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Discover Oahu

Jennifer Peele • March 24, 2019

Discover the Different Areas of Oahu.


Where to move?

What side of the island has the best beaches?

What is my commute to work?

What can I afford?

Before your move to Hawaii, it’s best to do your research.

Here is a little insight on Oahu’s rental market.


Oahu is broken into five areas, the Leeward Side, Windward Side, North Shore, South Shore, and Central Oahu.

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Leeward Coast / West Oahu

Cities on the West side of Oahu also known as Leeward coast has six cities including Makaha, Waianae, Maili, Nanakuli, Kapolei, and Ewa. The Leeward coast offers open spaces and charming towns. This area favors those looking to rent a larger space at an affordable price. Average 4 bedroom houses in Waianae is $2,600 a month and $3,000 in Ewa.


Average Rental Rates

Makaha, Waianae, Maili, Nanakuli

2/ $1,500

3/ $1,800

4/ $2,600


Kapolei and Ewa

2/ $1,800

3/ $2,500

4/ $3,000


Explore Leeward Coast

Hike - Puu O Hulu is a 1.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Waianae, Hawaii that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate.

Beach – Makaha Beach Park Low-key white-sand beach popular among locals also attracts surfers in the winter.

Bucket List Worthy– Mermaid Caves, if you can find it!

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Central of Oahu consist of four cities, Wahiawa, Mililani, Pearl City, and Aiea. The central part of Oahu is popular for the historical sites of Pearl Harbor Memorial and the Arizona Memorial. Accommodating to tourist and residents there are many shopping malls, restaurants, parks, and scenic points to explore.


Average Rental Rates

Wahiawa does not have a lot of inventory compared to the other cities in Central Oahu.

1/ $1,200

2/ $1,500

3/ $2,100


Mililani and Pearl City offer a lot of 2 – 4-bedroom rentals with a good mixture of townhouses, single family homes, and condos.

2/ $1,800

3/ $2,500

4/ $3,600


Aiea offers additional one-bedroom rentals compare to the other cities in Central Oahu.

1/$1,600


Explore Central Oahu

Hike - Manana Ridge Trail is a 6.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail

Beach – There are no beaches located in Central Oahu, instead of many residents enjoy going to Central Oahu Regional Park.

For the Family – The Hawaiian Railway Society

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North Shore (north coast) cities include Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Waimea, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, and Pupukea. Forty minutes away from Honolulu, North Shore is like living in a small town; quiet, a few shopping spots, no malls, and one high school. Not a lot of inventory for long-term renters in North Shore. However, if you are looking to buy a million-dollar beach house, this would be your spot.

Average Rental Rates.

Townhouses, Ohana Dwellings, and Single-family Homes.

1/$1,800

2/$2,200

3/$2,300 - $3,000

4/$3,400

Explore North Shore

Hike- The Ehukai Pillbox Hike will give you stunning views of Sunset Beach and other parts of the North Shore!

Beach- Shark’s Cove is part of Pupukea Beach Park and is known for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving.

Best Eating Spot - Food trucks located right near Shark’s Cove.

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South Shore (south coast) of Oahu consists of only one city Honolulu. Honolulu has many neighborhoods; Waikiki, Kahala, Hawaii Kai, Nuuanu, Kam Heights, Kakkaako, Kalihi, Punchbowl, Pacific Heights, Makiki, Moliliili, Tantlus, St. Louise, University, Punahou and more. Each neighborhood has its own charm and reputation. Honolulu is the main city of Oahu, full of restaurants, concerts, bars, comedy shows, dancing, Museums, carnivals, fairs, festivals, food markets, zoo, parks, malls and more.


Average Rental Rates.

The rental market in each neighborhood in Honolulu is different.

Here is the price RANGE.

0/ $1,300 - $1,600

1/$1,400 - $1,800

2/$1,700 - $2,000

3/$1,800 - $2,800


Explore Honolulu

Hike - Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, offers a great view of Rabbit Island and Makapu’u beach park. Possibly whale sighting during the Winter Season.

Beach – Waikiki beach, crowded but it’s convenient to all the shops and restaurants nearby.

Affordable – Hanauma Bay Snorkeling, rent a few snorkel gears and you are good to go!

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Windward Side (East Coast) cities includes Kane’ohe, Kailua, and Waimanalo. The windward side of Oahu offers beautiful views, mountains, small towns, golf courses, and the best hikes.


Average Rental Rates.

Kailua

0/ $1,600

1/ $1,900

2/ $2,500

3/ $3,200

4/ $4,200


Kaneohe

1/ $1,700

2/ $2,200

3/ $2,800

4/ $4,000


Waimanalo

Not a lot of inventory at this moment but attractive to those on a budget.


Explore the Windward Side

Hike – Lanikai Pillboxes, a short hike on Ka’iwa Ridge.

Beach – Kaneohe Sandbar, fifteen minutes from Heeia Boat Harbor on boat, is a stretch of sand exposed for locals and visitors to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the view.

Must See – Byodo-In Temple, the temple is a replica of the Byodo-In, a 950-year-old Buddhist temple located in Uji, Japan.



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