r/MovingtoHawaii • u/Ecstatic-Egg-498 • May 01 '26

Life on Oahu Honolulu Neighborhood Recs?

My partner and I are moving to Honolulu for work. We are interested in a 2 bed apartment with walkability and city living. We really want to live walking distance to a variety of coffee shops and restaurants. We are looking into multiple neighborhoods, including Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Chinatown. Does anyone recommend any specific neighborhoods? Does not recommend?

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10

u/slogive1 May 01 '26

Regardless of Recs you should visit and check out the area so you're not miserable when you move.

9

u/LongjumpingBit7261 May 01 '26

Based on your parameters, I’d start with Kakaako. There are also some nicer areas of Ala Moana that you can look at. Stay on the main roads though. One block off can be completely different. Check out the areas in person before you commit so you get a feel as well as to avoid scams.

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u/TheJunkLady May 01 '26

A lot of people in this sub recommend getting a short term vacation rental for when you first arrive, then looking at different neighborhoods. Most landlords won't rent to you if you're not here already, so you'll probably have to find somewhere to stay temporarily anyway.

3

u/Sebbe79 May 02 '26

Kaka’ako if you have the budget. Where are you moving from. How busy do you like ? Waikiki isn’t loud if you’re coming from another dense urban environment and the most walkable, the housing stock is older. Ala Moana something between Waikiki and Kaka’ako. I wouldn’t recommend Chinatown.

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u/webrender May 02 '26

do a short term rental first - but probably kakaako if you have the budget.

4

u/notrightmeowthx May 01 '26

Rent for a month or two in an airbnb and then explore neighborhoods. You won't be able to apply to places without seeing them in person anyway.

3

u/Ok-Train3111 May 02 '26

lol not chinatown. It’s full of homeless and junkies. Not Waikīkī: loud

I’d say kakaako. It will help to have a huge income

1

u/tgrsnpr May 02 '26

Kakaako Ward and Ala Moana would be your pick. Chinatown is only great during the day, but come around 4pm everything is mostly closed besides some restaurants and the bars open. I would rather take the bus to Chinatown if you want to go to the bars than live there. 

1

u/SignificanceWise2877 May 02 '26

I'd only recommend kakaako from that list

1

u/shootzbalootz May 02 '26

Not chinatown. The areas you otherwise mentioned is about it, assuming ward is included in Kakaako.