A census-designated place in Honolulu, the Kaneohe, Hawaii, community, is home to high-priced real estate properties, like many of the coveted properties in Hawaii. Though the Kaneohe real estate market has suffered from several setbacks since the beginning of the downturn in the U.S. economy, in recent month signs have pointed back up toward recovery.

According to statistics provided by local realtor Mike Gallagher, in February, Kaneohe saw a median price for a home sold of $602,500, up more than 10% from the same time last year, when that figure was just $539,500. This is still lower than the recent high experienced in January 2009, but is up from the record lows. During the month, there were 10 homes sold compared with just four in February 2009. Most of the sales, 28%, were in the $600,000 to $699,999 range. This figure, however, was down from January. The average number of days Kaneohe homes for sale spent on the market before selling in February was 133, up 28% from last year, when it was just 96 days. Inventory, however, showed positive signs, as it was down 15% from this time last year, to 79 from 93. The median listing price of homes in Kaneohe was up as well, at $799,000 from $729,000.

As for the Kaneohe condo market, February trends showed a dissimilar trajectory. In February, Kaneohe condos saw their median price fall to $307,500, down 30% from last year, when the median was $441,500. This was the lowest level in more than a year. Sales volume, however, rose as more and more buyers swept in to take advantage of the falling condo prices in Kaneohe. There were eight condos sold in February this year, compared with just four last year at the same time. Condos are also spending less time on the market. The average number of days on the market before selling in February was 110, down slightly from last year’s figure of 117. Though the median sales price is falling, listing prices are still rising. The median new listing price in February was up 5% year-over-year to $437,000.  Meanwhile, inventory showed positive signs of clearing out as some of condo prices are lowered and buyers snatch up deals. There were just 43 condos on the market in February compared with 82 at the same time last year, a decline of 48%.

One of the best benefits of staying at an Oahu vacation rental is the ability to easily and conveniently reach the dynamic and interesting neighborhood of Waikiki. The historic and world-renown tourist district is located on the island’s southern shores and features some of Hawaii’s most exquisite cuisine and largest selection of luxury boutiques, brand-name retailers, and other fun stops. A walkable area, visitors can spend endless nights wandering the streets window shopping, eating delectable food, and being subjected to some of the finest entertainment.

The Waikiki Beach Walk is the largest development in Waikiki and is a must-see for people visiting Waikiki. The beach walk is an impressive plaza that is designed for shopping and play. Featuring nearly fifty retailers, sixteen dining establishments, and five hotels, the beach walk brings together all of the essentials of a good night on the town. Beautifully built to resemble an outrigger canoe theme, visitors can enjoy the feeling of living in Hawaii all day and night long. It’s not surprising that some of the biggest shoppers will leave the beach walk with dozens of shopping bags in hand. When one gets tired from shopping, a fine eatery is just steps away!

Fine dining is one of the biggest parts of Hawaiian nightlife. Because of the state’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, some of the world’s most interesting fusion cuisine is created in the islands as a result of mixing cultures, philosophies, ideas, and methodologies. Some of the fathers of pacific-rim cuisine have become household names in Hawaii as a result of their fine dining restaurants that have popped up around the state. Some of the fathers of Hawaii’s best dining include Roy Yamaguchi, George Mavrothalassitis, and Alan Wong. Together, they operate a number of pricey and upscale eateries across the island chain and abroad.

Although Alan Wong’s restaurant chain hasn’t been extended to Los Angeles and New York like Chef Yamaguchi, his distinctive brand of dining and food has been prepared at exquisite restaurants in Honolulu for years. The chef is featured at two locations on Oahu – Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Pineapple Room and his self-named restaurant on King Street. Japan hosts Alan Wong’s third location at Tokyo Disneyland in Maihama. The award-winning chef has been featured in a number of gourmet food magazines and recently appeared as a guest judge on television’s popular show, “Top Chef.”

Sam Choy is one of the many famous, world-renowned chef who has blessed Honolulu with his exquisite restaurants. A graduate of the Kapiolani Community College Cullinary Arts program, Sam Choy took his first job as a chef at The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Sam Choy owns Sam Choy’s in Kailua-Kona and Diamond Head, Sam Choy’s Breakfast Lunch, & Crab & Big Aloha Brewery in Honolulu, as well as one restaurant in Guam and one other restaurant in Japan. Sam Choy’s Kailua-Kona, which was his first restaurant, opened in 1981. Sam Choy also owns a catering business and is known for hosting Hawaiian luaus sometimes for up to 800 tourists. Sam Choy has also been featured on numerous food television shows for his superb culinary skills.

