Hawaii Kai’s first brand new single family homes in 10 years!

Hawaii Kai, one of Honolulu’s sought after neighborhoods is known for its unique marina lifestyle with dramatic views of Koko Crater and Koko Head. It has been 1 decade since the last brand new single family home subdivision Koko Villas was developed in Hawaii Kai. If you need a home today, check all available existing Hawaii Kai homes here.

But, if you fancy new, today you have a chance to be one of a few privileged to select a brand new home before it is built.  And, good things come in pairs!  You get to choose from not just one, but two upcoming exciting new home developments. For both projects you need to act quickly! Here is the scoop..

1.) Hokupa’a    –    14 Golf Course Villas 

Currently taking non-binding reservation agreements.  Unit selection starts January 24, 2016. Construction starts early 2016 with completion in early 2017.  Call George: (808) 554-1635.

After a few upgrades on the finishes since initially announced in July 2015, Hokupa’a offers 14-golf course villas located at the cul-de-sac end of Mokuhano St along the Hawaii Kai golf course.

Hokupa’a – Plan 1

Hokupa’a – Plan 2

Available are two different 4-bedroom / 3-bath, 2 story floor plans with double car garage. Both floorplans offer spacious open designs with patios and lanais for a fabulous indoor-outdoor lifestyle and calming golf course views from double-height windows. Interior living spaces range between 2,278 sqft and 2,339 sqft.  The front yard landscaping will be maintained by the association as part of the common elements.

Hokupa’a – Plan 1

Hokupa’a – Plan 2

Modern designer finishes include central AC, Studio Becker kitchens, top of the line Miele appliances, and multiple color and fine detail options. Homes feature engineered hardwood floors, double-pane Milgard Montecito windows, gas cooking and tank-less water heaters. Exterior finish is hardi cementitious siding and presidential asphalt roofing.  The contractor is Maryl, a reputable custom luxury home builder.

Hokupa’a – Plan 2 interior

(Listing Courtesy: Locations LLC)

2.) Laule’a Kai Estates    –    7 Golf Course Villas

Currently taking non-binding reservation agreements.  Sales start soon, subject to imminent effective date of Final Public Report.  Construction starts early 2016 with completion by end 2016.  Call George: (808) 554-1635

Laule’a Kai Estates is a brand new single-family golf course community consisting of only 7-homes located at the end of Hawaii Kai Dr at 499 Kealahou St along the Hawaii Kai golf course.

Available are three different 4-bedroom / 3- bath, 2 story floor plans with double garage, offering a similar indoor-outdoor lifestyle compared to Hokupa’a. Interior living spaces range between 2,461 sqft and 2,761 sqft, slightly larger than Hokupa’a.

Modern designer finishes include top-of-the-line kitchens with stone counter tops, top of the line Viking appliances, hardwood flooring options, vaulted ceilings, central AC and double-pane windows. Exterior finish is stucco with concrete tile roofs. Double-height windows, and second-story decks are providing breathtaking views of Hawaii Kai Golf Course and Koko Crater.

 (Listing Courtesy: List Sotheby’s Intl)

The post Hawaii Kai’s first brand new single family home project in 10 years! appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

“Hawaii Kai has a marina”. Outside of possibly Costco, that tends to be what most on Oahu will come up with to describe this community. That marina is so unique you understand why it gets all the attention. The problem is that it masks the real depth of this neighborhood and why it just might be the perfect home for you. You just don’t know it yet. Let’s change that.

One thing that must be understood is that this is a true Master Planned community, a completely new Oahu district where little existed before. Due to that there is an organization and a more fluid layout that you don’t have in other parts of the Island. At the very least, not on this scale.

This was much more than a residential development from the very start. It is instead almost a small city of its own, with the shopping, schools and even health care resources contained within to serve residents. You don’t need to go very far from your important needs.

That master plan also included a magnetic visual appeal and a greater range of real estate spaces than most realize exist.

With the drive-by appeal of the waters on both sides of the highway, you might be surprised to realize this is a true Mauka to Makai region. The whole breadth of Hawaii living experiences is covered in this one neighborhood. Let’s start in a very appropriate place – at the top.

Hawaii Kai Communities – Top to Bottom

Mariners Ridge

From the residential communities on the ridges far above, you can look out to something close to forever. The ocean surging its way in from far off the Oahu shores. The green valleys alive with life. The mountains and Koko Head, glorious gifts from the Island’s volcanic origins.

It’s all laid out before the homes in places like Napali Haweo, Mariners Ridge and the upper sections of Hahaione. From their cooler climes you enjoy these panoramic views plus the more muted noise levels that come with being far above the traffic.

Napali Haweo

For some, looking down upon the green landscapes here isn’t as exciting as living within them. The valleys of Hawaii Kai are indeed green and beautiful, but you can take that environment one step further. More accurately, further down the road to the least known section of Hawaii Kai.

Koko Villas

There you’ll find homes with the greenest views of all, right on the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Residents of these communities, like Koko Villas, Laulima and Queens Gate, look upon the pristine landscapes of the links. Hidden away from the highway, yet not far from the famed breaks of Sandy Beach, you can live in the secluded splendor of manicured fairways and quiet broken only by the occasional club connecting with a golf ball.

Queens Gate

This is easily the most overlooked section of Hawaii Kai properties, but just as much a part of the lifestyle here as the marina. One many don’t even know is there. And speaking of the marina…

Anchorage

Living on the marina is the most conspicuous real estate of all in this district. It’s also probably the most envied. Even passing motorists can’t help noticing the personal docks just steps from the backdoors of so many of the homes in communities like Anchorage, Luna Kai and Spinnaker Isle.

Spinnaker Isle

You can’t stop yourself imagining heading out on the water moments after getting the urge. Or sailing over to Koko Marina for dinner or just to do a little shopping. Or just gazing out at the water from home and letting the stress drift away. However, what you can stop imagining is that these are the only waterfront homes in Hawaii Kai.

Portlock

Take a right just before heading up the hill to Hanauma Bay and you’ll be driving through Portlock, where some of the most splendid oceanfront properties on the Island sit, staring out across Maunalua Bay to Diamond Head’s proud peak in the distance. Henry Kaiser, the creator of Hawaii Kai, chose this shore to make his home, a testament to the allure of these lands and the vista they enjoy continually. He could have lived anywhere. He chose Portlock. That says it all.

Hanauma Bay

Next to these houses on this same stretch of land is Koko Kai, where oceanfront estates sit on dramatic oceanfront cliffs. They are no less stunning, trading the more level transition to the waters of Portlock for the spectacle of foam and spray as the waves meet the cliffside in front of their houses. It’s both sight and sound that you never tire of witnessing.

The homes themselves are stunning as well, with huge dimensions and designs that integrate the indoors with the outdoors, a part of our local lifestyle that makes each day special.

Recreation Opportunities Few Other Places Can Equal
We should point out that those differing environments – the hills, the water and the lands in the valleys – are recreational, as well. Sailing and paddling are common pursuits on the marina and out in the ocean itself, as is water skiing and just about any other activity you can do while getting wet.

Of course any discussion of water activity must include Hanauma Bay, which is well within the borders of Hawaii Kai. Its world famous snorkeling is a Must for not just visitors, but residents as well. One of the perks of living nearby is the free admission for kamaaina to this natural wonderland.

Turning back to the interior, Koko Head presents the perfect exercise by rewarding you with a view that makes the ascent worth every step. Nearby Hawaii Kai Golf Course actually has 2 courses, with ocean views so awesome you’ll even forget those extra strokes running up your score.

Hawaii Kai Golf Course

For almost any other sport, just head to Koko Head District Park and you’ll find courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, along with facilities that provide regular classes of all kinds.

Add in the many open park spaces throughout this district, the wide sidewalks that are perfect for jogging and the active lifestyle the residents pursue so conspicuously and you’ll be ready to get out and join in. Staying indoors is not an option here.

Shopping & Dining Options
Knowing all of this about your surroundings and recreation choices isn’t the end to a homebuyer’s research, though. You also want to know what’s available here for your daily life; the shopping, the schools, the health care options. Can this place fulfill your needs? Let’s find out.

Koko Marina is the highest profile shopping center in the neighborhood, and for good reason. It’s extremely large, with 70 different stores, not counting the dining options. Come in here and you’ll have 20 restaurants and eateries to pick from, including local Drive Inn style places to Assagio’s Italian food and Kona Brewing Company. It also has the local movie theater. In short, this is Hawaii Kai’s mall, where people come often, sometimes with a specific purpose in mind, other times to just have coffee or browse the shops as a way of relaxing.

There’s a lot to see, buy and taste in this outdoor complex, with both worldwide known brands alongside local sellers of every kind.

A little to the west are the other 2 major centers, right next door to each other. The more makai Hawaii Kai Shopping Center features Safeway and Long’s Drugs, providing the two basic staples of groceries and smaller, daily need goods.

Hawaii Kai Towne Center is famous for Costco, but also has City Mill and, yes, Starbucks. Both of these have numerous services, eateries and restaurants as well, providing almost anything you’d need from insurance to a hair styling.

Between these 3 sites, you can take care of almost anything that you need or want, with even furniture available at City Mill and Costco. Rarely will you have to leave this neighborhood to find an item. There’s that much here.

Hawaii Kai – A Good Place to Stay Healthy
Even better is the fact that you won’t be going outside Hawaii Kai to take care of most health needs. Few places on Oahu have the concentration of health providers that this neighborhood does. Hawaii’s three major medical care providers – Straub, Queen’s and Kaiser – all have facilities here to provide care, routine and urgent, to you and your entire family.

There’s also the Island Urgent Care facility that specifically serves emergency room types of cases, so you have a place you know you can go to should you need it. It’s reassuring to know all of this is right here, within reach for both routine check-ins or immediate attention.

Finally, for those with children, you can be assured of quality schools. There are 3 elementary schools. 2, Kamiloiki and Koko Head are both acknowledged as excellent, while the third, Haha’ione was picked as the Best Public School in Hawaii recently.

Hahaione Elementary School

The higher levels perpetuate that standard. Niu Valley Middle School has scored at or near the top of Strive HI’s rating and Kaiser High School has maintained the same level for their grades. This is one worry that parents can lay to rest.

It needs to be said that these institutions are a major part, but not the whole story, of a place that’s not just family-friendly, but family oriented. Hawaii Kai’s many parks and recreation outlets, including numerous sports leagues for children, the public emphasis on ‘daylife’ rather than nightlife and the abundant shops and services that cater to children and family; they all make clear this is a place you want to raise your kids.

How Does This Neighborhood Compare?
Take all of this in and compare it to other Oahu communities. You’ll find that this neighborhood is rooted in local Hawaii values of family and the outdoor lifestyle. What makes it unique is the variety of home environments it has, the spectacular beauty of this place that combines the best of the natural with the planned and the all-important health and education resources that are the height of what’s available in Honolulu.

It’s a whole-person lifestyle that might have been intended in the planning, but took residents invested in it to bring it to life. Luckily for us all, they have and, as a new resident of Hawaii Kai, you will, too.

The post Amazing Hawaii Kai: A Lifestyle Like Nowhere Else appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Kailua is justly considered a real estate buyer’s dream. There’s nothing so attractive as living by some of the most famous shoreline on Oahu in a town that has held on to the Old Hawaii feel. What so many miss is that there’s a further depth to the place you only see once you look closer at its individual neighborhoods, instead of the high profile center.

