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 lovewater 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 themiddle 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 onOahu 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 beautythe 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. Itis 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 mountainto experience. Even the drive through town is less than inspiring, with older buildingswhich could use some updating. There are numerous shopping options, including theWindward Mall, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, and the Windward City ShoppingCenter. Because these shopping areas are miles apart, residents usually drive ratherthan walk.
The real estate in Kaneohe is a reflection of the dual nature of the land. Once anagricultural center for the island of Oahu, Kaneohe still has a country feel. Large farmsare no longer part of the landscape of the Kaneohe area, with the exception of KualoaRanch. This 4,000 acre property is a working cattle ranch, but also a popular touristattraction and filming location for many movies, including Jurassic Park. The homesnear the mountain range from modest bungalows to large multi-family complexes inthe lush green vegetation at the base of the mountain. In contrast, the homessurrounding Kaneohe Bay thrive to have bay views. These properties, some withprivate docks, are highly sought after and for good reason. There are many propertytypes 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.