{"id":346,"date":"2012-06-30T19:29:59","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T19:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=346"},"modified":"2019-05-16T17:56:58","modified_gmt":"2019-05-16T17:56:58","slug":"pinal-county","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/?page_id=346","title":{"rendered":"Island of Oahu"},"content":{"rendered":"

ISLAND OF OAHU<\/strong><\/p>\n

County Offices<\/strong>
\nCity & County of Honolulu
\n530 South King Street
\nHonolulu 808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Chamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n1132 Bishop Street
\nHonolulu, Oahu 808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Visitor’s Bureau<\/strong>
\n2270 Kalakaua Avenue
\nHonolulu, Oahu 800-GO-HAWAII
\nwww.visit-oahu.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The combined government for the City & County of Honolulu presides over the communities of Oahu, the most densely populated but by far not the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu continues the gradual northwest swing of the Hawaiian island chain and serves as a tropical home for the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Honolulu. Oahu means “the gathering place,” and indeed it still follows that pattern. Approximately 75 percent of the population of the Hawaiian Islands has settled on Oahu.<\/p>\n

Two separate mountain ranges divided the volcanic mass of Oahu. Both ranges run northwest to southeast: Waianae Range on the west and Koolau Range to the east. The Koolau mountains separate Honolulu and the tourist neighborhood of Waikiki from the windward side of the island and the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. Three tunnels provide a convenient crossing from one side of the island to the other. Between the two mountain ranges lies a coastal plain, and to the south of the plains is Pearl Harbor. To the north is the legendary surfing destination of the North Shore.<\/p>\n

Major industries on the island include tourism, retail, construction, and federal and state government agencies. Healthcare plays a major role in the economy, crowned by the internationally acclaimed Queens Health and the vast Hawaii Health Systems Corporation network of facilities. Other highlights on Oahu include vibrant commercial development, lovely tree-clad neighborhoods, gleaming skyscrapers, the world-famous Waikiki beaches, the natural landmark of Diamond Head, and the historic sites of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona memorial.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Services<\/strong>
\nThe City & County of Honolulu and the island of Oahu are the proud home to some of Hawaii’s most outstanding cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions. The Queen’s Medical Center leads the way in excellence and research, operating a medical center with 505 acute-care beds and another 28 sub-acute beds. More than 3,000 employees and more than 1,200 staff physicians bring together the brightest talent to rank Queen’s as the leading medical referral center in the Pacific Basin. The hospital was actually founded in 1859 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, who even campaigned tirelessly to make it a reality to the point of door-to-door soliciting. Through six generations, the Queen’s Medical Center has played a major role in constantly raising the bar of healthcare excellence on the Hawaiian Islands. Other outstanding hospitals that serve Oahu residents include Castle Medical Center in Kailua and the Wahiawa General Hospital in Wahiawa. The two campuses for Hawaii Medical Center East and West are located in Honolulu, as are the Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi, the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Leahi and Maluhia hospitals, the Moanalua Medical Center and Clinic, Shriners Hospital Honolulu, and the Straub Clinic & Hospital.<\/p>\n

Educational opportunities are equally outstanding, beginning with first-rate choices in public and private schools from preschool through 12th grade. Vocational and trade schools are available in a variety of exciting fields, with Honolulu Community College leading the way as a major institution of higher education. HCC is close to downtown Honolulu, providing a main campus that is complemented by several specialized facilities for aeronautic, marine, automotive, and heavy equipment programs. This campus serves the Pacific Region as the primary technical training center in areas such as transportation, information technology, education, communications, and construction. This innovative community college offers a strong liberal arts curriculum as well as comprehensive vocational and technological programs.<\/p>\n

Kapiolani Community College is only a few minutes walk from the slopes of Diamond Head and is distinguished as the largest of the UH community colleges. Nationally recognized programs include culinary studies, health sciences, emergency medical services, and legal assistance. The college promotes an international focus and is home to the Culinary Institute of the Pacific. Leeward Community College overlooks Pearl Harbor and features an exceptionally highly developed cultural expression. Windward Community College in Kaneohe nestles at the base of the Oahu Koolau mountains and specializes in creative arts, environmental sciences, and Hawaiian studies. Oahu is home to two of the three campuses within the respected University of Hawaii System: The University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. The third campus is on the Big Island in Hilo.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Lifestyle<\/strong>
\nThe fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern is part of the enchantment that gives Oahu so much of its undeniable attraction and charm. The bustling cityscape may seem vaguely familiar\u2014but set against crimson clouds at dusk against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the silhouette of Diamond Head\u2014Honolulu is a city like no other. The state capital of Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach are both jewels in Oahu’s crown. Another landmark is the USS Arizona Memorial, holding haunting memories of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. The city is home to dazzling venues for the visual and performing arts, filling the annual calendar with exciting events and audience-pleasing shows. Opera, symphony, Broadway shows, live theatre, ballet and dance, and choral groups combine with the finest of traveling talent from around the globe.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. Offering the excitement of Manhattan against a shimmering ocean background, Honolulu shines like a brilliant diamond in the sea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