Many would be surprised to know that you can own a farm in Kailua, for example. But you can. There’s a rich variety in living spaces here in both the homes themselves and the environments surrounding them.

One aspect that does need to be acknowledged first, however, is the presence of development in this community over the years. Though they haven’t played nearly as large a part here as other areas of the Island, their imprint is still significant on these lands.

Where the Planners Built in Kailua
The term ‘Kailua Development’ is often thought to be an oxymoron. It’s undeniably true that many of the town’s neighborhoods were created by collections of individual owners who bought the lots empty and then built on it. However, even this community has a few areas that came from a developer’s plans. Most of them are easy to identify for a very good reason.

Enchanted Lake Homes

The giveaway is that they almost all sit on the mauka side of town, by or near Highway 72 heading to Waimanalo. Two prominent examples are Hillcrest and the larger Enchanted Lake neighborhoods, which were created in the 1970’s, a time of booming construction and population growth all over Oahu. They were also a result of the Pali Tunnel opening in 1961, though a delayed one due to Kailua’s resistance to construction even then.

Country Club Knoll Homes

One exception to the Mauka Side rule is Country Club Knoll, but it was initially intended as part of the Enchanted Lake district. It was also put in place in the 1970’s, becoming its own entity by completion. Unlike the other areas covered here, it sits on the hills above Kailua Beach, perched beside Mid Pacific Country Club.

Mid Pacific Country Club

Kailua Bluffs is a later addition, coming in the 1980’s, but the developer created homes were joined in the coming decades by individual owners who built on lots left open. That’s why you see structures of obviously different ages scattered throughout.

Kailua Bluffs Homes

After this period, larger development stopped in Kailua, a condition that has only been broken in rare instances. This is due to the residents’ objections to any more big projects as well as a shortage of areas left to build upon.

One exception is a community that has just opened up – Olomana Heights. You’ll note the Mauka Side rule is followed once again here. One way it differs is that it is a return to the open lots system, so technically it’s not a full development. The developer carved out roads and some infrastructure, but the land is left bare for the new owner to create upon as they wish.

Ka Malanai Condos

Where builders have found a foothold here and there are in smaller condo communities, the latest being Ka Malanai, its 153 units divided between six buildings that stand a towering, for Kailua, four stories tall.

The foreseeable future for additional residences in this town lies in these pockets of small communities being added here and there. It will not add significant numbers of new homes to Kailua and, for current residents, that’s just fine with them.

Kailua: Built On Organic Real Estate Growth
That reduced level of developer presence alone has created a huge diversity in the homes that fill the neighborhoods here. You won’t mistake anywhere in Kailua for the planned layouts and floor plans of Kapolei, for example. These are homes built on individual tastes, desires and budgets.

Kailua Estates Homes

More than that, they come from extremely different eras. In Kalama or Kailua Estates it is easy to find houses put up by kamaaina in the 1930’s and 40’s, with their simpler, yet always distinctive designs that mark them unmistakably as Islander abodes.

Kaimalino Homes

Head over to Kuulei Tract or Kaimalino and you’ll see many that date from the 1950’s to 1970’s, when Kailua first started adding to its population at a faster rate. They kept much of the kamaaina style in these homes, with open interiors and inviting wooden exteriors, though with Mid-Century touches that place them in that era decisively.

Kuulei Tract Homes

Still, even these communities aren’t preserved time capsules of one era across the board. Your experience more commonly is what you’ll see best in a neighborhood like Kawailoa Kailua or Coconut Grove, where early 20^th Century residences sit beside those built in the last 2 decades.

Kawailoa Homes

That’s often due to the passage of time, tastes or the termite, resulting in new homes in the places of the old. From reading this you might be tempted to call it a crazy quilt, with so much separation in ages here side by side, but they don’t present a jarring or confusing experience. That’s no accident.

Kailua homes are united by common concepts, like low sightline impact, most sticking to one story, and open areas, leaving space around the residences rather than taking up the entire lot with the structure.

The layouts are not uniform, but the feeling is, creating a harmony within the diversity, just like the many cultures that make today’s Hawaii so wonderful.

Kailua: More Than Just a Beach Town
That extends to the living environments of Kailua as well. Wherever you are, you live in a community committed to a slower paced, fresh air oriented lifestyle. Still, that mood takes on different forms and landscapes.

If we begin with the outer, Pali side limits we find ourselves in the least known parts of Kailua, at least to outsiders. That’s because they’re purely residential and furtherest away from the shopping district and shoreline.

These areas like Olomana, Pohakapu and Kaopa sit in the lands where the Pali finally ends its descent, granting them close up views of the Koolaus standing right above them in their green splendor. Living in their shadows is a side of Hawaii scenery that is under appreciated, but those here truly ‘get it’.

Norfolk Homes

Even more unknown than these is the Norfolk neighborhood that also sits off Highway 72. Back on these roads one comes across a completely Country district that would surprise most to know exists in Kailua’s boundaries.

Lots are extremely large, a third to half an acre, with house sizes to match, up to 10,000 sq ft. It doesn’t just look country, either. This is zoned Agriculture land. Many live here specifically for that reason, keeping animals, especially horses, along with doing some farming as well.

Though hidden from sight from the highway, a lot of the properties are elevated so they get the sweeping views out to the ocean that homebuyers dream about. It’s a pocket of this city even locals couldn’t tell you much about.

Cross the highway and you’ll find the better known Enchanted Lake, built around the waters that cover 95 acres. Here you live near or even on what is basically a private lake, at least as far as access from here, yet one that connects with the ocean. Here you live on a shoreline that tourists or even non-resident locals cannot gather on, keeping the serenity intact perpetually. It’s a unique situation, not just in Kailua, but all of Hawaii.

Country Club Knolls, once envisioned as part of Enchanted Lake, instead is now another singular environment itself. Its homes line the sides of Mid Pacific Country Club, granting them views of the fairway and greens that have their own special brand of peaceful contentment to all who gaze on them.

For some, though, nothing can compare with close up ocean views, though. Over the hill from Enchanted Lake is where you’ll find it best. Kailua’s beachside geography means you can have these vistas and even live across the street from or even practically on the sands themselves.

Beachside Homes

Names like Kaimalino, Beachside and Kawailoa are ones you should know if that is your preference. All are filled with properties that live within the sight and sound of the soothing waves. Hitting the surf is a matter of seconds, not minutes from your home. Yet one other name crowns them all in this category.

Lanikai Homes

Lanikai is the southernmost reach of Kailua on the coast, famed for the chance to dwell beside one of the very best beaches anywhere. That reputation means something when the next beach over has won the Best Beach award repeatedly itself.

The luxurious homes here sit on a hillside, creating greater sightlines for all that only get better as you head upward, adding greater distance to your vista. Easily one of the most exclusive neighborhoods on Oahu, they justify it with one look, both inside the homes and out to the Pacific.

This tour of Kailua, though certainly not a complete one, is intended to make an important point. This is a town that has much more to offer than the shortsighted perception of one or two styles of homes in a neighborhood that could be almost anywhere in its limits. Far from it.

Kailua Beach Park

Come and take a drive around these different communities and you’ll find an array of scenery, backdrops and living spaces than you ever thought possible. Kailua is no one note district, built on Kailua Beach Park or the quaint shopping and dining of its center.

Those are important, and extremely attractive, focuses of the life here, but they aren’t the entirety of what it is to live in Kailua by a long shot. There’s much more beyond these attention-getting features that make up what is truly great about being a part of this deservedly desirable place. A place you just might be lucky enough to call home someday.

From around the web also check out Go Hawaii’s Kailua and Wikipedia’s overview of Kailua.

The post Fascinating Guide to Kailua Real Estate Developments appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

‘Leolani’ is one of Hawaii Kai’s popular newer residential subdivisions in the Kamilo Nui neighborhood.

Check our Kamilo Nui – Leolani aerial video.  Learn all about this exciting newer neighborhood and search all Kamilo Nui / Leolani homes for sale in Hawaii Kai.

Here you will find all Leolani floor plans with Leolani subdivision map:

1.) The Rhapsody:  5 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,193 sq ft interior living space.  ground floor:

1.) The Rhapsody:  5 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,193 sq ft interior living space,  2nd floor:

2.) The Symphony:  5 BR, 3 BA, with 2,362 sq ft interior living space, ground floor:

2.) The Symphony:  5 BR, 3 BA, with 2,362 sq ft interior living space, 2nd floor:

3.) The Toccata:  5 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,495 sq ft interior living space, ground floor:

3.) The Toccata:  5 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,495 sq ft interior living space, 2nd floor:

4.) The Overture: 3 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,754 sq ft interior living space, ground floor:

4.) The Overture: 3 BR, 2.5 BA, with 2,754 sq ft interior living space, 2nd floor:

5.) The Maestro: 4 BR, 2.5 BA, with 3,081 sq ft interior living space, ground floor:

5.) The Maestro: 4 BR, 2.5 BA, with 3,081 sq ft interior living space, 2nd floor:

The post ‘Leolani’ Floor Plans – Hawaii Kai’s Kamilo Nui neighborhood appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

‘Koko Villas’ is a newer (2005) residential subdivision of 70 homes just below Koko Crater next to the Hawaii Kai Golf Course.

Check our Koko Villas video.  Learn all about this exciting newer neighborhood and search all Koko Villas for sale in Hawaii Kai.

Here you will find all five Koko Villa floor plans:

The post ‘Koko Villas’ Floor Plans – Hawaii Kai appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

‘Peninsula at Hawaii Kai’  is Hawaii Kai’s newest marina front residential community.  This popular neighborhood is gated and is surrounded on three sides by the Hawaii Kai Marina.  Check our Peninsula At Hawaii Kai video.

Learn all about this exciting newer neighborhood and search all Peninsula At Hawaii Kai condos and townhomes for sale.

The Peninsula at Hawaii Kai consists of five different types of homes:  1.) Executive Residences,   2.) Carriage Ways,   3.) The Cottages,   4.) The Villas,   5.) The Colony.  

Both, 1.) Executive Residences, and 2.) Carriage Ways are considered single family homes, versus the others which are considered townhomes or condominium units.  Search for Executive Residences and Carriage Ways for sale on our West Marina page.

Here you will find Peninsula at Hawaii Kai floor plans, starting with:

1.) Executive Residences:    3 floor plans:

2.) Carriage Ways:    3 floor plans:

3.) The Cottages:    6 floor plans:

4.) The Villas:    7 floor plans:

The post Peninsula At Hawaii Kai – Floor Plans appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Honolulu’s real estate history from the Mid 20th Century to the present day is the story of one kind of home – the condominium. An accelerating population on a limited land mass made that a certainty. It altered dramatically the landscape very quickly, changing what was a low-rise, low-key town into a modern city.

You may be tempted to think that these massive alterations to Honolulu resulted in cut-and-paste neighborhoods. A condo in one part of town is the same as one in another part. Nothing could be further from reality.

Take a look at just a few of the districts where condominiums make up the majority of residences. You’ll see how different your Honolulu condo experience can be, just by driving a few miles. A small distance that can make all the difference in your home buying – and owning – future.

Waikiki – Where Condos Rule the Land

Waikiki

Beginning sometime in the late 60’s the local joke was that our State Bird was the construction crane. The sight of these towers all over town was just part of the everyday scenery then, even more than today.

Nowhere was this more true than in Waikiki. We start there because the district was and is the king of the condo neighborhoods. But it wasn’t always that way.

