MCB Hawaii is about equally close to the small cities of Kailua (about 39,000 people) and Kaneohe (about 35,000). The nearest major city is Honolulu, a city-county with about 390,000 people. All of these places are on the island of Oahu. MCB Hawaii is on the north shore of the island; main Honolulu is on the south shore

It is about 8 miles from downtown Kaneohe to MCB Hawaii; this takes about 12 minutes to commute in good traffic; Kailua is about 4 miles and 9 minutes away. Local traffic can be congested, so travel times can vary.

The local economy is diversified, but there is a strong tourism, shipping, and military services and defense industry base.

Local Housing Rental Prices: The average apartment rent in the Kailua area ranges from $700 to $1,200 per month, with a median of $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom; Kaneohe apartments range $900 to $2000.

Local Housing Purchase Prices: The average price for a house in the MCB Hawaii area varies from about $492,000, to $620,000. Condos are a good deal less expensive.

Short Description of the Area: Kailua and Kaneohe are small cities on the north shore of O'ahu. Space on the island is generally limited and population density is high. Hawaii in general is known for beautiful scenery, beaches, and environment. Kailua and Kaneohe are very ethnically mixed; Kailua has a 44% Euro-American population, 21% Asian-American and 25% other; Kaneohe is 39% Asian-American, 28% other, and 20% Euro-American.

Climate and Weather: The area has a tropical climate, with year round temperatures between the mid-80s and low-70s; about 5 degrees cooler in winter and 5 higher in summer. There is a slight difference in rainfall from winter to summer, less than three inches a month - the rains are a little heavier in winter. Disastrous weather - hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms - is rare. The islands are volcanically active, but the main volcano in Hawaii is on another island, and there is no expectation of an eruption on Oahu in the near future. Overall the area is very pleasant.

Local Culture: Hawaii is very removed from the mainland US, and has a different set of customs and habits, its own local cuisine, casual civilian dress styles, a strong local dialect, and other social features, a blend of native Hawaiian, Asian, US mainlander, and other Pacific influences. Ask locals, politely.

Transportation: Honolulu is served by TheBus (one word) system, which reaches all around the area.