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Wai'anae

Waianae

Wai'anae, Oahu

Wai'anae (view panorama) × is the main town on Oahu's leeward coast. That's why this side of the island is also often times referred to as the Wai'anae Coast. This is where leeward residents stock up on food and other necessities. Wai'anae Mall has a drugstore, a bank and a few fast food eateries, food and clothing stores. Wai'anae also has a post office, public library and high school.

At the Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor, tour operators launch their boats to take people out to snorkel with wild dolphins or to cruise along the coastline. It is a small working harbor where you can also see fishing boats and small yachts. The best swimming beach in Wai'anae is Poka'i Bay.


Wai'anae Overview

  • Most known for its boat harbor, from where some Oahu snorkel tour operators launch their boats
  • Has a mall, public library and high school
  • Population: 13,614 (2020 Census)
  • Zip code: 96792


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Reviews and Comments:
 
Hawaii on budget? Yes it can be done! Whether just visiting, or moving here for a lifetime, Oahu's overlooked Waianae Coast, on the island's dry side, is where sunshine and low-cost living reign supreme. Located about an hour-and-a-half from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Makaha and the Waianae Coast are Oahu's best-kept secret. We are the leeward side's last remaining rural community, where beaches have breathing room, there's a small-town feel and affordable properties can be found.

Two-and-a-half years ago we relocated from the rainy Pacific Northwest after a two-week visit in mid-January. It took us one year to sell our house on the mainland and make the move, but 30 months after resettling across the ocean we haven't looked back. Yes Hawaii on a budget requires compromise, a reduction in your dwelling's square footage perhaps, or leaving your car on the mainland and getting around by bus, and probably a change in diet, and for sure some culture shock, but if tropical sunshine and warm Pacific beaches are your life-long dreams, then the Waianae Coast is the place to be!
Mark Kramer, Mon Jun 02, 2014