Hawaii Real Estate News

Pearl City falls under the category of census designated places and is situated on the island of Oahu in the Ewa District and within the City and County of Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii. Pearl City and the neighboring areas are well known because of their historical significance. The north shore of Pearl Harbor is the exact location of Pearl City. The area can be classified in general as a middle income region and has a reasonable quality of living. While the quality of living may not be as high as that of neighboring urban and upscale regions, it is still above the national average and is a great place to live for families and young people alike.

Living in Pearl City

Pearl City is a primarily residential area with a population close to 48000 according to the last census conducted in 2010. It is among the well known residential neighborhoods in the Honolulu area and most of the residents are employed in various average income jobs in the neighboring areas. It is one of the few residential areas that have no direct access to the ocean or a beach but it is not very far from either of them.

Most of the Pearl City houses here are individually owned properties with around 20% as rentals. Unlike the coastal areas in the Honolulu area, this one is not dominated by tourists. It is one of the few neighborhoods that house primarily a resident population. This is an ideal neighborhood to live in for long term residents and especially for families. The type of housing in the area varies from townhouses and condominiums to apartments and individual homes. The range is pretty diverse and potential residents are sure to find something suitable.

The large population renders the area quite busy and diverse. The population is predominantly Asian (nearly 54%) and the next highest racial demographic is white (17.1%).

Climate

The climate in the region is typical to that of any coastal or island town. It is pretty humid all through the year and the temperature varies between 65 and 85ºF. Due to the location, it is fairly wet too and the average annual rainfall comes in at 26 inches per annum. The weather is pleasant all year round and it rains almost on a daily basis. The large amount of precipitation maintains the natural landscape of the surrounding region which makes for a good break for most of the residents of Pearl City.

People

As mentioned above, the majority of the population is of Asian origin and living among residents of Pearl City is just like living in the suburb of any metropolis. There is some communal activity going on at all times but it is not as profound as in other smaller neighborhoods. However, the housing communities are quite closely knit and so are racial groups, though in a productive and helpful manner. It is easy to find other people of similar interests here and enjoy the weekend with some hobby or the other.

Quality of Life

As a residential neighborhood, the quality of life is fairly high and well above the national average. It has great access to public facilities and essentials such as hospitals and schools. The schools in the region are run by the Hawaii Department of Education and there are publicly funded primary, middle and high schools. In addition, private schools are also available. Sports and recreational facilities are available to residents too but most of the housing areas provide for them separately. Unemployment rate is low at 4.2% and only about 4% of the population is below the poverty line.

The majority of activities that a tourist or resident can do in Lanikai is limited to the Lanikai Beach, which has been consistently rated as the best in the country by several reviewers for a significant period of time. It is a fairly secluded beach enveloped on one side by the residential area and the other side by the ocean, of course.

The Lanikai Beach is fairly small, despite all the popularity and is no more than ½ a mile in length. However, this small stretch is among the most beautiful spots in the entire region. From spending an idyllic day on the beach to adventure sports, everything can be possible here. However, note that there are no facilities i.e. eateries, public conveniences and other services available. If it is possible to arrange for adventure sports such as parasailing or snorkeling or scuba diving, it is the best place to do the same.

Access to the beach is not very prominent and is a well kept secret by the residents of Lanikai. The way to the beach is hidden between roads and houses and for this reason it is accessible only on foot. There is no parking available but bicycles should be able to make it to the powdery, soft white sand of this breathtakingly beautiful beach.

Once on the beach, a great idea would be to either swim, canoe or kayak to the twin islands of Na and Mokulua. The water is very clear and there is hardly any risk of shark attacks. However, jellyfish can be seen floating around in the ocean and it is best to carry some form of antidote when visiting the beach.

Most of participants of these activities are the residents of the Lanikai, especially through the large number of clubs and community events. There are several kayaking and canoeing clubs and a special one for rafting. Moreover, interested tourists or residents can seek the advice of these clubs for the right technique and more importantly, the best time of the day to enter the water.

During the off season, and especially on weekdays the number of people on this beach is virtually zero which would be a great time to visit, especially if on vacation. However, it does tend to get a little crowded on weekends and on holidays as every resident of the area is looking for a chance to just relax on this gorgeous beach!

