In Hawaiian, "Ahuimanu" means "cluster of birds."
Say "aloha" to one of the most beautiful states in the country, Hawaii
In Hawaiian, "Ahuimanu" means "cluster of birds."
Say "aloha" to one of the most beautiful states in the country, Hawaii. Maybe you haven't heard of the little town of Ahuimanu, but once you see this quaint spot spread out under a cliff face of the Koolau mountain, you won't want to leave. Although Ahuimanu is inland on Oahu island, one of its neighborhoods borders the Kaneohe Bay. With just under 10,000 people, it's a residential area boasting friendly neighbors, peaceful nature refuges, and stunning temples.
One man's vacation spot can be another man's home when it comes to Ahuimanu. There are plenty of rental homes that can fit many budgets. Although prices may seem higher than some areas of the United States, for Hawaii standards, you'll get a much better deal on apartment rentals in Ahuimanu than in Honolulu.
Get Around
Ahuimanu does have public transportation in the form of a bus system, but if you like the freedom of your own car, you'll need to make sure you can get it to the island. If you're moving from the mainland United States, that may mean deciding to ship the car you already own for a hefty price, or buying one once you get to the islands.
Your Humble Abode
Whether you're looking for something small or something bigger, Ahuimanu has anything from tiny apartments to townhouses for rent. Buyers beware: because Hawaii is valued as a tourist destination, you might expect to pay exorbitant prices for tiny shacks - but in that case, the land it's on might make up for it. Take location into account. Would you rather be closer to the bay? Expect to pay. Live a little further inland, and you'll likely end up paying less in rent.
Logistics
If you're looking to move to Ahuimanu from the mainland U.S., contact a realtor before you move. Many realtors in Hawaii are well-versed in helping people relocate, so they can make sure you take all of the steps you need to get yourself (and your stuff) to Ahuimanu. And of course, whether a townhouse strikes your fancy or finding rental apartments is more your style, you'll have to make sure your credit won't ruin your plans. But, if your credit score isn't your strong suit, not to worry: a co-signer can often dissuade your landlord's fears. Letters of reference from former landlords attesting to your trustworthiness and timely payments will go a long way.
Ahuimanu doesn't have neighborhoods, per say, but it does have a few distinct areas. Here are a few:
Near the Bay: An arm of Ahuimanu reaches out to the Kaneohe bay, sandwiched in by the elementary school and the Heeia State Park.
Central Ahuimanu: With the Kahekili Highway running through the center of Ahuimanu, being smack-dab in the center makes commuting a breeze.
To the East: Eastern Ahuimanu boasts a shopping mall, major national food chains like McDonald's, and the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, home of the Byodo-In Temple.
You probably won't need much convincing that Hawaii is a gorgeous state. But, a little extra convincing never hurt anyone. For starters, no matter where you end up in Ahuimanu, you're sure to have great views of mountainous vistas. Although it's a wet climate, the sun shines most of the time. That means, if you're not used to all that Vitamin D, make sure to take good care of your skin and slather on the SPF.
Expect a cultural shift when you move from mainland United States to Hawaii. Not only is there a different language (though everyone speaks English too, of course), there's a different way of life. If you're a little high-strung, you'll have to learn to live on Hawaiian time -- fashionably late. And, if you live in a metropolis now and have gotten used to instant gratification with two-day shipping from major retailers, you may want to shift your expectations.
That being said, the Hawaiian culture is vibrant and refreshing. Take in impressive local sights like the Byodo-In Temple, located in a beautiful and peaceful memorial park. The Heeia State Park offers views of the other islands and gorgeous scenery. Just be careful: If you move to Hawaii, it may be best to have a guest room -- you are likely to have a lot of visitors.
