Best places to live on Oahu

LOCALS’ FAVORITE PLACES TO LIVE ON OAHU

1. Kaneohe, Windward Side

Has many different opportunities, making it an ideal spot for all to live. Located on Kaneohe Bay, boating and sailing are very popular.

2. Makakilo, West Side

Makakilo means “observing eye” which matches perfectly as most houses have incredible views. Also known as one of the safest towns on the island.

3. Mililani, Central

Located in Central Oahu, Mililani is a quintessential suburban town, with parks, shopping centers, and even the beach only a short drive or walk away.

4. Pearl City, Central

Located just west of downtown Honolulu, Pearl City is also in a very convenient location with everything to do on Oahu only a quick drive away.

5. Punaluu, Windward Side

Punaluu is one of the more isolated locations on the island. Considered very safe, there is virtually no crime in the area.

6. Kaaawa, Windward Side

A small town near Kaneohe, Kaawa is fronted by a narrow beach that is ideal for long strolls with one’s family or significant other.


AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE ON OAHU

1. Aiea, Central

Home to the largest indoor shopping center, Aiea is just west of the Honolulu but also very close to the beach. The perfect mix of urban and tropical.

2. Hauula, Windward Side

A small town on the island’s Windward Side, Hauula is fronted by the ocean and backed by the Hauula Forest Reserve.

3. Halawa, Central

With an advantageous location near the local international airport, Halawa currently has undeniably great deals on properties.

4. Ewa, West Side

Once a rural plantation town, Ewa is growing into a charming suburban area. Located next to Kapolei the area has an abundance of potential.

5. Kahuku, North Shore

On the world-famous North Shore and affordable, Kahuku has many prime properties for sale. Residents also have easy access to the secluded, gorgeous Kahuku Beach.

6. Maili, West Side

Maili is home to Maili Beach Park, a long, white sand beach with crystal blue waters and entertaining shore break.

7. Waianae, West Side

Waianae is known for its incredible abundance of marine life. One can expect to see dolphins, whales, turtle, and so much more off its shores.


MOST LUXURIOUS PLACES TO LIVE ON OAHU

1. Kailua, Windward Side

Kailua was once a sleepy and undiscovered town but it’s now known worldwide for its stunning beaches. Most homes are beachfront or walking distance from the beach.

2. Laie, North Shore

Fronted by several, long, white-sand beaches, Laie is the perfect beach town and a wonderful place to raise your family.

3. Lanikai, Windward Side

Lanikai means “heavenly oceans” which describes the beaches that front the beach town in the best way possible.

4. Mokuleia, North Shore

Mokuleia is an ideal location for water-sport lovers, with nearby beaches that have impeccable conditions for kiting, windsuring, winging, and other water/wind sports.

5. Pupukea, North Shore

Pupukea is a secluded, little town on the island’s North Shore, each property including lots of privacy. Pupukea Beach is a sweet, little beach with phenomenal snorkeling.

6. Sunset, North Shore

Sunset is best known for Sunset Beach, a radical big wave surf spot that erupts every winter. Every year, hundreds of professional surfers flood the area to get in on the action.

BEST PLACES TO BUY A 2ND HOME

1. Haleiwa, North Shore

Many of the buildings still hold the original plantation style which captures the eye of tourists and locals alike. It was also made popular by the countless surf and dive spots along its shore.

2. Kapolei, West Side

Known as “Oahu’s Second City”, Kapolei is known for its growing community and many new developments of larger, more affordable homes.

3. Ko Olina, West Side

The beaches at Ko Olina are like no other. There are two miles of coastline including 7 impressive lagoons, 4 are natural and 3 are man made.

4. Maunawili, Windward Side

Maunawili is best known for the magnificent Maunawili Waterfall. There are many hikes in the area with breathtaking views of the Ko’olau mountains. The most popular hike is to the waterfall, many hikers plunge into its large freshwater pool once they arrive.

5. Ocean Pointe, Windward Side

Ocean Pointe is ideal for a second home as it has countless affordable house and condo communities. There are also many neighborhood associations so crime is close to none.

6. Waialua, North Shore

Wailua is a small community, every home having as much privacy as one might need. The beaches are heavenly and there are countless hikes in the nearby Mokulēʻia Forest Reserve.

7. Waikele, Central

Waikele is recognized for its great golfing and abundance of outlet shopping. Golfers would enjoy this location as it also has the wonderful Waikele Golf Course.