Apart from the beach, the other attraction would be the hiking trails that populate the region. Most of them are carved into the lush tropical forest and they pass through the pillboxes from World War II. The views from the hiking trails are impressive with the ocean taking up most of the panorama. The best way to enjoy hiking is to find the perfect route, which again is known to the residents of Lanikai. The forests are a beautiful place in themselves and are easily among Lanikai’s best kept secrets. It is possible to see a variety of flowers and plants that are not available anywhere else in the world. Just remember that it is best to avoid touching, smelling or tasting any of them because of the possibility of poisonous strains. Always carry a knife or another weapon in case of snakes, which make their presence known in the forest.

Lanikai is located just 20 minutes from Kailua which has a good metropolitan lifestyle. Shopping, especially for local artifacts is a good experience and is something everyone should try out. 

Lanikai is located on the Kailua Bay, along its windward coast. It is among the many unincorporated communities on Kailua and the entire area is popular for its soft, white, sandy beaches and the abundance of hiking arenas along the Keolu Ridge. It is a fairly small community and has a high quality of living primarily because of the location. It is also among the more expensive areas, from a residential perspective, because of the large number of public facilities and especially because of the beaches, the Lanikai Beach in particular.

Living in Lanikai

The minimal 2300 population of Lanikai is concentrated in the housing area that lines the Lanikai beach, elevated from the sands. The location renders a hefty price tag on most of the houses in the area, which are predominantly ocean front homes and almost all the properties available here come with a view of the pristine ocean. Moreover, the elevated residential area ensures breathtaking views of the beach and ocean.

Around 30% of the properties in this coastal community are rentals and the housing area has a population of 1800 of the 2300. The area is rated as among the most beautiful places in Hawaii and residents enjoy access to swimming facilities, water sports, recreational golf facilities and coconut palm trees. In addition, some of the best beaches are in the region, with the small 0.6mile stretch called the Lanikai Beach being rated as the best in America. The residential area is quite communal in nature with a lot of group activities running at the same time. One can find residents interested in theatre, crafts, marine life and much more. 

Along with rentals, properties change hands as the calendar months go by but due to the high prices of homes, it is best to live in a rental, especially for short periods of time.

Climate

Being a suburb of a coastal town on an island, this community enjoys a typical seaside climate. It is warm and humid almost the entire year and being on the windward coast, rainfall is abundant too. In comparison to the rest of the island, the temperature is a little lower because of the trade winds and the rainfall. The daytime average is between 75ºF and 85ºF and the night average drops to 65ºF. Average rainfall varies between 4-6 inches and it is concentrated mainly between the months of October to April. The heavy rainfall ensures that the area is always lush and tropical.

People

The residents of the housing community in Lanikai are fairly affluent and are comprised mainly of long duration tourists or wealthy retirees. Irrespective of their age or duration of stay everyone is interested in maintaining the communal nature of living and actively participate in the many clubs available. The small population makes residents familiar with one another and new residents are welcomed with ease into the community.

Quality of Life

Lanikai is located within 20 minutes of the Kailua town that is no different in facilities from any Tier II city in the United States. However, within Lanikai is an elementary school and several healthcare facilities. The nearest reputed high school is in Kailua but the area is spotted with several reputed private schools. In general, the region undoubtedly has among the best quality of life ratings in the United States.

Lanikai residents lead a reasonably laid back life with a relaxed attitude that goes with the setting. The beaches and other natural sceneries are intact despite the onset of modern lifestyles. The meaning of Lanikai, “heavenly sea”, can be seen to this day in the region.  

Lanikai is one of the major suburbs of the Kailua region and is primarily a residential area. Most of the real estate is concentrated in one region, along the Lanikai beach, at a considerable elevation with almost every house having a view of the ocean. Broadly, real estate in Lanikai is quite expensive and is well above the national average due to the quality of life and the high standards of living. This can be attributed to the wealthy residents and their affluent lifestyles supported by a high average income. Most of the residents are either long term tourists or wealthy retirees and nearly 30% of the houses available are rentals.

Market Trends

The year so far has been quite a roller coaster ride for the real estate market in Lanikai because of the economic uncertainty. The number of properties on sale had risen to its peak of 6% from almost nothing in April and it has fallen down again. The rise in vacant real estate set off a decrease in the prices and this led to a lot of buying. Currently, the price of an average home in Lanikai is a little over $3.1million, as opposed to the national average of $822,000. The real estate available in Lanikai varies from single family homes to condominiums to ocean front mansions.

The average price per square feet of real estate has gone up in the recent years from a little under $800 to $1,050 now. This is a pretty significant rise and was fueled by the fact that real estate in Lanikai turned to be a better investment option than was thought and the liberal mortgages available in the region.