City of Honolulu <\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The bustling capital city of Hawaii features neighborhoods with distinctive identities, beginning with the gleaming office buildings and towering skyscrapers of downtown. To the north of downtown, Makiki Heights surrounds the Punchbowl, a crater that serves as the home of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. To the east is the world-famous Waikiki district bordered by the equally renowned landmark of Diamond Head. Sun worshipers from across the globe gather on the white-sand shores of Waikiki Beach. Inland from Waikiki, you’ll find the lush and lovely community of Manoa and the beautiful campus for the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Further east, Hawaii Kai and Kahala are both known for their affluence and upscale homes. Some argue that Honolulu is not as “Hawaiian” as the less developed islands. However, many who know Oahu feel that the city is a perfect reflection of Hawaiian culture and spirit in its fine museums and historic sites, the mix of residents, and breathtaking landscapes of ocean and sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Diamond Head, Waikiki, Kahala<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Pristine white-sand beaches, tropical sunsets, upscale resort hotels, fine dining, world-class shopping, and a pulsating night life are just a few of the highlights in this bustling section of Honolulu. Waikiki Beach is world-famous as the playground of the Pacific, transformed from swampland into an international destination for vacationers and sun worshippers. In addition to its legendary beach, Waikiki is home to the iconic slopes of Diamond Head Crater. Homes in the Diamond Head region represent some of the highest real estate values in Hawaii. Kahala offers posh mansions and estates that nestle up against the beach or a lush golf course and lovely hillside homes offer views of Kahala below. Wilhelmina is another hillside neighborhood with breathtaking views. Attractions include the 500-acre Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo, and the International Marketplace. Diamond Head Theatre and some of the state’s finest restaurants and hottest night spots are also nestled in Waikiki.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Ewa Beach (Ewa Plain)<\/strong>
\nNestled on the southwestern tip of Oahu, the popular region called Ewa Beach or the Ewa Plain is known as Ewa to the locals. Some of the most affordable newer homes on Oahu are available in this area, most of them springing up over the past two decades. As a result, Ewa offers a more contemporary feeling than much of the City & County of Honolulu. Ewa is actually a very large master-planned community that includes plenty of lush parks and convenient amenities. Neighborhoods such as Ocean Pointe, Ewa Gentry, Kapolei, Westloch Fairways, Soda Creek, Alii court, Carriages, Tiburon, and Cypress Point join more than a dozen others to offer a kaleidoscope of housing opportunities. The Ocean Pointe area features a great deal of new construction, adding new homes to the selection of resale opportunities. Contrasting with the fresh look of residential neighborhoods, the beach village at Ewa offers picturesque reminders of days gone by with the locals carrying on the age-old tradition of spear fishing in the reef.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hawaii Kai<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The large residential neighborhood of Hawaii Kai is located in the District of Honolulu, the largest of several communities at the eastern end of the island. Many boating enthusiasts are drawn to Hawaii Kai for the marina and beautiful waterways that run a mile inland. Many homes enjoy a waterfront location. Although not directly on the beach, these marina canals are the only place in Hawaii that offer home-front docking privileges. As Hawaii’s first planned community, Hawaii Kai features a more organized layout than most sections of the island. The feeling of the area is distinctive with little commercial development. Most residents commute about 30 minutes to employment centers. Nearby neighborhoods include Portlock, Hahaione, and Kaalakei valleys; Mariners Ridge; Queen’s Gate; and Kalama Valley. The neighborhood of Kuliouou is immediately west of Hawaii Kai along the Kalanianaole Highway. Eastward from Hawaii Kai on the same highway, the Koko Head area offers an exceptionally scenic area that features Koko Head Park. Eventually, the road crosses over the windward side of the island near Makapuu Point.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kailua<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the largest communities on the windward side of Oahu, Kailua is also one of the most desirable places to settle. Many of the properties in Kailua are within walking distance or less than a mile from the beach, where steady trade winds have made it famous for windsurfing and kite boarding. One of America’s most beautiful beaches, a charming shopping area, and million-dollar properties create an idyllic environment for vacation or year-round living. Kailua Town recently received a major facelift, ensuring its place as one of Hawaii’s finest residential communities. Kailua is nestled on the cooler, rainier side of the island, ensuring a lush, tropical setting that excels in natural beauty. Smaller communities within Kailua include Lana Kai with a beach retreat feeling, and its sister community Beachside. Easy access to sandy beaches and oceanfront recreation make these popular with active residents. Kailua is 12 miles northeast of Honolulu, crossing over Nuuanu Pali, the tallest peak in the Koolau Mountains. This primarily residential community features a centralized commercial district along Kailua Road. Area highlights include Kailua Beach Park, Lanikai Beach, Kawai Nui Marsh, and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.<\/p>\n

