On Oahu, for many of us it's all about getting to TOWN - that is, downtown Honolulu.  Most of the island's employers are in Honolulu. 

Here's a screen shot from the KGMB Channel 9 drive time report a few days ago.  These times stay about the same from day to day, except when there's heavy rain or freeway closure due to an accident.

Kapolei is near Makakilo and Ewa Beach, we can expect similar drives coming from those areas into downtown. 

What's the trade off for driving into town?  Home prices.  In town, home prices are much more expensive than they are for comparable homes in the outskirts.  Large homes selling in neighborhoods such as Ocean Pointe and Kapolei Knolls might go for $600,000 - $700,000.  Put a similar home in Nuuanu or Kaimuki it will probably be worth an extra $150,000 because of the location.

How about Hawaii Kai?  That's a popular place.  The drive to downtown Honolulu is about 12 miles and according to Channel 9, it generally takes about 35 minutes.

Note that there ARE employment opportunities in other neighborhoods besides downtown Honolulu.  Kapolei is expanding its job base with a new Costco store, Target, Petco and others.  Some executive positions are available too.  The City and County of Honolulu also has offices in Kapolei.

Military personnel and civilians working on bases have diverse possibilities.  Many military like Ewa and Kapolei because the home prices are more affordable and homes in these neighborhoods have features they like - such as garages, central air and interior area!

Looking for info about Oahu's neighborhoods and home prices?  Want to know where the deals are?

Call Mike Bates (808) 548-1220 or send an e-mail (see the tab to the right of this blog).

Aloha, Mike