Kapolei Overview: All About Kapolei, Oahu’s Second City

Nicknamed Oahu’s Second City, people are flocking to Kapolei. Why? An ABUNDANCE of amenities and delights! Kapolei is quickly becoming the urban center of West Oahu and rapid growth is part of the plan. I live here myself, so I am probably a little biased, but what a terrific place to call home! I chose to move to Kapolei because it really did have everything a town could offer that I was looking for.

Located on the leeward (west) coast of Oahu, Kapolei is about 15 minutes from Pearl Harbor, 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport, and 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu. Kapolei is also home to Barbers Point Naval Air Station. Don’t let our country address fool you (and, yes, we are considered country by city folks!), there is plenty to do here.

In the coming months, I will zero in on specific places in Kapolei that, hopefully, will interest you. Today, you get the whole enchilada! A broad perspective of the bounty that is Kapolei.

Town Center

Despite its growth, city architects put their thinking caps on before they built. Kapolei is fashioned to have a small town feel and it works…brilliantly. Built around a huge park “town square,” the government and shopping centers are all new with clean lines and beautifully designed, as are the schools. The building structures are consistent in their style, so its quite appealing to the eye. It all adds up to a quaint and charming atmosphere.

Housing

Kapolei is building! And building! And building! The construction industry here is booming. This is one of the only places in the state where new subdivision construction is steady, strong, and constant.

At this moment, 2 single family residence subdivisions and at least 3 town home/condominium subdivisions are in construction and being released in phases. Some of the developers currently building here are D.R. Horton and Castle & Cook. Mortgage rates are down and demand is solid! That, my friends, is the sign of a strong economy.

Shopping

Wow! You really don’t need leave town to shop unless you are looking for a specialty store. Kapolei has it all: Costco, brand new WalMart, KMart, Sports Authority, Ross, Down to Earth Foods, Home Depot, Ace, Office Max, Safeway, Longs, Foodland (under construction) and dozens of smaller boutique style shops as well as smaller chains one would expect like Radio Shack, Napa, Supercuts, Fun Factory, UPS among them. Talks are ongoing regarding construction of one of the largest malls in the state on Kapolei’s south side.

Dining

As one would expect, we have every fast food joint imaginable, including popular local plate lunch spots like L&L BBQ, Blazin’ Steaks, plenty of noodle house and pho haunts too. Larger dine in franchises include Chili’s and Outback.

Eh, so we could use a few more, but we are growing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a California Pizza Kitchen sometime soon! When it comes to fine dining, you also have many choices: notably Roys, Chuck’s Steakhouse, and Ama’ Ama at Ko’Olina and Assaggio.

Education

I proudly send my daughter to attend Kapolei High School. This school district is considered to be one of the best public school districts on the island. Kapolei Middle School is almost right next door and several Elementary schools to choose from. University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus is currently under construction and scheduled to open in fall of 2012.

Recreation

So much to do here! Terrific beaches to choose from at Ko’Olina Resort or White Plains, Hawaii Wet’n Wild is located in Kapolei, the newly opened Kroc Center (funded in trust by the widow of the founder of McDonalds) is an outstanding facility with several pools, gym, banquet facility, exercise and rec classes. 

Luau’s – take your pick, we got ’em! Surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, sailing, hiking, biking, go-kart racing, outrigger paddling, zumba, jazzersize, bowling, movie theatres, its all good in Kapolei. GOLF! Did I mention GOLF!  Several courses to choose from for your savvy golfer from the resort courses to local Country Clubs

Accommodations

(Rubs hands together) Now you’re talking. Kapolei is home to the celebrated Ko’Olina Resort. For those seeking Oahu luxury with no crowds, yet still have easy and quick access to Honolulu, Ko’Olina is deliverance.

Several hotel properties onsite, including JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, Ko’Olina Beach Villas Resort and the newly opened The Aulani Disney Resort and Spa, it simply gets no better than this. We have some serious competition resort-wise people! Ko’Olina is the perfect answer to those who want an Oahu and Honolulu feel without the madness that is Waikiki.

Another Little Gem About Kapolei

This is where the Honolulu Rail Transit system originates! Construction has begun and Phase One to Aloha Stadium is scheduled for completion in 2015. Two more phases all the way to Ala Moana Mall are due for completion in 2017 and 2019. Safe, speedy, and clean travel straight into Honolulu. No traffic!

With a little something for everyone, Kapolei delivers. Westward HO my friends! Meet me in Kapolei!