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Real Estate/Rentals
 Whether you're thinking of buying or renting, it's important to do your research before you take the plunge.
The neighborhoods of Oahu are as unique as the distinctive blend of people and cultures that live in the United States. Finding a place to live on Oahu is no easy task. The cost of housing on the Island is one of the highest in the country. If you're not ready to go straight to the Honolulu Board of Realtors' Web site at hicentral.com to begin shopping, check out http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/current/homes/community or The Advertiser's community newspapers online to learn more about what each neighborhood has to offer.
Zone 1
Downtown
Iwilei Kalihi Kai Kalihi-Palama Moanalua-Salt Lake Nuuanu Pacific Heights-Punchbowl
Zone 1
Downtown Honolulu is one of America's loveliest and most compact cities, with most of the financial and business districts and residential high-rises covering 12 square blocks. Exotic Chinatown is a part of downtown, but is in a charming world of its own. Iwilei, once Oahu's notorious red light district, is now the respectable home of such retail denizens as Hilo Hattie, K-Mart, Home Depot, and the charming shops, restaurants and movie theaters of the restored Dole Cannery. Kalihi Kai is a crazy-quilt collage of tiny and tenacious older houses and aging apartment buildings, car repair shops, industrial businesses, and venerable mom and pop establishments. The neighborhoods of Kalihi-Palama are so similar, they're like conjoined twins. What once was urban sprawl came and went a long time ago, leaving Kalihi and Palama with the lived-in look and neighborly feeling of real ohana. The world's greatest repository of Pacific and Polynesian research and artifacts is located here in the stone gothic confines of the Bishop Museum. Moanalua-Salt Lake are as different as Kalihi-Palama are alike, with a major exception: the military presence. Both neighborhoods can certainly claim to be well protected. Moanalua has the Army's Fort Shafter on one side and the Navy's Red Hill Naval Reservation and the military's Tripler Medical Center on the other. Salt Lake is encircled by U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy bases, and low-cost military housing. Nuuanu is as much a botanical garden as it is a wonderful place to live. Sudden rain showers swoop over the Koolau Mountains creating perfect mists for this community's profuse tropical vegetation. Both the Pacific Heights and Punchbowl communities have the advantage of loftier perches going for them, creating spectacular views and cooler temperatures.
Zone 2
Ala Moana-Kakaako
Kapiolani Makiki Manoa McCully-Moiliili St. Louis Heights
Zone 2
The mostly high-rise condominium and low-rise apartment communities of Ala Moana-Kakaako are Oahu's major shopping and cultural centers. Kakaako is Oahu's cultural headquarters. The fine arts collections of the Honolulu Academy of Arts are here, as well as Hawaii's leading entertainment complex. Showcased at Blaisdell Center, Concert Hall and Exhibition Hall are the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, live broadway shows, major concerts and exhibits and trade shows of all kinds. The Kakaako waterfront is now the focus of highly significant, image-setting state activity. In the planning stages are a world-class aquarium, gathering place, Ocean Science Center and ocean park. Makiki marches up the side of the Koolau Mountains in a steady procession of high-rise condos and apartments at the lower elevations to expensive residences toward the top in Makiki Heights. About half way to the top is the stunning Contemporary Arts Museum, one of Honolulu's most novel and cultural places to dine. Manoa means vast in Hawaiian, a perfect description for this deep valley. A neighborhood of mainly older homes with immense character and charm, the valley's profuse vegetation is made more lush by frequent showers followed by spectacular rainbows. The University of Hawai'i is located here, as well as Lyon Arboretum, the Manoa Valley Theatre and Manoa Marketplace, one of Oahu's loveliest little shopping and dining centers. The close proximity to the University of Hawai'i and Chaminade University campuses make McCully-Moiliili favorite haunts for local college students. The area is packed with student-friendly businesses and activities, mom and pop shops, and affordable to mid-priced low- medium and high-rise apartments.
