|
Here's some more information and helpful links we thought might interest you...
Areas of Expertise
Mike has been in Hawaii for nearly thirty years and Gayle was born on Oahu.
They know every nook and cranny of the island.
They often hear from buyers, "We want a home that will make us feel like we are
in Hawaii!" "Ocean Views, Waterfalls and Sunsets?" says Mike. "YES!!!" For
these clients, Mike takes them on a tour of Black Point, Kaikoo Place, Portlock,
Haiku Plantations and down the Ridge from Honolulu to Hawaii Kai.
Hawaii homes are small and old. We want larger home with newer construction for
under $800,000." It's off to Kapolei for these clients, and Mike takes them for
a total tour of that community.
"Each area of Oahu, Honolulu City and County, is different. Schools, Shopping,
Entertainment, Restaurants, Child Friendly Neighborhoods, Pet Friendly
Buildings, Laid Back Lifestyle, Busy City Living. Each client we work
with shares with us those things which are important to them and then Gayle and
I go and find the property with the right fit." says Mike.
Mike and Gayle's main area of Expertise is simple. It's making their clients
Smile.
Testimonials
Mike and Gayle went above and beyond for us. We have sold two properties with
them and we are very happy we did. RSF 2008
I was on the Mainland so Mike emailed me dozens of properties to view. I flew
over to Honolulu and I wanted to see 12 of the properties in one day and Mike
made it happen. There was one property that I loved and we were in escrow the
next day. I own many properties in California and Washington State, Mike and
Gayle were the best Realtors I have ever worked with, I feel like I got Two
Realtors for One! CC 2007
I have known Mike and Gayle for years and needed to sell an Apartment Building.
I was too busy to deal with most of the process and Mike and Gayle worked around
my busy work schedule to make the sale happen! GL 2008
I was a Realtor in Arizona and knew nothing about Hawaii. Mike met us when we
got off the plane and took us for an Island Tour. We fell in love with Kailua.
Thank you Mike and Gayle. S & C 2007
Mike and Gayle were wonderful. I spoke with Mike, then talked to two other
Realtors and they did not listen to me and what I wanted. I went back to Mike
because he listened to what I said and then he went out and found it for me!
Gayle is very lucky to have him! JB 2008
About Hulupala.com
Hulupala is a site that was started in 2007 by Honolulu Realtor Mike Ramsey
Fujita. The site was picked up by major search engines and has been reworked to
be a part of Great Hawaiian Homes. Real Estate in Honolulu Hawaii is a fairly
stable market when it's compared to many Mainland Markets.
Honolulu Relocations, International Buyers and Local Buyers are all doing their
share to help keep the Hawaii Real estate Market going strong. Hawaii Homes For
Sale have an average price of just under $630,000. Hawaii Condos For Sale are
averaging just under $330,000.
Here is a ton of information about Honolulu Neighborhoods and Communities.
OAHU, The Gathering Place, is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to
Honolulu, the state capitol. Honolulu was proclaimed the state capitol by King
Kamehameha III in 1850 and began operating in 1905 as the County of Oahu before
being renamed the City and County of Honolulu in 1907. It is the only American
city founded by a monarch or ruler and is the site of the only palace in the
United States.
The city and county of Honolulu encompasses all of Oahu and is governed by an
elected mayor and nine city council members each representing a specific
geographic district on the island. These districts are grouped together under
larger regions commonly referred to as: Honolulu, East Oahu, Windward, North
Shore, Leeward and Central. Within these regions are various towns, communities
and neighborhoods each with their own distinctive characteristics.
According to the 2000 census Oahu had a population of 876,156, which at the time
represented approximately 72 percent of the people of the state. The 2000 census
also shows there was a total of 460,542 housing units in the state. Today,
Honolulu’s median resale value for a single family home is $630,000 and $330,000
for a condominium.