It needs to be said that there have been apartment buildings from the early decades of the 20th Century, especially in Waikiki. They were almost all strictly walk-ups and some of these are still around today. Almost all went condo sometime along the way. We’re not concerned with those. This is about the emergence of residences built as condominiums from the very start, a process that initially took hold in the 1950’s.

Foster Tower on Kalakaua Avenue was the first significant high-rise condominium property in Waikiki, opening up in 1962. It stands out dramatically in photos from that era, reaching heights unchallenged by almost anything else in sight. It is still unique today, being the only residential condo building on that golden strip along the beach. What didn’t last long was the way it towered over the lands mauka of Kalakaua.

There are still some residents of Waikiki who can tell you about The Jungle, the name once given to the part of Waikiki between Kuhio Avenue and the Ala Wai. On these streets were old houses and walk-ups that had deteriorated for years, with little upkeep, creating a low rent district that was notorious for its ‘anything goes’ atmosphere and a cast of colorful characters.

It was finally the combination of the need for more efficient housing, the dilapidated condition of most of the residences, along with loud community outcry, that would finally bring huge changes that would end The Jungle forever.

The process wasn’t overnight, since some of the old structures were still present and occupied well into the 1970’s. Beginning in the mid-1960’s, though, the rundown single family homes began to be cleared and multi-story condominiums took their place.

Walk down Kuhio Avenue or Ala Wai Boulevard and the vast majority of residential buildings you’ll pass will date from that initial clearing up into the late 1970’s. In a mere decade, the Waikiki skyline would become utterly unrecognizable from before, rising into a purely urban high-rise profile where four stories had once been unusual.

Today, when you talk about buying a home in Waikiki, you are talking about purchasing a condo. Period. A few houses still exist here and there, but they are the rare exception, not the rule.

More towers were added in the 1980’s and 90’s, but at a much lower rate due to running out of open properties to build upon. What has changed in recent years are the additions of extremely upscale condo residences, with world-renowned names.

Trump Waikiki is one such example, now joined by the Ritz Carlton Residences on Kuhio Avenue. Both promise, and provide, luxurious residences with beautiful views, services that cater to every need and all the trappings expected of a high-end property aimed at the very well-off.

Trump Waikiki and Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Highlighted

What’s surprising isn’t that Waikiki residences have started to follow Kalakaua Avenue’s shopping strip lead on targeting the Other Half. It’s that this neighborhood wasn’t the first to pursue the multi-story condo path.

Believe it or not, it was next door Gold Coast and Diamond Head communities who established modern oceanfront residences before neighboring Waikiki. Gold Coast condos are envied not just in Hawaii, but worldwide, and for more than just their stunning views on the Pacific.

Gold Coast by Diamond Head

The row of buildings along the coastline were constructed in the 1950’s and very early 60’s, a time that pre-dated regulations that now require structures to be further away from the water. From some of these elevated homes it feels like you live on the surf itself, so close does it wash up, bringing the soothing sounds into your every moment.

In their early years they stood out greatly from the otherwise primarily single-family home community. That same dichotomy remains today, but the widespread vertical build-up of the rest of the city and the passage of time has turned them into established mainstays of their neighborhoods. Yet there’s another part of Honolulu that pursued a more traditional route in its development.

Hawaii Kai – Condo Community, Hawaii Style

Some of Very Few High-Rise Condos in Hawaii Kai

Where Waikiki sprang upward on lots already mapped out and previously occupied, Hawaii Kai came out of basically bare land. Shortly after signing an agreement with the Bishop Estate in 1961, developer Henry Kaiser began building the neighborhood we know today.

Kaiser’s idea was to emulate Hawaii’s preferred low-rise profile, keeping the scenery wide open. No oceanfront towers obstructing the views of those behind. The marina was the centerpiece of his work, with homes built right on it, almost all of which are townhome condo properties.

Communities like Koko Isle, Kuapa Isle and the Kalele Kai are just a few of these in-demand residences. These condominiums, and numerous others off the water as well, restrict themselves to one or two stories, giving the feel of single-family homes, a departure from the sky scraping of urban Honolulu.

Kalele Kai in Hawaii Kai

The build-up would go over the decades, starting in 1968 with Koko Isle and most of the marina area filling in by the late 1970’s. The overall neighborhood of Hawaii Kai would see construction until the first decade of this century, one of the last projects being the waterfront Hawaii Kai Peninsula. Since that time building has ceased, partly due to local residents opposing any further development.

Some condo towers did make it into Hawaii Kai, but with a very few exceptions like the marina-front Esplanade, they primarily are found on the sides and in the back of the valleys, where they benefit from open sight lines, yet without blocking anyone else’s. This is all part of the planning that has made the community so attractive to condo buyers.

Planning was the the key word for Hawaii Kai condos, just as it is for today’s development in Honolulu and all over Oahu. The determination to preserve Hawaii’s environment and feel has made it necessary. Nowhere is that more apparent than the biggest project in the city since Hawaii Kai’s construction – Kakaako.

Kakaako – The Next Step in Honolulu Condos

Kakaako

Innovative in its urban living spaces and pedestrian-oriented layout, it represents a new kind of lifestyle here, but one inspired and ingrained in local and Native Hawaiian culture. The condos here go beyond being vertical versions of bedroom communities.

Many will feature shopping and dining in their ground floors, with green spaces surrounding them for your recreation and relaxation. Some buildings even have such amenities as dog parks, jogging tracks and private pools, providing services and luxuries that make it possible to fulfill daily routines and pleasures without leaving your building.

The blueprint for this district, when completed, will comprise of residences for different economic levels. The trademark, especially in the early stages, however, will be luxury properties that take high-rise life to new levels. The initial fruits of Kakaako construction, such as Anaha, Waiea, Gateway Towers and Park Lane are proof of this.

All have attention-getting facades, from Waiea’s ‘cast net’ glass wall to Anaha’s jenga-like irregularity, they create a stimulating environment that plays a central role in making this a vibrant community.

Pristine ocean views, innovative architecture and design, interiors that can impress the most jaded real estate agent, plus cutting-edge green energy features that respect our Island environment. These are all part of the Kakaako experience. While not everyone will have the ocean vistas, the proximity to the water benefits all, making it a permanent and priceless aspect of home ownership here.

While this will be a truly vertical community, it will also be based around parks, green spaces, open air areas and a place where a walk is pure joy. This is no concrete jungle. Far from it.

Condo Wisdom: Know What You Want & Where To Get It
It should be clear now that the condos in Honolulu can’t all be lumped together in one category or grouping. Each of these neighborhoods fulfill a different lifestyle, were constructed in a variety of eras and times and with an intention and purpose all its own.

It’s an unsuspected richness in experiences that makes it so important your real estate search takes these factors into account. Finding the right home is always the goal, but sometimes the steps to getting there aren’t as clear. Knowing yourself is important. Just as essential? Knowing Honolulu’s distinct & wonderful condo neighborhoods.

The post Honolulu Condo Developments – Past to Present appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

‘Planned Community’ is often a dirty word, a term synonymous with the development many aren’t happy seeing in the Islands. It’s associated with concrete, anonymous looking condo towers and an almost phoniness that locals reject. Fortunately, that’s not the case in Kapolei.

The booming 2^nd City isn’t an actual planned community as a whole, more a general master plan with different projects and neighborhoods created by different developers. All are linked by a real goal of building neighborhoods and residences that fit local tastes and traditions.

Houses with lanais, open interior layouts, with fenced-in yards, spread across communities with a clear focus on family life through numerous parks & recreation centers plus pedestrian friendly streets perfect for jogging or walking the baby. There’s no question that the designers have created these homes with the genuine desires of local homebuyers in mind, rather than trying to dictate what they should be as too many have before.

That doesn’t mean that all the neighborhoods in Kapolei look or feel the same. Not at all. You’ll soon see there are many ways to satisfy the deep Hawaii home ideals. Every one of them is a part of this place that has become the 2^nd City it was always intended to be, but is still only part of the way on its incredible journey. One that could be calling you to be a part of right now.

Get To Know The Kapolei Neighborhoods

KUMU IKI

Kumu Iki

This is the one that started it all, the first neighborhood of Kapolei, welcoming its first residents in 1991. In fact, it’s original name was Village 1 of the Villages of Kapolei.

Though not exact replicas, you can see the influence of the Plantation home style in the architecture. Not surprising for a place building on the lands that had so recently held acres of sugar and pineapple.

These homes are still attractive for the same reasons they were then. A more affordable real estate option with greater room and features like an actual lawn and open sky surrounding you. Difficult to find in the Honolulu of the 1990’s and even harder today.

Like the Plantation homes of yesteryear, many of these layouts are single level, with high ceilings, coming in floor plans such as 3BR/2BA/1 Story (1,164 sq ft) 3BR/2BA/1 Story (1,209), 3BR/2BA/1 Story (1,321 sq ft), as well as 3BR/2.5BA/2 Story (1,637 sq ft).

Though these lack many of the new green energy features and other innovations of the more recent additions to the district, they make up for it in their charm and undeniable welcome indoors and out.

KAPOLEI KNOLLS

Kapolei Knolls

Kapolei Knolls first took shape with its first homes in 1998. From its hillside lots, you look out on Kapolei and Makakilo, watching over the budding city coming together even now. If you like choices, Kapolei Knolls is for you. Just look at the floor plans, divided into 3 Series:

Kapolei Series 
Discovery (1,365 sq ft, 3BR/2BA), Minuet (1,639 sq ft, 4BR/2BA),
Innovation (1,692 sq ft, 4BR/3BA), Bolero (1,880 sq ft, 3BR/2BA),
Millenia (1,930 sq ft, 4BR/3BA), Visionary (2,072 sq ft, 4BR/2.5BA)
Toccota (2,453 sq ft, 5BR/2.5BA), Opus (2,757 sq ft, 4BR/2.5BA)

Classic Series
The Sonata (1,377 sq ft, 3BR/2BA), The Rhapsody (1,564 sq ft,  4BR/2.5BA),
The Concerto (1,942 sq ft, 4BR/3BA),
The Symphony in G-Major (2,002 sq ft, 4BR/3BA)

Kula Lei Series
Lei Ali’i (1,092 sq ft, 3BR/2BA),
Lei Hala (1,198 sq ft, 3BR/2BA),
Lei Kukui (1,237 sq ft, 3BR/2.5BA),
Independence (1,377 sq ft, 3BR/2.5BA),
Lei Hulu (1,343 sq ft, 4BR/3BA),
Lei ‘Ilima (1,562 sq ft, 4-5BR/3BA),

The homes vary further due to available options that can add a Den or other additions and alterations. It’s the next best thing to full customization!

With only a couple of exceptions all are 2 story with lawn space of your own. There’s also a landscaped park for residents at the entrance to the neighborhood with bbq areas and a walking/jogging path around it as well.

KAPOLEI AELOA

Kapolei Aeloa

This is one of the original neighborhoods created when Kapolei was first taking shape. You’ll see homes here that were built as early as 1995 to as late as 1999. The single family homes all have 3 to 4 bedrooms with a wide variety of layouts.

The floor plans include 3BR/2BA (1,116 sq ft), 3BR/2.5BA (1,319 sq ft), 3BR/2.5BA (1,508 sq ft), 4BR/2.5BA (1,846 sq ft) and 4BR/2.5BA (2,338). These numbers do not include the lanai spaces that can augment your home with 110 to 220 additional sq ft for outside living & relaxation.