Kaneohe<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Just north of Kailua, the leading community of Kaneohe is less prestigious but nevertheless offers some outstanding homes and neighborhoods. With many properties commanding breathtaking views of the bay, Kanoehe is more affordable than Kailua and offers many of the same advantages in climate, location, and recreational amenities. Residents enjoy access to a small marina for docking private boats, and shopping is available at the local mall. The military presence is significant with the Kanoehe Marine Corps Base in this area. Commuters can look to Highway H-3, one of the most scenic non-coastal drives on the island as it winds through lush, tropical rain forests. Kaneohe is the largest of several small communities along scenic Kaneohe Bay, with its commercial center focused primarily along Kamehameha Highway. Nearby Kailua offers Kailua Beach, a two-mile crescent-shaped beach that ranks consistently among the finest beaches in the nation.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Kapolei, Waikele<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Waianae Coast or Leeward Oahu is a new frontier that offers one exquisite resort with others on the drawing boards, home to quiet communities like Kapolei and Waikele. This sunny side of the island claims little rain and offers sunny beaches as well as a gentle retreat from Waikiki crowds. The Ko Olina Resort & Marina is an expansive hospitality development that has been built upon land that once serves as a playground for royalty. Championship golf, tennis, snorkeling, water sports, fishing, and being pampered in a world-famous spa are all common pastimes. The resort is home to five dining venues and beautiful outdoor settings that take advantage of the breathtaking beauty of the Leeward Coast. More development is assured for this “bright side” of Oahu that has managed to retain its rural charm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Makakilo<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The residential area of Makakilo is located in the Ewa District on the southern end of the slopes of Waianae Mountain above the city of Kapolei. The Interstate H-1 divides the more recently developed Kapolei area from Makakilo, while the same highway connects to Waipahu if traveled eastward. The freeway ends just west of Makakilo and merges into Farrington Highway to Kahe and then to Nanakuli on the Waianae Coast. This area has experienced rapid new-home construction in neighborhoods like Anuhea, Highpointe, Highlands, Palehua Heights, Royal Ridge, and Kumulani. Perched above Ewa Beach, Makakilo offers a retreat from crowds and traffic and commands views over Barber’s Point. Exquisite sunrises and sunsets, green sea turtles lumbering to shore, and drier weather patterns for abundant sunshine are all hallmarks of this side of Oahu. Popular recreational activities include ocean water sports, hiking, biking, golf, and deep-sea or shoreline fishing. Shopping, services, and entertainment centers are all close to home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Makaha, Waianae, Leeward Coast<\/strong>
\nOffering some of the most affordable homes on the island, the Leeward Coast is home to some shining residential jewels as well as older areas. New construction has been springing up in the Maili, where the residential community of Sea Country has infused new life into the area with reasonably priced modern homes in the 2,000-square-foot size range. Another secluded neighborhood that is removed from the beaten path is Mauna Olu Estates in the Makaha community. This gated enclave features magnificent custom homes that enjoy sweeping ocean views for miles. These lovely homes have been constructed on spacious lots of an acre or even larger, giving the area the feeling and prestige of a secluded tropical estate. Residents enjoy perfecting their backswing on the lush golf course that meanders through the area, adding fairway views to many home sites. Considering the drier climate and abundant sunshine of the Leeward Coast, golfing is a year-round sport.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Manoa<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The lush Manoa Valley is home to one of the major institutions of higher education in the state, the University of Hawaii at Manoa. UH at Manoa is the largest university in the public university system, hailed as the best college in Hawaii and respected as a leading research university. Rainbow-kissed neighborhoods offer lovely homes in a wide variety of prices ranges and settings, all within minutes from Honolulu’s finest attractions. Along with outstanding cultural resources like the Manoa Valley Theatre, the university enriches the entire community with superb visual and performing arts. The Lyon Arboretum, part of the UH at Manoa campus, offers a treasure trove of native Hawaiian plants. Hiking to Manoa Falls or enjoying water sports at nearby Waikiki Beach are common pastimes. Newcomers will find the upbeat energy and overall appeal of a college town with easy access to the bright neon lights and dazzling attractions in Honolulu.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miliani, Miliani Mauka, Central Oahu<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The larger area known as Central Oahu is literally the center of the island, but locals refer to it as Mililani. Mililani and Mililani Mauka are both welcoming residential communities that offer large housing tracks graced by a background of lush, green forests. Mililani Mauka was developed as a master-planned community, drawing many families to its neighborhoods for some of the finest schools on Oahu. Although the Miliani and Miliani Mauka communities are newer than many of the other areas of Honolulu, homes are still generally more affordable than those in Kailua and Hawaii Kai. The contemporary feeling in Central Oahu communities reminds many newcomers of the suburbs on the mainland, which has added to the popularity of this residential oasis where most of the homes were built in the mid to late 1990s. Mililani offers the advantage of a location on Highway H-2, easing commutes to Pearl City or Waipahu. Many who are employed around Pearl Harbor or the Tripler Medical Center have found a comfortable home in Mililani.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

