Despite being located only slightly outside of town, the neighborhood of Nuuanu feels like it is a world away from downtown Honolulu. Once home to the summer home of King Kamehameha III, Nuuanu is characterized by its early twentieth century homes, meandering streets, and centuries-old trees.
The Nuuanu Atmosphere
Receiving regular precipitation and cool breezes, Nuuanu boasts milder temperatures than other parts of the island. In addition to its pleasant weather, Nuuanu’s atmosphere is further completed by its aesthetic beauty. Featuring streets that are lined with churches and embassies, the quiet neighborhood is home to those ranging from high-income singles to seniors living on a fixed income. Regardless of their financial situation, however, all residents of Nuuanu appreciate the neighborhood for its peaceful atmosphere coupled with its easy access to a wide variety of amenities.
Enjoying Nuuanu Amenities
With the Pali Highway cutting through the Nuuanu neighborhood, residents enjoy easy access to the H1 and downtown Honolulu, which is located just 10 minutes away from the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the windward side of the island is less than a half-hour away. Not surprisingly, numerous hospitals are located near to the community, while a public library is located within easy walking distance for those who live on the western side of the Pali Highway.
The neighborhood itself offers everything from a small shopping plaza to parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of these include:
- Nuuanu Pali State Park: Home to an infamous battleground where a battle between the warriors of King Kamehameha and Chief Kalanikupule took place. Today, the park boasts a lovely bird’s eye view of the windward side of the island.
- Old Pali Road: A scenic detour that runs parallel to the Pali Highway for about two miles. Originally commissioned in the late 19th century, the road is a popular spot for walking and running.
- Nuuanu Valley Park: Features a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a grassy area.
Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s schools are located in the Roosevelt Complex of the Hawaii School District. Altogether, six elementary schools service the area as well as two middle schools and one high school.
Nuuanu Homes
Those who are interested in calling Nuuanu their home will find that there are many options available. In addition to the availability of one- and two-bedroom apartments, the neighborhood also features a few high-rises as well as single-family units. Generally speaking, the high-rises can be found on the western side of the Pali Highway while the eastern side is home to the single-family units.
Many of the residents of the Nuuanu neighborhood have lived in the community for several years. As such, supply is typically low while demand is high for homes within the neighborhood, which are typically twentieth-century homes characterized by a variety of architectural styles. Some of these include cozy Craftsman bungalows, French Revival mansions, and Mediterranean villas. Many of the homes also feature landscaped waterways and garden features, a throwback to the irrigation system that was once used for watering crops but now serves to create an additional touch of beauty within the neighborhood.
