Moving Guides|Hawaii|Oahu|Neighborhoods|Pupukea
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Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert

Last Modified: January 5, 2026

Pupukea map

Pupukea Neighborhood Overview

Circus Reprieve, Mountain Temps, Waimea Roar, Foodland Dash

41of 54 Oahu Neighborhoods

🧭Location: Up the hill from Foodland/Three Tables, overlooking Waimea Bay, east of Waimea Valley, west of Pupukea Paumalu Reserve. Technically includes the coast along Ehukai Beach/Pipeline, Rocky Point, and Sunset Elementary.

📌Best known for: Sharks Cove, Foodland runs, and the world's most famous waves.

👕You can spot a Pupukea local by: Barefoot Foodland regular, reef cuts, lifted Tacoma, wetsuit top tan lines.

👍Move here for: Big wave bragging rights and summertime snorkeling.

👎Be prepared for: Kam Highway gridlock and relentless winter spectators.

✨The vibe around Pupukea is: Salty, mellow, grom central.

Salty romantics, retired pro surfers, escaping the scene (without actually leaving).

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Moving to Pupukea - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Oahu or deciding which part of the island fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Oahu guide for the big-picture view — or compare Pupukea against other parts of the island in our Oahu neighborhood guide.