At the moment, the price of houses seems to be on the decreasing trend, which should fuel more investment. Rental prices on the other hand have remained fairly steady thereby maintaining the healthy tourism industry that thrives in the region.

Mortgage and Buying Facilities

There are several real estate agents and brokers to facilitate rentals, purchases and investments. However, the high price of real estate in the region increases the commissions of these agents and it is best to enquire locally before proceeding with an agent. Moreover, if possible, it is a good idea to contact the seller directly through a mutual friend or the like. Negotiating with them always helps and doing an online search is always the first step.

Financial institutions and banks offer mortgages for reasonable rates in the Lanikai area for easy investment. The number of foreclosures has been almost zero is the past 6 months and due to this interest rates have fallen considerably. Interest rates for 10 year loans start off at 3% and can go as high as 5% for 45 year periods and more. It is advisable to look for mortgage options from every possible source before investing and choosing a repayment option that is convenient in all aspects.

Lifestyle and Quality of Life

The residential area of Lanikai features a high quality of life and almost all essential facilities are available at good standards. With the exception of higher education, everything else is within the community while the nearest universities are in Honolulu and other places in the state. The community is affluent in nature but there is a strong sense of community living with a large number of activity groups in the area. New residents irrespective of their hobbies can fit in easily and live comfortably.

Kailua is a great tourist attraction. The area is abuzz with activity and people from all genres of life. The Kailua beach is renowned as one of the best Hawaii beaches. For adventure, there are a number of water and adventure sports and for leisure, there are amazing shopping centres and resorts and pristine beaches. You can never be short of things to do in Kailua.

Adventure sports

Snorkelling - Snorkelling is a popular activity in Kailua. The abundance of coral reefs makes it a very popular activity and with the right snorkelling group, it is even possible to swim with the dolphins. There is the option of night snorkelling as well for an out of the world experience! The beaches along the Kailua coast make for great snorkelling sites and Kailua beach is easily the best and most popular of them all.

Surfing - Whether it is for beginners of expert surfers, the waves on the Kailua coast have something for everyone! There are several surfing classes available for newbies in the area. Surf Schools Hawaii and FBI Surf School are among the popular ones and are reasonably priced for their quality of training. 

Olomana Three Peaks Trail - This is among the best of the hiking trails in the region and as the name says covers a fairly rugged terrain through a tropical forest. Some great sights come in the package and it is not for the unfit. It is not very far from the city (about 2.5 miles) and a good sunny day can be spent here.

Maunawili Falls - Another hiking trail and this one has a waterfall thrown in for free. As the hike progresses, the elevation increases and the waterfalls come closer. At the peak, a view of the entire region awaits hikers who make it there! This trail is not for inexperienced hikers and requires great energy. A mere 1.5 miles from the city centre and takes about 12 hours for the average hiker.

Places to visit

Lanikai Beach - Located in the residential area of Lanikai beach, this ½ mile stretch of paradise is rated as the best beach in the country by several magazines. It is relatively empty on weekdays but gets quite full on weekends. Great views and amazing water are the highlights of it but there are no facilities and it is best to go fully packed, and that includes food and water as well.

Kawai Nui Marsh - Something out of the ordinary for the wildlife and nature enthusiast. It is located amidst the tropical forest that is characteristic of the region and has some interesting wildlife to see. Guided tours are available but it is best to go by yourself and enjoy a relaxed stroll. The name might sound like the swamps of the wild but it quite the opposite thanks to the tranquil environment.

Kailua beach - A visit to Kailua is incomplete without spending time at the beach. It is known to be the best in Hawaii. The white sand, crystal blue waters and serenity of the beach make it one of the best in the world.

Shopping and restaurants

The city centre is dotted with a variety of shopping areas and eateries alike. The Kailua Square shopping area is the biggest one in the region and it features several boutiques, restaurants in authentic Hawaii style. In addition to the best brands, Hawaii specific merchandise is available on the street and this is the type of shopping for tourists. There is something interesting for everyone to take back home for a memory.

Kailua, belonging to one of the districts of Oahu, is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. It is set amidst mountains and beaches, and is a popular tourist spot.  It is primarily a residential area, with the commercial district located alongside Kailua Road. Kailua beach is known to be Hawaii’s best beach. It has low crime rates and a good standard of living. It is essentially an ideal place for investing in real estate, being a great place to reside and to visit. Real estate in Kailua is hence a booming market, with potential growth.

