Wahiawa, Hawaii | The Ultimate Neighborhood & Real Estate Guide

Posted by Koa Cassady on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 3:06:13 PM By Koa Cassady / May 9, 2023 Comment

Wahiawa, meaning "place of noise" in Hawaiian, is a small, historic town located in the central part of Oahu, surrounded by Lake Wilson and the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges. It is known for its cooler climate, lush scenery, and rich military history.

Wahiawa's weather is cooler and wetter compared to other parts of Oahu, with more rainfall and temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 70s year-round. This is one of the few neighborhoods on Oahu where you'll actually find fireplaces in the homes.

Wahiawa is famous for its scenic beauty, agricultural history, and strong military presence. The town is home to Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield, which play crucial roles in the defense of the United States.

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Where is Wahiawa Located

Wahiawa is situated approximately:

21 miles (40-45 minutes) from Honolulu International Airport
24 miles (45-50 minutes) from Waikiki Beach
15 miles (25-30 minutes) from North Shore beaches
5 miles (10-15 minutes) from Schofield Barracks
6 miles (10-15 minutes) from Wheeler Army Airfield

During rush hour, these commute times may increase significantly.

What it's like to live in Wahiawa

Living in Wahiawa provides residents with a small-town atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and a strong sense of community. Surrounded by natural beauty and with a rich military history, Wahiawa offers a unique island experience with a diverse cultural mix.

Things to do in Wahiawa

Wahiawa offers numerous recreational activities, including:

Visiting Dole Plantation, a popular tourist attraction featuring a pineapple maze, train ride, and plantation garden tour.
Exploring Lake Wilson (Wahiawa Reservoir) for fishing, kayaking, or picnicking.
Head to the some of Oahu's best beaches on the North Shore and stop in to eat at iconic Haleiwa Town!

Popular Restaurants in Wahiawa

Some popular restaurants in Wahiawa include:

Kiani's Original Guava Chicken: Serving delicious guava chicken and local Hawaiian favorites.
Dot's Inn: A family-owned restaurant offering local-style comfort food and live entertainment.
Sunny Side Bakery: A local bakery known for its malasadas, poi-glazed donuts, and other sweet treats.
El Palenque: The BEST Mexican restaurant on Oahu in my opinion. A small hole in the wall venue but our favorite by far.

Real Estate in Wahiawa

Wahiawa's real estate market offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, with a median home value lower than the Oahu average. Most of the homes for sale in Wahiawa exhibit vintage plantation style construction on post and pier foundations. Buyers searching for Wahiawa homes for sale generally appreciate the more affordable prices, quieter lifestyle, the cooler, rainier climate, or the larger lot sizes compared to nearby Mililani.

Best Places to Live in Wahiawa:

Whitmore Village: A family-friendly neighborhood just north of Wahiawa, closer to Haleiwa.
Wahiawa Heights: A quiet residential area with a mix of older and newer homes. Larger lot sizes and one of the coolest(temperature wise) neigborhoods on Oahu.

How does Wahiawa compare to border towns: Mililani and Waialua

Wahiawa shares some similarities with its border towns Mililani and Waialua, such as a small-town atmosphere and a strong sense of community. However, Wahiawa has a more significant military presence due to its proximity to Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. It also experiences cooler temperatures and more rainfall compared to Mililani and Waialua.

Q&A for Wahiawa

What is Wahiawa known for? Wahiawa is known for its scenic beauty, agricultural history, and strong military presence, being home to Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield.

How safe is Wahiawa? Wahiawa is considered a relatively safe town. However, like any other place, it is essential to take standard safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

How many native Hawaiians live in Wahiawa? Exact numbers may vary, but Wahiawa has a diverse population that includes Native Hawaiians and other ethnic groups.

What does Wahiawa mean in Hawaiian? Wahiawa means "place of noise" in Hawaiian.

What are the issues in Wahiawa? Some common issues faced in Wahiawa include traffic congestion, homelessness, and a lack of affordable housing.

What is it like to live in Wahiawa, Hawaii? Living in Wahiawa provides residents with a small-town atmosphere, cooler temperatures, a strong sense of community, and a rich military history.

Is Wahiawa, Hawaii a good place to live? Wahiawa can be a great place to live for those who appreciate a small-town atmosphere, cooler weather, and a strong sense of community.

Is Wahiawa rural or urban? Wahiawa is considered more of a rural town, with a small-town atmosphere and a close-knit community.

Schools in Wahiawa

Wahiawa is served by the Hawaii Department of Education, with several public schools in the area, including Wahiawa Elementary School, Wahiawa Middle School, and Leilehua High School.