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Living in Hawaii, we locals embrace the phrase “living in paradise pays off.” Here on Oahu in particular, it can be difficult to find the “right” place at an affordable price. Even before purchasing a home on Oahu , there are some factors to consider before making any decision.

Surrounded by lush beauty and endless adventure, it’s no wonder we should feel “lucky to live in Hawaii.” Oahu is a good example of a melting pot. With so many cultures around us, we can learn and understand more about the world in many different ways.

Weather

The weather in Hawaii is great all year round. With the same weather all year round, it becomes cooler (by “Hawaiian standards”) during the winter season. From mauka (mountain side) to makai (ocean side), temperatures can vary. If you live on the windward side of the island, it will rain more than on the urban side and the west side of the island. In the city, the weather tends to be hotter with a slight breeze in some places, so a fan or air conditioning system is a must.

Attractions and entertainment

The unique thing about living on Oahu is that we don’t realize how small a place it is until we unexpectedly run into someone we know. This probably happens often and we’re used to the feeling by now. Even though Oahu is so small, there is still a lot to do.

If you’re in town, there are plenty of shops and boutiques to explore, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, cafes, etc. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, grab your friends and head to the North Shore for some fun. filled day cliff jump at Waimea Bay. Maybe to end the day, gather ohana for a barbecue at Ala Moana Beach. There is so much to do around here that there is always something for everyone.

Commute to work

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a home on Oahu is your commute. Traffic on Oahu is something we all hate. Unfortunately, this continues to be a problem for many of us. Commuting time from home to work is a factor home buyers need to consider. If you live in central or western Oahu, traffic gets hectic in the morning and also during “pau han”, which is usually between 4 and 6 p.m. Plan your schedule and consider how long it will take you to get anywhere on Oahu.

Neighborhood

Each area on Oahu is unique in its own way. Wherever you go, you will notice a rich diversity of different neighborhoods, communities and cultures.

Ala Moana shopping center

Ala Moana can be considered the “heart” of Honolulu. If you just drive down Kapiolani Boulevard, the area has so many shops, restaurants, bars and weekly events. Ala Moana is so convenient that everything is within walking distance, meaning you don’t have to travel much AND you SAVE GENS. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see the fireworks display that takes place every Friday!

Just minutes from Ala Moana is the revitalized urban community of Kakaako. Here you can find a variety of retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including the Ward Consolidated Theatre. You can also visit the farmers market every Saturday and support local farmers and businesses.

Waikiki

As famous as Waikiki is, it is home to some of the best festivals. These include Spam Jam, Honolulu Festival, Aloha Festival, Duke’s Oceanfest and Ukulele Festival. These events are great for ‘ohana!

Downtown Honolulu

If you’re in downtown Honolulu, take time to explore historic Chinatown and its many eclectic restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and boutiques. Important landmarks such as the Hawaiian Theatre, Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great can also be found downtown. Held every month, block parties such as First Fridays are usually popular parties for many. Bars, restaurants, art galleries are open until late. This festive scene is definitely worth watching. Just be warned before heading downtown, parking is limited.

Hawaii Kai/Kahala is a primarily residential area of ​​Honolulu. Here you can test your physical abilities by hiking Coco Head. If not, you can go to Kahala Beach or the Walls of China for stunning views of the island. If you’re craving craft beer, Kona Brewing Company at Koko Marina Center is a great place for pau han. There’s nothing like a beer and a pupusa to end the day.

Kailua/Waimanalo

Kailua is a small beach town located on the northeast side of the island. This quaint and charming community is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, including Lanikai Beach.

While in Waimanalo you will find yourself in a more rural area with several shops and restaurants. One interesting thing you will come across are trucks parked on the side of the road selling fresh coconuts, dried fish, maybe even butter. Many people continue to visit Waimanalo because of the stunning ocean views. With turquoise waters and long stretches of sand, this side of the island offers scenic views unlike any other.

North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is home to some of the most exhilarating competition in surfing. Between November and January it is always a good time to take part in one of the many surfing competitions held at the various beaches on this side of the island. Since the drive to the North Shore takes some time, you can also explore other famous sites including the historic town of Haleiwa and the Kahuku garlic shrimp trucks.

West Side ( Kapolei , Waianae , Makaha)

Once you head out to the west side of Oahu, you’ll eventually find yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city. About a 45-minute drive from Ala Moana (no traffic), the west side offers breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, including Tracks, Makaha, and Yokohama Bay. For those of you with 4WD, the west side is the playground.

Overall, living on Oahu reveals that every part of the island has its own uniqueness. In Hawaiian, the name “Oahu” translates to “gathering place.” From a cultural perspective, living on Oahu gives us many opportunities to share our culture as well as learn about the cultures of others. While there are some pros and cons to living on Oahu, there are aspects that make the lifestyle here quite rewarding. 

Largely due to the fact that we are surrounded by an abundance of untouched beauty and a playground to explore, living on Oahu can be an exciting adventure.