Epic Hawaii Homes

When people think about traveling to and adventuring through Oahu, the first sights that usually come to mind are Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, the North Shore of Oahu, and all the glorious beaches. When people live on Oahu, they quickly realize that West Oahu is a Hawaii gem in it’s own right!

West Oahu’s coastline is decorated with a handful of the most beautiful Hawaii beaches from Iroquois Point all the way to the North Western tip of Ka’ena Point State Park. Throughout West Oahu, there’s also a huge array of incredible neighborhoods with Old Hawaii planation-style homes, newly built homes, townhouses, and fantastic resort-style properties. For Oahu real estate, opportunity knocks in areas like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, Mililani, Waikele, Ko Olina, Waianae, Makaha, and more.

One of the greatest advantages of living in West Oahu are the daily life conveniences that support an active, healthy, fun, and inspiring island lifestyle. Whether you’ve just moved to Oahu, or if you’re a longtime resident, please enjoy this list of the Best Things To Do in West Oahu.

Eat & Explore Restaurants

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Tina Marie Garcia

Across the globe, and no matter where you find yourself, exploring restaurants and local cuisine is a favorite past-time. One of the best things about adventuring through Hawaii’s restaurants and cafe’s is the food diversity.

Oahu restaurants fill their menus with locally grown, sustainable, and Hawaii-made ingredients and products. From delicious island produce to tropical fruits, freshly caught seafood to free range meats, all will find West Oahu restaurants that they love. In West Oahu, residents can enjoy dining at large chain establishments, locally owned eateries and cafe’s, and incredible Hawaii based Pacific Rim restaurants.

Favorite West Oahu Restaurants:

Kapolei– Limon Rotisserie, Plantation Tavern, Assaggio, Brick Oven Pizza, Takumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, Aloha Salads, Down to Earth, La Tour Cafe, Ono Steak & Shrimp, Koa Pancake House, Da Cove Health Bar, Johnny Rockets

Ewa Beach– Royal Thai Garden, Ono Thai, Saito & Pho, Buffalo Wild Wings, Bangkok Chef, Daiichi Ramen, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Ko Olina– Monkeypod Kitchen, Roy’s, Mina’s Fish House, Ama Ama, Off The Hook, Makahiki, Little Opihi

Waikele– Mod Pizza, Waikele Country Club Restaurant, Quick Thai, Genki Sushi, Restaurant Kunio

Mililani– The Shack, Assaggio, Wingstop, Ba-Le Sandwich Shop, Rajanee Thai Cuisine, Sakura, Poke Stop, Rise and Shine Cafe

Waianae– Kahumana Organic Farms Cafe, Coquito’s Latin Cuisine, Beach House by 604, Aloha Poke, Sun Sushi, Spinners Cafe

Go Shopping with Friends

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Waikele Premium Outlets

If you’re looking for great shopping on Oahu, you do not need to head to Town! Honestly, West Oahu is probably one of the very best places to shop in all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Throughout the area, you can enjoy shopping at boutiques, shopping malls, big chain stores, and even outlet stores. If you’re looking for fashion, head to the newly built Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center, Pearl Ridge, or the Premium Outlets in Waikele.

Besides large shopping centers, there’s also an abundance of smaller outdoor shopping malls like Kapolei Village Center, Kapolei Commons, Kapolei Marketplace, and Ko Olina Center. You can find everything under the sun including clothing, beauty, home accessories, appliances, furniture, and grocery stores.

In the past 5+ years, Kapolei has become a real hub for all sorts of shopping with additions like the new Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center, Costco, Target, Ross, T.J. Maxx, Pier 1, Marshalls, Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty Supply, Petco, and more.

One thing is for sure, shopping in West Oahu is super convenient and fun!

Biggest West Shopping Centers:

Take a Hike

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Jeremy Bishop

Whether you’re visiting or living on Oahu, one of the hands-down-best-things-to-do is to go hiking. Throughout the Island of Oahu, there’s an incredible array of hiking trails– from mild to adventurous. A common misconception about hiking is that it’s always strenuous. In fact, many Oahu hikes are more like a trail walk.

