Aiea HI

Aiea, Hawaii – Nestled on the lush island of Oʻahu, Aiea is a charming town where tropical beauty meets suburban comfort. Overlooking historic Pearl Harbor and surrounded by emerald mountains, this small but vibrant community offers a peaceful retreat with a deep cultural heartbeat. Whether you're exploring hidden hiking trails, learning local history, or simply enjoying the island breeze, Aiea invites you to slow down and soak in the aloha spirit.

• Population: ~9,000
• Weather: Warm and tropical year-round (65-88°F); gentle trade winds and occasional showers keep it green.
• Places To Visit: Pearlridge Center, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area, USS Arizona Memorial (nearby).
• Top Activities: Hiking the Aiea Loop Trail, shopping local boutiques, exploring cultural sites, savoring island cuisine, visiting historic landmarks.
• Famous Food: Fresh poke bowls, malasadas, loco moco, Hawaiian barbecue, and mochi-filled treats from local bakeries.

Aiea, HI is a small but vibrant community located on the island of Oahu. As a part of the Honolulu metropolitan area, Aiea benefits from its proximity to both military installations and major health centers. The city's economy is supported by healthcare, retail, education, and service-based industries. Here are some of the top jobs in Aiea that reflect its unique local economy and lifestyle.

Top 5 Jobs in Aiea, HI

Aiea, HI might not be the biggest city on the island, but it's got chill spots where students can unwind, grab a bite, or just hang out with friends. Whether you're into nature, shopping, or grabbing late-night snacks, Aiea has a bit of everything to help you relax after a long day of classes.

Pearlridge Center – The go-to place for students to shop, catch a movie, or grab a quick snack. With tons of food options and stores, you can easily spend an afternoon here without getting bored. Bonus: It’s the second-largest shopping mall in Hawaii, so there's always something new to check out.

Aiea Loop Trail – Need some fresh air and a break from your screen? This scenic trail is a favorite among local students. It’s an easy to moderate hike with amazing views, and it’s a perfect way to clear your mind while staying close to town.

Tasty Korean BBQ – A casual, student-friendly spot for delicious takeout or eat-in plates. Affordable, filling, and fast—what more could you want during a study break?

Boba Time – Craving a sweet drink with friends? Boba Time serves up tasty milk teas, smoothies, and fun vibes. It’s a great place to sit, chat, and recharge between classes.

Cake M – Whether you're celebrating a small win or just need a sugar boost, Cake M offers adorable desserts and cozy seating for quick hangouts or quiet study time with a treat.

Keehi Lagoon Beach Park – Just a short drive away and perfect for students who want to skip the touristy beaches. Relax by the water, watch the sunset, or kick back with a group of friends. It's low-key and peaceful—ideal for a reset.

Uptown Cheapskate Pearl City – Not just a thrift shop—it's a place to discover cool fashion finds without breaking the bank. Students love hunting for unique styles and giving new life to pre-loved clothes.

Being a student in Aiea means you get the best of both worlds: a laid-back community and easy access to fun, relaxing spots whenever you need a break. So next time you're feeling stressed or need a meetup location, check out one of these spots and enjoy what Aiea has to offer.

Aiea, HI, is a vibrant community with a central location on Oahu. It offers close access to Honolulu and a range of highly respected colleges and universities. While Aiea itself does not have a large number of colleges within its immediate boundaries, students living in Aiea benefit from easy commutes to some of Hawaii’s top higher education options nearby. Here are the top public and private colleges and universities serving Aiea residents.

Top Public Colleges & Universities Near Aiea

University of Hawaii at Manoa – Located just a short drive from Aiea, UH Manoa is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System. It is famous for its research, diverse academic programs, and beautiful campus. Students can choose from degrees in science, business, engineering, education, the arts, and more.

Leeward Community College – Situated in nearby Pearl City, Leeward CC is one of Oahu’s most accessible community colleges. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs in culinary arts, business, education, and STEM fields, making it an excellent option for students seeking affordable and high-quality education.

Honolulu Community College – Located in Honolulu and easily accessible from Aiea, HCC specializes in technical, vocational, and liberal arts programs. It is well-known for its programs in information technology, trades, cosmetology, and music and entertainment learning experiences.

Kapi‘olani Community College – Just a few miles from Aiea, Kapi‘olani CC is celebrated for its outstanding culinary arts program as well as strong health sciences, hospitality, and liberal arts offerings.

