For decades, central Oahu was agricultural country. But in the 1970’s
and 80’s, when sugar started to fail as a viable crop, real estate
development took hold, waking up this sleepy part of Oahu and offering
new families the chance to buy their own homes. Waikele and Waipio rest
on slightly elevated land, offering vast views all the way from Diamond
Head to the Waianae Mountains. These are communities of beautifully
designed homes, townhomes and condos in lower to middle price ranges,
with a nice selection of affordable rentals as well.
The community of Waikele is built around gently
curving, tree-lined streets, beautiful Waikele Golf Course, and Oahu’s
leading premium factory outlet center. The 50 discount outlets, shops
and restaurants of Waikele Shopping Center include such celebrated names
as Donna Karen, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anne Klein, Brooks
Brothers and Banana Republic.
The Waipio Peninsula is the site of the City and
County of Honolulu’s Waipio Soccer Complex, providing playing fields for
23,000 local youngsters.
Waipahu has undergone several transformations over
the years, from fishing village to wetland farming area to sugar town.
Part of the community’s rich and colorful history can be viewed in the
50-acre Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, a must-see attraction. Visitors
are able to experience what life was like from 1850 to 1930 in the
park’s Hawaii Plantation Village.