When hiking in West Oahu, you can hike along the coastline, find scenic vistas, enjoy tropical scenery, and see wildlife. Without a doubt, hiking in Hawaii is always a rewarding, magical, and inspiring experience!

Although hiking boots are not always necessary when hiking through Oahu, a pair of sneakers with tread is highly recommended. Wherever you choose to hike in Hawaii, always remember to hike with a buddy, check the weather, where sturdy shoes, bring water, and sun protection. Safety should be your #1 priority.

Incredible West Oahu Hikes:

Ka’ena Point Trail
Ka’ala Hiking Trail
Kealia Trail
Kolekole Hike
Waimano Valley Ridge Trail
Maili & Westside Pillboxes

For more information about hiking in West Oahu, visit All Trails

Beach Hopping

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Britta Harris

Well, this is an obvious point…

Whether you live on Oahu part-time, full-time, or just visiting – Go to all the beaches! Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, gorgeous beaches decorate the coastlines. Truly, it’s amazing. On Oahu, you’ll find an array of beaches that differ from the rest. Surfing beaches, snorkeling beaches, beaches that are perfect for a sunset stroll, and more.

No matter your purpose, there’s a beach in West Oahu that’s perfect for all and any occasion. One of the coolest things about beach hopping in West Oahu is that there’s a variety for all activities: sunbathing, a picnic, surfing, surf lessons, playing with kids in the sand, picking shells, and more. Enjoy!

For a full list of West Oahu beaches, and to learn about specific amenities particular to each (lifeguards, restrooms, showers, BBQ pits, parking, water sports equipment rentals, etc), please visit Go Hawaii

Fitness & Working Out

Photo courtesy of Facebook/24 Hour Fitness-Kapolei

On Oahu, spending time outdoors is a given. With the warm Hawaiian sunshine, and plentiful land and ocean activities, a dose of Vitamin D and a need for a healthy lifestyle is naturally encouraged.

Working out in Hawaii is fun with access to year round activities like water sports, hiking, yoga, dance, boxing, running, cycling, and more. There is no lack of fitness opportunities– so, if you’re craving health and wellness, integrate a sport or the gym into a consistent routine. It’s fun, and it’s a great way to meet new friends and promote an active lifestyle in your family.

Top West Oahu Fitness Centers:

Staycation at Ko Olina Resort

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Ko Olina Resort

Ko Olina is located just North of Kapolei on the West Oahu coastline. Here is where you’ll find gorgeous properties (homes and townhouses), fantastic resorts, shopping, restaurants, ocean activities, golfing, boating, and beach life at Ko Olina’s oceanfront lagoons.

Treat yourself to a staycation in paradise at Ko Olina! Take your family to Disney’s Aulani Resort for a few days, or book some time with your favorite friends for a relaxing spa or golf weekend.

If you’re a Hawaii resident, inquire about kama’aina (local HI resident) discounts. If you’re a military family, look into special military rates. Don’t forget to hashtag #luckywelivehawaii where you’re poolside! There’s nothing like a staycation in Hawaii…

For more information about Ko Olina, go here

Get Pampered & Relax

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Kris Atomic

Life can get busy, and sometimes we forget to treat ourselves and make the time for self care. West Oahu offers plenty of opportunities for pampering at a variety of health and wellness business. Find massage studios, acupuncture professionals, meditation and yoga classes, nail and hair salons, medical aesthetics, estheticians, and so much more.

A Few Places to Get Pampered and Relax in West Oahu:

Tiffany’s Nail Salon
Kapolei Mehana Salon
Envy Eyes & Wax
Color Box Hair Studio
Massage Envy Kapolei
Amita Holistic Spa
Kapolei Massage Institute
Core Power Yoga
Hot Yoga Kapolei
Pua Mana MedSpa
Hoala Salon & Spa
Royal Thai Massage & Spa

More Fun Things To Do in West Oahu

Throughout West Oahu, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy from the land to the sea!

