About
Nestled just above Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the lush Windward Side of the island, Kaneohe is a popular choice for military families looking to embrace the slower pace of island life. Kaneohe means “bamboo man,” and the area is fabled to have been named after the man who created the bamboo nose flute. In the late 1800’s, rice and taro were primary crops and cultivated heavily in this area, later to be replaced by pineapple farming.
However, the negative environmental impacts of farming and competition eventually tanked Kaneohe’s agricultural resources and the area became primarily residential. The arrival of the railroad and navigable roadways made Kaneohe more accessible, and in 1960 the Likelike Tunnel (or Wilson Tunnel) was opened through the Ko’olau Mountains to further ease commutes and bring even more residents to this stunning locale.
The lifestyles and views in Kaneohe are comparable to those found in Kailua, but at slightly more affordable prices. The pace is slower here than in cities farther south, but there are still great shopping and business districts in the area. The Windward Side sees more rain than the rest of the island, producing lush and exotic flora, and the topography is dramatic. Mountains with cliffs and sheer rock faces rise up abruptly from the beach. The cooling winds and still waters of the bay make this an ideal spot for boaters, fisherman, or water sports enthusiasts.
Neighbors
Kaneohe is home to a very diverse population. Being so close to Marine Corps Base Hawaii and slightly more affordable than Kailua, there is also a significant military population. Families love the area for the calm beaches and slower paced lifestyle. You’re also likely to have neighbors who commute to “town” (Honolulu). Coming from the Windward Side into town on H3 is considered reverse commuting, making Kaneohe a popular Honolulu suburb.
Neighborhood Feel
The area is rich in culture and history and many locals trace their ancestry back to migratory plantation workers. The area is fairly densely populated, so the houses can seem pretty close together and street parking is difficult to come by. Kaneohe has a more industrial, blue collar feel and, like on most of the island, single-wall construction is the norm.
