Summer-Fall 2026 • Hawaii Military Guide 247 apolei and Ewa Beach have experienced an incredible transformation during the last decade. Located on Oahu’s Leeward Coast, the area was once home to Native Hawaiian Fishponds. More recently, however, sugarcane and pineapple Fields dominated the landscape. Today, this pair has emerged as bustling communities with new residential developments, a state-of-the-art hospital, numerous golf courses, a range of dining options, splendid shopping and wide roadways. Newer and larger homes found here are surrounded by sidewalks and pleasant parks. While these communities continue to grow by adding even more amenities like Honolulu Rail stops, the plan for development ensures it retains a local feel. The regional plan advocates for sustainable, pedestrian-friendly growth with gardens, community services and a focus on technology – making Kapolei and Ewa Beach exciting, spacious, West Oahu neighborhoods for military and civilian families to call home. FISHPONDS TO PLANTATIONS TO PLANNED COMMUNITIES Hawaiian settlements in the region date back to 12th century A.D., as confirmed by remains from Hawaiian’s ingenious fishponds. Kapolei is named after a volcanic hill, Puu O Kapolei, which is found today in Kapolei Regional Park. According to Hawaiian legends, “Kapo” was the goddess of fertility and the sister to Pele, the goddess of fire. The word “lei” in Kapolei refers to the ring or “lei” of light visible around the hill during the winter solstice. Perfect for extended stays, the new Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei (808-674-4480) offers full kitchens, free breakfast daily, 24-hour market, pool, fitness center, barbecue grills and full bar with live entertainment nightly The Hawaiian legend of the land is rooted in two ancient Hawaiian gods, Kane and Kanaloa. When they discovered the Ewa plains, they liked the large flat area. So, they threw a stone to mark a boundary. When they later searched for the stone, gods could not find it. So, the land became known as Ewa, or the “stone that strayed”. Perfect for extended stays, the new Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei (808-674-4480) offers full kitchens, free breakfast daily, 24-hour market, pool, fitness center, barbecue grills and full bar with live entertainment nightly. K
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