Kailua Real Estate - Community Information Page
Kailua - the place for those who want to forget the rat race. Kailua is located on the Windward Side of Oahu, the lower eastern section of the island. From Honolulu you get to Kailua by crossing the mountains on the Pali Highway. For many, the decision to live in Kailua is made the first time they drive out of the Pali tunnel. Why? Because as you exit on the Windward side, you find yourself looking at one of the great views on Oahu. Nothing but green mountains and valleys stretching outward, stopping only when they meet the crystal blue of unspoiled ocean. And that ocean goes on for miles. Just think what the view must be from a condo down in the middle of all of that.
Imagine coming back from a long day in Honolulu. You enter the Pali Tunnel tired and stressed. On the other side, all that weight dissapears once you look out on that spectacular picture and realize it's your home. And you're almost there.
Old Pali road and look out
This area of the island is known as the Ko'olaupoko District. Ko'olaupoko is a Hawaiian word, meaning ‘short windward’. This refers to the fact that it is the smaller of the 2 windward areas of Oahu. Along with Kailua, the area includes Kaneohe and Waimanalo plus more rural territories surrounding them that display the full beauty of Hawaii. Beautiful beaches made of soft, soothing sand, crystal blue ocean that goes on forever and towering green mountains that are just as awe inspiring, if seldom written up in the tourist guides.
The last census reported a population of a little over 36,000 in Kailua. In keeping with Hawaii’s singular people, 25% of the town claimed ‘hapa’ (mixed) status of 2 or more races as their designation in the census. Locals are proud of the cultural mix that has molded island life into something that is truly special. Here, differences have brought people together – a shining example of diversity working in the real world.
Kailua has grown in the past few decades, in part a result of the Pali Highway's construction. Today, commuters still use that road to and from their jobs downtown. The Ko'olau mountains have also served to insulate Kailua from the faster pace of Honolulu. And that's the way the town likes it. Residents are determined to preserve the way of life they have enjoyed for years.
Tourism has come over the mountains, but in the form of small bed and breakfasts, rather than hotels. Generally, they are all run out of residents' homes, which means there isn't room for a lot of people at one time. These establishments fit the mood of the town because they attract a quieter clientele more concerned with enjoying the local life, as opposed to testing the local noise ordinances.
Kailua is home to some of the best beaches in Hawaii and even, some experts say, the world. Those who want to fully enjoy the water have a lot to choose from - surfing, diving, kayaking - it's all here and it's easy to find. In addition to the Pacific Ocean, residents have the natural wonders of Kaiwanui Marsh and Enchanted Lake to enjoy. An embarrassment of riches, free to use.
The location of Kailua on the Windward side (East) of Oahu makes it a perfect destination for water sports. As you walk on the beach you will see folks who are kit surfing, kayaking to the flat Island just quarter a mile off the beach, outrigger canoe paddling, scuba diving, para-gliding, Kayak surfing, Kayak to the Mokulua's Islands and spending the whole day there, snorkling and watching turtles and in some occasions rays, fishing, surfing, wind surfing, swimming, skiing, sailing, boogie borad surfing, body surfing, and Kailua is a pet friendly town, most of the folks walk their dogs on the beach in a very friendly environment, don't be surprised if you see dogs swimming behind the waves with their human friends and body surfing the waves as they are making it back to shore.
If you haven't done any of the water sports before, don't shy away, there many shops and centers that will gladly rent you the gear you need and teach you the tricks of the sport.
Weather in Kailua is always in the comfortable zone, all round the year the temperature is hovering around average of 75 degrees, best refershing ocean breeze all year around is also a trade mark of Kailua and the windward side of the Island, you can feel it and smell it miles away. After a long day on the beach you may want to spend your evening in one of the fun gathering restaurants in Kailua Town or by the beach park.
Kailua has no hotels, the ony way to stay in Kailua is either in vacational rentals or Bed & Breakfast homes, this setup was the result of the decision the folks living in Kailua embraced through the years, leaving the town with the real Island feel, friendly and full of Hawaii Aloha spirit. You can also choose to buy a house by the beach, on the hills, or by the foot steps of the majestic mountains of the Koolau. Town houses, Condos, and couple high rises are also available with gorgeous views of Kailua Beach and the whole bay in some cases.
One of the most famous parks in Kailua is "Kailua Beach Park", located on southern point of Kailua Bay. It has all the amenities you need to spend a nice relaxing day on the white sandy beach or swimming in the turquoize colored waters.
The largest fishpond in all the Hawaiian Islands was Kawai Nui Marsh. Many heiau are more than 500 years old. Coconut Grove a royal coconut grove once. a favorite resting area of Queen Lili'uokalani was in Maunawili.
In 2006, we are seeing the transformation in which real estate market boom had on the economy and demography of Kailua. As an example many residents took the opportunities with the equities in their homes to re-built, added, or built new homes. Or sold their homes to cash out and new buyers are spending dollars from their original sale or equity to enhance the houses they bought in Kailua. Most apparent is the opening of "Pier-1" furniture store and "Wine by glass" restaurant as a reflection to demography, potentially based on their corporate anaylsis of where Kailua as a town is heading. I expect to see more similar businesses to open. New construction is also slated for end of this year around down town Kailua for brand new condos. Kailua has been attracting many folks from the mainland as a permanent residents in addition to the Kaneohe Marine base 3 year transient residents on assignements/deployments.
Come visit Kailua, you won't be disappointed.
Call me to start looking for your new home in Kailua.
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