Nestled just below the Koolau Mountains on the windward side of Oahu is the small town of Kaneohe. Just 15 minutes north of Honolulu, Kaneohe was a small area that was redistributed by King Kamehameha to locals. Plots of land were cultivated and rice became the major crop. Fish was also a main food supply and over 20 fish ponds were created to farm fish. Today there are only a few that survive. Later in the 1915, the first military reservation was constructed on Makapu Point on Kaneohe Bay. After being bombed by the Japanese in 1941, it is now home to Marine Base Hawaii and the Marine's largest infantry regiment.
Kaneohe is a desirable place to live for locals who want to get away from the busy city of Honolulu. There are approximately 50,000 residents who reside there.
Kaneohe is indeed quiet. There are few tourists like things to do here, but a great place for outdoor activities. The area is home to a botanical garden, a temple and the bay offers fishing, boating and water sports of all kinds. There is a golf course close to town and many hiking trails for those who want outdoor adventures. To find a good bite to eat, local diners or small _hole in the wall_ restaurants have a variety of options from ethnic to a homemade slice of pizza.
There is a shopping mall and small mom and pop style shops to seek out Hawaii memorabilia. Many tourists might find Kaneohe as a passing through experience, but its charm and relaxing atmosphere are worth at least a day.