I can honestly say that I have never experienced island fever while living on Oahu. The island has everything that anyone would need for day to day living, and then some. If we don’t have it, then we can order to get it shipped in. Island fever is a concept where people feel disconnected from the mainland and the fear of being surrounded by water on all sides. People fear that they can’t drive far, yet millions of people nationwide don’t drive past their work on a day to day schedule anyway. It’s an unnecessary fear in my opinion, especially on Oahu where we have everything and a busy airport to take us anywhere we choose to go.
One of many beautiful ocean views on Oahu.
Island Paradise – Living The Dream
Every day people dream of living on a deserted island surrounded by palm trees, a blue ocean, and coconuts. While that dream is nice, a few hours in the sun would turn this into a living nightmare. The sunscreen would run out, husking coconuts for water would get old, and sleeping on an uncomfortable bed would soon drive everyone crazy. Island fever would be so real in this situation. We are accustomed to modern conveniences whether we like to admit to it or not. Island life is amazing when we can combine the paradise aspect of the dream with our modern way of life, and Oahu offers just that.
Keeping Island Fever Away – Benefits of Living on Oahu
There are approximately a million residents on Oahu, with half living in Honolulu, and the rest of the population residing in various communities through the island: Kailua, Kaneohe, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and many more. Living a normal life allows local residents to experience island life without getting island fever. The added benefit is that Oahu is still very much an island, with pristine beaches, coconut trees, and all serene spaces. A combination like no other. It truly is paradise!
1. Beaches
While the North Shore is famous for its high surf and Waikiki Beach for its views, there are many tropical places to enjoy on Oahu. From city beaches, pristine secluded coves, to the Kaneohe Sandbar, Oahu residents can enjoy a day at the beach at any time.
Halona Beach Cover, commonly known as Eternity Beach on Oahu.
2. Weather
The weather on Oahu is what so many people love about it; it’s near perfect. Oahu daytime weather is typically in the high 70s to mid-80s, with slight variations at night. With light trades blowing, Oahu weather never feels too hot, and it rarely gets cold. It’s just comfortable.
3. Real Estate
There are so many choices when it comes to Oahu real estate. Depending on the lifestyle choice, buyers can live in urban condos, comfortable homes, or enjoy a beachy lifestyle. Oahu offers many picturesque residential areas, beautiful condos with pools, and a fun waterfront lifestyle. Oahu neighborhoods are comfortable and convenient places to live in. They allow residents to live a life that best fits their lifestyle.
4. Shopping
The shopping on Oahu is the best in all of Hawaii. Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu is one of the largest malls in the US. Kamaka Na Ali’i Mall is the newest addition to a growing community in Kapolei. The new International Market Place has been a welcome addition to Waikiki, and Pearlidge Center offers convenient shopping for residents of central Oahu.
There are 4 Costco locations, 14 Safeway locations, 16 Foodland Locations including one at Ala Moana Center, 3 Whole Foods locations with the largest one in at Ward Village in Kakaako.
Oahu offers hundreds of stores throughout the island, including several big box stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, and many others. Island fever is far from the minds of residents. Daily life is in full swing on Oahu!
5. Airport
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the largest airport in Hawaii, allows hundreds of thousands of people to fly to and from Oahu on an annual basis. For anyone needing a break, it’s easy to go anywhere, even for the weekend to another island.
6. Hospitals & Medical
Adult or pediatric care, Oahu hospitals, including VA, have you covered. Individuals who want or need medical care can feel safe knowing that help is close by. Living in paradise and knowing that medical care is readily available, is an added advantage.
7. Honolulu Harbor
Honolulu Harbor is the main port of entry for goods entering the Hawaiian Islands. Merchandise, food, and supplies are continuously delivered to Oahu.
Honolulu Harbor as seen through the kitchen window at The Collection condos.
8. Hotels & Restaurants
Everyone needs a break from time to time. It’s not about living on an island or experiencing island fever. So what better way to relax than to plan a dinner out or to plan a staycation? Restaurants that offer local and international cuisine are plentiful on Oahu. So are hotels that offer kama’aina rates to local guests. Going on a Hawaii stacation is easy.
9. Government
Day to day living requires government services. Transportation, police, planning, construction, government offices, etc, keep things running. The benefit is that the majority of these statewide services are located on Oahu. Military bases are spread out across Oahu as well, with military personnel PCSing to Oahu throughout the year.
10. Choice of Schools
Public and private education is available for children who grow up on Oahu. It’s not always easy to secure a spot in private schools, and it’s not cheap, but for parents who want to have as many choices as possible in Hawaii, Oahu is the island to be on. The University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and Kapiolani Community College are all on Oahu as well.
Ala Wai Marina in Waikiki.
Since Oahu has so much to offer, it’s never boring. We have so much available to us that island fever should not be an issue. With hundreds of restaurants, amenities, and beautiful residential areas, life on Oahu is very diverse and fun.
For more information on Oahu real estate, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
If you would like to appear on our popular “Hawaii Life” TV show on HGTV as you are purchasing your new home or condo, check out the casting opportunity.
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