Top Neighborhoods
Kaneohe isn't just one place—it's a collection of microclimates and lifestyles where the wrong choice means a 20-minute drive for decent coffee or a lifetime of traffic on Likelike Highway. Choosing the right pocket is critical.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Kaneohe CDP
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaneohe Bayfront | Coastal luxury, quiet | $2,800-$3,500 | Families, military officers | ~45 |
| Windward City | Urban convenience, busy | $1,900-$2,400 | Young professionals, commuters | ~65 |
| Heeia | Suburban, local feel | $2,200-$2,800 | Families, space seekers | ~35 |
| Kaneohe Town | Historic, community-focused | $1,700-$2,200 | Budget-conscious locals | ~55 |
| Maunawili | Rural, upscale | $3,000-$4,000 | Wealthy families, privacy | ~25 |
Kaneohe Bayfront
Overview: This is the postcard version of Kaneohe—homes clinging to the Koolau cliffs with direct views of the bay. The area around Kaneohe Bay Drive and Kamehameha Highway feels removed from the rest of Oahu, but it's a straight shot to base access.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $2,800 - $3,500/mo (2BR) | $3,500 - $4,500/mo (3BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $1.2M - $1.5M
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to Marine Corps Base Hawaii | 25 min to Honolulu (no traffic)
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent, but walkable to the bay)
Local Intel: The wind here is brutal in the afternoons—factor that into any outdoor space. Hurricane season means insurance premiums are double the island average. The Kaneohe Bay yacht club is the social hub, but you need a sponsor to get in.
Who Thrives Here: Military families with BAH allowances and retirees who want the "Old Hawaii" feel without tourist traffic.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Lowest crime rates in the CDP (violent crime: 89/100k)
- ✅ Unbeatable bay views and access to Kaneohe Bay for boating
- ❌ Zero walkability—every errand requires a car
- ❌ Likelike Highway gets gridlocked during morning base changeover (7-8 AM)
Schools: Hawaii Department of Education, Windward District. Kaneohe Elementary is above average (8/10 GreatSchools), but high school options are average.
The Verdict: Move here if you have a stable military income and want scenery over convenience. Avoid if you're a civilian commuter to Honolulu or need walkable amenities.
Windward City
Overview: The "downtown" of Kaneohe—centered around the Windward City Shopping Center and the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Kahekili Highway. This is where the action is, for better or worse.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,900 - $2,400/mo (1BR) | $2,400 - $2,900/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $850k - $950k
- 🚗 Commute: 20 min to Honolulu | 10 min to Kaneohe Bay base
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Most errands doable on foot)
Local Intel: Kahekili Highway is a nightmare during rush hour—add 10 minutes to any commute after 3 PM. The Foodland here is open 24/7 and has the best poke selection on the windward side. Parking at Windward City Shopping Center is a blood sport on weekends.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals who work from home and want access to restaurants without the Waikiki price tag.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best restaurant density: Keneke's Plate Lunch, Paradise Cove Luau nearby
- ✅ Walkable to Longs, Safeway, and multiple banks
- ❌ Traffic noise from Kahekili Highway is constant
- ❌ Higher property crime around the shopping center (package theft is common)
Schools: Windward City is zoned for Castle High, which is average (5/10 GreatSchools). King Intermediate is decent.
The Verdict: Perfect for remote workers who want urban amenities in a suburban shell. Skip it if you need peace and quiet or have kids you want walking to school.
Heeia
Overview: The "other side" of Kaneohe—past the airport, toward the fishponds and the Keaau peninsula. Feels like a separate town, with more affordable housing and a tight-knit local community.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $2,200 - $2,800/mo (2BR) | $2,800 - $3,400/mo (3BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $950k - $1.1M
- 🚗 Commute: 30 min to Honolulu | 15 min to Kaneohe Bay base
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent, but close to Heeia State Park)
Local Intel: The Heeia Fish Pond is a hidden gem—great for sunrise walks and community events. The road to the Keaau peninsula floods during king tides. There's only one real grocery store (Malama Market), and it closes early.
