Local (off-base) housing near Schofield Barracks (Honolulu, Kailua: for rent, townhome, neighborhood)

[Gourmette]

Hi everyone,

We are heading to Hawaii as my husband is PCSing to Schofield Barracks. We'd prefer to live off post to enjoy a more local experience.

We'd love an area with great views -- hilly, nature, or water. (After 9 years in Colorado, we've been spoiled with great views and great access to the outdoors.) We would prefer a 2-3 bdrm townhome or house that's at least new on the inside. It would be great if the neighborhood had amenities (like a pool or was close to the beach) -- as well as close to scenic hiking areas. (We're definitely the 'outdoorsy' types and hope to do a lot of trekking, mountain biking, camping, and most of all, scuba diving while in Hawaii.)

Also, it needs to >15 miles or no more than 25 minute commute to Schofield.

Budget is $2500 - $4000/mo. for rent.

1) Is this "wish list" even realistic?
2) If not, can you recommend something close (and tell me what had to be cut from the list)? The only two non-negotiables are >25 min commute from Schof and not exceeding budget.

Thanks SO much!

[timbo31958]

congrats on a decent budget amount, most people want everything you mentioned and more but think they can allow much less. My suggestion is you may want to look into the north shore area, might be a little farther or longer drive than what you want, but for what you want might suit your needs the best. Since Schofield is kinda in the middle of the island you wont see any water in your view unless you lives much closer to the water. North shore would give you both mountain, and water views, as well as hiking options.

[eksotia]

I can only recommend Kailua, Kahala and Honolulu. You can easily find decent places, brand new even, but they won't be close to Schofield. Once I found a very nice small 3br house at Northshore with jacuzzi by the beach for $3800/mo but electricity is not included and for SFH it could rack up to $600/mo especially if you use the jacuzzi. So, with your budget it is possible to find nice places. However, even when NorthShore is so very close to Schofield, during surf season it can take up to 90 min to drive one way! I kid you not. I knew an army officer who used to live there and he moved to Mililani (rather boring town) just so he can cut daily commute time by at least half.

[eureka1]

I lived in Waialua for ten years and it never took more than 15-20 minutes to get to Schofield by way of Kaukonahua Road. The road to and from Haiewa is probably the one that gets jammed. Of course I was traveling early in the a.m. which is another factor. Mililani is another option if you like cookie-cutter suburbs. Thank you for your service and welcome to Hawaii! The North Shore in general is great.