Oahu Neighborhoods
Downtown
Downtown Honolulu is known as one of American’s smaller cites yet is a major bridge and communication tool for the U.S. Mainland and Asia. This area is considered the Business and Financial districts’ head quarters for Hawaii. These twelve square blocks also includes many residential high rises. Chinatown is also a part of the Downtown area. This cultural area consists of not only residential units; it also consists of many businesses such as: stores, restaurants, Hawaii Theater, art studios and bars/clubs. Downtown Honolulu is west of Waikiki and about a fifteen to twenty minute drive depending on route and traffic.
Punchbowl
Punchbowl is a mainly residential area. It is about a fifteen minute drive from Waikiki and is northwest of Waikiki. This area extends all the way up and down the mountain, which is called Tantalus. Tantalus is known for its windy main road, large houses, and spectacular view of the city. This area is very lush, and at times it feels like you are in a tropical forest, far away from any city. The main attraction in this area is the Punchbowl war memorial which is dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives serving the United States Armed Forces. This memorial area has its own space within a mountain crater and spectacular views of all of Honolulu and extends to Diamond Head.
Makiki
Makiki is a residential hot spot for professionals who want a short commute to work in Downtown. Makiki is about a fifteen minute drive from Waikiki. To drive to Makiki, it is northwest. There are many high-rise condos and low-rise apartment complexes. Makiki goes up into the side of the Koolau Mountains. Many single family homes in the area are in a section called Makiki Heights. The attraction to this area is its convenience to almost any part of the general Honolulu area.
Manoa
Monaa Valley is north from the Waikiki area going towards the mountains. Manoa is most well known for housing the Main Campus of the University of Hawaii. This area can only be described as a deep and lush valley. The single family homes are mostly older houses, however, possess tremendous charter and charming curb appeal have. Most streets have at least one house with a darling front patio sitting area. Monoa Valley Theater creates culture in this residential area. There is also a quaint shopping center called Manoa Marketplace. Because it is so lush, there are frequent showers, however, they are almost always followed by gorgeous rainbows.
Moiliili / McCully
This area is very convenient to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Chaminade University. Because this is a more affordable area to live, many college students and young adults reside in this part of town. Many of the local business’ consist of many college friendly Mom and Pop Shops, two health food stores (Down to Earth and Kokua Marketplace), and a few local bars. This area is also very convenient to Waikiki and Downtown, which both are in a ten minute driving range. Most of the apartments go from affordable to mid-prices and have both low-rise and high-rise apartments. This area is also very convenient to Waikiki and about five minute drive away.
Ala Moana / Kakaako
This area is in between Waikiki and Downtown and on the South side of the island. Ala Moana/Kakaako is known for Hawaii’s largest outdoor mall, Ala Moana. High rise condominiums and low rise apartments make up the residential part of this area. This area is not just well known for shopping. it is also a major cultural area of Honolulu; such as the Honolulu Academy of Art. In addition to the Blaisdell Center, Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall which host concerts, Broadway plays, exhibits and trades shows. Close to the waterfront area and the west part of this area is called Victoria Ward Center which has been recently developed into a fashionable dining and entertainment region. This area is only a five minute drive to Waikiki.
Waikiki
Waikiki is most well known for the most popular visitor’s destinations. Most hotels on Oahu are located in Waikiki. There are many shopping plazas, restaurants and an abundance of activities. The Waikiki beach is a trademark for Hawaii. Waikiki beach is a great place to find activities to do including learning how to surf. Many of the main attractions in Waikiki are within walking distance. For activities outside of Waikiki, there are many forms of transportations that use Waikiki as their main destination, for example, the Trolley and The Bus. For residential living, this area ranges from studio apartments up to high end Penthouses.
Kaimuki / Kapahulu
This charming part of town is just east of Waikiki and goes up into the foothills of the Koolau Mountains. It is not even a five minute drive from Waikiki. Waialae Avenue is the heart of Kaimuki. Several types of restaurants line this street and range from American to Chinese, Thai, Italian and Mexican cuisine. There are also several quaint coffee shops and stores. There are also several public and private schools in this area, including Scared Heart Academy and Saint Louis Academy. Both are known for their proud Catholic traditions. To the south of Kaimuki is the Kapahulu area. Kapahulu is most well known for the Honolulu Zoo, which boarders Waikiki. Kapahulu Avenue has made some recent major updates with a brand new shopping area which consists of a brand new Safeway store. The homes in this area are on the older side, however, the location and abundance of an old town/retro feel makes this area a wonderful place for every generation to live.
