Ewa Beach lies along the southwest coast of Oahu, tucked away from the more tourist-infested areas on the island. After working in the tourist industry every day, local Ewa Beach residents like it this way.

Built on the fertile soil of ancestral sugar cane plantations, Ewa Beach is now a primarily residential community. The 2010 United States census puts the population of Ewa Beach at almost 15,000 residents.

If you have a family and are considering purchasing Ewa Beach real estate, you’ll no doubt want to research schools in the area. Although there are a number of elementary schools in the outlying communities, Ewa Beach Elementary School is dedicated to the keikis of Ewa Beach proper.

Parents love Ilima Intermediate School, the area’s middle school, for its after school activities and dedicated teachers.

Ewa Beach’s Campbell High School offers what are known as Smaller Learning Communities within the regular curriculum. Students decide which community they wish to belong to and their courses are geared toward:

• Arts and Communication
• Business and Health
• Public Human Services and Natural Resources
• Industrial and Engineering Technology

Something to consider when shopping for Oahu real estate is that Ewa Beach is considered an “eligible area” for USDA Home Loan programs. Although USDA has limited funds available, they consider higher income to debt ratios than other programs. If you meet the income and credit requirements you may qualify for 100 percent financing.

Most Ewa Beach homes were built in the early 1990s, but recent construction has added new subdivision homes. While searching for Ewa Beach real estate you’ll undoubtedly hear Hoakalei mentioned frequently. 

Home of 2010’s Best Golf Course in the United States, Hoakalei is the name of a country club and also home to Ka Makana, a master-planned community. It offers brand new townhouses and single-family homes. If you’re seeking a luxurious, waterfront lifestyle, view the homes at Ka Makana.

According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors statistics, in 2011 the average sales price for Ewa Beach homes was $446,563. Inventory is typically low and they don’t stay on the market very long. Condos in Ewa Beach sell for an average price of $323,423, and are usually snapped up within two weeks of listing. If you find a piece of Ewa Beach real estate that you want to purchase, act fast.

Mention Ala Moana to local residents and they’ll most likely ask you if you’re referring to the shopping center or the beach park. While there is a lot to do in both places, Ala Moana is also a lovely place to live – especially if you like high-rise living.

Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park, across the street from the Ala Moana Center, is one of the area’s most popular swimming beaches. Folks fish, play tennis and run at Ala Moana. It’s also the ideal place to just park your okole on a towel and watch the waves roll in.

Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, boasts a whopping 2.1 million square feet of retail space. Anchor tenants include Sears, Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. With 286 other stores and 70 places to dine, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, perhaps you don’t need it!

Schools for Ala Moana’s children include Ala Wai Elementary, winner of the Blue Ribbon School award. Bigger kids attend Washington Middle School, Oahu’s first middle school and McKinley High School, established in 1865. Former Governor George Ariyoshi attended McKinley, as did Senators Hiram Fong and Daniel Inouye.

If you’re considering purchasing Ala Moana real estate you’ll be pleased with the assortment of luxurious condos available. Fabulous ocean views are the norm, not the exception. Some of the more popular properties include: 

Nauru Tower

Nauru Tower was the first phase of a project known as 404 Piikoi. One of Hawaii’s tallest buildings, it soars 418 feet, and is reinforced for protection against hurricanes and earthquakes.

The community features a Jacuzzi, pool, tennis courts, and a barbecue area. Nauru Tower also boasts some of the best security in the state, with personnel on duty 24 hours to monitor 116 security cameras. For added peace of mind, residents have panic buttons installed in their bedrooms to summon security personnel.

Hawaiki Tower

Hawaiki Tower constitutes phase two of the 404 Piikoi project, and offers amenities similar phase one. Large one, two and three bedroom units feature gourmet kitchens with Sub-Zero and Gaggenau appliances and granite countertops. Waikiki, the Koolau Range and Ala Moana Beach Park are the subject of the units’ amazing views.

Ko'olani 

Ko'olani, built in 2006, offers 370 luxurious condominium homes in a 47-story building. Amenities include plenty of parking, tennis court, pool, putting green and a walking path.

