Hiding In Plain Sight - AIEA Is Hawaii's City That's Not Really A "City"

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In this video Derek takes you through Aiea. This neighborhood is centrally located on the island of Oahu.
No, Aiea is not Honolulu... but it kinda is. Watch this video and listen to Derek attempt to explain this edgy statement.
Home to local's favorite mall - Pearlridge, Aloha Stadium, Aiea High School, Pali Momi Medical Center, mountain top luxury homes, condos, apartments, unique single family homes, Down To Earth, and even our content studio and our preferred loan officer's office.
Aiea is right next to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Pearl City, Moanalua, Red Hill, Fort Shafter, Kaiser Permanente.
Also, Aiea is where all 3 major highways meet - H1 H2 and H3.
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2️⃣ Use Core Team Hawaii for all your Hawaii real estate needs:
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SERVICING:
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Derek Okahashi
RS-82017
Licensed In Hawaii

[@ecebear3]

The Aiea/Pearl City border is Kaʻahumanu Street. Waimalu, Newtown Estates and all the townhomes along Diamond Head side of Kaʻahumanu is Aiea. They have Aiea zip codes and go to AHS. Waiau (those street names that start with Hoʻo) is Pearl City.

[@xB0N3RxS0UPx]

I would love a Hawaii folklore video from yall. Just helps us get immersed in to what really is Hawaii.

[@movingtohawaii]

Oh yes, it's coming.

[@DI-tj3lb]

Obake files type segment. Can't wait 🤙😅

[@JohnAranita]

Aiea is the only town, if you can call it that, in these United States that is spelled only with vowels.

[@movingtohawaii]

We were hoping someone would bring this interesting fact up 😉

[@victorrivera7424]

You right, you nailed it. I am from Red Hill and graduated from Moanalua. I consider myself on the border of Aiea and hung out there for a good portion of my life. My best friends are all from Aiea and we still have a strong bond as you mentioned. I love it and glad to be a part of it. I live in a small town in Iowa now and going back to these friends always makes me feel like I never left. Mahalos for this video.

[@joeydelrosario9358]

Yes! This was the video I was looking for. I spent my childhood in Aiea back in the 80s. Yes, more folklore stories, help keep the stories and memories alive. It’s part of the culture

[@movingtohawaii]

We will keep the stories alive and well. Mahalo for watching

[@christinagurske3400]

My father and aunt were born in Aeia. I was born on the mainland, but at 2 brought back and raised in Hilo. I love learning more about my father’s history, and his birthplace; it is very much part of his legacy. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevenmcknight8429]

Derek, I am really enjoying your vids...found you guys a few days ago, and U2 bring back so many fantastic memories of my time living on Ohau working at TAMC and traveling the Islands...thanks for your "realism" When we travel from Indonesia to Hawaii to see my Wife's Auntie, we would love to have lunch with you! I am an "expat" living and loving Indonesia...all the best...and again, Mahalo!

[@stsfyu]

Always was confused by uptown and downtown at Pearlridge. Called it Macy's side and movie theater side.

[@movingtohawaii]

Same!

[@normfromhawaii1173]

In 84-87, I lived in Lelepono a tall apartment building across from Kam Drive-In. Aiea is a really cool place to live, close to everything. Mahalo Nui

[@movingtohawaii]

The central location is clutch for sure

[@jaylenehawaii]

Aloha … I am new to your channel and I love it! You make me homesick! My husband and I now live in Las Vegas.. We use to live right across the Aloha Stadium!!! Thank you for sharing home.. You made my day. ALOHA

[@movingtohawaii]

That is awesome! Glad to have brought some sunshine and warmth your way 🤙

[@katr2771]

I moved from the mainland and bought a small condo in Aiea. It's in a perfect location with easy access to the mall, hospital, library, post office, and food. It's an ideal place to travel in any direction.