No matter the weather, you can also catch a flick at a movie theater, take your kids to the indoor I-Trampoline Park, or head to Wet N’ Wild Hawaii for a fun day in the sun with waterslides, floating lagoons, and more family-friendly activities. West Oahu residents can also find restaurants that offer daily dinner music with local musicians, Hawaiian culture, concerts, sports games, and daily sunsets.

Living in Hawaii is a dream come true, and offers the opportunity to find inspiration, relaxation, and health on a daily basis. Love the life you live, get outside, enjoy nature, and find your community!

For more information about West Oahu resources, and things to do, check out the rest of my blog articles here. Mahalo for reading!

Welcome back to the Epic Hawaii Real Estate Blog! There’s always so many amazing things happening on Oahu, and here are my Top 10 Oahu Event picks for Fall 2019.

Whether you’ve lived on Oahu for years, or if you’ve just arrived on island and settling in, all of these events are super fun. Enjoy family-friendly events, food and wine festivals, fitness events, and networking…Enjoy!

photo courtesy of Facebook/Slow Food Oahu

September 8th- Slow Food Oahu Chinatown Moon Festival Tour & Lunch

Slow Food Oahu is doing a Chinatown Lunch Tour in celebration of the Fall Moon Harvest Festival. Here’s a great event for food lovers to enjoy. Explore Chinatown, learn more about Chinese history and culture on Oahu, shop in the markets, taste new foods, see temples, and more. The event features a two-hour walking tour, and lunch at one of Chinatown’s most incredible restaurants. Attendees will surely enjoy the 5-course family-style Chinese menu that includes Chinese Moon Festival dishes like roasted pork, chicken, and traditional Moon Cakes.

For more information, visit Eventbrite

photo courtesy of pixar.com

September 14th- Sunset on the Beach Movie Night Features “UP” at Kuhio Beach Park

Check out Sunset on the Beach Movie Night Featuring a special screening of “UP” at Kuhio Beach Park in Waikiki. Here’s a super fun family event for those looking for something to do with kids in Waikiki. These Oahu movie night events only happen a few times a year, so make sure to check it out. Attendees will watch “Up” on a 30-foot movie screen outdoors. Head to Waikiki for a beach day, and enjoy a picnic style movie night with your family and friends.

For more information, visit Sunset on the Beach

photo courtesy of Facebook/VegFest Oahu

September 21st- 2019 VegFest Oahu at Frank Fasi Grounds

The 2019 VegFest Oahu will be at Frank Fasi Grounds near the SkyGate sculpture. The annual event is always fun, and a full-on celebration of island-style, plant-based living. It’s a sustainable festival that features more that 50 education, food, and entertainment booths. Meet vegetarian and vegan chefs, local farmers, Oahu-made product vendors, and more. The event also features yoga classes, dance lessons, product samples, guest speakers, live music, and entertainment. Free entry and free parking!

For more information, visit VegFest Oahu

photo courtesy of Facebook/Republik

September 27th & 28th- Republik Music Festival at Waikiki Shell

Check out the 2-Day Republik Music Festival at the Waikiki Shell. On 9/27, guests can see Groundation, Matisyahu, and Tribal Seeds. On 9/28, the party continues with The Original Whalers, Trevor Hall, and Hawaii’s favorite… Steel Pulse! This are both ‘sure to be amazing’ concerts. Find tickets for both days, or one day tickets online. If you love those sweet reggae vibes, this is for you! Here’s a great event on Oahu to enjoy with your friends and family.

For more information, visit Republik or Blaisdell Center

photo courtesy of Facebook/Festa Italiana Hawaii

September 28th- 3rd Annual Festa Italiana in Kakaako

The 3rd Annual Festa Italiana is happening in Kakaako! If you love Italian culture, and Italian food, definitely check this street party out. The evening event will feature pizza, pasta, cheese, bread, gelato, and wine, of course! The event is ticketed, and only available to adults 21+. If you’re jonesing for a night out with your cool foodie friends, or looking to enjoy a date night with your main squeeze, here you go! Go online for tickets. Mangia mangiare!