Zone 3
Aina Haina-Kuliouou-Niu Valley
Diamond Head Hawaii Kai-Portlock Kahala Kaimuki-Kapahulu Palolo Waialae-Kahala Waikiki Wilhelmina
Zone 3
The peaceful, eclectic, mid- to upper-priced neighborhoods of Aina Haina-Kuliouou-Niu Valley are tucked into the foothills and up the sides of Koolau Mountain ridges along Kalanianaole Highway. On the makai (ocean) side, the Maunalua Bay beachfront is graced with lovely beach parks, lavish homes and Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. The base of Diamond Head, the extinct volcano that is Oahu's most famous natural landmark, is embroidered with affluent homes and condominiums. At Kupikipikio (Black Point), the portion of the Diamond Head community that swoops out into the Pacific Ocean, the late billionaire Doris Duke built her beloved Shangri-La. At the extreme southeastern tip of Oahu are the sunny Hawaii Kai-Portlock communities. Hawaii Kai is the California marina-style dream development of the late steel tycoon Henry J. Kaiser. Threaded through the community's picturesque canals are mid- to high-priced single-family residences, townhomes and condominiums, a marina, golf course and shopping center.  Another millionaire's neighborhood and one of the most famous communities in the world is Kahala, where elaborate front gates can cost as much as some people's homes. Upscale Kahala Mall caters to this discriminating population.
Kaimuki-Kapahulu are two of Oahu's most lively communities, dripping with appeal to yuppies. The houses along the neat, hilly streets have personality and character. Waialae Avenue, which is downtown Kaimuki, looks like 1940s-50s Main Street, U.S.A. with plenty of quaint coffee houses to keep the population energized and happy.
Zone 4
Kahaluu
Kailua Kaneohe Lanikai Waimanalo
Zone 4
This is the side of Oahu that gets the most rain; hence, it's the most luxuriant in plant growth. The natural beauty of Kahaluu, the northernmost of these neighborhoods, is a spiritual experience. It's a tropical nirvana wedged between the incredible cathedral spires of the Koolau Mountains and the turquoise opalescence of Kaneohe Bay. Home prices vary from mid-range to expensive, with views that will take your breath away. Kailua, the largest community on the Windward side, is Oahu's windsurfing capital, and Kailua Beach is one of the world's most beautiful shorelines. The 42,000 lucky people who reside here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in lovely, moderately priced neighborhoods, with excellent restaurants, parks, libraries, schools, shopping centers and a pleasant downtown. The second biggest community, with 40,000 residents, is Kaneohe. Windward Community College and fabulous Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden are both here. Mokapu Peninsula, which rests between Kaneohe and Kailua, is the home of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, formerly known as Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station.
Zone 5
Hauula
Kaaawa Kahuku Laie Punaluu
Zone 5
This part of the Windward Coast leading up to the North Shore looks like the Hawaii about which people have always fantasized. Here are the modern versions of the sleepy little beachside towns and undulating coconut palms of old Hawaii, with glorious mountains on one side and the electrifying blue ocean on the other. Originally a tiny Hawaiian fishing and taro farming village where folks lived in grass huts, Hauula is now a charming little community of affordable single-family residences and condos. A sandy procession of beach parks lines the makai side, and a new beach pavilion and the newly renovated Hauula Shopping Center have townsfolk understandably proud. A former sugar plantation town, Kahuku still retains its warm-hearted plantation village personality. The old sugar mill is now a shopping center and the old plantation hospital is a modern medical facility.
Zone 6
North Shore
Waialua
Zone 6
Mother Nature blessed the North Shore with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. This is rural Hawaii, with giant, sweeping vistas of pristine green countryside, never-ending azure ocean and miles of sandy beaches edged with tropical trees. This must be one of the most peaceful, beautiful places on earth. But, wait, what is that? A 20-foot wave? Welcome to the Surfing Capital of the World. The endless North Shore summers are self-indulgently laid-back and leisurely. But come November through April, the once-tranquil beaches are pounded by monster waves reaching bone-crushing heights. In come droves of big-wave surfers and wannabes, and the North Shore rocks. Most of the visitors stay in vacation homes and bed and breakfasts, since the North Shore big surf vicinity has no hotels. The only luxury resort in the area is the Turtle Bay Hilton in Kahuku. Communities on the North Shore are small, homes aren't cheap, and it's a long way to everywhere from here. Still, a lot of the North Shore populace commutes to other parts of Oahu to work and returns here to scoff at those who live any other way. The neighborhoods of Waimea, Sunset Beach and Kawailoa are all tiny and situated precariously close to such world-famous surfing spots as Banzai Pipeline, Kimmieland and Gas Chambers. The undisputed star of North Shore neighborhoods is Haleiwa, acharismatic community proud to be a part of the State List of Historic Places.