A quick two miles to the financial district, Ko’olani provides a dream commute for those that work downtown.

Bring the pooch because Ko’olani is very pet friendly.

Hokua

The Hawaiian term for the crest of an ocean wave, Hokua is a sleek, modern tower that provides incredible ocean views. Units are large and windows go from the floor to the ceiling.

As one would expect of a luxury condo kitchen, you’ll find Sub-zero refrigerators and wine coolers, Wolf professional-grade cooktops and a Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher.

Walk-in closets in all bedrooms and spa-like amenities in the bathrooms add even more luxurious touches.

Common areas include a dog park, cabanas for parties, tennis and basketball courts and a playground for the keikis. Finally, you will love the fitness center, complete with sauna and spa.  

Yacht Harbor Towers

Think “sumptuous amenities,” and you’ve pictured Yacht Harbor Towers. Located on the Diamond Head side of Ala Moana Center, the twin Yacht Harbor Towers offer graceful and convenient Hawaiian living. Within walking distance of some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants and shopping, the community overlooks the Ala Wai Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park.

While Oahu real estate comes in many forms, some of the island’s more serene and tranquil environments aren’t for everyone. If you enjoy having your finger on the pulse of the thriving city of Honolulu, choose from one of the many high-rise condos that dot the city’s urban landscape. 

If you’re considering purchasing Oahu real estate but haven’t yet settled on a neighborhood, consider Aina Haina. Located in eastern Honolulu – mid-way between Kahala and Hawaii Kai – it’s a community full of aloha.

Aina Haina is an older neighborhood – developed in the 1950s – with around 25,000 residents. It has a strong community association that takes an active interest in keeping the area thriving. 

Like many established neighborhoods on Oahu, Aina Haina is self-contained. It offers residents a post office, bank, public library, doctors, a pharmacy and other services. Groceries are available at the Aina Haina Shopping Center.

Not many of the older communities in Hawaii have sidewalks, but Aina Haina has lots of them. Active residents love the neighborhood for its walk ability.

A big concern for many folks when relocating to a new area is the quality of the community’s schools. Aina Haina’s schools consistently rank at the top of many lists.

Aina Haina Elementary School is the recipient of Great School’s prestigious rating of 10 out of 10, although parents give the school mixed ratings. 

Also named a Distinguished School by Great Schools is Niu Valley Middle School. Parents particularly like the challenging music program and after school activities.

Great Schools is also fond of Kalani High School, honoring it with 10 out of 10 stars as well. Located west of Aina Haina, along Kalanianaole Hwy, Kalani students’ Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) test scores in reading, math and science typically exceed those from other Hawaiian high schools

Aina Haina real estate, although not cheap by mainland standards, is reasonable for Oahu. While the area offers a variety of housing styles, both new and old, the community is changing.

Take a drive through the area and you’ll quickly learn why purchasing a home in Aina Haina is a good idea. Older homes are being demolished or renovated to make way for more modern structures, changing what was becoming a run-down complexion into an up-and coming, renovated neighborhood. Values may have no choice but to rise because of this.

The median sale price of a home in Aina Haina in 2011 is $1,075,000. Because homes here typically sit on substantially larger lots than those in many of Oahu’s other communities, this price reflects a substantial value for the buyer looking to purchase Oahu real estate.

Imagine living in a verdant, tropical valley tucked into the base of a mountain range in the middle of paradise. Let’s add a stream that meanders through that valley and a magnificent waterfall. Now, take that image and make it a reality by purchasing real estate in Manoa.

Manoa is the name of the valley, the falls, the university and the neighborhood. Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the official boundaries of the neighborhood run from King Street on the makai side to Manoa Falls, on the mauka end.

The Manoa Valley is steeped in Hawaiian history. Although coffee is generally considered a Big Island crop, Manoa was the site of Hawaii’s first coffee farm as well as hosting the state’s first sugar plantation. Some of this heritage is reflected today in the architecture in the valley. 

One of the first things you’ll notice while touring Manoa Valley is the emerald-green landscape. It rains most every day here in the valley, making it the ideal location for the avid gardener. In Manoa, you’ll be able to grow just about anything. 

