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I'd say 45-50 minutes is the realistic average rush hour commuting time for those going into downtown Honolulu in the morning rush and back to downtown Kailua in the afternoon rush.
Considering I actually commute it everyday, I'll have to disagree. Commuting from Kailua to downtown isn't comparable to commuting from Kapolei to downtown which your figures suggest.
Left Kailua at 745am this morning - hit downtown at 815am, which is typical.
Considering I actually commute it everyday, I'll have to disagree. Commuting from Kailua to downtown isn't comparable to commuting from Kapolei to downtown which your figures suggest.
Left Kailua at 745am this morning - hit downtown at 815am, which is typical.
You have an opinion... but I hope you realize that if you tell anyone that lives in Kailua the morning and afternoon rush hour only adds 10 minutes compared to a traffic-free 2 a.m. commute, they'll think you're a wee bit loony?
During rush hour it takes (as an average) considerably longer to get from Kapolei to downtown than 45 minutes. Still, the commute between Kailua and downtown is long and time-consuming.
The expansion of higher density multi-family/condo housing (in favor of SFHs) and development of remaining vacant parcels of land in Waimanalo, Kailua and Kaneohe will increase commute times over the coming years. With the exception of DOD opportunities, there are very few (decent paying) jobs in Windward Oahu; traffic will only get worse over time.
The Windward side is beautiful and green but tends to rain more often then anywhere else because of the tradewinds.
The Leeward side is just the opposite where its hot and dry, and a lot more traffic.more so the farther you go. There are inbetweens like Mililani which is a higher elevation and price but you should be able to afford it. There is also places as Waipio, Waikele. Higher priced places would be like Hawaii Kai, Waialae Iki, Kahala, Diamond Head.
But if the rain isn't a problem, then there are several ways as the other poster had mentioned. Pali, LikeLike, H3 and for the most part traffic wouldn't be nearly as bad as the Leeward and Ewa areas.
We live in kailua and love the windward side. I work at home but my husband commutes to airport mon-fri and has no traffic issues. At least on this side you are not limited to only one hwy to commute on.
That's why He put the Ko'olau between there and the Stinky Side.
Seriously, the Leeward is pretty much like Santa Monica with more tourists.
Commuting? Check and see if The Bus is an option for you. It's worth getting started half an hour earlier if you can relax on the way and let someone else dodge the tourists.
My quick and dirty on commute times from Kaneohe(which happen to be comparable to Kailua because you have to go a similar distance from Castle Junction, foot of the Pali Highway) is: 30 minutes with non-rush hour traffic and 45 minutes safely to anywhere downtown with rush hour traffic. The trump card is if you are going to the airport- then you really should consider iiving in Kaneohe near H3/Likelike Hwy. It is 25-30 minutes to the airport/Hickam/Pearl Harbor area reliably any time of day, accident or no accident. Hands down the best commute on Oahu (unless you work at home.) And the beautiful drive reminds you every day why you "Lucky you live Hawaii"! My wife and I have made this commute the last 10 years and its always been good.
As an enthusiastic resident of the leeward coast, given your budget and penchant for avoiding traffic, I'd (feeling like a traitor here) suggest windward all the way! Generally speaking balancing the quality of life issue of less traffic and a beautiful residential setting, with your budget I believe it can all be done on the windward side.
Now, just as an aside, you may want to check out Mauna 'Olu Estates in Makaha Valley. The bang for the buck is pretty unbelievable. (No, I don't live there or have any financial attachment to the development.) For one thing people sometimes don't stop to consider is the amount of rainfall on the windward side. Many folks are just fine with the generous amount of precipitation, but others, not so much. Hope this helps?
I know this thread is now pretty dated, and the OP has likely found their new abode, however
there are some very nice homes on Tantalus as well as in Manoa Valley. The commute to and
from downtown is much shorter compared to living in the 'burbs'.
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