University of Hawaii – West Oahu – Located in Kapolei and convenient for Aiea residents, UH West Oahu provides bachelor’s degrees with a focus on liberal arts, applied sciences, and professional studies, including business administration and creative media.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Aiea

Chaminade University of Honolulu – This respected Catholic Marianist institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, forensic science, psychology, nursing, and more. Its diverse and supportive community is ideal for personal and academic growth.

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) – With campuses in Honolulu and Kaneohe, HPU offers a variety of programs in business, nursing, marine biology, international relations, and communications. The university’s global perspective and flexible schedules appeal to traditional and non-traditional students alike.

Remington College – Honolulu Campus – Remington College provides career-focused associate and diploma programs including criminal justice, medical assisting, and business administration. Its Honolulu campus is an accessible choice for Aiea residents seeking practical career training.

Argosy University (formerly in Hawaii) – Although Argosy University closed its Hawaii campus in 2019, it previously offered respected graduate programs in psychology, counseling, business, and education. Many alumni still reside in the Aiea area, contributing to the educational landscape.

Wayland Baptist University – Hawaii Campus – Specializing in serving working adults and military personnel, Wayland Baptist offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, Christian ministry, education, and more. Evening and online classes are perfect for busy lifestyles.

Whether you’re looking for a university with extensive research opportunities or a college that offers career-ready certificate programs, Aiea and its neighboring communities provide supportive environments and diverse educational paths to help you reach your goals.

Aiea, HI may be a small town on the island of Oʻahu, but it offers families access to impressive public and private high schools that provide quality education, extracurricular opportunities, and preparation for college and beyond. Whether you're a local resident or moving to the area, knowing which schools stand out can make a big difference in your child’s future.

Top Public High Schools In Aiea, HI

• Aiea High School – The main public high school in the area, Aiea High is known for its diverse student body and strong athletics. It offers career pathways in business, health, and engineering, helping students find their passion early on.
• Moanalua High School – Located just outside of Aiea, this school consistently ranks among the top in the state for academics. It features advanced placement (AP) classes, a top-tier music program, and a strong community culture.
• Pearl City High School – A short drive from Aiea, Pearl City High is recognized for its academic rigor and award-winning robotics and science programs. Their commitment to academic excellence makes it a popular choice for local families.
• Radford High School – Serving military and local families, Radford offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and places a strong emphasis on leadership and civic responsibility.
• Leilehua High School – Though slightly further inland, Leilehua is known for its extensive extracurriculars, including strong JROTC and STEM programs. It's a supportive environment for students with diverse interests.

Top Private High Schools In Aiea, HI

• St. Louis School – Located just a short drive away in Honolulu, St. Louis School is a Catholic college-preparatory school for boys. It has a long history of academic excellence, leadership training, and successful athletic programs.
• Island Pacific Academy – Although in nearby Kapolei, this independent school is worth the commute. Known for its student-centered learning, small class sizes, and global citizenship values, it creates a nurturing and high-achieving environment.
• Maryknoll School – A co-ed Catholic school in Honolulu offering a faith-based education with a modern approach. Maryknoll focuses on innovation, service learning, and college readiness.
• Punahou School – One of the most prestigious private schools in Hawaii, just a short drive from Aiea. Punahou offers excellent academics, sports, and arts, and is a top choice for families seeking well-rounded opportunities.
• Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus – Serving Native Hawaiian students, this private school provides cultural immersion along with top-tier academics and facilities. Admission is competitive, and the campus is nationally recognized for excellence.

When choosing a school in the Aiea area, it's important to consider your child's learning style, interests, and long-term goals. Whether you prefer a neighborhood public school with a strong community feel or a private school with specialized programs, Aiea and its surrounding areas offer excellent options to support every student's success.

Aiea, Hawaii may be a charming town nestled on the island of Oahu, but when it comes to professional sports teams, it doesn’t host any major league franchises of its own. However, that doesn’t mean sports fans in Aiea are left out of the action. Hawaii has a rich sports culture, and many Aiea residents proudly support teams from larger markets, cheer for hometown heroes, and celebrate sports through community events and college athletics.

While you won’t find NFL, NBA, or MLB team headquarters in Aiea itself, locals often rally around Hawaii’s own iconic sports moments and athletes who've reached the professional level. Here's a look at the sports scene that resonates with people in Aiea — and how the town connects with the wider world of sports.

