Wahiawa is a small town located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Situated in the center of the island, it is known for its lush natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The town is located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Waianae Mountains to the west, Mount Kaala to the north, and Schofield Barracks to the east. See Topbbacolleges to learn about Hawaii County, Hawaii.
The climate in Wahiawa is tropical with temperatures usually ranging between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout most of the year. There are two distinct seasons: summer (May-October) and winter (November-April). During summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees with high humidity levels while during winter months temperatures typically remain in the low 70s with occasional higher temperatures due to Kona winds.
The terrain in Wahiawa consists mostly of rolling hills and fertile valleys with plenty of green vegetation including guava trees, coconut palms, and taro fields. The soil is rich and allows for a variety of crops such as sugarcane, pineapple, bananas, papayas, macadamia nuts and coffee beans to be grown here.
Wahiawa also offers plenty of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking trails, surfing spots along the North Shore as well as horseback riding at nearby Schofield Barracks. Visitors can also explore some of Oahu’s most popular attractions including Pearl Harbor Historic Sites or take a drive up to the summit of Diamond Head for breathtaking views over Honolulu.
Overall, Wahiawa offers visitors a unique experience that combines its beautiful landscapes with numerous outdoor activities and cultural attractions that make it one of Hawaii’s most beloved towns. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
History of Wahiawa, Hawaii
Wahiawa is a small town located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It has been inhabited for centuries by the native Hawaiian people and was originally part of the ahupuaa (land division) of Waialua. The area was used primarily for agricultural purposes and was home to various lo’i (taro patches) as well as numerous fishponds.
In 1809, John Young, an English sailor who served as an advisor to King Kamehameha I, established a sugar cane plantation in Wahiawa and built a two-story house that still stands today. He also built a mill, which operated until 1887 when it was converted into a hotel. During this time, many immigrants from China, Portugal, Japan and other parts of the world arrived to work on the sugar plantations in Wahiawa.
In 1900, Wahiawa became home to Schofield Barracks which is now one of the largest military installations in Hawaii. The barracks were built to provide housing for US troops during World War I and have remained an important presence in Wahiawa ever since.
Throughout its history, Wahiawa has served as an important cultural center for the Hawaiian people as well as those from other parts of the world who have come to live here over time. This diversity can be seen in its architecture which includes some of Hawaii’s oldest buildings such as Mokulele Church (built in 1890) and St Joseph’s Catholic Church (built in 1919). It is also home to various festivals held throughout the year including an annual Chinese New Year celebration that features dragon dances and fireworks displays.
Today, Wahiawa continues to serve as both a military base and vibrant community with plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore its culture and natural beauty. From hiking trails along Mount Kaala or visiting historic sites like Pearl Harbor Historic Sites – there’s something here for everyone.
Economy of Wahiawa, Hawaii
The economy of Wahiawa, Hawaii is largely based on the military presence at Schofield Barracks. The barracks have been a part of the town since its establishment in 1900 and are now one of the largest military installations in the state. As such, the base provides employment for many local residents and is responsible for generating a significant portion of the town’s economic activity.
In addition to Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa also has a thriving agricultural sector with numerous lo’i (taro patches), fishponds, and fruit orchards. These farms produce a variety of fruits and vegetables that are sold both locally and across Hawaii. The town is also home to several food processing plants that produce canned goods such as pineapple juice concentrate and macadamia nut oil as well as other products like oatmeal cookies.
Wahiawa also features several small businesses that cater to tourists visiting the area or those who are stationed at Schofield Barracks. These include restaurants, souvenir shops, tour companies, car rental agencies, and more. Additionally, there are several retail stores located throughout the town that offer everything from clothing to electronics to groceries.
Finally, Wahiawa has also become an attractive destination for retirees looking for a quiet place to settle down in Hawaii due to its low cost of living and close proximity to Honolulu and other tourist destinations on Oahu. This has led to an increase in real estate development over recent years which has further bolstered Wahiawa’s economy by creating jobs within the construction industry as well as providing additional tax revenue for local government services.
Overall, Wahiawa’s economy is supported by its diverse mix of industries including agriculture, tourism, military activity, small businesses and real estate development which all contribute in their own unique ways towards making this small Hawaiian town an attractive place for people from all walks of life.
Politics in Wahiawa, Hawaii
Wahiawa, Hawaii is a small town located on the island of Oahu. As such, it is part of the state of Hawaii and is subject to its laws and regulations. Politically, Wahiawa is part of Honolulu County, which is represented in the state legislature by two senators and five representatives. The town itself has an elected mayor and eight council members who serve four-year terms.
At the county level, Wahiawa is represented by one member on the Honolulu City Council. This council member serves a four-year term and can be re-elected indefinitely. Additionally, each year Wahiawa sends one delegate to the Hawaii State Legislature who serves a two-year term. This individual represents the town’s interests in both legislative houses (House of Representatives and Senate).
At the federal level, Wahiawa falls within Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District which is currently represented by Tulsi Gabbard in the U.S House of Representatives. The district also includes parts of Honolulu County as well as all of Maui County and Kalawao County (Molokai).
In terms of political parties, most residents in Wahiawa identify with either the Democratic Party or Republican Party with a smaller number identifying as independent or non-partisan voters. In recent years, there has been an increase in support for third parties such as Green Party USA or Libertarian Party USA among younger voters in particular but overall these still represent a minority opinion within the town compared to more traditional Democratic or Republican views.
In terms of local politics, Wahiawa has historically been quite progressive with many initiatives aimed at improving life for its citizens such as increased access to healthcare services or expanding public transportation options throughout town. It has also been proactive about environmental issues such as protecting local agricultural lands from development or preserving important wildlife habitats throughout Oahu Island.
Overall, politics in Wahiawa reflects its diverse population which includes both military personnel stationed at Schofield Barracks as well as retirees looking for a quiet place to settle down in Hawaii due to its low cost of living and close proximity to Honolulu and other tourist destinations on Oahu. As such, it’s no surprise that residents here are passionate about their political views regardless if they lean left or right politically – something that will likely remain true for many years to come given the unique history and culture that makes up this special Hawaiian community.