Also in this same district are the Aeloa Terrace townhomes, with units of 1BR (534 sq ft), 2BR (747 – 754 sq ft) or 3BR (994 sq ft) units. If you’re upstairs you get a lanai, while being downstairs gives you a fenced in patio area of your own.

Whether you’re in the Terrace condos or one of the houses, you’re near the shopping, dining and other options that make Kapolei such a great place to settle.

KAPOLEI IWALANI

Kapolei Iwalani

Formally called Village 5 of the Villages at Kapolei, the houses here were erected between the mid-1990’s up into the first years of this century.

The homes come in layouts of 3BR/2BA (980 sq ft), 3BR.2.5BA (1,393 to 1,530 sq ft) and 4BR/2.5BA (1,899 sq ft).

Your lot is very well proportioned, even the smallest homes sitting on over 3,400 sq ft of land, so plenty to play with for expansion or just treasured outdoor space.

What many love especially about these homes are the elegant styles that recall the kamaaina houses of yesteryear, giving the designs timeless Island appeal.

KAPOLEI KAI

Kapolei Kai

Also under the Villages at Kapolei umbrella, this is a smaller community of 204 residences. Built in the years 2002 and 2003, they are comprised of 3 different two-story layouts of 3BR/2.5BA (1,621 sq ft), 4BR/2.5BA (1,373 sq ft) and 4BR/3BA (1,827 sq ft).

In addition, there’s 1 single story model of 3BR/2BA with 972 sq ft inside. All include 2 car garages, the lots spanning from 3,500 to 4,600 sq ft of land around you. Depending on where you are, many owners have views of not just the mountains, but also the sunset, a sight that can make each day special.

Those with keiki will love living next door to Kapolei Middle School and just down the street from Kapolei High School, making it easy for your kids to get to class each day. A great place to raise a family.

KAPOLEI KEKUILANI

Kapolei Kekuilani

Built between 1994 and 1995, the floor plans of the homes here include the single story 3BR/2BA (1,143 sq ft) along with 2 story homes with 3BR/2.5BA (1,611 sq ft) and 4BR/2.5BA (1,616 sq ft). Lot sizes can vary widely, taking up from 2,400 to 4,600 sq ft.

The neighborhood sits right next to Kapolei Golf Course, giving some fortunate residents backyard views of the landscaped fairway as well as a beautiful water feature.

H1 is 5 minutes away, making that part of your commute simple each morning. That convenience extends to Safeway & Walmart, which are the same distance from your front door, making errands a breeze.

Those quick trips mean more time spent on your backyard lanai, working in your 2 car garage or even gardening. That’s what home should be about.

You can also find a home in the condos of Kekuilani Villas. All of these residences are 2BR, with 3 layouts of 843, 909 and 953 sq ft. Pool, clubhouse, bbq areas and a pet-friendly policy make it even more attractive.

KAPOLEI MALANAI

Kapolei Malanai

Kapolei Malanai is one of the higher-end neighborhoods, the homes dating to the mid-1990’s during the first big build up of Kapolei. That early start gave them a fantastic location, with Farrington Hwy on its west and Kapolei Golf Course practically surrounding it on the other 3 sides.

All the floor plans come with vaulted ceilings in the living areas, large windows to let the sun and views in, as well as good dimensions inside – 3BR/2BA (1,315 sq ft), 3BR/2.5BA (1,754 sq ft), and 4BR/2.5BA (2,268 sq ft). The lots have a wide range of 4,092 sq ft on up to as much as 6,084.

A large part of the community is also the townhomes of Malanai Iki, which include units with 1BR/1BA (546 sq ft), 2BR/1BA (744 sq ft) and 3BR/2BA (978 sq ft). Those measurements don’t include nice lanais that add 104 to 200 more square footage.

KAPOLEI AWAKEA AT MEHANA

Kapolei Mehana Awakea

Awakea is a genuine case of a developer meeting a need. Most residences here are traditional townhomes and condos, but there’s something different, too. A few of these models are remarkable live-work residences, called flex-homes, where owners can run a business as well as reside.

Not merely home offices, but actual brick-and-mortar stores and services! It’s aim is not only to serve the desires and entrepreneurial home owners, but also to create more of an active neighborhood environment that you don’t get in many other areas of Kapolei.

The layouts are:

• Sunray – 2BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,084 sq ft)
• Sundance – 2BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,023 sq ft)
• Sunburst (G) – 3BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,184 sq ft)
• Sunburst (G1) – 2BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,201 sq ft)
• Sunset (H) – 3BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,232 sq ft)
• Sunset (H1) – 3BR/2BA, 1 Story (1,242 sq ft)
• Sunflower – 2BR/2.5BA, 2 Story (1,087 sq ft)
• Sunbeam – 3BR/2.5BA, 2 Story (1,526 sq ft)
• Sunbird – 2BR/2.5BA, 2 Story (1,089 sq ft)
• Sunglow – 2BR/2.5BA, 2 Story (1,068 sq ft)
• Sundial – 2BR/2BA, 2 Story (1,079 sq ft)
• Sunfish – 2BR/2.5BA, 2 Story (1,203 sq ft)
• Sunrise [FLEX-HOMES] – 3BR/3BA, 2 Story (1,870 sq ft)

The extra flex-home space can also be used to extend your family area, of course, but the home office or business options give you a lot of excellent options at the very least.

All residences have at least a small front lanai and one car garage, sometime augmented by an additional outdoor space or, in the case of the flex models, 3 exterior parking spaces, so you can accommodate customers or clients.

Most have fenced-in yards, adding a play space or merely some added privacy that makes it yours all the more.

KAPOLEI MEHANA KUKUNA
Kukuna’s single family homes were built over 2013 and 2014, with just two models, keeping things simple. They come in 3BR/2BA (1,214 sq ft) and 3BR/2.5BA (1,419 sq ft), both with two stories, on lots that extend between approximately 3600 to 3800 sq ft.

All have 2 stories and a 2 car garage, including extra guest parking as well for most. You also have a community pool and playground to enjoy with your family whenever you choose.

The keiki will also benefit directly from the just opened Ho’okele Elementary School, the newest school in Hawaii as of this writing! And it’s right next door.

KAPOLEI MEHANA LA HIKI

Kapolei Mehana La Hiki

La Hiki is for those with families or anyone expecting guests regularly. Opened to owners in 2011 and 2012, these are strictly 3 & 4 bedroom houses in both single level and 2 story layouts.

They come as 3BR, 2BA/Single Level (1,364 sq ft), 3BR/2.5BA/2 Story (1,441 sq ft), 3BR/2BA/Single Level (1,541 sq ft), 4BR/3BA/2 Story (1,731 sq ft) and 3BR/3BA/2 Story (1,803 sq ft).

What’s different about La Hiki is that it’s the first results of the developer’s Homesave Program. These homes are constructed and designed to be ‘environmentally conscious’ with many green features throughout. Fans of sustainability will love these residences.

If you have little ones, you’re in the perfect place, too. You live right beside Ho’okele Elementary, a brand new school as of the 2015-2016 school year! Kapolei High School is just on the other side of Ho’okele, keeping everything close.

KAPOLEI MEHANA OLINO
As of this writing, this is the newest neighborhood DR Horton has added into the Mehana district of Kapolei. This area has both single family homes as well as townhome condos.

Entrepreneurs should look closer here as some are mixed use, giving you the opportunity to run a brick-and-mortar business from your residential property.

The majority of floor plans are townhome/condos, but they, as well as the houses, all come with 2 parking spaces. In the case of the single family homes, it’s a 2 car garage. There’s a large range of layouts here, as you’ll see below. In order of size:

• E1, E2  –  2BR/2BA, 1 Story, Condo (757 sq ft)
• F1, F3  –  3BR/2BA, 1 Story, Condo (945 sq ft)
• B  –  2BR/2BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,007 sq ft)
• D  –  2BR/2BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,008 sq ft)
• C  –  2BR/2.5BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,115 sq ft)
• A  –  3BR/2.5BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,118 sq ft)
• L  –  2BR/2BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,178 sq ft)
• G1, G2, G1-Lv  –  3BR/2.5BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,356 sq ft)
• 1  –  3BR/2BA, 1 Story, Single Family Home (1,365 sq ft)
• J, J-Lv  –  3BR/2.5BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,382 sq ft)
• H1, H2  –  3BR/2.5BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,432 sq ft)
• K  –  3BR/2BA, 2 Story, Condo (1,528 sq ft)
• 2  –  4BR/3BA, 2 Story, Single Family Home (1,563 sq ft)

One very nice feature of the condos are the lanai spaces that go from 81 to a very roomy 286 sq ft.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Olino could be the right choice. The neighborhood features a recreation center and pool like many others, but it also has a central park, playground and bike/walk paths.

MALU’OHAI & KAUPEA – HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS
These two communities, set aside as Hawaiian Homelands are also part of Kapolei. Specifically created for eligible Native Hawaiians to live in, they fall outside our scope, but need to be acknowledged.

KAPOLEI – LOCAL HOME LIFE FOR THE 21^st CENTURY
Any worries about Kapolei descending into cookie-cutter communities or cold, uninviting homes lining its streets have long been laid to rest. The reasons are easy to see for yourself in the neighborhoods above. It’s a place experiencing true growth, but without the concrete sprawl or cramped conditions that too often accompany it.

The whole story isn’t written yet, but from the results so far, there’s no question that Kapolei real estate is the future everyone was hoping for – and it’s actually coming true.