[@Tr0nzoid]

I remember wondering where Aiea started and where it ended or was Pearl City or the city of Honolulu. It was only now that I realized Pearlridge was in Aiea and not Pearl City. Now, I can't really recall anything specific from Pearl City. In my day, Pearlridge had the Playwell toy store, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor when it actually looked like a themed classic parlor, Liberty House, another movie theater, and the Daiei store. You never got to experience Castle Park in Aiea but you have probably heard about it. It had a castle full of arcade games, surrounded by bumper boats, go-carts, a little man-made and controversial beach, an area of carnival-style rides, and miniature golf. The initial proposal for the new stadium was a bloated mess of retail and other stuff they wanted to throw in there.

[@gobeavs4852]

Thanx for the memories!

[@michaelkiese7794]

I remember when Pearlridge was called Phase One and Phase Two, instead of Uptown and Downtown.

[@theajane6444]

Legends and Folktales--yes!

[@movingtohawaii]

The masses have spoken. We will provide.

[@jimtaylor2836]

Made me a little homesick and nostalgic. Thanks for the tour...

[@FLoW828]

I love the Wai’anae Mountain Range views. I’ve caught a few beautiful sunsets

[@yoooboy808]

Nice to see you doing vid on my hometown of now 10 plus years. I like Aiea because it actually feels local, no luxury condos. Choke local restaurants and stores.

[@movingtohawaii]

The food game is def on point

[@TheAmazingBlizzzair]

I lived in Aiea ,when I was stationed in Hawaii, at the Pearl Regency on Koauka Loop. Aiea was my favorite part of the island, probably because there wasn't much of that beach culture. I'm from the upstate of South Carolina. Aiea was just right 🤙

[@gobeavs4852]

I lived in Pearl II 😎

[@JanetVJohnson]

Yes to the Hawaii folklore video, please? I want to see how it's similar & different from Native American/SW United States folklore (El Paso & New Mexico.)

[@movingtohawaii]

Noted!

[@FLoW828]

I noticed a while ago they’ve started calling Uptown Pearlridge - “Pearlridge Mauka” and the Downtown Pearlridge is also known as “Pearlridge Makai” … not to be confused with the “Pearl Kai Shopping Center” on the makai side of Kamehameha Hwy(Hwy99)

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

I used to live in Pearl ridge at the Pearl condos just before aiea. When the university of Hawaii football team played at aloha stadium my wife and I used to walk sometimes to aloha stadium to watch them play. It was a nice walk but we learned to park in Aiea then walk to the stadium.

[@movingtohawaii]

I wonder what that place is gonna look like in 5 years

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

@@movingtohawaii I think it will be a mess.

[@mikecadiente1969]

Because lot of the area homes were like plantation homes ,that's why majority still looks old .

[@movingtohawaii]

Yep. A lot of homes older than us with multiple generations calling the same house a home

[@venomdust1]

Born and raised Aiea. I used to walk by the sugar mill to go to Aiea High school . the mill was still working and the stream was so stink It was a rite of passage in high school to cut school and hang at the Heiau . @ 10:41 behind you was the trails we would use to cut school.

[@DI-tj3lb]

Went to Aiea elementary til grad Aiea high school '89- '99. Aiea will always be my home.❤ Stay Vegas now😅

[@leilareggie1826]

Wow. Never been Aiea Malka. Beautiful. Just so surprising to see the local beauty of modern Hawaiian homes with incredible curb appeal. It is like a little oasis above the crowds.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

I’m moving to Aiea. What a beautiful place.

[@movingtohawaii]

We can facilitate your relocation, just let us know.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@movingtohawaii Thank you for the offer. There is just no way I'd be able to afford the kind of house I have now here in Fresno. If I do move back, the only way is to live in the Ewa Beach home we grew up in.

[@laurengraham9325]

I grew up in Aiea and I went back to O'ahu as an adult. When I told locals I lived in Aiea, they were like, "Pearl City!"

