Between the stunning Ko‘olau mountain range and glistening Kaneohe Bay, lies the peaceful, culturally-rich community of Kaneohe. Kaneohe is the largest town on the windward side of O‘ahu, but the enclave surrounded by mountains and sea emulates the intimate local Hawaiian lifestyle. And, along Kamehameha Highway that runs adjacent to Kaneohe Bay, the quaint towns of Ahuimanu, Kahaluu, Waiāhole, and Waikane are to be discovered.
Fish, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak to Coconut Island, or boat to the famous sandbar for a day of relaxation at Kaneohe Bay. Enjoy the natural beauty of Kaneohe: hike in the mountains; golf along the water; watch waterfalls; or spot a rainbow after the rain. And with Windward Community College, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, shopping centers, parks, and more, the picturesque Kaneohe community has a plethora of activities to do with kids of all ages.
What Is The History Of Kaneohe?
Before you embark on a Kaneohe adventure, share with your kids (in an age-appropriate manner) a little about the history of the community.
Here are some fun facts to include in your conversations:
- Kaneohe means “bamboo man” in Hawaiian, accredited to the legend of a wife who compared her cruel husband to the sharp edge of a bamboo knife. The Kaneohe ahupua‘a, or district, produced an abundance of agriculture for early inhabitants. Taro, bananas, breadfruit, and more were farmed in the rich soils, and Hawaiians built innovative fishponds along Kaneohe Bay. After the unification of the islands and the release of the lands from Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty) control, the Castle family acquired the rich soil.
- Harold Castle started Kaneohe Ranch in 1917, with cattle roaming the beautiful lands. Small plantations were established, growing pineapples and bananas and bringing workers from around the world. With the boom of commercial farming came houses, stores, and small community centers.
- There is a longtime military presence in Kaneohe. In 1918, the U.S. Army began to develop a base on the eastern side of Mōkapu Peninsula, Fort Kuwaaohe. In 1938, the western side of the peninsula was utilized by the Navy. On December 7, 1941, seven minutes before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Naval Air Station in Kaneohe was attacked. In 1951, the Marines assumed control of the peninsula, renaming the base Marine Corps Base Hawaii in 1994.
- After the end of World War II, the rich lands of Kaneohe began to transform into residential properties with the surge in demand for housing and the decline of the Castle family’s economic stability. When the Pali Highway opened in 1962, more people moved to the windward side, creating the cozy community of Kaneohe of today.
