Aiea

Aiea is a Central Oahu town above Pearl Harbor, known for hillside neighborhoods, Pearlridge Center, Pearl Harbor views and quick access to Honolulu.

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Aiea

Aiea, Oahu

Aiea is located on Oahu's south shore, about 8 miles (13 km) west of downtown Honolulu. It is home to the largest indoor shopping center in Hawaii – Pearlridge (the second largest shopping center after Ala Moana Center in Honolulu). Pearlridge features the island's only monorail system that transports shoppers between Uptown and Downtown Pearlridge. Customers enjoy a scenic ride with views of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.

Pearlridge has more than 170 stores, restaurants and services. It also has two food courts, a miniature golf course, 16 theaters, an emergency clinic (Pali Momi Medical Center) and an eight-story office complex. Between the two shopping areas Uptown and Downtown lies Sumida Farm, the largest supplier of watercress in Hawaii.

Aiea also features the Aloha Stadium, which closed in 2020. This is where the National Football League's Pro Bowl used to take place every year. The residential area named Aiea Heights extends up the ridgeline above the city.

Key Features

Central Oahu town west of Honolulu
Hillside neighborhoods above Pearl Harbor
Known for Pearlridge Center and local restaurants
Close to Pearl Harbor, Halawa and Pearl City
Good freeway access to Honolulu, the airport area and leeward Oahu
Traffic can build during commute hours and around major shopping areas
Higher residential areas have wide Pearl Harbor and south shore views
Population: 10,408 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96701

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Aiea have so many Pearl Harbor views?

Much of Aiea rises above the harbor on residential hills, so higher streets and lookout areas can see across Pearl Harbor and toward the south shore of Oahu.

What is Aiea known for today?

Aiea is known for hillside neighborhoods, Pearlridge Center, Pearl Harbor views, local restaurants and its central location between Honolulu and leeward Oahu.

How is Aiea different from Waikiki?

Aiea is an inland residential town above Pearl Harbor, while Waikiki is a beachfront visitor district with hotels, shopping, restaurants and ocean activities.

What historic sites are near Aiea?

Pearl Harbor sites are nearby, including memorials and museums around the harbor. Aiea also sits near older plantation and military areas in Central Oahu.

Why do some people stay near Aiea instead of Waikiki?

Aiea is closer to Pearl Harbor, Pearlridge, military areas, the airport side of Honolulu and leeward Oahu, while Waikiki is farther east along the beach.