When planning a trip around the island it can be useful to know that the local
residents have a special language for indicating direction. For example, mauka
[m-ow-ka] is toward the mountains, makai [ma-k-aye] is toward the sea, Ewa [w is
usually pronounced as "v"] is in the direction of Ewa town, Diamond Head is
toward that famous Waikiki landmark, and Koko Head is toward the location of
that crater which is location out next to Hanauma Bay. There are two mountain
ranges that divide the island, the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges. The
highest peak of the Koolaus is the Pali. The Pali lookout offers wonderful
views of Kailua, Kaneohe and the Windward coast. Take the Pali highway from
Honolulu and watch for the signs.
Information about other districts and areas on Oahu...
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.
(Area 5)- Kahaluu to Kahuku
Continuing around the island from Kaneohe on the Like Like and Kahakeli
Highways, there is a scenic drive along the windward coast from Kahaluu to
Kahuku on the way to the North Shore going through many beautiful areas on the
way to the North Shore towns of Haleiwa and Waialua. But, if you're in a hurry
and need to skip this scenic drive, take H-3 towards Wahiawa and go over the
saddle road to Wailua and the North Shore. Try Haleiwa for great shave ice, surf
shops, and restaurants. If it's winter, watch out for the high surf -
spectacular to watch but stay off the beach.
The drive up the Windward Coast leading up to the North Shore looks like the
Hawaii people dream about. Here are the modern versions of the sleepy little
beachside towns of old Hawaii, with glorious mountains on one side and the
unbelievably blue ocean on the other. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the
world are tucked off the highway, un-crowded and unspoiled secrets off the
tourist radar.
Hauula
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 (ocean) side; a new beach pavilion and the newly renovated Hauula Shopping
Center highlight the town.
Kaaawa
The legendary crouching lion rock formation and the Crouching Lion Inn mark the
north end of Kaaawa. Otherwise, you might not know you've been through town.
Here, the steep, green cliffs of the Koolaus allow barely enough room beside
this coastline-hugging stretch of Kamehameha Highway for the neat affordable to
mid-priced homes of Kaaawa. There are some really great views from the makai
side homes and a nice flat beach leading to the wave break - perfect for
kayaking!
Kahuku
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. Today's townsfolk live in
homey, modestly priced residences and turn out en masse for Kahuku High School
athletics and activities. Look for the "Shrimp Truck" for a special treat of
home-grown Kahuku prawns, and if the "yellow flag" is out at the corn stand up
the road - get yourself some of the best sweet corn ever grown - you can eat it
raw it's so ono [good]!
Laie
The community of Laie is most renowned for its world-famous inhabitant: the
42-acre Polynesian Cultural Center, one of Hawaii's most popular visitor
attractions. The Center and Brigham Young University (BYU) are the main
attractions of this largely Mormon community. The cozy community is home to
slightly more than 5,500 people. Residences are in the medium-price ranges and
are served by a newly expanded shopping center and the only movie theater and
hotel in these parts.
Punaluu
Right now, Punaluu is the tiniest community of them all, but it looks like
growth is on the way. The Pacific Ocean isn't the only thing lapping at these
shores. Lots are on the market, developers are developing and a few fee simple
homes are for sale in the middle to upper price range. alluring beach parks are
mainly used by the few residents and vacation condo renters who are lucky enough
to live in this divine place.
Oahu Neighborhoods - Windward Oahu
Kaneohe
They say if you like the beach you go to Kailua and if you like boats you go to
Kaneohe. With Kaneohe and Kailua in such close proximity to each other; you can
have both!! With the addition of the H-3 to the Pali Highway and Like
Like, access to downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Hickam AFB and
the airport area is much improved from the late 60s when these bedroom
communities expanded to the suburbs they are today. From Marine Corps Base
Hawai'i, Kaneohe, or Kailua to Pearl Harbor or the airport travel time is
approximately 20 minutes.