If you follow Manoa Road to its end you’ll be at the mouth of a hiking trail that will take you to Manoa Falls. The trail is classified as “easy,” although it can get slippery in the rain. The hike is well worth it though as it terminates at the base of a nearly vertical cliff, over which the falls tumble 150 feet into a pool below. 

Part of hunting for a new house may include researching the area’s schools and Manoa offers some of the best schools in the state. Home to the University of Hawaii’s flagship campus, the Manoa campus has educated Hawaii’s children since 1917. The school offers bachelors, masters and doctorate programs. 

There are schools for the keikis too. Noelani Elementary School is a past winner of the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools award and is home to Hawaii’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, Kristen Brummel. Manoa Elementary School consistently exceeds the average State of Hawaii Department of Education benchmarks. 

The private, college-preparatory Punahou School dates back to the early 1840s. Located in a residential area in lower Manoa Valley, Punahou enrolls approximately 3,750 students, in grades K through 12.

Although Waikiki and Kahala shopping are just minutes away from Manoa, the valley does have its own shopping center. The Manoa Marketplace is a great place to pop in for daily necessities such as groceries and prescriptions. Banks and a post office offer yet more convenience to the Manoa resident. Of course there are restaurants – lots of them, including coffee houses.

The streets of Manoa are lined with mature trees and dotted with homes that exude classic Hawaiian charm. Many homes have views of the city or Diamond Head. Others open onto the lush, tropical landscape of the Manoa Valley.

Appointments on some of the vintage homes include koa or ohia wood floors, lava rock fireplaces and high ceilings. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back to a time when plantation houses filled the valley.

Shopping for real estate in Manoa may be a challenge as inventory is typically low, while prices are high. The average price for a Manoa home in 2012 is $1,260,722, while condos are more reasonable -- $285,000.

If you’re looking for a serene community with understated elegance, populated with folks with strong cultural ties to the valley, Manoa real estate may be the answer. 

Hokua is a condominium located at Ala Moana on the island of Oahu.  It is a luxurious high rise residential complex.  It was resurrected in 2006, so it has all of the modern amenities.  There are 247 rooms and they come in either 2 or 3 bedrooms. 

This is a prime location for anyone to live.  It is directly across from beautiful sandy beaches of Ala Moana Beach Park.  Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki are both only a short driving distance away.  It sits next door to the Victoria Ward Center and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.  Both provide an ideal variety in shopping. 

Each room provides an excellent view either of the beach or Diamond Head or even both and all can experience breathtaking sunrises as most rooms do face the ocean.  Each room is also provided with a state of the art kitchen, washer and dryer, central air conditioning, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, nine foot ceilings, and marble and wood finishing. 

The building provides the very best for the residents in amenities.  On the inside there is a business center, conference rooms, and a fitness center that has a spa, Jacuzzis, and sauna all in one convenient place.  The outside is home to equipped BBQ cabanas that offer grilles, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and a vanishing edge pool that is made to look as if it merges with the Pacific.

Pets are welcomed here, which is not that common for many luxurious condos.  Homeowners are allowed to keep up to two dogs as long as they are less than 35 pounds.  There is a Bark Park located in the vicinity where owners can take their dogs to run free.

There is constantly a staff on hand always making sure owners have everything that they need.  This is more of the type of treatment people expect to get at a first class hotel not their home.  This residential area within a resort is one of the best places to live within such a close distance to Honolulu.  It offers the crème-de-la-crème of living.  People, who live in this unbelievable high rise, will feel like they are going on vacation everyday instead of coming home.

Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place”, is an island in the state of Hawaii.  It is the prime area for tourism in the state.  It is the third largest island in the chain and is also the most populous.  The island was created by two volcanoes, Wai’anae and Ko’olau, and there is a valley that is seated directly in the middle of the two. 

There is no translation for the name Oahu in the Hawaiian language.  Some legends say that the discoverer of the islands, Hawaiiloa, named the island after one of his sons.

The island is home to approximately 953,207 people with most of them living on the city side of the island.  Honolulu is the largest city on the island and is also the county name for the island as well as the capital for all of Hawaii.