The post Comprehensive Guide to Kapolei Real Estate appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Video Transcription
Hi this is Kristian Nielsen with Honolulu HI 5. Today I am going to review the condo developments currently taking place in Honolulu. We are going to review condo projects being offered in Kakaako, Ala Moana and Waikiki and also finally go over a few projects that are in the planning, but are currently not being offered. In Kakaako we have Ward Village and there are currently four projects being offered there: Waiea, which is about 90% sold out and currently, in the tower, the lowest priced unit is above $5,000,000 and there is also a villa just below $5,000,000. Expected completion is November 2016. We refer to Waiea as an ultra-luxury condo. Nearby, also in Ward Village we have Anaha, which is a luxury tower, and it is just short of 90% sold out. Lowest priced unit, there is one unit that is just slightly below $2,000,000 and it just goes up from there. Expected completion is June or July 2017. There there is Gateway Towers. It is two towers and Howard Hughes has so far only offered Cylinder at Gateway Towers, which is the first Gateway Tower and we estimate about 40% sold out. Lowest priced unit  $1,500,000 for a one bedroom and expected completion I would guess an estimate of year 2019, but it all depends how sales go, going forward, as need to reach certain threshold before they break ground and start construction, but maybe 2019, we shall see. Ward Village developer Howard Hughes has also offered a fourth project now called Ke Kilohana, which is a reserved housing project. Reserved housing are for individuals or families within certain income parameters – not low income, but restricted income, and as of today all units are under contract with the developer, which are 88% of the units. There will be about 12% in the tower that are market priced units and they should be offered in the near future, but no date is set yet. Expected completion fall 2018. And the last project in Ward Village is Ae’o, a high-end project about 50% sold out, lowest priced one bedroom just short of $800,000 remains. It goes from studio up to three bedroom and they have broken ground February this year and expected completion is fall 2018. If we move further west in Kakaako we have what we call Our Kakaako and The Collection is one of the projects right on Ala Moana Blvd. The tower units sold out several months ago. They are also offering twelve townhouse units and there are still several of those left. Starting price is around $1,595,000. Expected completion late, probably November 2016. A little bit sort of inland, sort of towards the mountain side, behind The Collection we have a low-rise project called 400 Keawe. No amenities, just focused on minimal, no amenities low maintenance fees they just completed this month and owners just started to move in this month, May. They are 100% sold out, no more developer units are left. And further behind 400 Keawe on 500 South Street, we have a project called Keauhou Place. It’s – they are about 88% sold out, lowest price is penthouse level two bedroom around $780,000 or thereabout. On target for completion, probably fall of 2017. Both Keauhou Place and The Collection I would refer to as mid / high-end projects, and 400 Keawe more like a mid-range project. So, now we have covered Ward Village and Our Kakaako and in between those projects, right next to Neal Blaisdell Center, we have a project called Symphony Honolulu, which is a high-end project. More than 90% sold out and lowest priced unit a little over $900,000 for a two bedroom. Starting to record, some units recorded April and a few owners have moved in, but three bulk recordings are coming this month of May. So that is sort of what is happening in Kakaako of new developments right now. If we move east to Ala Moana Shopping Center, there is the ultra-luxury project Park Lane, which is expected to be complete in three phases, next year in 2017 – spring, summer, fall 2017. It is seven low-rise structures – they sort of move from the west and go east in order of building these towers, or these 100 feet buildings. They are around 77% sold out at this stage. Lowest priced at this stage is about $4,000,000 for a two bedroom unit and yea, so that is Park Lane. If we move further east we have a tower called Aloha Kai, which is not offered yet, but in the planning which should be a luxury tower right behind the two Yacht Harbor Towers. No dates set on construction – or not construction, but no date set for the sales, but we are expecting it in the not too distant future. That kind of covers what is in Ala Moana right now and if we move into Waikiki, the big focus has been on the Ritz-Carlton’s two towers. The first tower is complete – well the owners, most of the owners, have recorded on their units, and it is expected the first owners or tenants of the hotel can start moving in June. They are almost sold out. There are a few penthouse units and a couple of other units, but I would refer to it, in terms of units, as 98% sold out – this is my estimate. The second tower they have units available, but they have sold a large chunk. I don’t know the percentage what is left. It is not a whole lot, but some units. Second tower completion expected spring or summer 2017. Ritz-Carlton falls in the ultra-luxury category as well. Then within, there are a few other projects in the planning. On the current King’s Village Shopping Center in Waikiki there is a tower in the planning, which is going to be a condotel like Ritz, which means you are allowed to do vacation rentals, which you can’t do – no less than 30 day short-term vacation rentals in Ala Moana or Kakaako, but Ritz you can of course do and there is another project in the planning called 133 Kaiulani, which will be by The MacNaughton Group and Kobayashi Group who are also doing Park Lane. No sales date set, but we are expecting to come in the not too distant future and then next to Luana Waikiki on the old Kyo-ya restaurant lot, there is also a developer trying to get approvals for a high-rise and that would also be condotel and again a condotel is a hotel condo combo where you can short-term vacation rentals, but also like the 133 Kaiulani, there are no date set. Now, just moving a step back, I forgot one building, in, close to Ala Moana, across from Hawaii Convention Center. There is a project in the planning, which would also be a condotel – condo hotel – and it is referred to as Manaolana Place – mix of hotel and condo units. No date set – they are expecting a public hearing in June, so let’s see what comes out of it. So yea, that pretty much sums up the update on the new condo projects. I hope it was helpful and I will be back in the near future with another update. Thank you for watching – aloha.

The post May Update on Honolulu’s New Condos (Video) appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Update May 10, 2016: 
Michael Blumenthal, President of MB Property Acquisitions LLC, says he can foresee two scenarios, as to timing pre-sales may start on Aloha Kai: In 5 months or 9 months. We hope to have further updates within the next couple of months.

Aloha Kai Rendering

Good to Know About Aloha Kai
39 stories in 350ft tower.
128 units – all facing ocean.
4 units per floor with lanai (configurations not announced).
Pricing: Not determined, but anticipation is  ~$1,4000 / sqf.
Rooftop pool.
Small footprint with decent amount of open space around building.
No commercial space.

Developer
Undetermined. MB Property Acquisitions LLC has an interest in the land and rumor has it they are in talks with OliverMcMillan to developer the project (developer of Symphony Honolulu).

Background
Summer 2012 the developer purchased 1.5 acres of the total 1.77 acre YMCA lot on Atkinson Drive (right behind Yacht Harbor Towers) with intentions to redevelop YMCA and build a condo tower. At that stage, year 2012, the land was zoned A-2, allowing a building up to 150ft tall. The Honolulu City Council gave a zoning variance, changing it to AMX-3, which allows for a 350ft tower. However, this change in zoning comes with a requirement for a developer to offer 39 affordable housing units (we anticipate the ultimate developer will look for a nearby property where they can offer offer this affordable housing component).

Other Projects
Nearby new ultra-luxury condo project Park Lane Ala Moana is currently being offered.  Also see overview of all new condo projects in Honolulu.

The post Aloha Kai – New Ala Moana Condo Project appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Perhaps you already concluded that Diamond Head is the ultimate place to call your home, but you desire a less dense living environment than the much talked about world famous popular Gold Coast high rise condos or the more affordable Pualei Circle and Monserrat Ave / Kanaina Ave condos.

If that is you and you are looking for something special, than here is your ultimate compilation of off-the-beaten-path, little talked about Diamond Head CPR’s and PUD cluster developments.  These are residential developments that share some common elements, e.g. driveway, etc.

Our list of Diamond Head CPR’s and PUD cluster developments does not include any high rise condos. Here you will only find more exclusive, less dense Diamond Head real estate, including detached single family homes, duplexes, townhouses and other low density Diamond Head condos.

Before we dive into the list, it is good to understand the difference between owning a CPR and a PUD:

• A CPR (Condominium Property Regime) refers to a specific type of ownership where you own a ‘condominium unit’ and a percentage of undivided interest in the common and limited common elements of the CPR project. This condo ‘unit’ could either be a detached single family home, a townhouse, or an apartment style unit above or below another unit.
  Common elements could be driveways, landscaped grounds, pool, clubhouse or an elevator in a high rise. The land under and adjacent to your unit is either a common element, or a limited common element for your exclusive use.
  The key point with a CPR is the land is proportionately owned by all owners in the project.
  You will recognize CPR units by their last digit in the TMK number, e.g.:  1-3-1-40-4-0001 (CPR unit #0001)
• A PUD (Planned Unit Development) is a cluster development or subdivision where you own a ‘unit’ and a percentage of interest in the common elements similar to a CPR, except the land underneath and adjacent to your unit is not a common or limited common element.  You own your land entirely!

Ready to explore the best kept secrets that Diamond Head has to offer?
Some of these hidden real estate treasures are tugged away behind private security gates, some enjoy direct access to pristine and otherwise hard to get to Diamond Head Beach.
Some offer enviable ocean and park views and some have similar names that could easily be mixed up.
But, all of them offer the ultimate Diamond Head lifestyle previously enjoyed by royalty, alluring and desired by many, organized here for your discerning consideration.

The famous Diamond Head lighthouse marks the most southern point of the island of Oahu.
Going in a west-to-east direction along Diamond Head’s southern shore at Kapiolani Park we start..

West of the Diamond Head lighthouse:

1.) La Pietra    (TMK: 1-3-1-29-33)

La Pietra

Just above Kapiolani Park at the foot of the most western Diamond Head slope sits the popular gated La Pietra townhouse community developed in 1970 on 5.5 acres, consisting of 38 two story townhomes (no neighbor above or below).  All La Pietra townhomes are arranged in 19 duplexes with adjacent carports along the private one-way street La Pietra Circle, a loop that is guarded by a 24/7 security guard at the entrance to the project off Poni Moi Rd, above Paki Ave.  La Pietra’s street address includes all La Pietra Circle street numbers, 3005 through 3091 La Pietra Circle with units being numbered 1 through 38.  See the Final Public Report here.

La Pietra townhouses are constructed primarily with wood frame on concrete slab, wood exterior with some lava rock wall accents and a wood shake Dickey roof. Each unit comes with an adjacent 2-car carport. The original design included only four floor plans with 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and up to 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, with between 2,152 and up to about 3,000 sq ft interior living space. La Pietra’s signature design feature include the soaring double height open ceiling in the living room area with huge tall windows, and a ‘floating’ staircase leading up to the second floor. Some of the original floor plans have been modified and expanded since.

La Pietra townhouses also feature private yard areas, large patios and plenty lanais. These townhouses sport a generous layout and size and therefore feel very much like a single family home rather than your typical townhouse.

The La Pietra project includes a swimming pool and beautiful lush green mature landscaping. The overall project feel is tropical, elegant but unpretentious and comfortable. Two pet dogs are allowed, no weight limit. La Pietra is within a stone throw from the beach and slightly elevated above, next to the adjacent popular Kapiolani Park, yet hidden from public view and guarded by a 24/7 security guard.  Most units offer tree top and garden views with only peek-a-boo ocean views, if any. But you can sense that the beach is so very close. This is where royalty used to live. It is easy to see why.

2.) Queens Court at Kapiolani    (TMK: 1-3-1-34-21)

Queens Court at Kapiolani

You can’t live any closer to Kapiolani Park than at the Queens Court at Kapiolani townhomes located on a 16,857 sq ft corner lot at Hibiscus Dr and Poni Moi Rd.
These 3-story ‘San Francisco’ style townhouses (no neighbor above or below) were developed in 1984, featuring stucco exterior and a flat roof.  A total of 4 townhouses are split up and arranged in two separate duplexes.

The first duplex is accessible from Hibiscus Dr and includes: 3002 Hibiscus Dr #1 and 3004 Hibiscus Dr #2.
The second duplex is immediately behind and accessible from Poni Moi Rd and includes: 2931 Poni Moi Rd #3 and 2929 Poni Moi Rd #4.

Each unit is a 3-Bedr, 2.5-Bath corner townhouse with 2,090 sq ft interior living space with large patio space and lanais.  Each townhouse feels like a single family home with a private lushly landscaped yard and a 2-car garage on the ground floor.  The property is gated from the street.

The units have been upgraded and remodeled over the years, e.g. unit #1 has a private pool and hot tub. Unit #3 has a private elevator for easy access to all three levels.

Queens Court at Kapiolani townhouses offer a desirable quiet location, security and privacy with a peek-a-boo ocean view between the lush treetops at the bottom of Diamond Head.

3.) Diamond Point Villas    (TMK: 1-3-1-034-015)

Diamond Point Villas

This is a duplex on a 6,492 sq ft corner lot at Hibiscus Dr and the private road Alapali Pl.  The original 2-story home was built in 1937 (!), lovingly restored and converted into a legal duplex in 1985.
See the Final Public Report here.

The simple wood frame design shows a humble board and batten exterior, with an asphalt shingle roof.
The address includes 3020 Hibiscus Dr #1, and 3022 Hibiscus Dr #2.

3020 Hibiscus Dr #1 is a 2-story, 2-Bdr, 3-Bath unit with 1,528 sq ft interior living space and a nice garden area.
3022 Hibiscus Dr #2 is a single level 2-Bdr, 1-Bath unit with 692 sq ft interior living space.

