Kāneʻohe, in Hawaiian meaning "bamboo man," is located on the windward (eastern) side of Oʻahu and is a suburban community centered around Kāneʻohe Bay and framed by the dramatic Koʻolau Mountain range. About 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu, Kāneʻohe combines a relaxed, local vibe with convenient access to natural attractions, bay-front recreation, and everyday services, offering a balanced mix of country and city living.
Kāneʻohe Bay is the town's defining feature — one of the largest sheltered bays in Hawaiʻi, known for calm, shallow waters, abundant marine life, and scenic views. The bay supports kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boat excursions, while nearby coral flats and sandbars create unique recreational opportunities. Inland neighborhoods offer lush residential streets, community parks, and hiking trails into the Koʻolau range with panoramic overlooks and waterfalls.
The windward side receives more rainfall than leeward Oʻahu, producing a very green, tropical landscape that's ideal for gardens, landscaping, and agriculture. That extra rainfall contributes to the area's park-like feel and makes Kāneʻohe especially attractive to those who enjoy a tropical, jungle-like environment.
The community leans strongly local rather than tourist-driven. Residents benefit from practical conveniences — retail centers such as Windward Mall (home to Target and other national and local shops), grocery stores, casual dining, and service businesses — while remaining close to open space and outdoor recreation. The presence of Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi at Kāneʻohe Bay influences the housing market and community life; many active-duty service members and civilian employees live nearby for the short commute, supporting steady rental demand and local businesses.
Transportation is primarily by car, with TheBus linking Kāneʻohe to Honolulu and surrounding towns; commute times vary with peak-hour traffic on the island's main corridors. Real estate reflects the area's desirability — waterfront properties and homes with mountain or bay views command premiums, while many neighborhoods offer a pleasant balance of suburban comfort and proximity to nature.
For those seeking a genuinely local atmosphere, abundant greenery, easy access to calm bay waters, and a blend of rural tranquility with urban conveniences like Windward Mall, Kāneʻohe provides a welcoming, well-connected alternative to the island's busier districts.
56,245 people live in Kāneʻohe, where the median age is 44.4 and the average individual income is $50,613. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Kāneʻohe, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Dip Into Paradise, Sucré: A Pâtisserie, and Hawaii Jiu-Jitsu Lab.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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| Dining | 2.33 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.5 miles | 25 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.45 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.23 miles | 14 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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Kāneʻohe has 17,867 households, with an average household size of 3.05. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Kāneʻohe do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 56,245 people call Kāneʻohe home. The population density is 1,666 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
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10-17 Years
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25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
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Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
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