Oahu is divided up into five regions:  the leeward side, windward side, north shore, south shore, and central.  Each area offers something original of its own.  For example people travel from all parts of the world to visit the North Shore area and experience or see the amazing surfing.  The windward area is wetter and cooler than the rest of the island thanks to the mountain range.  The central area is a plateau bored by two mountain ranges.  The south shore is home to the island’s most recognizable point, Pearl Harbor, and the leeward side is mostly dominated by locals.

Ewa is a small area mostly inhabited by locals.  This is the sunniest area in Oahu so consequently the driest.  Many people spend time by the ocean to cool off.  There are great mountain and ocean views.  Also, there are two golf courses only minutes away as well as being in close driving distance to larger areas in Oahu.

Kailua sits just north of Honolulu.  This area is the oldest inhabited place in all of Oahu.  It is also home to some of the top ten beaches in the nation.  There are beach houses available at all times of the year.  There are also great shopping centers in the area.  Families can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, picnics, and sports anytime, considering the beach is only a few steps away.

Just 25 minutes outside of Waikiki is a small community called Hawaii Kai.  This is a residential area and the largest of several communities on the eastern side of the island.  The communities extend up into the valleys and the surrounding mountain ridges.  People here can take advantage of the great hiking as they are so close to the Diamond Head crater.  This is a great area for more low-key individuals.

Waikiki, which used to be primarily swamplands, is now a beautiful sight to behold.  Once Hawaii became a state this area became a prime spot for tourists, and hotels and resorts began to appear everywhere.  There are now businesses of all sorts all along the coast line and the place is always filled with tourists and locals alike.

Oahu is a combination of all walks of life in Hawaii.  Residents can find themselves in a mile a minute city one minute and be in the calmer country life the next.  People, who choose to live here, will get to experience more than most people will their entire lives.

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located on the southeastern shore on the island of Oahu. It is also the most populous city in Hawaii, and the southernmost city in the United States.

Honolulu translates to “house of bay” or “place of shelter”. The place has been the states capital since 1845, but gained national recognition after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1947. The port of Honolulu is one of the largest market points in the Pacific. An average of 7.6 million visitors comes to this area of Hawaii every year.

The area extends from Pearl Harbor to the Makau’pu Point. Technically the whole island is the county of Honolulu but the actual city area consists of the districts Waikiki, Downtown, Manoa-Makiki, Eastern Honolulu, and Western Honolulu.

Waikiki is the largest tourism area in Hawaii. People come here for the white sandy beaches, to relax or learn to surf, and to enjoy the five star hotels and resorts. Neighborhoods are similar to the higher class areas in Los Angeles.  This is a very reclusive area to live in and the prices are set to match.

Downtown Honolulu is the commercial center for the entire Hawaiian Islands. This is also home of the state capitol and many historic sights.  There are four main subdivisions of Downtown: the Capitol District, the Central Business District, Chinatown, and the Waterfront. Each of these areas has a very distinct history and is a collaboration of historic and modern buildings.

Manoa-Makiki is located at the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains just north of Downtown. It is made up of three neighborhoods:  Manoa, Makiki, and Nu’uanu.  Manoa is a residential area that sits entirely in a valley. It gets rain on a daily basis so there is greenery in every direction.  It consists mostly of homes built before the 1960s and high-rise condominiums. It is also the home of The University of Hawaii at Manoa, the state’s largest university.  Makiki is towered by two extinct volcanoes Punchbowl and Tantalus. Most of this area consists of older houses and apartment buildings. Nu’uanu is a valley that extends from the Honolulu Harbor to the Nu’uanu Pali. Many of the business people in Honolulu take up residencies here.

Eastern Honolulu comprises the areas located between Diamond Head and Makapu’u Point. Residential areas that make up this part of Honolulu are Kaimuki, Kahala, Waialae, Aina Haina, and Hawaii Kai. This area is known for its spectacular beaches and top of the line shopping areas. 

