Before you start looking for a home in Hawaii, it’s helpful to know which areas of the state you’re most interested in. Which islands have the right mix of natural beauty and modern amenities that you’re looking for? Which cities and towns offer the job, educational, or recreational opportunities you seek? And within those cities, which districts or neighborhoods embody the kind of lifestyle you want to have in Hawaii?
To learn more about the unique characteristics of each island and its different cities and neighborhoods, check out the websites listed below that profile different locales in Hawaii. They describe everything from real estate prices, historical roots, and microclimates to local amenities, commuting issues, and local schools. Hopefully after reading through some of these profiles, you’ll begin to home in on the location that’s the best fit for you and your family, and the best place to start your search for a home in Hawaii.
All Islands | Oahu | Honolulu | Big Island | Kauai | Maui | Molokai | Lanai
All Islands
Choose An Island
Overview Of The Hawaiian Islands — The Aloha State
Weather And Seasons In The Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii Weather And Rainfall
Five Great Neighborhoods In Hawaii (Kailua, Oahu; Mililani, Oahu; Lahaina, Maui; Kapaa, Kauai; Hilo, Big Island)
Oahu
About Oahu
Oahu Regions
Oahu Cities And Towns
Overview Of Oahu — The Gathering Place
Neighborhoods On Oahu (some are cities, others are districts within Honolulu)
Oahu Neighborhoods (use the menu on the right to navigate through the different regions of the island)
Discover The Neighborhoods Of Oahu (not comprehensive, but it does profile 6 areas in quite a bit of detail)
Zone Map (this was published in 2005 so any stats are out-of-date, but the general descriptions still hold true)
Oahu’s Most Expensive & Most Affordable Neighborhoods
Oahu Luxury Neighborhoods (Kailua/Lanikai, North Shore, and seven Honolulu districts: Diamond Head, Hawaii Loa Ridge, Kahala, Kalanianaole Highway, Na Pali Haweo, Portlock, and Waialae Iki)
Top-Performing Oahu Neighborhoods of 2010
Neighborhood Profile — Makakilo (town on leeward [west] Oahu near Kapolei)
Resort Living In Ewa Beach
Wanted — Kailua
A Townie Goes To Kailua
Kailua — Dawn To Dusk
Honolulu
Overview Of Honolulu
So You Want To Live In … Honolulu (this was published in 2008 so the stats are out-of-date, but it’s still a good overview)
Liliha Moments (older neighborhood northwest of downtown)
The Aloha Tower, The Harbor, And City Living On Oahu
Waikiki Bound
Insider’s Guide To Waikiki
Neighborhood Profile — Manoa (older neighborhood northeast of Waikiki)
Waialae On the Rise (the “Main Street” of the older Kaimuki District)
Kahala Is Classic (upscale district in east Honolulu)
Living The Waialae Iki Life On Oahu, Hawaii (upscale community in east Honolulu)
My Hawaii Neighborhood — Aina Haina (east Honolulu)
Hawaii Kai Real Estate — Life Sparkles On The Marina (large planned community in east Honolulu)
The Venice Of Oahu — Hawaii Kai Offers Homes On The Marina
Big Island
About Hawaii’s Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island Regions
Big Island Cities And Villages
Rainfall And The Different Climates On The Big Island
A World Of Climate Zones On The Big Island
Lava Zones On The Big Island
Vog On The Big Island
Farm Property On The Big Island — Better Than Fame Or Fortune
Things I Love About The Big Island’s Kamuela (Waimea) (upcountry in North Kohala region)
Things I Love About Waikoloa Village (in the Kohala Coast region)
New Saddle Road Gives Waikii Ranch The Best Location On The Big Island (central Hawaii)
Pahoa, Big Island — A Dynamic East Side Attraction (in the Puna region)
Hilo Living (windward [east] coast of Hawaii)
Kauai
About Kauai
Kauai Regions & Neighborhoods
Kauai Cities And Towns
Kauai Regions (scroll down to “Kauai Regions” subheading, then click names of each region)
Kauai’s Kilauea Town Is a Flourishing Residential Community (north shore)
North Shore of Kauai: Great Neighborhoods of Kilauea
The Beauty Of Hanalei On Kauai’s North Shore
Maui
About Maui
Maui Regions
Maui Cities And Towns
Maui Overview (In the menu on the left side of the screen, hover over “Maui Information,” then select “Maui Overview” from the pop-up menu. Click “Island Info” and then “Maui Communities” to read profiles on Central, East, South, West, and Upcountry Maui and the towns within each region.)
Maui Neighborhoods (scroll down to read the neighborhood descriptions)
Maui Real Estate Areas (scroll down to “Maui Real Estate Areas” subheading, then click names of each region for more detailed info)
The Coconut Chronicles (each issue spotlights a different community)
Maui Communities (use the menu on the right to navigate through the different communities)
Ten Reasons Why Maui Is Priceless
Life At Five Corners On The North Shore Of Maui (town of Haiku)
Molokai
About Molokai
Molokai Regions
Molokai Cities And Villages
Maui County Overview (click “Island Info” and then “Maui Communities” and then “Molokai” to read a profile on the island and its different settlements)
VisitMolokai.com
Lanai
About Lanai
Lanai Regions
Lanai Cities And Villages
Maui County Overview (click “Island Info” and then “Maui Communities” and then “Lanai” to read a profile on the island and a list of its schools, churches, parks, beaches, and restaurants)