[@geneatienza1505]

Aiea will always be my home, lived off of Koauka Loop ❤️🤙🏾

[@gofalla]

Informative video! Love your aloha shirt. Where’d you get it from?

[@mymelt1770]

Very good perceptive narrative…but you started filming on my street after my house. LOL

[@mymelt1770]

Missed going down too…

[@movingtohawaii]

Can you tell us what that long stairway is for?

[@mymelt1770]

@@movingtohawaii Lived here from from 1988 never found out. There’s a stair case behind the Library too. Leaned that before the street was cut it was all canefield. Nearby was the sugar refinery that was torn down. Lots of small old houses in that camp area.

[@carlossantos1815]

yea im a proud local from Aiea.. New Town also has a view of pearl Harbor you forgot to go there..up here Hapaki st.

[@movingtohawaii]

We gotta visit for the next video. Mahalo for watching.

[@carlossantos1815]

@@movingtohawaii oh yea im a big fan.. if its possible to meet it would be great

[@mikecadiente1969]

Do you know the name of the hospital that was there before palimomi hospital

[@movingtohawaii]

Hmmm, not off the top

[@mikecadiente1969]

@@movingtohawaii , it was called fronk clinic.I broke my arm twice . It was like a plantation looking hospital.

[@bobgregory3946]

“Gulf ball” at Pearl Harbor is an X-Band Radar. FAA regulations require system to be turned off prior to coming into port. Accordingly does not interfere with Cell phone or garage doors as claimed.

[@anthonylee2099]

Great video. Yeah, if can, would like to hear you talk story bout the Kine superstition 🤙😎

[@movingtohawaii]

Coming soon!

[@eric_codeviking]

Definitely into heating more on the history, folklore, etc

[@movingtohawaii]

We will make a special video all about that.

[@brendamclean8447]

Awesome video Derek, you’re so great at articulating communities and neighborhoods. Love watching these, and I especially love when you talk story and add that personal touch for us to experience ❤

[@movingtohawaii]

I appreciate that!

[@djpak1]

Tell us the Hawaii folklore!

[@movingtohawaii]

We will!

[@rtypepe]

Next, Halawa.... it has its own subculture of Aiea

[@movingtohawaii]

Agreed!

[@Jon_8]

The only city in the USA spelled with all vowels

[@VS-ku3xv]

Could you cover Waimanalo as well? I love that beach! Any homes there?

[@movingtohawaii]

There are homes there,, but we've never done a video featuring that area.

[@amehayami934]

My dad grew up in Aiea. But I'm from Makiki.

[@aupsychobilly]

You’re a coastie officer or not? What you said about pearl and Arizona

[@movingtohawaii]

What did I say?

[@drabacal65]

I'm from aiea awesome

[@KeepRowing247]

I miss living in Aiea. Pho-5-o

[@chelseashigematsu4260]

A-TOWN BABYYYYY 🤘🏼

[@movingtohawaii]

Represent!

[@marcielynn4886]

Only city with only vowels.

[@movingtohawaii]

😎 was hoping someone would bring this fact up

[@curiousnomadic]

According to Wikipedia it is still part of Honolulu City. Is that wrong? Halawa definitely part of Honolulu right?

[@Oh-Hi-1]

Didn't Bruno Mars once live in Aiea, Newtown Estates I think?

[@movingtohawaii]

Idk. He went to Roosevelt in a different area and he also said Uptown Funk You Up haha

[@dma1972]

I grew up in Aiea 🥹🥹🥹

[@movingtohawaii]

What's your Top 3 things you love about Aiea?

[@frisco8892]

Memory lane… Na’Ali’i 4 life!

[@reynracoma9834]

A-Town!!

[@johnariola5780]

Na Alii Class of 79 Das right brah

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

Maybe this is a question for the Q and A video. Some mainlander who spent some time in Honolulu mentioned how the buildings and homes were a little dirty. I thought that was an odd observation, given that there is a good amount of rain. Cities in California that don't see much rain are encrusted with street dust. I wonder if it is because there isn't much new development and renovation happening on Oahu. You go to La Jolla, California, you see old neighborhoods, but they are tidy. On Oahu, are there more neighborhoods like La Jolla or more neighborhoods that look like Stockton?