For more information, visit Festa Italiana Hawaii

photo courtesy of Facebook/Honolulu Century Ride

September 29th- 38th Annual Honolulu Century Ride at Kapiolani Park- Diamond Head

The 38th Annual Honolulu Century Ride starts at Kapiolani Park, and heads to Diamond Head. For cyclists, and avid fitness folks, this is a fantastic event for fun, friendly competition, and training. The Honolulu Century Ride is the largest cycling event in all of Hawaii. It’s also a fundraiser for the Hawaii Bicycling League. The group is an advocate for cycling, education, training, and keeping Hawaii’s roadways safe. Participants can choose from 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile race courses, or check out the Honolulu Aloha Fun Ride which features a 5, 9, or 18 mile course. No matter what you choose, everyone will have a post-cycle fun day at Kapiolani Park with live music, food, and those sweet Oahu vibes!

For more information, visit Hawaii Bicycling League

photo courtesy of Facebook/Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

October 23rd-27th- Hawaii Food & Wine Festival’s Oahu Events

Check out a great selection of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival’s Oahu Events! Oahu Schedule: 10/23- The Howard Hughes Corporation Presents Brews & BBQ at Victoria Ward Park; 10/24- Crazy Rich Cocktails happens at the Alohilani Resort on Waikiki Beach; 10/25- Hawaiian Airlines Presents Swirl at the Hawaii Convention Center; Also on 10/25- Fiesta 24-7 happens at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa; 10/26- Life’s a Beach happens at Ko Olina Resort’s Kohola Lagoon 1; 10/27- HMAA Presents Keiki in the Kitchen Family Sunday at Victoria Ward Park; Also on 10/27 EFFEN Vodka Presents Drag Appetit at Blue Note Hawaii; Also on 10/27- Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Halekulani Culinary Masters Gala- Michelin Stars at Halekulani.

For more info, visit Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

photo courtesy of Facebook/Hawaii Business Magazine

October 24th- Wahine Forum at Hilton Hawaiian Village

The Wahine Forum will be at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Presented by Hawaii Business Magazine, here’s a super amazing event for females in business. All are invited to learn, network, and make new friends. Their 12th annual event is Hawaii’s largest leadership and development conference for women. The conference is attended by Hawaii’s top female executives, up-and-coming leaders, entrepreneurs, and all women that are interested in advancing their careers. The full-day event also features national and local guests speakers.

For more info, visit Eventbrite

photo courtesy of Facebook/The Honolulu Zoo

October 26th & 27th- Boo at the Zoo Halloween Event for Keiki at Honolulu Zoo

The Boo at the Zoo Halloween Event for Keiki will happen at Honolulu Zoo! Here’s a super cool family event to enjoy for Halloween. Come in costume on either day for the Animal Habitat Trick-or-Treat Trail, the Invaders Haunted House, Invasive Species and Conservation Education Stations, a Keiki Zone with Spooky Story Times, face painting, character picture taking, keiki art and crafts, and so much more. This is a fundraiser for the Honolulu Zoo. Purchase tickets online or day-of at the gate. Discounted admission for Honolulu Zoo members.

For more info, visit Honolulu Zoo

photo courtesy of Facebook/Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

Late October-Mid-November 2019 WSL’s Vans Pro at Sunset Beach

The 2019 WSL’s Vans Pro (Triple Crown Tentative Dates) will be at Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. If you haven’t attended a surf contest on Oahu yet, here you go! Go big, or go home! Due to the season, weather, and ocean conditions, contest dates are tentative. Make sure to follow Vans Triple Crown on social media for announcements! Enjoy a beach day with your family and friends, get some sunshine, have a picnic, and watch the worlds best surfers do there thing on Oahu’s North Shore.

For more info, visit World Surf League

Mahalo for reading the Epic Hawaii Real Estate Blog! Feel free to leave a comment, and share with your friends and family! Which Oahu events will you be attending this Fall?

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Best Things To Do in West Oahu | Epic Hawaii Real Estate