Kaneohe
Kaneohe is a bayfront community that backs up to the Koolau Mountains. Residents often enjoy spectacular views of mountain waterfalls plus panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay.
Kaneohe Bay is the largest protected bay in the Hawaiian island chain. The barrier reef that protects the bay shelters a wide variety of acquatic wildlife and is a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. Baby hammerheads can often be seen in the shallows during pupping season and large Hawaiian green sea turtles can be seen swimming throughout the bay. The bay is also home to Coconut Island where the opening scene from the TV show, Gilligan's Island, was filmed. The University of Hawaii maintains a marine research facility on the island. A giant sandbar in the middle of the bay is a popular spot for locals and tourists to anchor, snorkel, and hang out.
Kaneohe Bay is a popular area for boating. Kaneohe Yacht Club offers boat slips, dry boat storage for members of the club, and has amenities including a bar, dining area, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Digging Hill and Hamama Falls are popular hikes in Kaneohe and attractions include the Byodo-In Temple and Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens.
Kaneohe is home to Windward Shopping Mall with Macy's as an anchor tenant, Regal Theatres, numerous smaller stores, and both local and chain dining options. Haliewa Joe's, Waiahole Poi Factory, and Chao Phya Tai Restaurants are some local dining favorites and Dean's Drive Inn was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Since the completion of H-3, Kaneohe residents have easy access to three major roads into Honolulu's business districts and to military bases located in Kaneohe and Pearl Harbor. The Pali, Likelike, and H-3 allow for comparatively easy and shorter commute times that attract many professionals, military members, and defense contractors to this active community.
The dominant trade winds keep Kaneohe cooler throughout most of the year compared to the Leeward Side of Oahu and it receives more rain that most Oahu neighborhoods due to its exposure to the trade winds plus its proximity to the Koolau Mountain range. Residents rarely need to water their grass and plants for their landscaping to thrive.