[@Justinian21c]

Is that mainlander talking about red dirt on Oahu? Hawaii has this red dirt from volcanic origins that tends to stain the sidewalks, driveways, and even sides of houses.

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

@@Justinian21c That could be it. It doesn't sound bad then. There are cities in California that don't see rain for 7 months straight. During that time, all the car gunk particles, hobo drippings, and whatever just settles on the ground would cover the sidewalks, and if there was a tree that would release moisture from its leaves, the mix would cake black.

[@TessaPup]

Grew up in Aiea. Still only refer to Pearlridge as Phase I and Phase II. I remember when they did the renovations to uptown and downtown. Also remember hearing the Michael Jackson concert from the basketball game at Aiea High.

[@movingtohawaii]

I always wondered if you could hear it. Thanks for confirming!

[@gobeavs4852]

…and the monster trucks too!

[@jogalbreath5216]

Wow! No more Aloha Bowl Swap Meet? I was looking so forward to visiting again. Where are farmer's markets selling lical grown food?

[@boilednuts]

The Swap Meet will still be open during demolition and building of the new stadium. Farmer's Market is at Pearlridge Shopping Center on Saturday mornings.

[@dawnwatkins6554]

I went to Aiea High School from 1975-1978 and I have a picture from the top of the bleachers outside the music building. It goes across the football field and down the hill and across Pearl Harbor. The Arizona memorial is in the background.

[@FLoW828]

Wow. Is your photo published anywhere? It sounds like a great photo worth preserving. There’s a book about Aiea that I heard of through former Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga. She had brought a copy to one of the Aloha Stadium workshop community meetings … It’s called “‘Aiea - Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” … There’s supposed to be a copy at the libraries.

[@dawnwatkins6554]

@@FLoW828 Unfortunately no. My father got stationed in Wichita Falls Texas and the 3 of us moved from Hawaii right after graduation. I haven't been back though I would like to someday. Maybe I should see if I can find the picture and bring it with me if I'm able to come back. 😘 Thanks.

[@thekawagroup354]

Was just in Aiea heights for grandma 105th birthday. Ate lunch at Aiea bowl with cousins. Other cousin played baseball for Aiea back in the day. Good memories. Mahalo

[@movingtohawaii]

Congratulations to Grandma! I'm curious, what are Grandma's favorite Aiea Bowl dishes?

[@Stee39]

Tell us some ghost stories! lol I have been wondering if Oahu had any good ghost stories or legends. Anywhere haunted there??

[@movingtohawaii]

There are SO MANY stories that fall into the supernatural realm. Hawaii has no shortage of these stories and every generation has their own versions.

[@ecebear3]

Aiea High school is haunted.

[@larryledesma8520]

bra i loved when i lived in halawa heights/aiea... to me was the best town on oahu......you to go aiea bowl play street fighter back in the day😄

[@movingtohawaii]

You got dat 12 hit combo with the super finish?

[@lawrencetravisHI]

Posted a comment but looks like it's gone, damn, moved to Aiea in 75' since I was 5 went to all da schools, Grad Aiea 87' and lived in or near the area for 48 yrs, And my post gets deleted, must be from someone not from Aiea. Lol! All good whatevers

[@movingtohawaii]

Not sure what happened to your comment. I don’t think anyone who moderates this account would Delete it. Thank you for your comment 🤙🏽

[@PStone-yg7di]

Howzit Lawrence!! Good to hear from you!! Aiea hold special place for me as well!! Still boog in Cali. Soon come home Hawaii.. shaka

[@tripleplaydoc]

Awesome tour! Yes to the “supernatural” stories.

[@movingtohawaii]

More to come!