Western Honolulu contains the areas between Downtown and Pearl Harbor. The neighborhoods of Kalihi, Moanalua, and Salt Lake are located throughout here. Kalihi is carved by the Kalihi Stream. Among the lower valley area is a residential area that has existed for a very long time. It is comprised of mostly older homes and the closer to the water it becomes more of a commercial area. Moanalua is not just a residential area, but also a valley and a stream. Salt Lake is a neighborhood that was built within a crater in the 1960s. Residents here have an amazing view of Downtown. 

Honolulu is the busiest area that anyone could move to in Hawaii. Even though most of it is moving at a rapid speed most of the time, there are still some quaint little neighborhoods located within it. Someone living in Honolulu could easily have the best of both worlds.

Puna district is perhaps one of the most diverse communities in the Big Island of Hawaii. This is the only place in Hawaii where you can witness the beauty of magical places such as the Bird Sanctuary, Lave Tree State Monument, and the Kilauea Volcano. Puna is also close to Hilo Town so it is great for those who wish to buy affordable homes in Hawaii but you will not have any trouble commuting downtown. The economy of Puna mainly relies on agriculture, with the region offering great produce such as bananas, papayas, and coffee.

Living in Puna, Hawaii         

While browsing through some of the real estate listing in Puna, you will be amazed with the wide range of properties that this district offers. You will find huge oceanfront mansions, hidden trailers on forests, and plantation style houses. A storm occurred in Puna five years back so the demand for homes for sale in Puna has gone down. However, it still remains as the fastest growing community in Hawaii. It does not have as many homebuyers and foreign investors as other areas on the Big Islands but it most people who buy properties in Puna choose to live there. This gives the place a strong sense of community.

The Puna district also became popular because of Puna Coast, one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. While most beaches in this region have black, coarse sand, it still remains popular among tourists who have gone tired of white sand beaches. Puna also has multiple climate zones, a national forest reserve, and the laidback Hawaiian lifestyle. Puna is certainly one of the best places where you can live in because it has the ambiance of a small town but it is still accessible to most of the most important amenities that every homeowner needs. 

Puna real estate                           

The real estate market in Puna includes Pahoa real estate, Volcano real estate, and Keaau real estate. It is one of the few markets in Hawaii that any expert will consider truly affordable. As of now, it is also in a buyer’s market so this is actually a good time to jump in and buy a real estate property at a very affordable price. While some people might say that Puna does not look similar to the pictures they saw in postcards and on television, no one can deny the fact that it still has all the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Most places in Hawaii used to be like Puna. They were pristine places with diverse wildlife, beautiful vegetation, and pristine beaches. Kona and Lanikai are great examples. While they are known for their natural beauty, lots of people have started flocking to these areas so they have started to become densely populated. If you do not want to live in a busy community, Puna should be on the top of your list. However, the Puna real estate market has become very diverse so it is probably best to hire a reputable real estate agent who can help you find the best property that suits your needs.

Puna is certainly one of the best places where you can build your new home in Hawaii. As its residents continue protecting the quiet environment and natural landscapes of Puna, you can be sure that you will have all the time in the world to enjoy its undeniable beauty.

Kau is considered as the southernmost district on the island of Hawaii. It is actually one of the six original districts of the ancient Hawaii Islands. It encompasses the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, South Point, Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, and Pahala. Rural, secluded, and vast, Kau seems to be the most untouched civilization in the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the home to Kilauea, which is one of the most active volcanoes. Kau is a place of natural wonders where you will get the chance to witness the growth of a stunning island right before your eyes.

Kau – an overview

Tourists enjoy visiting Kau because it offers lots of natural wonders. Other sights to see in Kau include South Point, which is popularly known as the southernmost point in the United States. The Punaluu Black Sand Beach, one of Hawaii’s most popular black sand beaches, is also located in Kau. When you drive to the north of the region, you will also see the beauty of the Kau Desert set within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In this popular tourist attraction, you will also see the footprints of ancient warriors trapped in volcanic ash as a result of a volcanic eruption. 