Kahala / Diamond Head
Kahala/Diamond Head is located to the east of Waikiki. Diamond Head is in walking distance to Waikiki. Diamond Head shows off the base of an extinct volcano which is a world famous landmark for Honolulu. Most of the single family homes and condo’s in this area are considered luxurious which makes this area one of the most prestigious parts of Oahu. Many homes consist of pools, extra land and views of the Pacific Ocean. There is very easy access to the beach. The public schools in this area are highly recognized for their academics; in addition, two of the most prestigious private schools in the state, Iolani and Punahou are conveniently close by.
Hawaii Loa Ridge
This is another area of elegant homes with breath taking ocean views. Hawaii Loa Ridge is apart of the south east side of the island. It is about a fifteen minute drive to Waikiki. Because it is on a ridge and there is only one main road to enter, this creates a highly recognized secure community. This gated community consists of all single family homes. Because of the tight security, many celebrities have chosen to have a house here. With in the Hawaii Loa Ridge community, there is a private park, tennis courts, and a club house for its residents.
Aina Haina / Nui Valley / Kuliouou
Right along the Kalanianaole Highway, this area is located on the south east side of Oahu. This area is about a fifteen to twenty minute drive to Waikiki. Each of these small areas has their own valley. Aina Haina is the most west valley and consists of many single family homes. All little bit more affordable compared to Hawaii Kai, Aina Haina has a small town, family-friendly feel. It has a shopping center which has Chucky Cheese, Foodland, McDonalds, a Library, and a handful of friendly Mom and Pop Shops. Nui Valley is to the east of Aina Haina and is mainly residential properties. There are two schools located in Nui Valley. Nui Valley Intermediate is the feeder school for all of the public elementary schools in Hawaii Kai. There is also a private preschool through eighth grade school called the Waldorf School. The Waldorf School is known for progressive learning and there is a network of Waldorf schools all over the world. Kuliouou is the valley to the east of Niu Valley and is west of Hawaii Kai. Kuliouou is mainly all residential properties. It is the main area which greets people into the Hawaii Kai area.
Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai is located on the south east side of Oahu. It is about a twenty minute drive to Waikiki. This Marina style development is one of the most highly desirable places for families to live. It is a thirty minute drive to Downtown Honolulu. Many homes are located right next to or on the man-made Marina, made by the late Henry J. Kaiser. Because of the marina, several private boat docks and lanai’s are featured in this area. This area consists of mainly single family homes and luxurious residence in addition to condominiums and a few apartment buildings. The several public schools in this area are also rated highest in Honolulu for academics.
Kailua / Lani Kai
Kailua is on the east side of Oahu which is also known as Windward Oahu. It is a forty minute drive to Waikiki and about a thirty minute drive to Downtown. This laid back beach down is made up of low key restaurants, shops and a world famous beach, Lani Kai. The home prices are at a mid-range to expensive. The expensive homes tend to be on the Lani Kai section of Kailua. Many celebrities have bought property in this area. Kailua is the largest community on the windward side of the island. About 42,000 people reside in this area in single family homes and condominiums.
The North Shore
Not overly developed, the North Shore is known as the ‘country side’ of Oahu. A little over an hour away from Waikiki, the North Shore has a classic Hawaii feel. During the winter months, the North Shore is well known for its world class surfing. Waves can get up to twenty feet high at beaches such as Pipline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. There are several Bed and Breakfasts in this area along with a luxury hotel called the Turtle Bay Hilton. The Turtle Bay Hilton not only has a hotel area, it is surrounded by a golf course and there are residential condominium properties which line around the golf course. One of the main towns on the north shore is called Haleiwa. This town is where most tourist visits and the locals always make it a point to get a shaved ice every time they visit here. Haleiwa is a small town, lined with small boutiques, a few restaurants and many shrimp carts. Because the North Shore is not overly developed, it can be a prime location to buy or build a dream house, right on the beach.