Living In Waipahu

A former sugar plantation, Waipahu is named after an artesian spring that once gushed from the ground and was enjoyed by Hawaiian royalty. Before western civilization discovered Hawaii, natives considered Waipahu the capital of Oahu. In 1897, the Oahu Sugar Company was incorporated in Waipahu where it remained in operation until 1995.

Located 11 miles northwest of Honolulu, both Interstate H-1 and Farrington Highway run east-west through Waipahu. The community is made up of modern residential subdivisions that feature detached homes, townhouses and condominiums.

Waipahu also offers a wide range of shopping and recreational attractions. The Waikele Premium Outlets are nearby, as well as golf courses including the Waikele Golf Course. Another Waipahu attraction is the Hawaii Plantation Village, a living history museum that sits on 40 acres opposite the Waipahu sugar mill. The town also features an athletic field built in 1923 and now called Has L’Orange Park.

There are also opportunities for higher education near Waipahu, such as Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Brigham Young University – Hawaii Campus.