Why You’ll Love Living in Hawaii Kai, Oahu

Reasons to Live in Hawaii Kai, Oahu

Views overlooking some of Hawaii Kai’s favorite neighborhoods: Portlock, The Triangle, Hahaione Valley.

Let’s be honest, living on the island of Oahu is living in paradise. I write this with the understanding I am beyond blessed to call such a beautiful place home. For those who are new to the island or locals considering a change, you may wonder which neighborhood is the one for you? May I suggest Hawaii Kai!

There are too many reasons to list why Hawaii Kai is such an amazing place to live, but I will share why my husband and I chose to buy and create our first home in Hawaii Kai.

Feel Safe Where You Live

Safety was a huge priority for my husband and me when choosing a place to live. Hawaii Kai has multiple neighborhood watch groups amongst the different communities. According to Movoto, Hawaii Kai is one of the safest neighborhoods on the island.

Feel the Sun and Water Where You Live

We love the water and sun. It was important for us to find a home close to the ocean. Hawaii Kai’s neighborhoods such as Kalama Valley or Queen’s Gate offers living within a short walking distance to some of O’ahu’s best-known beaches.

Ka Iwi Coast, which is the coast Hawaii Kai is located on, boasts some of the most famous beaches in the world.  Enjoy beaches like Sandy Beach, Makapu’u, or my personal favorite Baby Makapu’u. The options are endless.

Watch the Sunset at Spitting Caves.

In Hawaii Kai, there is such a thing called marina living. Townhomes, single-family homes, and condominiums located directly on the marina offering slips for docking your boat and views. No boat? No problem! The instant access to the marina is ideal for paddle boards, kayaks, or even a canoe.

Outdoor Activities in Hawaii Kai

Let’s not forget our green outdoors! East Oahu has various hikes for beginners to advanced hikers. My personal favorite is the Koko Head hike which overlooks the beautiful Hanauma Bay.

View of the famous Hanauma Bay from atop the Koko Head Hike

Speaking of green, Hawaii Kai is also home to one of the best golf courses on O’ahu. Hawaii Kai Golf Course is not just your ordinary 18 hole course, you’ll get ocean views every which way and on a clear Hawaii day — a view of the Moloka’i Island.

Feel Convenience Where you Live

Eateries in Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai offers restaurants and eateries perfect for take-out, family, or the perfect date night!

I mentioned marina living earlier, well Hawaii Kai offers various waterfront restaurants. Can you imagine stepping out of your home, onto your boat and taking a ride across the marina to enjoy some of the many delicious restaurants? Check out some of my favorites below that offer dock parking:

• Kona Brewing Company
• Liko’s Tab and Table offers a ton of local beers!
• Assaggios Hawaii Kai
• Mexico Fiesta

Enjoy date night with a view at Assaggio Italian Restaurant. 

Shopping in Hawaii Kai

Costco, Safeway, and Longs are all conveniently located in the middle of Hawaii Kai. Love a good farmer’s market?  Stop by the farmer’s market at Kaiser High School on Tuesday’s from 4pm-6pm or the Hawaii Kai Towne Center farmer’s market on Wednesday’s from 7:30am-1:00pm and Saturdays from 7:30am-2:30pm.

Koko Marina Shopping Center offers restaurants, boutique stores, and a movie theater. Some amazing local brands are located right in this shopping center, such as Mikinola, Cookies Clothing Co., and Local Motion.

Hawaii Kai offers it all! For my husband and me, we decided to make Hawaii Kai our forever home for all the reasons above. Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, I know there are a ton of amazing places to make a forever home!  Comment below your favorite!