Zone 7
Wahiawa
Zone 7
Pineapples may be prickly, but the town they created is as easy to take as a pineapple smoothie. In earlier times, the area was attractive to ancient Hawaiians who liked its cooler climate and plentiful game. On the land now occupied by the U.S. Army's Schofield Barracks, Oahu chiefs once trained their armies. Wahiawa can lay claim to having the island's coolest temperatures because it's situated on the highest terrain. Oahu's tallest peak, 4,000-ft. Mt. Kaala is part of Wahiawa. The Dole pineapple empire took root here over 100 years ago when James Dole planted his first 61 acres in Wahiawa. Pineapple is still grown around these parts and the Dole Plantation Center welcomes nearly a million visitors a year.
Zone 8
Makaha
Nanakuli Waianae
Zone 8
Far west Oahu is a study in contrasts, corraled as it is between the dry, craggy Waianae Mountains and the watery depths of the blue Pacific Ocean. This was perfect for the first Hawaiians who sought shelter here over a thousand years ago. They felt that the majestic mountains provided a safe wall of isolation, allowing them to feed from the ocean and maintain an independent lifestyle.  Today, this part of Oahu is the closest thing to a true Hawaiian place on the island. Proud and independent like their forbears, Waianae Coast communities nevertheless opened their hearts to diverse cultures, welcoming others to the ocean-loving pleasures and simple lifestyles enjoyed by centuries of Hawaiians.
All of the Waianae Coast shares 20 miles of what many feel are the island's most beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Certainly, Oahu's best big-game fishing is off this coast. The community of Waianae is home to one of the most unusual healing centers in all of the islands. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center has served the area for 30 years, with a broad range of health and healing services deeply rooted in Hawaiian values.
Zone 9
Mililani
Zone 9
If there is any community on Oahu that looks like an all-American city, it's Mililani. It's a town of well-kept homes and streets, modern shopping centers, movie theaters, churches and fine schools. The beautiful parks, tennis courts, ball fields, hiking and biking trails, swimming pools and recreation centers were all part of the plan. Faced with a shrinking demand for the pineapple and sugar grown on this part of west central Oahu, landowner Castle & Cooke turned to real estate development. This was a great location for the company to start a new town. In 1961, the company began creating the master plan for a fully functional satellite city. Their dream was to build a well-designed community with none of the gangly urban sprawl that had marred other areas. Today, Mililani is a tribute to the builder's dream and the people who fulfilled their own dreams by making Mililani their home
Zone 10
Waikele
Waipahu Waipio
Zone 10
For decades, central Oahu was agricultural country. Waipahu was a sugar plantation town, Waipio was a dot on the map, and Waikele didn't exist at all. In the 1970s and '80s, things began to change. Sugar started to fail as a viable crop and there was nothing economically stimulating enough to take its place. That's when the people-growing business of real estate development took hold, waking up this sleepy part of Oahu, and creating hope for new families to buy their own homes and begin new lives. Waikele and Waipio rest on slightly elevated land, offering vast views all the way from Diamond Head to the Waianae Mountains. These are communities of beautifully designed homes, townhomes and condos in lower to middle price ranges, with a nice selection of affordable rentals also available. Many residences in these neighborhoods are priced to give young couples just starting out their first chance to buy a home. The community of Waikele is built around gently curving, tree-lined streets, beautiful Waikele Golf Course and Oahu's leading premium factory outlet center. The 50 discount outlets, shops and restaurants of Waikele Shopping Center include such celebrated names as Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anne Klein, Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic. Waipahu has undergone several incarnations over the years, from fishing village to wetland farming area to sugar town. Part of the community's rich and colorful history can be viewed in the 50-acre Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, a must-see attraction. Visitors are able to experience what life was like from 1850 to 1930 in the park's Hawaii Plantation Village.
Zone 11
Ewa
Kapolei Makakilo
Zone 11
Who'd have thought it? Vibrant, people-filled communities on this flat Ewa plain where the tallest things around, other than a few plantation houses, used to be sugar cane tassels? Well, look around. Developers are building some sweet neighborhoods where sugar cane once grew. Beginning in the early 1960s, the opening of Campbell Industrial Park brought thousands of new job opportunities to southwest Oahu. Two petroleum refineries, a steel fabricating plant, cement plant and many other industrial enterprises started an economic upsurge in this part of Oahu that just kept growing.  Developer Gentry Homes is building several first-class, master-planned neighborhoods in central and west Oahu. The company's Ewa by Gentry development in Ewa and Ewa Beach include the new Huelani and Terrazza communities.
