Metro Honolulu
While the various Oahu neighborhoods listed in this chapter are often referred to collectively as “Honolulu,” this name most literally applies to the neighborhoods nearest the city center. Located on the southeastern shore of Oahu, Honolulu is the 12th largest municipal government in the U.S., with a population of approximately 905,000 residents.
As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is the largest city in the Hawaiian Islands and the main airport and seaport location. Previously named Kou, Honolulu means “place of shelter,” and evidence shows that the first settlement in the area was as early as the 12th century. According to history, after Kamehameha I conquered Oahu, he moved his court to Waikiki in 1804. In 1809, his court relocated back to what is now downtown Honolulu. Kamehameha III moved the permanent capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom to Honolulu in 1845, and in the years that followed the area was transformed as a modern city and the center of commerce in the islands. The introduction of modern air travel helped bring rapid growth in development and tourism to the city.
One of the area’s darkest historical events occurred in 1900, when the Great Honolulu Chinatown Fire took place, in which fires set to incinerate garbage in response to the bubonic plague raged for 17 days, leaving 7,000 residents homeless.
The city of Honolulu is made up of various districts. Downtown Honolulu is known as the financial, commercial, and governmental center of Hawaii. The tallest building is the 438-foot First Hawaiian Center, located on King and Bishop Streets. The Hawaii Pacific University’s downtown campus is also located there. The Arts District is a 12-block area on the eastern edge of Chinatown, bounded by Bethel & Smith Streets and Nimitz Highway and Beretania Street. It is home to numerous arts and cultural institutions and part of the Chinatown Historic District. The Capitol District is the eastern part of downtown and is the current and historic center of Hawaii’s state government. It incorporates the Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu Hale (City Hall), Iolani Palace, State Library, and the King Kamehameha I statue.
Downtown Honolulu is also home to various cultural opportunities, such as the Honolulu Symphony, which was established in 1900 and is the oldest U.S. symphony orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has the largest collection of Asian and Western art in Hawaii, as well as the largest collection of Islamic art, in the Shangri La estate. The Hawaii State Art Museum also boasts a collection of traditional Hawaiian art. Other attractions include the Honolulu Zoo, the main zoo on the Hawaiian islands, the Waikiki Aquarium, as well as many botanical gardens. Named the fittest city by Men’s Fitness in 2004, Honolulu is also home to the Honolulu marathon, and the NCAA football Hawaii Bowl and Pro Bowl.
Real estate in the city of Honolulu is diverse, with a wide range of architectural styles to choose from. From luxury high rise condos to modest inland homes to stylish estates, the city offers something for every budget and buyer.
Testimonials
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“Team-Lally Rocks! It’s great to be considered a part of the Team-Lally family! After 13 years away from Hawaii, and looking for a house on the Ewa plain, we hooked up with a Team Lally realtor who was showing a house that we visited. Throughout the buying process, the knowledgeable staff addressed any problems that we encountered and concerns that we raised. We left the process feeling that our interests were properly represented and protected. This is the very thing that we expect from my realtor and weren’t disappointed. Our relationship didn’t end there. Through customer appreciation events (great food and prizes), newsletters and other resources, we stay connected. Also, if we have a question about market trends or need a contact for everything from a mortgage broker for refinancing or a plumber, we send an email or pick up a phone for a quick response—in practice, this team is really a network of businesses that work well together to meet the many needs of the customer. This is what the relationship between customer and realtor should look like, but seldom does. If we buy or sell again, we know who we’re calling—Team Lally! Joe & Tammy Waligura.”
“Team Lally has been very helpful during our short sale process. They are committed to us and have a lot experience in short sales so it makes it much smoother to complete this long drawn out process. I am thankful for all their help, expertise, and patience during this short sale. I absolutely recommend Team Lally for anyone who wants an experienced Team working for them in the real estate and housing market.”
“When my husband and I got transferred here with the Coast Guard we were interested in purchasing our first home. We found Adrianne through other military members that she had helped. Adrianne and her team went above and beyond to help us find our first home. She took out all the stress and helped us every step of the way, from finding a home to finding a lender to get a loan. We found a short sell and she helped us get into our house and close within a month! Adrianne and her team has made us feel like family the way they take the time to call and check on us throughout the years and through their client appreciation events. Thanks again Adrianne and Team Lally!”
“I love Adrienne and her crew. I am always impressed by how much they care about their customers and the time and effort they put into the care and feeding of all of us. I also am humbled by how much Adrienne does for the local community and those in need. It is just a relief to let Adrienne and her crew take care of you. Lori and Dennis Bennett”
“Team Lally did a wonderful job selling our home and answering all of our questions and concerns! Howard and Christopher have been there for my every need even after the sale of my home! A wonderful crew over there!”
“My husband used to work with one of the agents and we were put on their mailing list. We have really enjoyed all the information that we receive. “
“Adrienne, Attilio, and Howard worked hard and patiently to get my condo sold. Despite working through hours where it was difficult to reach me in Boston. Their phone calls, emails, and use of the docusign system set the stage for the sale in a tough market. Thanks once again for your helpfulness and professionalism.”
“To put it simply…Team Lally never gave up! The short sale of our home was dragging on for more than a year! With Team Lally it was completely over in 4 months. Thank you Team Lally.”
“When it was time to sell our family vacation property we interviewed many people. Team Lally has amazing marketing which draws buyers from all over the United States and even the world. They had the property sold for a great price in a reasonable timeframe plus they had fabulous staff who took the time to keep all of our family informed throughout the entire process. I can’t say enough good stuff. Call them!”