Glass framed skyscrapers reflect the boldly colored blue of the Pacific Ocean by day and a light-filled cityscape at night. Palm trees sway and the fragrant scent of Plumeria flowers is carried by the breeze. This is what living in Honolulu on Oahu is like. Tempted to make the move yet? Here are six more reasons to pull up the stakes and move to paradise.
Bye, Bye Snow, Hello Sun
Just think about it, no shoveling snow, no dressing up like the Michelin man to run errands and no driving to work on roads that sometimes resemble skating rinks. Though it does rain a lot in some parts of Oahu, such as the North Shore, Honolulu is on the drier side of the island. It’s hot and sunny most of the year, perfect for hitting the nearby beaches or relaxing on your lanai. Though the traffic gets a little crazy at times, you won’t find yourself digging out of a snowbank.
Waikiki Beach
Burning Calories is a Lot More Fun when living in Honolulu
Traditional gyms do exist, but somehow burning calories seems a lot more fun in the great outdoors. Hit one of the nearby beaches and learn to surf or paddleboard. Go horseback riding along the shore. Hike to the top of Koko Head crater for a panoramic view of your new home. Spend time in Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park picnicking on the grass or maybe strolling through the Honolulu Zoo. Head to Kailua Beach Park on the Windward side of Oahu and go windsurfing, kite surfing or kayaking. Take a horseback ride along the shore. Living in Honolulu allows for an amazing array of outdoor activities.
A Foodie Haven
When you live in Honolulu, you have unlimited food options. Thank goodness for all those calorie burning activities. One bite into a still-warm “malasada” and you’ll be in love. It’s like a donut without the hole, but better. Leonard’s Bakery near Waikiki started the malasadas craze back in 1952 and the sweet treat is an island favorite. Tasty traditional foods include kalua pig, roasted in an “imu” or underground oven and “lomi-lomi” salmon, fresh raw salmon, diced and mixed with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, salt and sometimes chili peppers. Grab a bite at one of the roving food trucks serving everything from fresh seafood with a Chinese twist to fish tacos. Or, head out to one of the hundreds of dine-in eateries in Honolulu, Waikiki or beyond. Don’t forget to try a Blue Hawaiian cocktail. It was, after all, invented at the Hilton Hawaiian Village back in 1957.
Lunch by Waikiki Beach
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Ala Moana Center, where the shopping mall craze started in Hawaii, is still one of the largest malls in the USA. The four-level property offers upscale merchandise from around the globe. The Waikiki area alone has the Waikiki Beach Walk, the International Marketplace and dozens of boutiques. Find even more malls in Kahala, Pearl City, and along the Windward coast. For something more low-keyed that features local goods and fun, try the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Marketplace in Aeia, northwest of Honolulu. It’s easy on the wallet and who knows what you’ll find.
Ala Moana Center
Aloha Fridays
The best part of living in Honolulu is the casual lifestyle. While on the mainland you can sometimes ditch the suit and tie on Casual Fridays, in Hawaii, even government officials often show up in colorful aloha shirts and leis. Some companies go all out on Aloha Fridays, allowing shorts and “slippas,” the Hawaiian word for “flip flops.” No harm in getting an early start to the weekend. Before you know it, it’ll be “pau hana” or quitting time and you’ll be relaxing with a cold one, anticipating that eye-popping sunset.
Hawaiian Sunset
Honolulu Real Estate
Honolulu has amazing real estate. Say bye to the ordinary, and hello to the extraordinary. You don’t even have to look far to find beautiful homes and condos. With the blue ocean at the edge of the city, many of the properties have spectacular ocean views. One of the newer neighborhoods is Kakaako. It’s a vibrant community located close to the ocean, shopping, the beach, and amenities. If you prefer a home, you have many options as well. Hawaii Loa Ridge, Manoa, Hawaii Kai, and the famous Kahala, all have beautiful real estate. There are so many options. From small condos to ultra luxury estates, you will find it all in Honolulu.
Symphony Honolulu in Kakaako
If living in Honolulu, Oahu is your dream, I look forward to hearing from you. Paradise awaits!
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For information on Oahu real estate, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kinga Mills RA, RS-75728
808-722-3985
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