If you are in the mood for an exciting outdoor adventure, you will also enjoy hiking through the taxing trails that crisscross the land. They cross from the sea to the mountains, luring hikers and backpackers into this secluded region of Hawaii. On the other hand, the eastern slopes of Kau feature coffee farms, macadamia nut orchards, and vast ranches for raising cattle. You can also drop by Wood Valley, a great place for meditation, to escape the daily stresses of life. This is probably the reason why Kau has become a home to artists, philosophers, writers, and other people seeking solitude. 

Kau real estate information 

The Kau district is located in the southernmost portion of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its coastal location makes it ideal for a wide range of recreational activities such as surfing, boating, swimming, and even fishing for local species. While this district is sparsely populated, most people decide to buy a vacation home in this area because it offers fantastic views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. As the home to Kamoa Wind Farm, Kau is the only location in real estate where windmills are mainly used to generate electricity. This is great news for people who are trying to reduce their ecological footprint.

South Point, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kau, also represents the area where the first Polynesians who settled in the Hawaiian Islands landed. After checking out the list of homes for sale in Kau, you will be a fewer steps away from your dream of living in an area that is accessible to most of Hawaii’s best tourist destinations. These attractions include the Green Sand Beach, Wood Valley Temple, and the Punaluu Beach Park. The diverse Kau real estate market will also provide you with listings for condominiums, single-family houses, and even luxurious beachfront homes. 

These are only some of the reasons why any home in Kau can turn into a very worthwhile investment. Whether you wish to buy a vacation home or a property that you can turn into your primary residence, the Kau real estate market will always have something in store for you.

There is probably no other region on the Big Island that is shrouded in more history than South Kona is. Whether you wish to talk about the origins of coffee or even the ancient village setting of the Place of Refuge, locals will not run out of interesting things to tell you. You will also find the Painted Church along the hillside that overlooks the Kealakekua Bay, which is the place where Captain Cook finally met his fate in 1779. Historically-minded tourists and residents who have just moved into South Kona will surely keep themselves busy weaving through the region’s historical and cultural sites. 

South Kona – a brief history

In 1828, coffee first came to Kona when Reverend Samuel Ruggles brought some plant cuttings. Early Japanese farmers cultivated most of South Kona’s first farms and they also engineered a new system for processing and milling this prized coffee. Highway 160, a road that sits amidst coffee farms, the Painted Church can also be seen. Father John Velge, a western missionary from Belgium, is actually the person who painted images on the interiors of the Church. The images he painted were actually based on biblical scenes of the struggle between good and evil.

Once you arrive in South Kona, you can also drive down the Napoopoo Road to see Hikiau Heiau at the Kealakekua Bay. A white monument across the bay also marks the exact spot where the legendary Captain Cook was killed. A coastal road connects Kealakekua Bay to the place of Refuge National Park. During the early years of Hawaiian civilization, people who broke sacred laws usually fled to the Place of Refuge. If the person who broke the law reaches this sanctuary, his or her life will be spared. The park also features beautiful fish ponds, ancient rock walls, and thatched roof structures that once served as homes. 

Living in South Kona

Most people choose to move to South Kona because it is not as densely populated as other districts of Hawaii. It also offers great amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and public swimming pools. Those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city usually find refuge in South Kona. From condominiums to plantation style houses and million-dollar beachfront homes, South Kona offers a wide range of properties that will surely satisfy the preferences of the most finicky first-time homebuyers. These characteristics make South Kona seem like such a great place to live in. 

South Kona is the best example of a small town with a pleasant atmosphere that pervades the Big Island of Hawaii. It perches between the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean and the slopes of Mauna Loa so it can give you a great view of scenic vistas. It also serves as the home to fascinating historic sites that you will surely admire. Noted for its rural setting, South Kona continues to combine the comforts of modern living with a peaceful aura that is completely different to that of bigger cities such as Hilo or Honolulu. Fruit shops, art galleries, roadside stands, restaurants, and farm lands also dot its rich landscape.

Whether you wish to move to Hawaii or you just want to buy a vacation home, the South Kona real estate market will always have something in store for you. Beach parks, ranches, historical sites, and other notable attractions in this small town will surely keep you preoccupied during your entire stay in South Kona.