Oahu is home to some of the biggest and best waves in the world, and is known as the "Mecca" of surfing.  One of surfing's biggest events rolled through the North Shore of Oahu this past weekend. The 2011 Pipeline Masters was the final jewel of surfing's coveted Triple Crown and final stop on the ASP's World Tour. Huge waves between 10-15 feet challenged the planet's best surfers which included 2011 World Champ Kelly Slater, tour veterans Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, and Fred Patacchia, along with upstarts Julian Wilson, Gabriel Mendina, and Hawaii's own John John Florence.

So you’re taking your annual trip to Hawaii and this time you are seriously considering buying a home in this tropical paradise. 
Here’s a unique way to see the sights and house hunt at the same time. We’ve identified four Oahu communities that are popular with homebuyers. And, as an added bonus, we’ve added a few visitor attractions to check out while you’re in the neighborhood.

It’s probably the hot topic in Hawaii today. You hear conversations all over town beginning with, “what do you think about rail?” This article won’t get into the debate about whether you’re for or against. The bottom line is that the City & County of Honolulu broke ground for the Honolulu Rail Transit (HART) project in February. The ceremonial groundbreaking and blessing was held on Kualakai Parkway in East Kapolei, near the site of the first of 21 rail stations planned for the 20-mile elevated route. There are pending lawsuits to stop the project, but at this point, all systems are go — so the question is:

 If rail transit becomes a reality, what will be its effect be on Hawaii real estate?

As if worrying about being close to work, schools, the beach or the golf course isn’t enough when shopping for a new place to live, don’t forget about the family pet. Just how suitable will your new digs be for your four-legged friends?