South

St. Louis Heights is a residential neighborhood located in the hills above Honolulu, Hawaii. The area was once part of a large estate owned by Queen Emma, the wife of King Kamehameha IV, in the 19th century. The land was later purchased by James Campbell, a prominent businessman and sugar plantation owner, who built his summer home on the property in the early 1900s. The area was named St. Louis Heights after the nearby St. Louis School, which was established in 1846 and is still in operation today. In the mid-20th century, the area was developed into a residential neighborhood, and today it is a popular location for families and professionals due to its convenient location and beautiful views of the city and ocean. St. Louis Heights is also known for its lush greenery and cooler temperatures compared to the lowlands of Honolulu.

My wife Lily, a local who grew up on this beautiful island wrote this introduction. Probably more mentions of romance than I would put in an article about a town, but I will happily admit she is a much better writer than I, so enjoy her introduction to Hawaii Kai! Even after living on Oahu for years, I am still surprised when I’m reminded that Hawaii Kai is still considered to be within the boundaries of Honolulu. This is not only because Hawaii Kai is located so far East of downtown Honolulu, my cognitive disconnect arises from the noticeable changes in landscape and weather. As you drive onto Kalanianaole from the H1, you will notice that tall buildings become sparse, and the highway hugs the coastline.