The North Shore<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The quiet North Shore community has developed little in the way of tourist attractions and chain hotels, but it remains an international destination for surfers. Giant waves, competitive surfing, great restaurants, and unique boutiques are all a part of the North Shore scene. At the same time, this vacation village offers a selection of homes from cozy to opulent. Residential communities like Pupukea Hills, Sunset, Haleiwa, and Kawela Bay all offer spectacular ocean-view homes or even beachfront lots. Bed and breakfast inns are the most common accommodations for visitors to this tranquil corner, ensuring quiet county living in this oceanfront paradise. The drive from the North Shore to Honolulu and Waikiki will take nearly one hour. Nevertheless, many feel that the world-class water sports and the appealing tranquility of the North Shore more than compensate for the commute “to town.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pearl City, Aiea, Waipahu<\/strong>
\nCity\/County Offices<\/strong>
\n808-523-4141
\nwww.honolulu.gov<\/a>
\nChamber of Commerce<\/strong>
\n808-545-4300
\nwww.cochawaii.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Several towns and communities are located in the Ewa District of Honolulu, closely tied to Pearl Harbor with its USS Arizona Memorial and visitor’s center. These historic World War II sites are important destinations for tourists and tend to draw throngs of visitors to the area around the four seasons. Pearl City hugs the northern shore of Pearl Harbor, a bustling urban area that combines businesses and residential neighborhoods. Pearlridge Mall offers a major shopping center that serves the entire region. Neighboring Aiea encompasses most of the northern shore of East Loch of Pearl Harbor to Aiea Bay, including the uplands that rise to the north into the Koolau Mountains. Aiea is distinguished as having one of the nation’s largest concentrations of residents of Japanese descent. Kamehameha Highway 90 divides most of Aiea from the shoreline of Pearl Harbor, while Interstate H-1 divides the town’s commercial district into two areas. These east-west thoroughfares and other major streets connect Aiea to Pearl City. The residential area known as Aiea Heights stretches upward to the ridgeline above the town. The communities of Newtown Estate and Royal Summit are nestled on the western edge of Aiea near the border with Pearl City. The former sugar mill town of Waipahu features many large springs and is located along the northern shore of Middle Loch and West Loch of Pearl Harbor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ISLAND OF OAHU County Offices City & County of Honolulu 530 South King Street Honolulu 808-523-4141 www.honolulu.gov Chamber of Commerce 1132 Bishop Street Honolulu, Oahu 808-545-4300 www.cochawaii.com Visitor’s Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Oahu 800-GO-HAWAII www.visit-oahu.com The combined government for the City & County of Honolulu presides over the communities of Oahu, the most densely […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/346"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=346"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":683,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/346\/revisions\/683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Hawaii3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}