The quiet, culturally rich town of Kaneohe is nestled between the magnificent Ko’olau mountain range and Kaneohe Bay. Although Kaneohe is the largest town on O’ahu’s windward side, the enclave surrounded by mountains and the sea reflects the intimate native Hawaiian way of life. For a day of relaxation at Kaneohe Bay, go fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking to Coconut Island, or boating to the famed sandbar. Hike in the mountains, golf alongside the lake, observe waterfalls, or look for a rainbow after a rainstorm.

In Hawaiian, Kaneohe means “bamboo man,” based on a fable about a wife who compared her harsh husband to the cutting edge of a bamboo knife. For early occupants, the Kaneohe ahupua’a, or area, produced an abundance of agriculture. Hawaiians created unique fishponds along Kaneohe Bay, bringing a variety of fish to their diets. Taro, bananas, breadfruit, and other crops were produced in the rich soils. 

The vast fields of Kaneohe began to change into residential properties after World War II, with a boom in demand for homes and the fall of economic stability. When the Pali Highway was built in 1962, more residents relocated to the windward side of the island, forming the quaint town of Kaneohe that exists today.

The H-3, the Pali, and the Likelike all pass through the mountains, making Kaneohe a convenient commute to Honolulu or Kapolei. On the Mokapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Base Hawaii is located, making Kaneohe a great area for military personnel.