Located between the suburban communities of Waipio and Waipahu and held down by the well-known Waikele Premium Outlets, the neighborhood of Waikele is a small and tight-knit area with historic roots. Waikele, which means “muddy water,” alludes to its former use as an ideal terrain for cultivating taro, a critical food staple for ancient Hawaiians. Following the union of the Hawaiian Islands, the capital of Oahu changed from Waipahu to Honolulu, and the central portion of the island gradually grew into the location of Hawaii’s largest sugarcane farm for nearly the entire twentieth century. Waikele has a population of slightly over 7,000 people, who live in a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and smaller gated communities.

Since its beginnings as a taro and then sugarcane farm, Waikele has grown enormously. Waikele evolved from a large expanse of farmland to a beautifully designed housing development catering mostly to families and couples wishing to age in a place such as Oahu. The Waikele Country Club, located in the heart of the neighborhood, contributes its aesthetic appeal to the entire Waikele community. Waikele’s plantation-era basis is reflected in the large, verdant swaths of land, sprawling palm and banyan trees along the roads, and lovely townhomes.

Waikele, which is mostly made up of townhomes, is recognized for its low-rise, plantation-style architecture situated among verdant hills and swaying palm trees. These single-family homes come in a variety of layouts, from split-level homes to multi-unit houses. The majority of the homes benefit from being adjacent to the local golf courses’ undulating greens and sprawling parks. The neighborhood not only retains its plantation-era charm, but it is also a diverse and well-designed community ideal for families wishing to relocate or start a family in paradise.