Kailua
Kailua is located in Windward Oahu in the judicial district and the ahupua'a
named Ko'olaupoko. [ Ahupua'a are the land divisions of old Hawai'i from the
mountain top to the sea. Just think of a Spoked Bicycle Wheel and you will have
the right picture in mind.] It is located 12 miles northeast of Honolulu - over
the Nu'uanu Pali, tallest mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range. The town
is a typical suburb spawned by post-war development and improved highways
bringing thousands home from their workplaces in Honolulu. Many small businesses
and community organizations support this unique town with its beautiful,
protected beaches, Kaiwanui Marsh, and Enchanted Lake. With the addition of the
H-3 to the Pali Highwayand the Like Like, access to downtown Honolulu and the
airport area is much improved.
Historians and researchers believe that it is possible that Kailua was home to
Hawaiian families at least 1,500 years ago. The earliest settlers are thought to
have lived fished and played on the slopes surrounding Kawainui Marsh. In the
16th century, Kailua attracted the ali'i giving birth to many rich Hawaiian
legends. Many legends were born here including the menehune who were known for
working at night in Kaiwainui Marsh and mo'o who took the shape of a large
lizard that attracted fish. Kailua was densely populated before the arrival of
Captain Cook and was the ancient capital of O'ahu's kings. The biggest event in
Kailua and the entire Windward side was in 1795 when King Kamehameha I conquered
O'ahu in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The King granted Kaiwainui
Marsh and old Kailua, which included large freshwater fish ponds and saltwater
ponds at Mokapu, to the warriors and chiefs that had helped him. The land was
used in various forms for agriculture from sugarcane to rice to taro and
eventually was used primarily for cattle raising.
Kailua was a sleepy town of barely 3,000 in the 1940s. However, the events of
World War II changed the appearance of Kailua. Kaneohe Ranch sold portions of
land to the government for expansion of the Navy base (now Marine Corps Base
Hawaii) and the Army's Fort Hase. Finally in 1942, Kaneohe Ranch closed down its
cattle raising operations entirely, freeing thousands of acres for post-war
development. A new four-lane highway, tunneling through the Ko'olau Mountains,
was completed in the late 1950s. In 1946, a small Liberty House (now Macy's)
shop opened with three employees and upgraded to a full-line department store in
1953 with nearly 50 employees. The first bowling alley, a branch office of the
telephone company, and the very first supermarket in Hawaii opened in Kailua in
1947.
By the end of the 1950s, Hawaii had become a state and Kailua became the
official postal designation (previously known as Lanikai). Castle Hospital (now)
opened in 1963. By 1960 the population was up to 24,400. The town has grown more
than 100 percent since 1960 when its population was 24,402. It has a compact,
easy-to-shop business district surrounded by mostly single-family homes. By 1992
50,000 residents encompassed a central urban core with surrounding residential
areas. Kailua consists mainly of various neighborhoods of single family homes,
although there are several condominiums in Kailua town and one upscale townhome
complex in nearby Enchanted Lakes.
Natural Features Kailua is a place of much natural beauty. The most significant
features of Kailua are the bay, the mountains, and the wetlands. Kailua Bay is a
magnificent place symbolizing the regional quality of the community. Kailua
Beach and nearby Lanikai have been on the "Worlds Best Beach" lists by several
publishers for many years. Ka Wai Nui (the big water) Marsh, a natural wetland,
provides habitat for many species of wildlife. The marsh was a center of life
for early Kailuans. A huge saltwater wetland, it's peacefulness can be enjoyed
on the hiking/biking pathway that wraps around its edge. Mount Olomana towers
over every neighborhood in Kailua. It's three peaks are it's significant feature
and a challenge for the hardiest hikers.
Aiea
/ Pearlridge / Pearl City District
These communities lie on the edge of the Leeward Region. Civilian and military
personnel like the short commute between these communities and their jobs at
Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Camp Smith, and Hickam Air Force Base. Military housing
is available on most of the bases. Active and retired military use any one of
several commissaries and exchanges nearby, a Navy/Marine golf course and clubs
for enlisted men, officers and their families. Homes in these areas generally
reflect the architecture of the 60s to the present. Aiea extends high up the
hill to Aiea Height’s single-family homes and townhouses, which overlook the
ocean, Pearl Harbor, and the sunsets. At one time, a sugar processing plant
operated in Aiea. Pearlridge is one of Oahu’s largest condominium markets: the
high-rise condominiums are within two blocks of regional shopping center
Pearlridge and Pali Momi Hospital. For those who prefer townhouses, an abundant
number are located just beyond the high-rises. At the top of Pearlridge is a
neighborhood of executive homes called The Royal Summit. Pearl City is an older
and larger community with several neighborhoods of single-family homes known as
Pearl City Uplands, Waiau, Momilani, and Pacific Palisades. At the bottom of
Pearl City runs Kamehameha Highway where you’ll find a high concentration of
strip malls, free standing stores and fast food outlets. A group of national
retail discount stores have banded together in one of the first Oahu discount
shopping centers in Pearl City.
