Kaneohe

Kaneohe is one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii. The dramatic and toweringpeaks of the Ko’olau Mountains embrace the splendid richness of Kaneohe Bay. Kaneohe Bay is the largest sheltered body of water in the Hawaiian Islands. If you love water sports, especially boating, kayaking, sailing or fishing, Kaneohe is a wonderland. There are no wide sandy beaches on the Kaneohe shoreline, but the sand bar in the middle of the bay is a magical experience. The sand bar is 3 miles long and 1.6 mileswide when exposed at low tide and just a few feet deep as the tide rises during the day. It is a popular destination for local residents. Kaneohe also is one of the few locations on Oahu with slips for mooring a boat. For residents who love country living, Kaneohehas many communities at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains to enjoy the serene beauty the mountains provide. For hikers and naturalist, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens inKaneohe, is a treasure. This 400 acre park at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains is opendaily for camping, picnics, a casual stroll through the forest or to hike the two mile trail.

Surrounded by this rich environment, one might expect Kaneohe to be a tourist town. It is not and wants to stay that way. Kaneohe has a small town personality with a focuson family. There are plenty of restaurants, but none you would drive over the mountain to experience. Even the drive through town is less than inspiring, with older buildings which could use some updating. There are numerous shopping options, including the Windward Mall, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, and the Windward City Shopping Center. Because these shopping areas are miles apart, residents usually drive rather than walk.

The real estate in Kaneohe is a reflection of the dual nature of the land. Once an agricultural center for the island of Oahu, Kaneohe still has a country feel. Large farms are no longer part of the landscape of the Kaneohe area, with the exception of Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000 acre property is a working cattle ranch, but also a popular tourist attraction and filming location for many movies, including Jurassic Park. The homes near the mountain range from modest bungalows to large multi-family complexes in the lush green vegetation at the base of the mountain. In contrast, the homes surrounding Kaneohe Bay thrive to have bay views. These properties, some with private docks, are highly sought after and for good reason. There are many property types in Kaneohe from townhome complexes to large single family homes. It would behard to find a more tranquil location than Kaneohe for your next home.