Football – University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

• Hometown Pride: Aiea locals passionately support the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team. Games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on Oahu are major events, drawing fans from across the island, including Aiea.
• NFL Dreams: Several former Rainbow Warriors have gone on to play in the NFL, earning admiration from the community. Players like Davone Bess and Greg Salas started their careers in Hawaii and gained national recognition.

Baseball – Hawaii Baseball Tradition

• Little League Success: Aiea and nearby towns have a strong tradition of competitive youth baseball. Hawaii's Little League teams have brought home several Little League World Series titles, including the 2018 championship won by Honolulu.
• MLB Connections: Hawaii has produced standout MLB players such as Shane Victorino, nicknamed the “Flyin’ Hawaiian,” who won two World Series titles during his professional career.

Basketball – Local Stars with National Impact

• Growing Popularity: While there’s no NBA team based in Hawaii, basketball is popular among youth and high school teams in Aiea. Many island players aim for college scholarships and future professional careers.
• Past Events: The state has hosted NBA preseason games and the Maui Invitational Tournament, one of college basketball’s premier early-season competitions, attracting top teams and viewers nationwide.

Soccer – Community & Collegiate Enthusiasm

• Local Involvement: Soccer thrives in community leagues throughout Aiea and Oahu. The sport has grown significantly among youth, supported by clubs and school programs.
• Hawaii Soccer Stars: Local athletes often move on to play at the collegiate level across the country, some even making their way into professional leagues or overseas teams.

Other Popular Sports in Aiea

• Surfing: Being in Hawaii, surfing isn't just a sport—it's part of the culture. Many professional surfers hail from the islands, and local beaches are training grounds for the next generation.
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Hawaii has produced big-name fighters like B.J. Penn, and the sport enjoys widespread popularity. Aiea residents frequently tune in to major UFC events, especially when island fighters are on the card.
• Volleyball: A favorite among locals, volleyball has a strong community presence. The University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team is a national powerhouse, recently winning back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2021 and 2022, giving fans across the islands reason to celebrate.

So while Aiea doesn’t have any professional sports teams of its own, the town remains passionately connected to the sports world. Whether it's cheering for local college teams, celebrating native Hawaiians who make it big, or embracing community leagues, sports are very much a part of life in Aiea.

And who knows? With Hawaii being such a unique and spirited place, a professional team may one day call the islands home. Until then, Aiea's love for sports continues to thrive in every little league field, school gym, and beach break across Oahu.

Aiea, HI is a small town with a big heart, nestled just outside Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. While it may be overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Aiea has its own charm, history, and some pretty cool secrets. Here are 10 fun facts that give a glimpse into what makes Aiea truly unique:

1. Named After a Tree – The name “Aiea” comes from a native Hawaiian plant known as Nothocestrum latifolium. It’s a tree species that once covered the area. So yes, this town gets its name from a tree!
2. Pearl Harbor Views – Aiea overlooks one of the most historic spots in the world—Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial is just minutes away and visible from some neighborhoods.
3. Exciting Hiking Trails – The popular Aiea Loop Trail gives hikers a lush, forested stroll with stunning views of Hawaii’s landscape. It’s also a great place to spot native plants and birds.
4. Shopping History – Aiea is home to Pearlridge Center, the second-largest shopping mall in Hawaii. It's known for having its own monorail system—the only one in the state!
5. Tech Goes Old School – The Pearlridge monorail has been in operation since 1977 and is affectionately called “Skycab.” It still moves shoppers between both mall sections today.
6. A Caffeine Connection – Believe it or not, coffee played a role in Aiea’s past. In the 1800s, coffee trees were planted in the area as part of Hawaii’s early agricultural development.
7. Local Favorite Eats – Aiea is home to some legendary local food spots like The Alley at Aiea Bowl, where you can find delicious plate lunches and famous “Tasty Chicken.”
8. A Railroad Ran Through It – Aiea was once connected by a railroad that transported sugarcane and pineapples. Today, you can still see remnants of the old rail line in parts of the town.
9. Historic Churches – Aiea has some of the oldest and most beautiful churches on the island. Aiea United Methodist Church has served the community for over a century!
10. Cultural Melting Pot – Aiea reflects Hawaii’s cultural blend, with a mix of Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and Pacific Islander traditions that shine through in its food, festivals, and people.