Market trends

The number of sales has gone down over the past decade. There has been a decrease in sales by 12.1% in comparison to the previous year. This can be attributed to the economic meltdown that is being experienced. However, there is hope, as the volatility in the stock market is redirecting investors to invest in Kaulua real estate. The median prices, however, have been increasing steadily over the past decade, with minor fluctuations.

For June 2011, to August 2011, the median sales price for houses was $750,000. In comparison to the previous quarter, this is an increase of 1.5%, which amounts to $11,000. In comparison to the previous year, it’s an increase of 4.3%. Over the last five years, there has been an increase in sales prices of 7.3%. The average home price is currently $1,696,885. Compared to the previous month, there has been a decrease in the number of listings, but has increased as compared to the first week of September 2011.

The average listing price as of September 14^th 2011 was $1,765,661. Compared to August 24^th, this is an increase of 5.6% which amounts to $93,765. The average rate per square foot, however, at $515, decreased by 1.7% from the previous year.  The increase in median sales price can be attributed to the decrease in the number of sales in the past year. However, the increasing value of houses could attract investors, which would in turn increase the number of sales.

Mortgage rates

There are a number of mortgage brokers in Kailua. Each of them offers a varied range of mortgage rates depending on the type of mortgage and the number of years it is obtained for. It also depends on the value and location of the property. As of September 19, 2011, the annual percentage rate was3.534% for a 15 year fixed type loan. For a 30 year fixed type loan, it was 4.239%. 40 year, fixed type loan had an APR of 4.424%.

Realtors and brokers

There are a number of realtors in Kailua, Oahu, who can be contacted for any information regarding properties that are for sale. However, one must do a complete background check on the realtor or broker, before agreeing to a contract. Also, a small amount of negotiation goes a long way in helping you save money. Always look for better deals and offers. There are a number of open houses which happen all year long. Visit and thoroughly check the property before you buy it.

Community

Since, Kailua is primarily a residential area; there is a strong sense of community amongst its residents. The community life is generally comfortable with low crime rates and good education. Only 4.2% of the community is affected by property crime while only 0.3% of the community has been affected by violent crime. The population is 36,513, with 15,220 students. There are 34 public schools which have grades from kindergarten till 12^th grade. 

Kailua is primarily a residential area, but is also a great tourist spot. It offers quality education and a high standard of living, making it a great place to move to. It is a typical suburb, with post-war development and improved highways. This windward town on Oahu is supported by community organisations and many small businesses.

Weather

The weather in Kailua is typical of any other coastal town; it is a sunny paradise and warm almost throughout the year. The average rainfall is 3 inches. The rainy season is November to March and April to October are the driest months. However, rainfall also occurs during the dry season. With no extreme weather conditions, Kailua is an ideal place to live in terms of weather. The rainfall is not enough to cause major water problems and there is plenty of sunshine all year around.

Real estate

Real estate in Kailua, of late has been a booming market. Although the number of sales has gone down due the economic crisis, the prices aren’t exorbitant and the mortgage interest rates are nominal.

Rentals – There are a number of single-family homes and condominiums available for rent. Generally, houses are given out on one-year lease contracts. The houses can be unfurnished or furnished depending on the location and price. The rental amount varies depending on the location and type of house. However, it is recommended to rent a home from a trusted realtor.

Properties – If you’re moving to Kailua for a short period of time, it is not recommended to buy a house as the number of sales has gone down and prices have risen. However, if you’re planning to settle down in Kailua or move for a longer period of time, now is a good time to buy a house as the prices are predicted to increase further in the future. Being a residential area, the value of your property, if bought, will never go down.

People

The residents of Kailua are a well knit community. They are friendly and helpful. As Kailua is a popular tourist spot, they are also extremely hospitable. They take great pride in their tradition, history and community. Great efforts have been taken by the local community to preserve the natural wonders that form a part of Kailua and have helped keep Kailua a treasure chest of culture and natural beauty for generations. Small businesses have flourished in such a setting.

Education

The residents of Kailua place great value on education. The Honolulu School District is a prominent and important educational district. The Kailua High School is well-known for its quality in education, high academic rating and excellent students that graduate from the school and go on to pursue undergraduate degrees in Hawaii and in the mainland. There are also private schools located a small distance away, in Honolulu.

Lifestyle

Kailua is a beautiful residential area. Its serene and pristine beauty has been untouched by the adverse effects of modernisation. Although the primary tourist locations are busy during the tourist season, the area has kept itself free of the hassles of modern lifestyle.  The soothing beach lifestyle and beauty of forests, mountains and beaches make it an ideal place to live. For adventure and activity, there are a number of water sports that are popular.

