The Koolaupoko district is located to the east and southeast of Downtown Honolulu. Highway 72, or Poni Moi Road, borders the north end of Koolaupoko. The western boundary is roughly Nuuanu Avenue and what used to be known as Fort DeRussy Military Reservation.
In the early years, Koolaupoko was a rich agricultural area where "ali'i" (chiefs) and commoners alike once grew taro for food. The land became more valuable when King Kamehameha V moved his royal court to Honolulu in 1845.
Koolaupoko is a residential area with properties that range in price from $400,000 to $4 million. The average cost for a home in this beautiful area is approximately $1.4 million. Koolaupoko is made up of a variety of homes, but mostly single-family homes. Row houses are also common sight as well as duplexes. The majority of the properties have been renovated over time to update features such as tile floors, kitchen counters, doors, light fixtures and window treatments. Properties with water views are also present as the area borders the eastern shoreline of Honolulu Harbor, known locally as the "golden mile."
This area is popular with families and couples who are looking for a neighborhood that offers plenty of green space. There are also schools, such as Sacred Hearts Academy, in the area. The Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences is located in Koolaupoko along with Honolulu Golf Club, which has a nine-hole course. The Hawaii State Art Museum is also located in Koolaupoko.
Living in Koolaupoko, Honolulu
The Leeward side of Oahu is known for its calm weather, which makes it a popular place to live. There are only two rainy days per month in this area, which makes it ideal for those who are looking to enjoy the outdoors. Since Koolaupoko is located on the eastern shore of Honolulu, it is close to many shopping areas and tourist attractions.
Koolaupoko has several community parks, including Alapai Park and Yano Place Park. Other parks found in the Koolaupoko area include Lunalilo Home and Gardens, which features the historic Kaulukou Plantation, DeRussy Park, Kaumakapili Church cemetery, and Fort Ruger Historic Site (originally known as Battery Harlow or Fort Ruger), which is now a fish hatchery operated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The neighborhood is also home to the Nanakuli Golf Course, which offers daily fee golfing.
There are two marina morages within this area: Boat Haven Marina and Waiahole Small Boat Harbor. Boat Haven is located on the Waiahole Bay, which is directly in front of Kaneohe Yacht Club. It is a private facility that can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet long. The Waiahole Small Boat Harbor is located south of Kamehameha Highway, which provides moorage for both power and sailboats.
Koolaupoko is bordered by Waikiki to the west and a golf course to the east, offering beautiful landscapes and a tranquil setting. Being located along the eastern shore of the island, Koolaupoko is a popular destination for beachgoers. One popular beach is Kookas Reef Beach Park, which is less than one mile away from the district. Sandy Beach Park, which is also close to Koolaupoko, is another fabulous option that features a sandy beach with calm waters. These beaches attract a number of families looking for a peaceful day among the sun and sand.
Within close proximity to Koolaupoko are a number of shopping centers, including Aina Haina Shopping Center, Ala Moana Center, and Waikele Shopping Center.
The Aina Haina Shopping Center is located on the eastern side of Koolaupoko. This center includes retailers such as Costco, Jamba Juice, Macy's, Old Navy, Ross, and Starbucks. Ala Moana Center is also close to Koolaupoko and offers many businesses including outdoor equipment retailer REI, Ross Dress for Less, and Victoria's Secret. The Waikele Shopping Center is also nearby and has a variety of options for shopping including Barnes & Noble, Kohl's, Sports Authority and Best Buy.
The Koolaupoko Community Center is also located in this district. It hosts a range of activities and events including preschool storytimes, senior lunches, blood pressure screenings, community cleanups and more. In addition to this site, there are several churches within the area in Koolaupoko, including Central Union Church of Honolulu (URC), First Hawaiian Bank Country Club Congregational Church, Kamehameha Schools Keiki Chapel, Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church, Windward Reformed Church and Yano Place Baptist Church.
Not only does this wonderful district offer many recreational activities for adults and children to enjoy alike, striking views out over the ocean and surrounding cities, as well as an incredible selection of homes to choose from in a quiet neighborhood, but Koolaupoko also offers comfort, safety, and tranquility to all who choose to settle down in this amazing section of Oahu.