Protected by a large barrier reef, Kane'ohe, or "bamboo man" as it translates in Hawaiian, is the second largest windward city in Hawaii comparable in size to neighboring Kailua. Small islands such as Moku Loe, known as "Coconut Island", dot Kane'ohe Bay and add to the island ambiance of the relaxed community life. The area's natural beauty is reflected in the crystal clear waters of the bay and found in-town at the Ho'omaluhia Regional Park, a park complete with lush botanical gardens that sits in the heart of Kane'ohe. Other nearby sites include Valley of the Temples, a sacred, universal faith cemetery, and Haiku Gardens donned with spring-fed lily ponds, a bamboo grove, flowers, fruits, ornamental trees, and a grass shack for weddings. A restaurant and a few quiet condos connected by grass pathways sit near Haiku Gardens, which is home to those seeking a specifically unique style of life on Oahu. Abundant rainfall made Kane'ohe an important agricultural site in ancient Hawaii and has helped sustain a vibrantly green setting. Today however, bananas are the only remaining agricultural endeavor within the area leaving the Hawaii Marine Corps Base as the major contributor to the Kane'ohe economy. As a transportation hub linking the rest of the island with Oahu's windward side, Kane'ohe enjoys direct access to Interstate H-3, and Pali and Likelike Highways giving residents the freedom to work or attend school on the island's south side while still making it possible for them to live amidst one of most picturesque Oahu communities accented by its humbling mountainous backdrop. An enhanced infrastructure has welcomed the establishment of the Windward Community College and Hawaii Pacific University's Windward campus, and has led to an influx of small, younger families in the area. Coupled with a steady job growth of 5.38% over the last six years, Kane'ohe condominium developments have proven healthy according to recent reports. In fact, Kane'ohe condo Average Price in Escrow with Just Accepted Offer % (ACS) is at 31% while the rest of the island sits at 21%. With a close disparity between the Average For Sale Price at $423,792 and the ACS at $416,745 in mid-July, the Kane'ohe condo market promotes strength for Sellers, even in a Buyers' Market, due to a high demand and tight inventory (Honolulu Advertiser, 7/15/07). On the other hand, experts may argue the upper-hand goes to the Buyers in the Kane'ohe condo market, thanks of the distinctive wonders the area offers in both sea- and mountain-side living. |