Economy

Tourism, local trade and small businesses make Kailua a self-sufficient community. The Kailua Chamber of Commerce was established in 1994 to improve the business economy and encourage businesses. As a result of this, malls, good bars, restaurants for fine dining and small businesses were set up. All this has however, not affected the natural beauty of Kailua, that makes it one of the best places to live.

Kapolei is a great place to live, filled with activity, fun and frolic throughout the year. Being a coastal area, there are a number of adventure and water sports that are offered. Whether it is ocean cruises, water parks, or spas, you can never be short of things to do in Kapolei. From the adventure freak to the ones who like to get pampered, there is something in store for everyone. It is a popular tourist spot but also offers great attractions for residents all year around. Its pristine beaches and restaurants offering mouth-watering local delicacies are not to be missed. Kapolei, in itself, promises to be an experience of a lifetime.

Adventure sports

The residents of Kapolei love adventure. This is evident in the varied water sports and adventure activities that are offered. The Scuba Adventures of Oahu are extremely popular. Being amidst the ocean life, several thousand feet into the ocean, is one experience that shouldn’t be missed.  Ko Olina Ocean Adventures are free boat tours for older children, where they are taken to incredible diving and snorkelling spots. Dolphins present in and around these spots are the main attractions. Even for experienced divers, it makes for a great activity. Swimming in the oceans with wild dolphins is indeed an experience of a lifetime.

Water parks

Kapolei is well known for its amazing water parks. The adrenaline rush provided by the rides is unmatched. Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is one such water park, offering more than 25 exhilarating water rides. Although it is enjoyed more by children than adults, there are a couple of rides which will satisfy the appetite of adrenaline addicts. Shaka, an almost vertical 36-foot slide, and Tornado, a swirling 45-foot tunnel, are two such rides. Water World Playground and Hawaiian waters are the two main attractions for children. Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is the newest water park in Kapolei. Although it is a bit overpriced, it is an alternative to going to the beach on a hot day. It is a mainly a park for swimming and picnicking, and is a great place for children.

Tours and cruises

Ocean Joy Cruises offer amazing, all-in-one cruises complete with snorkelling with turtles, fish and dolphins and a narrated tour of the western coast. Watching the sunset from the ship at sea is beauty in its most pristine form. For those short on time but still looking for a cruise experience, these cruises are ideal.

Astro Tours are tours to observatories and planetariums in and around Kapolei. If you’re looking to spend the night out amidst the stars, these make for a great experience. The weather is to be confirmed two hours before your scheduled tour so that it is known whether you’ll have good viewing conditions.

Hawaii Nautical’s adventures are unparalled as they offer five star services of sunset watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and whale watching. Fireworks dinner cruises are also offered; ideal for the entire family and a great time. They have some of the best diving instructors and make for a quality experience at very reasonable rates

Places to visit

FIA FIA Polynesian Show is one show that must not be missed. It features a great blend of history and culture, complete with music and dance. There is even fire dancing and stand-up comedy. Crafts are also taught to those who are willing to participate.

Ko Olina Lagoons, although man-made, are clean and suitable for swimmers of all levels as they aren’t too deep. Snorkelling can also be done.

Ko Olina Marina is a resort area that includes restaurants, shops and a golf course. Ihilani Spa is a delightful spa resort with Hawaiian art work and is a must visit for those who want to be pampered.

Kapolei, part of Honolulu County, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii is an unincorporated community. This means that it is not a municipal corporation and hence even though it is only second to Honolulu in size, it cannot be termed a city. It is growing to be the second urban centre in Oahu, after Honolulu. Oahu is the most densely populated island of Hawaii. Much of the land comes under industrialist James Campbell’s estate. James Campbell Company’s subsidiary, Kapolei Property Development is the major developer in Kapolei.

Before industrialisation, the land was primarily sugarcane and pineapple fields. Kapolei’s new residential communities offer state-of-the-art design and services, and offer something for everyone. They range from townhouses and condominiums to single-family homes. Kapolei is also a popular tourist location. This makes it one of the most favourable places for the real estate market to flourish.

Market trends

Over the past decade, although the median sale price has increased, it has decreased over the past year. For June 2011 to August 2011, the median sales price for homes was $405,000. In comparison to the previous quarter, this is a decline of 10% which amounts to $45,000. Compared to the previous year, this is a decline of 21.4%.

