Oahu Neighborhood Guide | PCS To Hawaii

If you’re PCS’ing to Hawaii, finding the right neighborhood can feel very overwhelming. Although your time here is temporary, you want to make the most of living in paradise -- finding the neighborhood that suits your interests and lifestyle will be crucial to turning your house into a home. 

Honolulu

If you love cities, Honolulu is the spot for you. Not only is it the state capital, it’s also the largest and most populated city in the Aloha State. It’s home to iconic spots like Waikiki, Diamond Head State Park, and Chinatown. 

Waikiki is where you’ll find high-rise buildings, a vibrant restaurant scene, a variety of nightlife and luxury shopping. If you’re interested in a city feel without all the tourists, consider Kaka’ako -- you’re slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, but still in an urban oasis. Honolulu is even made up of residential neighborhoods like Hawaii Kai, Kahala, and Manoa. These areas offer you slightly larger homes, but you’re still close to the action. 

Leeward Side 

The Leeward side of Oahu is located on the west side of the island. Think of it as suburbia. A great place for families with housing communities made up of larger homes, two-car garages and backyards with gardens. This side of the island is a bit drier, warmer, and sunnier and tends to be home to many military families. Some Leeward-side cities include Kapolei (where you’ll find shopping and restaurants), Ewa Beach, and Ko’Olina -- a picturesque resort area with homes along an 18-hole golf course. 

Windward Side 

While the Leeward side is more dry and sunny, the Windward side gets a bit more rain. However, this is no reason to be deterred -- it still has plenty of beach weather and all that rain means you’re surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. Another great area for families, the Windward side of Oahu offers a laid-back, beachy feel. In fact, this is where America’s best beach is located; Kailua Beach was named the number one beach in the U.S. by CNN! Popular cities on this side of the island include Kailua and Kaneohe. 

North Shore 

The North Shore of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise. It’s home to big-wave beaches like the world-famous Bonzai Pipeline (known locally as just pipeline), Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach. There’s one major highway that travels through the North Shore -- Kamehameha Highway -- as this area is considered part of Oahu’s countryside. It’s made of off-the-grid beach towns and relaxed vibes. If you’re looking for a quiet beach community, consider a home on Oahu’s North Shore. 

In conclusion…

There are so many beautiful places to live on Oahu and this guide is just the beginning. If you have any questions or need help finding the right neighborhood for you and your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out!