Each unit has a single enclosed garage on the lower street level and space to park an additional car in the driveway in front of each respective garage.

With a slight elevation above Diamond Head Rd you can sense the closeness to the ocean and possibly get a peek-a boo ocean view between the Kapiolani Park tree tops. A narrow right of way walking path starts immediately across the street and gives you a direct straight path to the ocean.

The duplex (both units together) sold most recently at $2.15Mill in 2013 to an investor.

4.) 3019 and 3033 Alapali Pl    (TMK: 1-3-1-34-18)

3019 and 3033 Alapali Pl

At the top of Alapali Pl, just above the ‘Villas at Diamond Head Point’ CPR project is an impressive 2 detached, 2-story single family home CPR.  Developed in 2009, designed by award winning architect James McPeak and inspired by the famous grand Bulgari estates in Bali, these are two modern grand estate size homes built on an elevated graded 16,026 sq ft lot zoned R-5 tugged away against the bottom of Diamond Head and towering atop a huge retaining rock wall overlooking the neighborhood from the highest elevation at the very private end of Alapali Pl cul-de-sac.  See Final Public Report here.

Both homes were designed on a grand scale with the finest modern appointments. including double height soaring ceilings, huge walls of glass, floating stairwells, massive decks, each with its own private pool and hot tub. A motor court easily accommodates 5 and 4 cars for each respective residence. The exterior showcases a unique artistic bread rock veneer and a low pitch roof.  The commanding impressive ocean views and Gold Coast and Waikiki skyline leave you speechless.

We lovingly call the property ‘the rock star house’ referring to the time when it was temporarily occupied by a musical hip hop icon together with his entourage. The property was a good fit to accommodate his desire for a private and lavish lifestyle.

Reportedly one time a Porsche Carrera registered to the celebrity occupant was found wrapped around a tree at the bottom of the hill with no driver to be found. When questioned, neither the owner nor his entourage admitted to having driven the car.

The larger of the two homes 3019 Alapali Pl #A with 5 bedrooms and a movie theatre sold most recently in 2010 to a local business owner at $5.350Mill. A fabulous price for the buyer of this property at a time when the market was still considered depressed from the after effects of the financial crisis.  The new owner since purchased the property in front, to ensure the amazing ocean views into perpetuity.

Regardless if you prefer to live like a rock star, or live like a king, this property might be a good match for you.

5.) Villas at Diamond Head    (TMK: 1-3-1-34-16)

Villas at Diamond Head

This is a CPR with only 2 detached 2-story single family homes developed in 1991 & 1998 on a 12,603 sq ft lot zoned R-5 at the foot of the most western Diamond Head slope.

The address is 3015 Alapali Pl #A, and 3017 Alapali Pl #B, located halfway up the private road between ‘Diamond Point Villas’ and the ‘rock star house’.

Both homes share a narrow driveway off Alapali Pl, a quiet cul-de-sac just above Hibiscus Dr.
The architecture is mildly Mediterranean inspired with red concrete roof and stucco exterior.  See the Final Public Report here.

The project enjoys a quiet location close to Kapiolani Park and off course the beach. Residents cherish modest ocean views from their roof deck.

6.) Hibiscus Place    (TMK: 1-3-1-34-47)

Hibiscus Place

Immediately to the left of the 6-unit ‘Diamond Head Landing’ townhouse project, at the top end of the private Hibiscus Pl is a 1929 historic residence that was converted into a unique duplex CPR in 2005.

The address for Hibiscus Place includes 2954 Hibiscus Pl #1 and 2956 Hibiscus Pl #2.

With great attention to quality and detail, this historic property took the 2004-2005 Historic Hawaii Foundation Preservation Honor Award for restoration.  Rightfully so.

This exquisite former Mediterranean Estate, now duplex, perched against the foot of Diamond Head at the highest elevation point on Hibiscus Pl, features a red tile concrete roof and stucco exterior. Charming French doors lead to balconies and private brick patios surrounded by lush tropical gardens. An enchanting combination of Italy and Spain in a hidden tropical retreat.

Privacy and commanding shoreline ocean views are yours with Kapiolani Park at your feet.

7.) Diamond Head Landing   (TMK:1-3-1-34-8)

Diamond Head Landing

Diamond Head Landing is a 6-unit townhouse cluster developed in 1980 and perched at the foot of Diamond Head accessible from Hibiscus Dr by way of an unassuming steep driveway easement labeled Hibiscus Pl.  See Final public report here.

These townhouses are arranged as follows: Up Hibiscus Pl first driveway on the right includes a grouping of 3 attached units, 2935 Hibiscus Pl #E, 2937 Hibiscus Pl #D, and 2939 Hibiscus Pl #C. The only free standing, lone detached unit 2933 Hibiscus Pl #F is located at the end of this driveway bordering Diamond Head preservation land.
We consider unit #F the only single family home in this CPR development, all others are attached townhomes.

If you drive up Hibiscus Pl further to the top you will find the second grouping on your right, a duplex consisting of 2947 Hibiscus Pl #B, and 2949 Hibiscus Pl #A, the final and last one at the top right end of the cul-de sac.
Diamond Head’s preservation land is behind.

These Mediterranean style inspired 3-bedroom, 2 or 2.5 bath townhomes are designed as split-level, two story units with 2,020 sq ft to 2,320 sq ft of interior living space, situated above their respective street level enclosed double garage. There are no neighbors above or below.  Design features include concrete tile roofs, white stucco exterior and some interior stucco as well.  Impressive vaulted cathedral ceilings and some large open decks complete the package. Most of the homes are cooled with split AC systems.

There is a shared community swimming pool tugged behind the duplex at the top of the property.

Diamond Head Landing residents enjoy a quiet location with a modest 50′ elevation above Kapiolani Park, with pleasant green park views and the ocean beyond.

8.) Villas At Diamond Head Point    (TMK: 1-3-1-33-66)

Villas at Diamond Head Point

Hidden behind Gold Coast’s famous Kainalu condo is a 2-story duplex developed in 1983 on a prime 9,111 sq ft ocean front lot, accessible by way of a private road easement just to the left of the Kainalu condo.  The address is 2801 Coconut Ave and includes unit #A&G together, and unit #A-1, closer to Kainalu.

Each unit has an attached enclosed double garage.  See Final public report here.

Each unit enjoys its own designated magical ocean front lawn area. A rock seawall protects the property from wave action.  A secluded beach, hard to reach for the general public, is immediately to the east of the property.

What makes this property location stand out is the remarkable rare combination of the best of both worlds:

a.) the unparalleled private and quiet ocean front setting, and
b.) the amazing close proximity to popular Gold Coast activity centers e.g Outrigger Canoe Club, Elks Club, ..and even Waikiki.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the book ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’, shows on the ownership record. Perhaps what is good for him might be good for you too, if one of these units were to become available for sale again.

9.)  The 3 Bali homes    (TMK:  1-3-1-36-6, 21 & 22)

3 Bali Homes

The Bali homes is what we lovingly refer to the 3 gorgeous Bali style inspired 2-story homes developed in 2006 on three adjacent oceanfront lots at 3125, 3133 and 3139 Diamond Head Rd.  Look for the three mailboxes built into the lava rock wall with a huge Traveler’s palm flower behind it, located just two lots past the Makalei Beach Park, or five lots before the Leahi Beach Park.

Hidden behind the rock wall and the large wooden gate are three truly gorgeous island style homes surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. Each home features between 4,509 and 5,828 sq ft of interior living space with vaulted wood trimmed ceilings and large sliding glass pocket doors for a truly remarkable indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Signature design features include beautiful Ohia hardwood floors, Tasmanian Blackwood floors and extensive use of lime stone and travertine throughout.  All bedrooms are en suite bedrooms with private decks and lanais surrounded by tropical privacy landscaping. The homes feature stucco exterior on the ground floor and board and batten design on the second level as well as a wood shake Dickey roof.

Each Bali home is located on its own private oceanfront lot between 17,019 to 18,477 sq ft.
Each Bali home features its own ocean side private pool and cabanas and a private grassy lawn leading up to the ocean’s edge. Each home also comes with a two or three car garage and a designated guest parking area close to the entry gate.

Often mistaken for a single family CPR development, each home actually has its own designated TMK number. The quality of home design and construction plus the magical private ocean front location make this one of our favorite Diamond Head single family home cluster development on the list.

The notable most recent sale, 3125 Diamond Head Rd recorded 5/20/2013 for $11,250,000.

Be quick and decisive the next time one of these remarkable trophy homes becomes available.

10.) Kuu Makana at Diamond Head    (TMK: 1-3-1-36-4)

Kuu Makana at Diamond Head

Kuu Makana at Diamond Head is a 4 unit, numbered ‘A’ through ‘D’, oceanfront townhouse fourplex located at 3165 Diamond Head Rd just west of Leahi Beach Park. The project includes beautiful landscaping, a front motor court surrounded by 4 double garages with a gorgeous central Plumeria tree and an awesome common area ocean front lawn. Built in 1982 featuring dramatic huge covered ocean front lanais, extensive use of Koa wood and elegant exterior and interior coral rock accent walls as well as intricate artistic wood design finishes.

This is a classy complex with two single level corner-end oceanfront units on the ground floor, and two single level corner-end oceanfront units above, on the 2nd floor. The clever design allows all units to be larger than 3,300 sq ft in interior living space plus generous covered ocean front lanais for a total of over 4,000 sq ft single level living space right on the ocean. Sweet!

Each unit comes with a coral fire place and an enclosed double garage. Your guests may park in a designated visitor parking area at the entrance to the motor court. A secure gate separates the motor court from the front entrance to the units. If you live here, you would drive into your garage and access your unit from your garage back door securely into your home.

On the ocean side the property is protected with a sea wall. There really is no beach in front of the property. Instead you have a small sandy beach easily reachable just about 7 lots going west just past the Makalei Beach Park.

A noteworthy recent sale at Kuu Makana was unit #D which sold at $7.5Mill in July 2013.

Kuu Makana offers a relaxing single level ocean front lifestyle with endless and forever protected ocean views. Simply priceless!

11.) Leahi Estates    (TMK: 1-3-1-35-2)

Leahi Estates

Leahi Estates consists of 6 single family homes in a CPR community on the mauka side of Diamond Head Rd across form Leahi Beach Park.  See the Final public report here.

Three homes are secured behind an automatic gate almost like a small valley community on its own. The address includes 3190, 3196 and 3200 Diamond Head Rd.
The other 3 homes are right next door up a steep driveway that is not gated. The address includes 3210, 3220 and 3222 Diamond Head Rd.
These latter 3 homes elevated on a knoll enjoy impressive ocean views and feel more like three independent lots, rather than a single family home CPR.

Each of these 6 homes is architecturally unique in design displaying a variety of styles. One of them even incorporates some of the naturally occurring steep rock, featuring it as part of the interior living room design, giving the home a unique connection to Diamond Head.

Allegedly the dramatic cliff side pool of one of the homes at one time had flooded the street below.

Noteworthy is 3222 Diamond Head Rd #6 within the project. An impressive Tuscany inspired beautifully restored in 2009 large villa with cathedral ceilings and about 5,000 sq ft interior living space on a large 21,000 sq ft mostly level lot with stunning ocean views, a very rare combination in the Diamond Head neighborhood where most lots are either smaller, or sloped. A large pool and cottage complete the full package. Simply perfect. Sold in 2011 at $10.6Mill.