Who Thrives Here: Families who want larger lots and don't mind driving 15 minutes for "city" amenities. People who fish or boat.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ More house for the money—lots are 10,000+ sq ft
- ✅ Closest access to Heeia State Park and the North Shore via the Pali Highway
- ❌ Limited dining options—mostly plate lunch spots and food trucks
- ❌ Pali Highway closure risk during storms (only one real route out)
Schools: Heeia Elementary is solid (7/10), but the area feeds into Castle High, which is average at best.
The Verdict: Ideal for buyers who prioritize space and outdoor access over convenience. Not for city lovers or those who hate driving.
Kaneohe Town
Overview: The historic heart of Kaneohe—centered around the old shopping center and the post office. This is where multi-generational families live and where rent is still (somewhat) reasonable.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,700 - $2,200/mo (1BR) | $2,100 - $2,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $750k - $850k
- 🚗 Commute: 25 min to Honolulu | 12 min to Kaneohe Bay base
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Walkable to the post office and some shops)
Local Intel: The Kaneohe Town Bakery is the morning meeting spot—get there before 8 AM or the malasadas are gone. Parking is a nightmare during the monthly town clean-up day. The community center hosts legitimate cultural events, not touristy stuff.
Who Thrives Here: Locals who grew up here, young families with help from grandparents, and budget-conscious renters who want to live in Kaneohe proper.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable rents in the CDP for true Kaneohe location
- ✅ Strong community ties—everyone knows everyone
- ❌ Older housing stock (1960s-70s) means maintenance issues
- ❌ Can feel "stuck in time" if you're used to mainland amenities
Schools: Kaneohe Elementary is good (8/10), but the area is zoned for Kailua High, which is above average (7/10).
The Verdict: Move here for community and affordability, not modern amenities. Avoid if you want new construction or anonymity.
Maunawili
Overview: The "hidden" neighborhood—up the hill from Kaneohe, past the golf course. Large estates, horse property, and the feeling of being in the country while still being 20 minutes from everything.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $3,000 - $4,000/mo (3BR house) | Rarely available
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $1.5M - $2.2M
- 🚗 Commute: 25 min to Honolulu | 15 min to Kaneohe Bay base
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~25 (You drive everywhere)
Local Intel: The Maunawili Falls trail is the neighborhood's secret (not so secret anymore)—parking is restricted to residents only on weekends. The golf course is private, but residents get discounted memberships. Cell service is spotty in the valleys.
Who Thrives Here: Wealthy families who want space for horses or a pool, and don't mind the isolation. People who work from home and don't need daily errand runs.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Largest properties in Kaneohe CDP (half-acre minimums)
- ✅ Quiet, rural feel with no through traffic
- ❌ Zero walkability—every single errand is a drive
- ❌ Limited emergency services (longer response times)
Schools: Part of the Kailua complex, which is strong. Kailua High is 7/10, and there are good private options nearby.
The Verdict: Perfect for high-income buyers who value privacy over convenience. Not for anyone who needs to be near transit, restaurants, or community hubs.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Windward City is the clear winner—you'll have the shortest commute to Honolulu, actual walkability, and a social scene. Just avoid Kahekili Highway-facing apartments.
For families with kids, Heeia offers the best value and space, but be prepared for driving to everything. If budget allows, Kaneohe Bayfront has the best schools and lowest crime.
For retirees or remote workers, Maunawili provides the peace and property you want, but test drive the Pali Highway during rush hour before committing.
Traffic reality check: The Pali Highway closes 10-15 times per year for maintenance or accidents. Always have a backup route through Likelike or H-3, and add 15 minutes to any "critical" commute. The "reverse commute" from Kaneohe to Honolulu is actually easier than the opposite—if you can swing a remote/hybrid schedule, do it.