[@totoro8088]

Omg YESSSS PLEASE hawaii folklore, legends and ghost stories. No need wait till October. Let’s hear em now, please 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 aloha from Kaneohe

[@movingtohawaii]

OOhhhhh, this video would make a great October release... but if the people want it now 😉

[@totoro8088]

@@movingtohawaii lol ya I think I speak for everyone, we want um now 😀

[@malunguymark]

Love this video, it was well made and how you described Aiea is so true. Born and raised in Aiea in the 90s to me was everything, and yes it was small town living but def could feel the metro touches. I think in the past 30 years Aiea has def been thru an identity crisis, like you said we are smack dab in the middle of the island. Part suburb/small town but also close enough to town where u see the city aspects embedded in it as well. The small local mom and pop spots do still survive around here but we also get the franchise spots. Fav memories were going Pearlridge afterschool, good times because we had the mall it was our playground. And yes a lot of us not really “beach” people. A lot of people get confused wen i say i hardly go beach but i from Hawaii but growing up Aiea it jusr wasnt priority growing up. Ya maybe on the weekends but for the most part it was going to the park, the mall, visiting family etc. Thank you for this video, it made me smile today 🤙🏽

[@movingtohawaii]

What year you grad? Mahalo for the comment

[@malunguymark]

@@movingtohawaii I went Waimalu elem then alvah scott, then aiea inter but got wid the bad crowd u know how it goes lol. Parents sent me to Damien, since my dad used to work Kam Bowl at the og Kapiolani Coffee Shop. Graduated in 2006

[@malunguymark]

I remember growing up and we used to ride the school bus, Royal Summit was one of the stops and i remember seeing the big houses and saying one day i wanna live there. Back in 2018 was a possibility but we settled in Kapolei where my wife grew up. Now Im shocked how exp it is. I guess my dream will nvr be lol

[@kuteangell]

Thank you! I'm moving back to oahu after 9 years away. I lived off moanalua next to kam swap meet. I loved aiea but I'm struggling to find rentals in aiea, even in pearl city now

[@movingtohawaii]

Is your search limited to that area?

[@kuteangell]

@@movingtohawaii not necessarily. I've been watching your videos so i have other neighborhoods I'm looking at. Just bummer that it's so hard these days

[@melissagrant9823]

Thank you!!! We just moved to Aiea last week!!!

[@movingtohawaii]

How did you research the area before moving?

[@melissagrant9823]

@@movingtohawaii Well my son is military and needed fast access to his post location and the soldiers pretty much told him which area was good to live. But your video was right on time for me. As a matter of fact our building is the first building you showed on your video 🙌🏽. So on time for me ♥️. Thank you for the history. I love your channel.

[@travisbradford576]

Awesome video, this made me miss living on island so badly! I stayed at the Pearl Ridge Terraces on Moanalua Loop, and loved how sporty the town was. I had the O2 Martial Arts Academy across the street, Runner's Hawaii and an Anytime Fitness maybe 1.5 miles up the road. I never used that bike trail that snaked along the beach, it seemed a lil' rapey to me, but I did go for evening runs around the mall. That and the mall was literally a stone's throw from my apartment complex. I loved it!

[@FLoW828]

There are military and civilian groups that have begun to really help clean up the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail. Earth Day has become our Annual very well-organized cleanup day for the past few years now.

[@marktactay9764]

Grew up in Halawa (Speedy's had juicy cone sushi) then moved to new homes 'Upper' Pearl City. Watched the neighbor kids walk to school as I rode to private school in Waipahu then Kalihi (Boys school) Came back home after 20 years and settled in Aiea. One year saw this guy by himself waving at Pearlridge Mall (below 3 flags on Moanalua Rd) Geev um Senator Schatz!

[@movingtohawaii]

Thanks for sharing. It’s been proven as scientific fact that Kabuki Okazuya has the best cone sushi.

[@tiatamara11]

Need to invent a mermaid superhero for Hawaii and she is met by surfer dudes and together they act like socrates for the local people.

