head crater in the east because the developer established protected view corridors for the lots. All the custom homes must first obtain the approval of the developer's review board and meet their minimum requirements. Within this gated community is another newer gated community, The Pointe. These are premier view lots on the west slope and residents have part ownership of the elegant Pointe Club clubhouse.
Hawaii Kai / Portlock District
Hawaii Kai itself is a master planned community begun in the 1960s by the renowned American industrialist, Henry J. Kaiser. Once regarded as a "country area" for farmers, Hawaii Kai has become one of the premier suburbs of Oahu. The variety of housing styles and price ranges appeals to a diverse group of residents. It's about 12 miles from downtown Honolulu with easy access to the H-1 Freeway. It is close to Kahala and Kaimuki neighborhoods on one end and to Waimanalo and Kailua on the other end. The Hawaii Kai community enjoys a good variety of beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, movie theaters and restaurants. In fact, other popular community-based businesses and services such as supermarkets, fitness centers, playgrounds, medical facilities and dry cleaners are located in Hawaii Kai so residents do not have to go far for their day-to-day needs. For recreation, the many wide streets encourage biking and jogging. Nearby is Sandy Beach for experienced body surfers; Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve; and Maunaloa Bay for water skiing, boating, or canoe paddling. The single-family homes are in a variety of price ranges but generally begin above the affordable range for Oahu. The Hawaii Kai high-rise condominiums have commanded higher prices than condominiums in other Oahu regions. The Portlock district offers premium luxury beachfront homes and some of the best surfing on the island.
If you are thinking of a move to Honolulu or anywhere on Oahu, please give us a call to say, "Hi". I am Mike Ramsey Fujita, Honolulu Realtor - Associate and Vice President of Realty Executives Oahu. Gayle and I specialize in Honolulu Relocations, Honolulu Homes For Sale, Honolulu Condos For Sale, Honolulu Buyer's Rep., Honolulu Seller's Rep. and all Honolulu Residential Properties.
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