COMMUNITY PROFILES

By far the most highly developed of all the islands, Oahu is a hub of commerce and industry, residential communities, and lovely parks and conservation land. Many residents are employed in Honolulu, and housing is available in close proximity to the bright lights of the downtown district for convenient urban-core living. However, many prefer to commute from the city into the suburbs. Some of the popular districts include Hawaii Kai in southeast Honolulu, Kailua or Kaneohe on the cooler windward side of the island, and Kapolei or Waikele on the leeward coast. Mililani in central Oahu was one of the first planned communities in the entire nation when it began construction in 1968. In all of these residential communities, newcomers will find lovely parks, good schools, neighborhood networks, attractive housing, and nearby shopping.

Honolulu is called “town” but Oahu also offers the “country.” The island’s famous surfing destination, the North Shore, features the sleepy town of Haleiwa that has changed little since its establishment by missionaries in 1832. Unusual sights on Oahu include the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, nestled inside the crater of an extinct volcano to offer a final resting place for 25,000 casualties of three American wars. Wayside and regional parks, historic sites, grand architecture, Diamond Head State Monument, the Iolani Palace, wonderful museums, and endless spots for entertainment are all a part of Oahu’s vibrant urban scene.