Haseko's 1,100-acre Ocean Pointe Ewa master-planned residential development now under construction is a 15- to 20-year project that will include Ewa Marina, the largest marina in the state. The closing of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in the mid 1990s resulted in the transfer of military families once based there and left vacant thousands of Ewa military housing units. These housing communities, including Iroquois Point Island Club, are now available to civilians as rental homes. Makakilo, located on the southern slopes of the Waianae range, is up off the Ewa plain, providing residents with enviable Ewa and ocean views. At elevations of 580 to 1180 feet above sea level, Makakilo is cooler and breezier than its lowland neighbors.
Zone 12
Aiea
Pearl City
Zone 12
New Communities
Spectacular ocean views, infinity pools, spa-like master suites and walk-in closets are being incorporated with environmentally-conscious features like recycled building materials and solar power in a cross between five-star resort luxury and the Jetsons innovation at this year's 51st Annual Parade of Homes.
Within both the city limits of Aiea and Pearl City are all of the amenities one would want in a home town. The comfortable and attractive homes are generally in the moderate price range. The schools and churches are sources of community pride. The area offers public libraries, recreation centers, lovely parks, ball fields, medical centers and dental services, and, if anything, an overabundance of places to shop.  Pearlridge Center, which lies between Kamehameha Highway and Moanalua Road, is a mammoth air-conditioned shopping complex built in two sections and linked by a monorail.
Homebuiders will showcase the technology and products dream homes are made of on the weekends of October 6-7 and October 13-14 in 25 entries on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The hottest trends drawing crowds this year will include GreenBuild design elements which focus on livability and home function as well as features to help homeowners save a few buck on their electric bills. Along with the growing trend to build and live more energy efficiently, buyer preferences making their debut this year are theater rooms, discounted green fees and day care. The 2007 Building Industry Association of Hawaii's collection offers a dream home to suit every taste and every budget with homes priced from $199,000 to more than $2 million. There is a heavy focus on the mid-range priced homes in this collection, with plenty of entry level and high-end properties to appeal to baby boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials. Even if you're not in the market for a new home, you'll want to check out this popular dream home lineup. Here is a sampling of what the Parade has to offer on Oahu: Using a smart growth approach to neighborhood planning, D.R. Horton, Schuler Division has designed Nohokai at Sea Country to give homeowners a convenience store, a playground, a recreation center and a day care facility - all within walking distance for its residents. Planet-conscious homebuyers will find the single-family Lako model to be well thought out as well. This popular eco-friendly model is built with recycled and renewable materials and includes a recycling center, solar water heater and energy-efficient appliances. No expense has been spared in this Waianae Coast home's layout that includes a great room, dining area and spacious master suite complete with walk-in closets outfitted with upgraded organizers, his and her sinks and a separate tub and shower.  Mark Development introduces its Ulua model at Ke Ola O Pokai Bay in this year's parade. Featuring a full bedroom and bath on the ground floor, this 4-bedroom home speaks directly to local families providing multi-generational options.
With granite countertops in the kitchen, walk-in closets in the master bedroom and central air throughout, this dream home will also save you money each month on your electric bill. Solar water heating, ceiling fans, cross ventilation, double-glazed vinyl windows, radiant barrier roof sheathing, ceiling and wall insulation, and fluorescent lighting earned this home an Energy Star Certification that will keep your family cool and your energy costs low. Nestled in the hills above Kapolei with views of the Pacific Ocean, is Wai Kalo 'i at Makakilo built by Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii Inc. These spacious 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom single-family homes celebrate families with large interiors, ample closet space, pantries in the kitchen and covered lanais. The three-story Ilima model features a master suite retreat to feed the soul. A large walk-in closet, his and hers sinks and a linen storage offer respite from today's fast-paced living. Named after an ancient spring that brought life to the mountain, Wai Kalo 'i, meaning the abundant waters, pays tribute to the area's most honored natural resource and serves as a cherished gathering place where families can flourish. Eco-friendly solutions are abundant at Gentry Homes' single-family condominiums at Tuscany II. Greenly accented with energy-saving features such as a HECO approved 80-gallon solar water heater that can save up to $100 each month on the electric bill, a highly efficient central air conditioning system, dual pane low emission windows - that keep hot air out and cool air in - with UV and noise protection, and special insulation to keep noise, pollen and dust out, these homes offer a tremendous value to homebuyers. The Vicinato Plan 3 also features a gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry and Corian countertops, a large master suite with a walk-in closet, an upstairs lanai, grand oversized windows throughout