Over the past five years, Kapolei has experienced a decline in median sales prices of 26.4%. In comparison to the previous year, the number of sales has also gone down. However, in comparison to the previous month, there has been an increase in the number of sales. As of September 14, 2011, the average listing price was $527,463. This is a decrease of 0.7% which amounts to $3,583 compared to the previous week. In comparison to August 24, 2011, this is a decrease of 3.1% which amounts to $16,952. The number of listings has also gone down compared to August 24, 2011. The average price per square foot was $300. This amounts to a decrease of 31.2% compared to the previous year.

Mortgage rates

As Kapolei is a fairly large locality with flourishing business, there are a number of mortgage brokers and banks offering loans. Depending on the type of loan, number of years and the principal amount, the interest rates vary. As of September 19, 2011, for 15 year fixed type loan, the annual percentage rate was 3.553%. For 30 year fixed type loan, the APR was 4.245%. The APR was 4.430% for 40 year fixed type loan. With these affordable mortgage rates and decreasing median price, it is expected that the number of sales will increase over the next few months.

Realtors and brokers

Kapolei Property Development is the primary realtor in Kapolei, offering homes for short-term rent and on lease. There are a number of other registered realtors who offer complete services for buying a house and in some cases, also help obtain a mortgage. American Dream Realty offers services in residential Kapolei real estate sales. Kapolei Realty and RE/MAX Honolulu are other realtors that promise quality service and savings. However, it is expected that of the buyer to undertake a complete background check on the realtor. Also, a small amount of negotiation can go a long way in saving money.

Community

Being second only to Honolulu in size and development, this primarily urban area has a community which leads a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. The crime rates, however, are not exponentially large. 4.23% of the population is affected by property crime and only 0.28% of the population is affected by violent crime. Kapolei reportedly has the second largest median income on the island of Oahu. It also has an excellent education system.

Kapolei is second to only Honolulu in size and is the growing to be the second urban centre of Oahu. It has high income levels, and the people lead an urban lifestyle with high standard of living. Kapolei is also a great tourist spot, offering various adventure spots and tours for tourists as well as its residents.

Weather

Being a coastal area, Kapolei enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. It is generally sunny throughout the year, and there aren’t any extreme weather conditions. January experiences an annual rainfall of 4.1 inches whereas August has an annual rainfall of 0.4 inches, with August and January being the driest and wettest months respectively. The average high temperature in August is 92 F and the average low temperature is 62 F. In January, the average high temperature is 80 F and the average low temperature is 61F. These mild weather conditions coupled with sufficient rainfall make Kapolei an ideal place to live in terms of weather.

Real estate

Rentals – There are a great number of single-family homes and condominiums available for rent. For a short-term stay, it is ideal to rent a house for a short period of time. Most leases come with a one-year contract. The prices vary depending on whether the house is furnished or unfurnished, the locality and the size. There are houses available for almost every budget. Before going through with a contract, make sure that everything is in place and the documents are thoroughly checked.

Property – If you’re looking to settle down in Kapolei, or are moving to Kapolei for a long period of time, it is sensible to buy a house. The prices have gone down as compared to the previous year and now would be a good time to purchase a house. The median sales price for homes in Kapolei was $405,000 as of August 2011. While purchasing a property and obtaining a mortgage, it is, for obvious reasons, recommended that you go through a trusted, licensed and registered realtor.

People

The people of Kapolei are helpful and friendly and have a strong sense of community. As Kapolei is a popular tourist spot, they are used to the regular influx of tourists and are hence extremely hospitable. Their work culture is equally strong but they’ve been known to kick back and have fun too!

Healthcare

There are a number of quality healthcare services that are provided. These include state-of-the-art hospitals, adult day care centres and nursing units complete with an Alzheimer’s unit. Health management, physical and occupational therapy services are also provided.

Employment

Over the past decade, the number of job opportunities has nearly doubled to 36,000. Over the next ten years, it is expected to further grow to more than 53,000. Kapolei is also growing to be the second urban centre of Oahu, which would only open up more employment opportunities.

Education

Kapolei provides quality school education. Kapolei High School is the region’s newest high school, with its first class graduating in 2004. Campbell High School is one of Hawaii’s schools renowned for its high academic achievements. It was the first to be accredited with the International Baccalaureate (IB).  The number of private schools is small, but is growing. Post- secondary education is provided at UH West Oahu, Leeward Community College, and The University of Phoenix.

Lifestyle

Kapolei is a growing urban area. It is also a popular tourist spot. This combination is responsible for the fast-paced but fun lifestyle of its residents. As of 2002, the median income of the residents was reportedly $62,303, second in the island of Oahu. The residents thus experience a quality standard of living, but give great importance to education.