East of the Diamond Head lighthouse:

12.) Diamond Head Beach    (TMK: 1-3-1-38-24)

Diamond Head Beach

Just a few lots east of the famous Diamond Head lighthouse, past the Diamond Head lookout, hidden behind a private gate with the address 3701 Diamond Head Rd is a private driveway that leads straight down to the ocean servicing 4 individual lots #A, B, C, and #D.

3701 Diamond Head Rd #D, the largest lot of them, located at the bottom of the driveway with 36,278 sq ft and a whopping 198.35 ft beach frontage.  This has been developed as a detached single family home CPR.

CPR #1 is a 17,005 sq ft  lot with a  2 story, 5 Bedr, 4 Bath, 2 half Baths home originally built in 1967 and renovated in 2005. The property even sports a private tennis court very close the beach (!)
CPR #2 is a 19,273 sq ft lot.

13.) Ka’alawai Condo    (TMK: 1-3-1-38-31)

Kaalawai

This is a detached single family home CPR development with only 2 homes.  The address is 3711 Diamond Head Rd #A & #B, on a 24,673 sq ft lot makai side of Diamond Head Rd.

Unit #A is a 4 Bedr, 3 Bath home with 3,230 sq ft interior living space built in 1988 on a 10,083 sq ft lot.
Unit #B is a 2 Bedr, 3.5 Bath home with 2,920 sq ft interior living space built in 2010, on a 12,336 sq ft lot, the slightly larger of the two lots that is the second house on the right side going down the private driveway towards the beach.

Access is via an unmarked, easy to miss, roadway easement off Diamond Head Rd.  Look for the driveway immediately past 3705 Diamond Head Rd.

14.) Diamond Head Estates    (TMK: 1-3-1-38-1)

Diamond Head Estates

Another little known detached single family home CPR with only 2 units is on a 26,232 sq ft prime beach front lot.The first home was developed in 1961.  The second home was a simple ‘post and pier’ construction Cedar wood beach shack built in 1974, but has since been replaced with an impressive newly built residence in 2005.

Diamond Head Estates project address includes: 3721 Diamond Head Rd (#2) and 3725 Diamond Head Rd (#1).

Access is via the same unmarked, easy to miss, roadway easement as the ‘Ka’alawai Condo’. Look for the driveway immediately past 3705 Diamond Head Rd.
The Diamond Head Estates CPR is further down at the bottom of this driveway on the beach.

Both homes have a direct south facing exposure, one on the beach, the second newer built home right above. The older ocean side home has an old rock seawall that protrudes unusually far on to this stretch of Diamond Head Beach.  Both, the pristine beach and the ocean views, are exceptional from this location.

15.) Ainamalu

Ainamalu

Ainamalu is a gated beachfront community, a cluster PUD development (not a CPR) of 11 single family homes with a ‘Spanish bungalow style’ architectural design flair, stucco exterior, red tile roofs and vaulted cathedral ceilings.

The gated entrance is off DH Rd just before Palaoa Pl (when coming from Waikiki side).
The address includes 3747 to 3767 Diamond Head Rd.

A common driveway is winding down the slopes towards the pristine beach, and splitting up into a horseshoe arrangement with a pristine center lawn and the bottom 5 homes surrounding it.

It is this bottom section of 5 homes closest to the beach away from DH Rd with the benefit of the generous center lawn that are in the most desirable location in the project.
This clever arrangement allows for maximum views towards the ocean and almost feels like the center lawn is part of each individual property, yet it is shared equally by all. A small private gate at the bottom of the center lawn allows access to the pristine and quiet beach.  Very charming.

16.) Isles at Diamond Head Beach    (TMK: 1-3-1-39-1)

Isles at Diamond Head Beach

Isles at Diamond Head is a gated beachfront CPR community with six beachfront detached single family homes designed by architect Edward Sullam and completed in 1986.  See the Final Public Report here.

The project is gated on both entry points and tugged away from busy traffic, located at the end of two unassuming cul-de-sacs off Diamond Head Rd and Kulamanu St.

Three of the homes, 218, 220 and 222 Kaimanawai Pl, are accessible through the automatic gate at the end of Kaimanawai Pl.
The other three homes, 215, 217 and 219 Kaalawai Pl, are accessible through the automatic gate at the left end of Kaalawai Pl.

All six homes are arranged in an open ‘V-shape’ layout towards the ocean, to ensure that the homes in the back still have a respectable ocean view along and to the side of the homes in front. A gorgeous green center lawn shared and cherished by the residents and lush landscaping make up the well maintained common grounds.
There are also 9 guest stalls within the project.

Each home has a 2-story design with concrete tile roof, stucco exterior, large roof overhangs and an attached double garage. Each home features 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with between 3,100 and 3,600 sq ft interior living area.  The interior is designed with vaulted ceilings upstairs and architecturally interesting soffited ceilings in the downstairs living area.

Since these are single family homes in a CPR project, the lots are considered limited common elements, for the exclusive use of the respective resident, ranging between approx. 5,000 and 8,000 sq ft.

This project is adjacent to, just west of the smaller ‘Sands at Kaalawai’ development.

A few of the Isles at Diamond Head Beach homes have their own pools, but the beach is just past the lawn outside your backyard gate.  Did we mention the secluded sandy bottom swimming hole?  Life is a vacation.

17.) Sands at Kaalawai  –  aka Kuine Place

Sands at Kaalawai

A gated beach front community built in 1988. Look for the Kuine Pl street sign just past Kaimanawai Pl, Kuine Pl is actually a private St shared between 4 home owners. Address includes 108, 120, 136 and 148 Kuine Place.  This development is adjacent to, just east of the ‘Isles at Diamond Head Beach’ project.

This is a 4-unit residential single family home cluster development (PUD, rather than a CPR) on a long, skinny lot going from top of Kulamanu St all the way straight down to the beach with a shared driveway (Kuine Pl).

The 4 homes are located to the right along the shared driveway. All 4 homes have a similar split-level 2 story design with 12 ft cathedral ceilings in the living room and kitchen area, a double garage and a rooftop sun deck accessible with a spiral staircase to enjoy the ocean views.

A couple of the homes have a small pool even though the lot sizes tend to be small, about 5,000 sq ft. The exception is 108 Kuine Pl, at the bottom of the property, with an impressive 13,000+ sq ft lot size right on the beach.

Besides the secure automatic gate and the common driveway, there is a common guest parking area in the middle of the project under a gorgeous Monkeypod tree.
The beach has some corals but there is a sandy bottom swimming hole just outside your backyard. Life is great.

18.) Kokoke Lani    (TMK: 1-3-1-40-4)

Kokoke Lani

‘Kokoke Lani’ means ‘close to heaven’, and the name could not be more fitting. This is an exceptional brand new, currently under construction, gated 2 single family home CPR project on a 30,370 sq ft beach front lot immediately east of the ‘Sands at Kaalawai’ project.

Kokoke Lani is developed by the Tom Nicholson Group, an established custom luxury home builder with a proven track record of 20+ stunning residences throughout Diamond Head, Kahala and Black Point.  These homes designed by famous local architect Philip ‘Pip’ White have set a new standard for ultimate island style luxury residences.

Signature design features include large sliding pocket doors for seamless indoor outdoor entertainment spaces.  If you want the best, this is for you. To be completed Summer 2016.  The address is 4031 Kulamanu St #A & B.

4031 Kulamanu St #B – is a 4BR, 5BA, with ~4,200sqf interior living space and an ocean side pool deck directly situated on prime Diamond Head Beach. This home already sold in 2015 prior to completion and before it was listed for sale!  Congratulations to the lucky early bird buyer recognizing this one of a kind opportunity.

4031 Kulamanu St #A – is an impressive 4BR, 6BA, with ~6,400+sqf interior living space, one house away from pristine Diamond Head Beach.  With the large lot size on sloped terrain, this home will have impressive ocean views with the beachfront home #B just a few steps below.

If you want brand new and you are looking for the finest in home design, look no further. Here is the best of the best to indulge yourself.
Hurry, unit #A is almost completed and currently the only brand new home available in Diamond Head this close to prime beaches, currently (May 2016) listed for sale at $7.6Mill.

Take note, this project, was the last buildable vacant oceanfront lot in the entire Diamond Head area.  Perched between the ocean and Diamond Head, there simply is no more remaining buildable space to develop.
The forever finite and scarce Diamond Head real estate supply creates tremendous value and an unlimited upside potential.  – This lifestyle is priceless, what are you waiting for?

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Let us know what you think.  Perhaps you have a unique experience you would like to share regarding Diamond Head real estate and the lifestyle that comes along with it.
We like to hear from you.
~Mahalo & Aloha

The post Diamond Head Real Estate – CPR & PUD Cluster Developments appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Hawaii Kai’s special allure and its amazing lifestyle has been previously discussed. There simply isn’t any other place where you can ride your boat from your own backyard dock across the marina to go shopping, catch a movie or dinner.
Or, you might like to ride out to the ocean, due West around Diamond Head and temporarily moor your boat in front of Waikiki.  Paddle to the beach, enjoy a Waikiki sunset dinner and cruise your boat back without having to deal with traffic lights.  Life is a vacation.

Marina front living adds a completely new dimension regardless if you like boating, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, fishing, or if you simply enjoy the calming open water views.

If living on the marina strikes your fancy, you have come to the right place to check our compilation of Hawaii Kai’s top marina front homes and neighborhoods:

1.)    Executive Residences (ER) – Peninsula at Hawaii Kai  (see video):

1. Executive Residences

The Executive Residences are fine 2-story marina front homes built 2002 – 2003 within the gated Peninsula at Hawaii Kai, a popular nice looking newer master planned community of modern homes. These homes enjoy the additional gated security and fabulous community amenities, e.g. a large pool, hot tub and a 24-hour gym.

There are only 27 of these Executive Residences in 3 different floor plans with between 2,145 and 2,663 sq ft interior living space.  These homes are considered the cream of the crop at the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai, featuring soaring ceilings central AC and all other typical modern amenities.  No wonder these are a popular choice for marina front home lovers.

The Executive Residences are located along the north western shore and towards the most western tip of the peninsula, all with prime wide marina frontage.

If you are looking for a newer construction marina front home in a clean looking modern master planned community with the added benefit of the security gate, than check these out.
See all Executive Residences for sale here, look for street address 520 Lunalilo Home Rd.

1. Executive Residences; 5. Luna Kai

2.)    Mariners Cove (see video):

Mariners Cove

Mariners Cove homes were developed between 1969 and 1971 along the most north eastern section of the Hawaii Kai Marina.  Only 94 of all 410 Mariners Cove homes are located directly on the marina.  51 of them are in the Mariners Cove peninsula along Niumalu Loop, and 43 are along the Kalanipuu St section of Mariners Cove.

Mariners Cove homes are a mixture of single level and 2-story homes often between 1,500 and 3,000 sq ft interior living space, featuring soaring open beam cathedral ceilings.

A unique Mariners Cove neighborhood feature are the marina front mini parks along the waterfront allowing maximum marina visibility throughout the neighborhood.  Some of the main roads are a little wider giving the neighborhood a special more generous feel.  Mariners Cove residents enjoy the exclusive use of the Mariners Cove Bay Club including a 121-person capacity clubhouse, BBQ grills, large lap pool, kiddie pool, boat launch ramp and a boatyard.
See all Mariners Cove homes for sale.

