The town of Kaneohe Station derives its name from a Hawaiian term meaning "bamboo man." It is one of the largest residential communities of Oahu. Say "aloha" to your neighbors in this quaint Hawaiian community.
That's just one of the facts from a veritable treasure trove of history surrounding the base and this side of Oahu. Essentially, the main town of Kaneohe is a Census Designated Place that is actually part of the city of Honolulu -- although the two are separated by a mountain range. Go figure! The H3 is the freeway connecting the two areas, and it ends where the Marine Corps base begins at Kaneohe Station. The views when emerging from the tunnel on the freeway are amazing and are enough of a reason to make the drive. The beaches on the windward side of Oahu are beautiful, although those on the Station are only open to military members, their dependents, and guests. In other words, if you want to ride the waves there, make a Marine your friend!
Moving to Kaneohe Station
House rentals in Kaneohe Station are made through the military for base personnel and their families, so civilians working on the base will have to search for a place to rent an apartment in the main part of the town or in one of the nearby apartment complexes found just off base. If in the military, get on the list for base housing as soon as possible. There is usually a waiting list and until something opens up, residents will have to rent off base and compete in the local market for the best deals. It isn't fun to live like a civilian, doesn't it? Since month to month expenses are much lower in base housing, the sooner you act, the better. You don't want to spend months having to shell out big money for something that could be had much cheaper, right?
Kaneohe Station Neighborhoods
Mokapu: The main thoroughfare crossing the width of the Station, Mokapu Road is anchored on the west side by single family style homes that are built side-by-side in much the same fashion as you would find with a duplex for rent outside of base. On the other end of Mokapu Road, the housing is more akin to your average apartment complex setup.
Kapoho Point: Right outside the base perimeter and near the ocean is this civilian neighborhood. Beautiful oceanfront properties line the water's edge and house rentals here are on the expensive side. To the east is Aikahi Community Park and further on, Kaneohe Bay.
Kawainui Canal: Another part of town south of the main gate where civilians and members of the military seeking off base housing can look for house rentals. With the highway and canal on the west side and hills on the east, it's a compact neighborhood with some very nice homes.
Living in Kaneohe Station
The base has been described as one of the best in the world. From the facilities to the recreational opportunities, it's not a bad place to be while serving your country! Just off base is the larger community of Kaneohe, with a nice selection of retail stores, shops, and restaurants. Just minutes away over the forested ridge on H3 is everything Honolulu has to offer. From Waikiki Beach to the vibrant nightlife, there's no shortage of fun diversions in the biggest city of the Hawaiian Islands. Of course, the North Shore is just around the top of Oahu, with its legendary waves and great surfers. Palm trees, warm sands, lovely scenery -- perhaps living in what is seen as paradise isn't always up to that high standard -- but hey, if it's close, it's still pretty great!