At all of Sam Choy’s restaurants you will find Pacific rim cuisine with a local flair. The serving portions at his restaurants are also known for being gargantuan, with people always leaving the restaurant fiercely clutching their leftovers. Sam Choy is especially known for his poke, which is featured in numerous versions such as fried poke, poke and chips, and the famous and traditional raw poke. In 1991, Sam Choy founded the Poke Festival and Recipe Contest.

The chefs here prepare a wide selection of festive foods that is sure to delight even the most serious food enthusiasts. They combine a variety of flavor combinations to please every ones taste buds. The staff is known for their inventive dishes.
 
If you are looking to spend the evening our alone with your partner this would be an idea place for a quiet serene setting that would be hard to beat. Among the top twenty best restaurants in Hawaii this has to be in the top five for special occasions. You can celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, or even a first date here. You can dress casually for dining out here or choose to dress up, either way you will fit in.

Unfortunately there is no magnificent view at Chef Mavro but the food and service make up for it. You will only find attentive, compassionate staff here.

Locals recommend this as the best sushi place in Honolulu. For tourists who have visited this Sushi Sasabune over the years always come back to eat here while in town. They are amazed at the food and service that never changes.

You can expect to pay roughly $80 – $100 for your food but its definitely worth it. They take pride in their cooking and you will only find the best flavors and fresh fish served in every dish that is brought to your table.

This restaurant is not only a place of employment but its full of history and tradition. A 300 year old Japanese sushi tradition to be exact. The staff goes out of their way to make sure your meal is not only enjoyable but also a small history lesson. They advise you on how to eat certain dishes including what you should eat first and what should be mixed for a better taste.

If your looking for a great affordable place to eat lunch or dinner you should consider making your reservation here.

This particular restaurant is often compared to the Alan Wong’s but with a few small differences including cheaper food and less hype. So if your looking for great food for a less price this is the place for you. Unlike many of the restaurants in Honolulu you have breathing room here. They do not cram people in like most other places do so you have more elbow space to move about and enjoy your dinner.

The helpings that you receive are very generous for the low amount that you actually pay. Most dishes are meant to be shared between a couple or family. This not only works with any budget but also allows you to try a variety of food when ordering more than one plate but sharing. Many will tell you that if seafood is what you desire this is the place to eat.

Its recommended by many locals as a place to sit, relax and eat without the rush and bustle of some of the busier places in Honolulu.

They have a Ruth’s Chris Steak House location in Honolulu which is located on Ala Moana Blvd. If you get a chance to visit you will soon come to understand that this is not just another run of the mill steakhouse. The steaks are all broiled to perfection in an over which sears in the juices at an amazing 1800 degrees. All steaks are served just a bit underdone because they come atop a plate which is also heated to 500 degrees and finishes the cooking process right before your eyes as the plate cools. This ensures that every steak they server is hot and has that sizzling right off the grill look and taste to it.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is world renown for it’s famous steaks and fillets but don’t forget about this location’s wonderful seafood and island fresh fish. They also have a vast array of delicious appetizers, side dishes and desserts which compliment any entree you choose order.

When planning a trip to Ruth’s Chris Steak House be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. Although walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation is a good idea so you won’t have to endure what could be a very long wait. Dress in smart casual attire and plan to spend approximately $50 – $80 per person. They accept all major credit cards including Diners Club.

The price range is a bit higher here than other places but its definitely worth it. You can expect to pay anywheres from $50 – $75 for your meal. Of course this may vary depending on what you order and how many people are in your party. While your eating you will often enjoy wonderful music that is often played live. If your a romantic this would be a great place to take your wife out for a quiet lunch.

The Orchids offer not only good food but great service. You may want to order your table in advance by a few days especially on the weekends or near holidays. The desire to eat here is great so make sure you don’t miss out on this wonderful experience.

You can find almost all of your seafood favorites here including shrimp, lobster on risotto, scallops, and much more. Of course you can’t leave without trying some of their yummy desserts. Every penny spent at the Orchids is worth the great food, amazing service, and breath taking views.