Waikele
District
The beautifully landscaped master planned community of Waikele offers affordable
homes. Buyers can select from a spectrum of golf course homes, townhouses and
garden condominiums with bike paths, community parks, a golf course and a site
for a future elementary school. The neighborhood is governed by covenants
designed to preserve the quality of the area. The area offers eateries, and the
island’s only retail factory outlet, The Waikele Premium Outlets. Residents and
visitors flock to this retail outlet for substantial savings.
Ewa
District
Originally a plantation town, the quaint buildings of the original town center
are being preserved for future generations. Newer neighborhoods have been built
at the entrance to the Ewa area. The Ewa-Gentry subdivision began development in
1988 with the Soda Creek single-family home project and will eventually have a
total of 8,000 units of single and multi-family projects. Palm Villa and Palm
Court subdivisions are townhouses, some with grassy courtyards, and others with
decks. All have detached parking stalls for each unit. The Arbors subdivision
has larger townhouses that include attached garages and an attractive
recreational center with a swimming pool for each large group of townhouses.
Sunrise is a 3-story condominium subdivision. Sun Terra project offers
single-family homes with glass block windows and bay windows. Westloch is a
master planned neighborhood with the emphasis on cul-de-sac streets to enhance
neighborhood identity. Most houses are grouped in clusters around common
courtyards and tot lots. The single-family homes were incorporated in 1988. Some
of the homes were sponsored by the City to allow some families to purchase below
the market price. Some of the houses border the West Loch golf course. Two of
the projects in this neighborhood are West Loch Fairways and West Loch Estates.
The City of Kapolei District
The second city of Oahu is part of a long-range plan by The Estate of James
Campbell for lands located on the western coast of the island of Oahu. It is a
master-planned urban center in which people can live, work and play. The Kapolei
region encompasses the state’s largest industrial park and second-busiest
commercial harbor, a new business park and vacation resort area, residential
developments, and telecommunications infrastructure. Kapolei’s new residential
communities offer townhomes, and single-family start-up and move-up homes, to
executive ocean-view and golf course homes with amenities such as marinas, golf
courses, parks and community recreation centers. Private companies have
developed the neighborhoods of Kapolei Knolls and Ocean Pointe and the community
of Ewa by Gentry. The area also offers community shopping centers, the Hawaiian
Waters Adventure Park, public schools, a private pre-school and elementary
school, marina, hospital and a megaplex. Kapolei is also the home of Oahu's
first Target Store. The University of Hawaii system is building it's West Oahu
Campus in Kapolei as well.
Villages of Kapolei District
The Villages of Kapolei consist of eight privately developed residential
villages, three schools, a senior housing center, a golf course, neighborhood
parks and two recreation centers. Five of the villages have been built with
three more planned for future development. The completed villages are named:
Kumu Iki, A’eloa, Malanai, Kekuilani and Iwalani/Kulalani. Residents select from
single family or condominium town homes. Buyers receive more for their money
than for similar priced homes in the Honolulu region. The new homes may have
vaulted ceilings, quality fixtures and cabinetry, and the latest construction
systems. Some of the units are designated as “affordable” (below market price)
to allow buyers to purchase who would not otherwise be able to own a market
priced home.
Makakilo District
This hillside community began in the early 1960s and today has more than 3,500
single family and townhouses. The upper slopes of Makakilo continue to be
developed. Among the newer subdivisions are Royal Ridge (single family) and
Westview at Makakilo Heights (townhouse). The residents of this hillside
community enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and some views extend to
Diamond Head in the east.