to bring in plenty of natural light, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The Marina Plan 2 at Latitudes by Gentry Homes also capitalizes on the latest environmentally-friendly home features earning an Energy Star rating - a solar water heater, low emission widows, special insulation to seal the home from outside noise while assisting with central air-conditioning efficiency, good air flow and cross ventilation throughout the home. This community's Parade entry additionally features two master suites - one conveniently located on the first floor with easy access for in-laws or additional privacy. Measuring 1,677 interior square feet, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is designed with families in mind complete with a large covered lanai, privacy fencing and enclosed garage. Featuring signature Ocean Pointe porches, Ke Noho Kai Development's Residence 305 is bursting with character and style. The wrap-around, veranda style front porch is as inviting as it is practical. In addition to the trademark streetscapes and the classic home styling, Ocean Pointe features include steel framing, central air conditioning, insulation, double-pained vinyl framed windows and a two-car garage hidden in the back. Generous wide-open floorplans characterizes the home interiors blending areas for entertainment with relaxed personal spaces for winding down. A downstairs bedroom and bath can provide flexible accommodations for guests, extended family or a home office. Windows infuse the entire home with natural light and a gracious overall feel. Overlooking the neighboring 27-hole Arnold Palmer designed Hawaii Prince Golf Course, the view from the lanai off the second-floor master suite of Gentry Homes' Palehua Plan 5 at Haleakea makes relaxing easy. Complete with a luxurious bath, walk-in Roman shower, and expansive wardrobe closet, this dream master retreat is fit for a king and queen. Aimed at designing for today's buyer, a second master suite, with full bath, is included on the ground floor level as well along with a gourmet kitchen, walk-in pantry, built-in GE appliances, and cooking island. Buyers looking for a greener lifestyle will appreciate that this is an Energy Star Rated home which will encourage conservation. In the multi-family high-rise category, Avalon Makini LLC entered the beautiful condo conversion project at Makini at Kinau. Conveniently located just minutes away from the H-1, the Central Business District, Ala Moana Shopping Center, walking distance to the Honolulu Academy of Arts and 10 minutes from the University of Hawai'i, this conversion from apartments to condos includes 1- and 2- bedroom units that have been redesigned and customized. The 1-bedroom units measure 461 square feet, and the 2-bedrooms measure 610 square feet - each with an additional 63-square-foot lanai. On the Windward side of the Island is the final Oahu entry. Bay View Estates is a brand new fee-simple community of single-family homes built by Royal-Clark Development Company. Twenty-seven homes are planned for the community with an average home size of 4,000 square feet under roof - some with views of Kaneohe Bay and many fronting the golf-course. Homes will be beautiful, with tile roofs, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances; as well as functional, including a bedroom and bath on the ground floor, closet organizers; and energy efficient, with solar water heater and dual-pane Low emission windows. Additionally, these homes will have no association or maintenance fees. This year's Parade theme is Discover the Home of Your Dreams. Builders are offering plenty of choices in a variety of price ranges. For more information, prices, Neighbor Island entries or directions, check out the Hawaii Chapter of the Building Industry Association at bia-hawaii.com. Dream big. Hurricane Awareness The National Weather Service urges folks to be prepared for hurricane season which runs from June 1 - Nov. 30 every year. Watches and warnings are prepared by the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. A hurricane or tropical storm watch means the threat of hurricane or tropical storm conditions exists for designated islands within 36 hours.
When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:
A hurricane or tropical storm warning means hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected to occur for designated islands within 24 hours.
When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:
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CONTENTS
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LIST OF ADVERTISERS
7-Eleven
AAA Hawaii Aiea Shopping Center Akamai Learning Center Allstate Altres Staffing America's Mattress American Carpet One Assets School Beretania Florist Budget Rent A Car Century 21 Hawaiian Style Coldwell Banker Color Cuts Damien Memorial School Edward Jones Gentry Homes Hagadone Printing Company HI Conf. United Church of Christ Hawaii Piano & Household Moving Hawaii Youth Opera Hongwanji Mission School Honolulu Symphony Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay Ice Palace Iroquois Pt Island Family Christian Church Kahala Nui Kalihi Union Church Kapalama Shopping Center KCAA Preschools of Hawaii Kumon Learning Centers Kuub Cosmetics Le Jardin Academy Maryknoll School Midas NAPA Auto Parts Oceanic Time Warner Cable OK TV Okabe Dental Arts Pacific Buddhist Academy Paradise Pages Party City Pohai Nani Senior Living Facility Prudential Locations Punahou School Queen's Medical Center Reynold's Recycling Robert A. Baysa, D.D.S Saint Louis School SlumberWorld St. Andrew's Cathedral Church St. Andrew's Priory Sylvan Learning The Lock Up Self Storage The Medical Corner The Studio |
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