[@terryd2188]

So what will happen to the swap meet when the new stadium goes up?

[@movingtohawaii]

That's the big question. Maybe it'll still be held there at the original place but with new venue. Maybe it'll be relocated and rebranded? Not really sure.

[@terryd2188]

@Moving to Hawaii That would suck if they did away with it. That is a staple of the island. When I lived there, I would get souvenirs for friends and family from there, and when I came back to visit, I got a few for myself.

[@sharonknorr1106]

In the 70's we lived in Hawaii. Used to go Aiea Chop Suey all the time. Still there? I lived in Pearl City, then Waipahu and finally, Wahiawa. I worked at Wahiawa General Hospital.

[@boilednuts]

ACS closed

[@movingtohawaii]

So you are super familiar with central Oahu living, yeah? Where are your best go-to spots since no more ACS?

[@boilednuts]

@@movingtohawaii Yeah, lived in Aiea since 1955 and PC since 2013. If you want roast pork, r. chicken, char siu, gau gee or fried rice, I like Roast Duck Kitchen...Aiea Shopping Center level 2...for take out. Order in advance if possible. The reg. Chinese restaurants here in Aiea/PC are just so-so but I haven't been everyplace. I also get email from the Hi govt updating the stadium situation and I used to go to the Farmer's Market at Pearlridge.

[@sharonknorr1106]

@@movingtohawaii Well, we have been back on the mainland for many years, so have no suggestions. I watch your vlog and some food vlogs (recommend Amanda and Felix Eats) and some surf vlogs from Hawaii to still soak up some aloha. Another piece of nostalgia (?) from Waipahu - Little Egypt's. It was a real down and dirty strip club/bar that is now a pizza place, at least it was the last time we visited.

[@kalanimagaoay7988]

I grew up in the loop. We would go walk in the gulch to get to pearlridge on the fun factory side lol

[@briangarciabro]

Come visit our Church across from Alva Scott 🤙🏽 Aiea SDA

[@samdavis2711]

Hopefully a new stadium will go up fast. They tore down Ole Jack Murphy/Qualcomm down that was an end of an era, but the new Snapdragon is bringing more events, so ya got to start some new good memories. Our next change will be the Sports Arena, our koby swap meet will be gone. Good Video Derek, thanks👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@movingtohawaii]

Out with one era and on with the next era. Mahalo, Sam 🤙

[@miyakegaijin]

At about 2:46 in video there used to be a Japanese food place that was in a building that had a resting area/parking stall(?) for horses. There was a small fire there around 2001(?)that ended that era of the restaurant. In the same building was 2008 Hawaii judo Olympian who cranked out a handful of students who became state and national champs. He later moved his dojo nearby in Halawa.

[@Allinmyworld]

The psychic is Van LO and i would love to go see her one day!!

[@movingtohawaii]

Is she still around???

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Aiea used to be town for those who lived in Ewa Beach. We lived in the cane fields. Now you can’t even tell where Waipahu starts.

[@movingtohawaii]

Facts! The whole Ewa plain is completely transformed

[@elevate5369]

I applaud your video work. We will be well versed and ready before we make our move over thanks to you and your videos. Mahalo

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo for your feedback. Let us know how else we can be of assistance.

[@onetruekeeper]

There is only one city on Oahu and that is Honolulu. Everything else are just districts. HPD and HFD serves all areas on Oahu and H stands for Honolulu.

[@royhi1809]

LAN

[@turtledove41]

The only actual “City” on the island of O‘ahu is Honolulu, every other town is referred to as a CDP (Census Designated Place)

[@paulwisham5943]

Makiki, Punchbowl, up to Tantalus heights, and up in those hillish areas behind central Honolulu, offered city and seaside views… (When I grew up in apartments out there back in the 80’s…)

[@paulwisham5943]

Oh yeah… Pro Bowl!

[@elizabethhowe7670]

yes please myths etc

[@movingtohawaii]

More on the way