Ko
Olina District
The site of a large resort modeled on the image of Kaanapali on the island of
Maui. The Fairways at Ko Olina is the first private townhouse project bordering
the Ko Olina Resort’s championship golf course. Residents have access to four
beautiful lagoons and miles of ocean frontage. The Ko Olina Resort features the
luxurious Ihilani Resort & Spa, the popular Paradise Cove Luau, and Niblicks and
Roy's Restaurant, all of which are popular gathering places for locals and
visitors alike. The Mariott has also built several time share resorts here and
Disney as purchased the right to build it's new family resort in this Ko'Olina
area.
West
Oahu District
Far west Oahu is a study in contrasts, nestled between the dry, craggy Waianae
Mountains and the unspoiled 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.
All of the Waianae Coast shares 20 miles of some of the island's most beautiful,
unspoiled beaches. Certainly, Oahu's best big-game fishing is off this coast.
The Waianae Watershed consists of a 58.5 square-mile area west of the Waianae
Range from Nanakuli to Kaena Point. There are nine ahupuaa (mountain to the sea
land divisions) within this watershed: Nanakuli, Lualualei, Waianae, Makaha,
Keaau, Ohikilolo, Makua, Kahanahaiki, and Keawaula.
Most Waianae Coast homes, condos and apartments are in the affordable price
range, although a few expensive homes with incredible ocean views dot the
landscape. Investors have been buying up large lots and homes along this
coast. They feel that every Hawaiian Island's Most Expensive Areas are alond
the West Coasts because of the beaches and sunsets. On Oahu, this West Coast
area is very under developed and great deals on properties are still very
common.
Nanakuli
Most Nanakuli residences are unpretentious 2- and 3-bedroom homes, about half
owner-occupied and half affordable rentals. This good-hearted neighborhood is a
beach picnic, backyard barbecue, potluck dinner kind of place. A word to the
wise: If you ever get invited to a Nanakuli wedding or first-year baby luau,
don't miss it. The festivities are legendary.
Waianae
The community of Wai'anae 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. All Waianae communities are as inextricably linked to
Hawaiian values as they are to the ocean.
Makaha
The soul of the community of Makaha is celebrated in the richness of its
progeny. Two of Makaha's finest were living legends until their untimely deaths
in the late '90s. The Queen of Makaha, surfing sensation Rell Sunn, and Israel (Bruddah
Iz) Kamakawiwo'ole, lead singer of the Makaha Sons of Niihau, embodied the
sweetness and spirit of this beautiful community.
Two golf courses and one of Hawaii's restored heiaus are located in
Makaha. For years, the Makaha International Surf Championship, one of the
world's major surfing events was also held here.
Oahu Neighborhoods - Central Oahu
Royal Kunia District
The newest community in the region has a clubhouse and an 18-hole golf course
that meanders throughout the project. The Vistas subdivision of homes is
designed to take advantage of ocean, mountain, and ravine views. The Courtyard
homes are sited around community green areas. Kulana Knolls are condominium town
homes.
Mililani District
Oahu’s first master planned community in central Oahu began sales in 1968 and
was the first to offer affordable housing. The community offers a wide range of
housing from income-restricted condominium townhouses to more expensive, large,
executive family homes. The elevation rises from 700 feet to 1000 feet above sea
level. As a result, the temperature can range from a high of 82 in the summer to
a low of 66 degrees. The Mililani community enjoys a good variety of lifestyle
amenities, including three shopping centers, a golf course, and seven recreation
centers. In fact, other popular community-based businesses and services such as
supermarkets, fitness centers, medical facilities, restaurants and movie
theaters are located in Mililani to serve the residents’ day-to-day needs. With
access to both H-1 and H-2 and a saddle road to the North Shore access to
Honolulu is much improved.
Wahiawa
The oldest community in the region has a long history of plantation life when
sugar was king. Wahiawa is also the highest community on Oahu.
| 