2. Mariners Cove; 3. Anchorage; 4. Kealaula Kai

3.)    Anchorage (see video):

Anchorage

Anchorage homes were developed between 1979 and 1981.  Only 42 of the 105 homes are located directly on the marina. The typical Anchorage home features soaring open beam cathedral ceilings and a signature concrete tile roof.

The most desirable widest marina section within the Anchorage neighborhood includes the homes between the 7249 and 7321 block of Makaa St. These homes enjoy the green views of a small marina island bird sanctuary and are the farthest distance away from homes across the marina.

Anchorage marina front homes are generally overlooking the marina in a south easterly direction with the prevailing Tradewinds sweeping in a perpendicular direction. The impressive Koko Crater is a magical sight across the water.

The Anchorage neighborhood includes a small private mini park with boat ramp for its resident’s exclusive use.
See all Anchorage homes for sale.

4.)    Kealaula Kai (see video):

Kealaula Kai

Kealaula Kai is located adjacent and immediately past the Anchorage neighborhood. Kealaula Kai was developed between 1985 and 1988 and is in a sense the slightly newer natural extension to the Anchorage neighborhood.  Kealaula Kai starts north of 7339 Makaa St. From this point on Makaa St street becomes a quiet cul-de-sac.

Only 29 of all 63 Kealaula Kai homes are located directly on the marina. These homes look a little different compared to the Anchorage homes.  Kealaula Kai typical design features include board and batten exteriors, bay windows and composition asphalt shingle roofs.

Views and orientation are similar to the Anchorage overlooking the marina in a south easterly direction with the prevailing Tradewinds sweeping in a perpendicular direction.  It is quiet here towards the back of the valley at the end of the marina. Life is good while you marvel at the impressive sight of Koko Crater across the water.
See all Kealaula Kai homes for sale.

5.)    Luna Kai (see video):

Luna Kai

The Luna Kai marina front neighborhood consists of two distinctively different sections:

The first section consists of 31 marina front homes, the majority developed between 1963 and 1967 (with a couple newer exceptions) located along Kalanianaole Hwy.  These homes enjoy the quickest most direct access to Maunalua Bay and the open ocean.  If you prefer boating on the open ocean rather than just within the marina, you might want to consider this location.

Be aware of the 13 foot maximum height clearance under the bridge to get from the Hawaii Kai Marina to the open ocean.

Luna Kai homes along Kalanianaole Hwy also enjoy some of the largest marina front lots available in Hawaii Kai most of them between 8,125 and 9,900 sq ft, plus an additional shared parking / driveway area in front creating a convenient buffer distance from the street.
Luna Kai residents appreciate the wide marina at this location and the impressive long marina views towards the back of Hawaii Kai.

This location does get windy. The prevailing Tradewinds tend to blow the long way over the marina to naturally cool your home. Here you will experience a bit more boating and waterskiing traffic, together with street traffic along Kalanianaole Hwy.  This location will provide quick convenient access to downtown Honolulu.

The second section of the Luna Kai marina front neighborhood includes 24 marina front homes developed between 1966 and 1969, just east of the Koko Marina Shopping Center located at the end of Anapalau Pl and Kaumakani St.  These homes originally were all designed as single level homes on lot sizes mostly between 6,500 and 7,500 sq ft. The Luna Kai homes along this stretch of the marina are facing in a northwesterly direction, enjoying some of the finest sunset views across the water.
See all Luna Kai homes for sale.

6.)    Spinnaker Isle (see video):

Spinnaker Isle

Spinnaker Isle consists of two peninsulas that protrude parallel into the Hawaii Kai Marina just south of Hahaione Valley.  Spinnaker Isle homes were originally developed between 1968 and 1970 as single level homes on lots between 7,190 and up to 9,800 sqft.

All 92 homes are located directly on the marina along both sides of Kumukahi Pl.  At Spinnaker Isle the marina can be bit more narrow and the back portion of the marina finger, in between the two Spinnaker Isle peninsulas, have a sloped concrete embankment rather than a vertical rock seawall.  For the most part you still should be able to moor a good size boat at Spinnaker Isle. The best marina front locations within Spinnaker Isle are towards the tip of both peninsulas.
See all Spinnaker Isle homes for sale.

7.)    West Marina (see video):

West Marina

As the name implies, the West Marina neighborhood refers to the western section of the Hawaii Kai Marina. That includes all marina front single family homes within the perimeter streets Kawaihae St, Hawaii Kai Dr to Keahole St, and Keahole St back to Kalanianaole Hwy. The exception is Spinnaker Isle which has been discussed separately above.

West Marina has a number of small cul-de-sac streets off Kawaihae St and Hawaii Kai Dr, e.g. Awina Way, Awini Pl, Hakalau Pl and several small ones that create quiet marina front locations off the main traffic roads.

The West Marina neighborhood technically includes the ‘Executive Residences’ already discussed separately at the top of our list.  These are listed in the MLS as part of the West Marina neighborhood, although the newness and design puts them in a completed different class of their own. Hence, they deserved a separate mention and took the top spot on our list. You will recognize the Executive Residences by their ‘520 Lunalilo Home Rd’ street address within the newer gated Hawaii Kai Peninsula subdivision.

Other than the Executive Residences, most West Marina homes were originally designed with a single level layout. The West Marina neighborhood happens to be a bit stretched out and includes diverse sections along the marina with homes of different types and sizes. That includes the red roofed, white stucco exterior homes along Hawaii Kai Dr between 6751 and 6791 Hawaii Kai Dr located across the street from the Oahu Club.

Also included are the homes referred to as ‘Marina West’ along Ainahou St and Kaialohia Pl. These homes enjoy a wide open marina view towards Spinnaker Isle.

Noteworthy are the 4 newer, 2002 built marina front single family homes in a small CPR development called Kainui Court located behind the gate at 321 Ainahou St.  This is the only gated Hawaii Kai marina front community of detached single family homes, besides the Executive Residences mentioned above.
Search all West Marina homes for sale.

To search all Hawaii Kai homes go here.

1. Executive Residences; 6. Spinnaker Isle; 7. West Marina

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We hope you enjoyed our compilation of Hawaii Kai’s top marina front single family home neighborhoods.  Look around and you will realize there is no more remaining vacant marina front land to develop.  The forever finite and scarce supply of Hawaii Kai marina front homes creates value.  The upside potential is unlimited, and the lifestyle is priceless.

Perhaps we inspired you to explore marina front living further. Let us know what you think.  We like to hear from you.  ~ Mahalo & Aloha

The post Hawaii Kai’s Top Marina Front Homes & Neighborhoods appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

This is a guide to the price per square foot & maintenance fees (HOA) per square foot of condos in Kakaako (includes 2 luxury condos in neighboring Ala Moana – Park Lane and One Ala Moana).

Gateway Towers

Our approach:
1) Review sales prices of the lowest priced to most expensive stacks on the 20th floor of a given building and use those data points to quote price per square foot ranges. In other words, we aren’t quoting the price per square foot of a one-of-a-kind penthouse nor are we quoting price per square foot of a low floor unit with the view of an amenities deck. For lower structures (buildings less than 20 floors tall) we have used higher floor units pricing points, without using penthouse level units in this analysis.
2) Some condos are not completed yet and we have determined a price per square foot based on our analysis of estimated current market value – not based on prices condos may have sold for pre construction 1-2 years ago.
3) Figures are based on interior square footage only – no balcony space is included to calculate price per square foot or maintenance fees per square foot.
4) Some condos have very few units recently sold and we use our experience to come up with estimated price per square foot ranges.

Note: Higher price per square foot does not necessarily mean it is a more exclusive condo. A given building may have relatively smaller units and lower maintenance, which cater to a larger pool of buyers and tend to drive up price per square foot.

Park Lane Ala Moana

Here is the list of 27 condos, listed in order of highest price per square foot to lowest price per square foot. Click on the name of the condo and you will be taken to a page where you can read more about the condo and see current inventory of units for sale in that building.

Park Lane Ala Moana
Price range / sq ft: $1,800 – $3,000
Maint.  fees / sq ft: $1.22

Gateway Towers
Price range / sq ft: $1,800 – $2,800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.10

Waiea
Price range / sq ft: $1,600 – $2,400
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.10

Hokua
Price range / sq ft: $1,200 – $1,950
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.84

Ae’o
Price range / sq ft: $1,200 – $1,450
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.70

One Ala Moana
Price range / sq ft: $950 – $1,200
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.08

Anaha
Price range / sq ft: $900 – $1,200
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.12

Hawaiki Tower
Price range / sq ft: $750 – $1,100
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.61

Waihonua
Price range / sq ft: $850 – $1,000
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.90

Koolani
Price range / sq ft: $800 – $1,000
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.82

Nauru Tower
Price range / sq ft: $700 – $1,000
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.06

The Vanguard Lofts
Price range / sq ft: $775 – $875
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.79

Symphony Honolulu
Price range / sq ft: $700 – $875
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.66

909 Kapiolani
Price range / sq ft: $750 – $850
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.75

Pacifica Honolulu
Price range / sq ft: $700 – $825
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.73

1350 Ala Moana
Price range / sq ft: $650 – $825
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.96

The Collection Honolulu
Price range / sq ft: $750 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.86

Keauhou Place
Price range / sq ft: $750 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.66

Keola Lai
Price range / sq ft: $675 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.82

801 South Street
Price range / sq ft: $650 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.48

One Archer Lane
Price range / sq ft: $700 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.82

1133 Waimanu
Price range / sq ft: $700 – $800
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.69

Moana Pacific
Price range / sq ft: $675 – $750
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.69

Royal Capitol Plaza
Price range / sq ft: $600 – $700
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.78

400 Keawe
Price range / sq ft: $550 – $650
Maint. fees / sq ft: $0.55

One Waterfront Tower
Price range / sq ft: $500 – $650
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.03

Imperial Plaza
Price range / sq ft: $500 – $600
Maint. fees / sq ft: $1.13

From around our website you may also want to check out Kakaako condos for sale, Honolulu’s new condos or all Honolulu condos for sale.

The post Kakaako Condos Price & Maintenance Fees Per Square Foot appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

If you always dreamed about living on the Hawaii Kai Marina, you have come to the right place. Here is your ultimate reference guide to all Hawaii Kai marina front condos and townhomes including videos, maps, tax records and the inside scoop.

If you prefer a detached single family home rather than a condo or townhouse, skip right to #10 on our list. Also explore our complete list of Hawaii Kai top marina front single family homes and neighborhoods or see all Hawaii Kai homes for sale. Hawaii Kai marina front single family homes tend to sell upwards from the mid $1Mill price range (as of 2016).

If money is a limiting factor, marina front condos and townhomes often are a terrific alternative for the budget minded. The following list includes all condos and townhomes that have direct marina access. Some might have a dedicated or assigned boat dock, while some others might have only a shared dock or shared marina access. But all have the magic and lifestyle options that only living on the marina can offer.

The list is organized in West-to-East geographical order. To get a quick overview, we start off each project with a couple of reference bullet points:

• Pros
• Cons

This briefly summarizes what makes the project unique. Listed under ‘Pros’ is what makes the project special. Listed under ‘Cons’ is what might be some potential shortcomings if any.

Pros and Cons bullet points are brief and rather subjective. The intend is to help you skim quickly through the list and zero in on what you are looking for.

A further detailed description follows the bullet points, often with a video, map and the project tax records. Each project includes a link to its respective detailed project page with more pictures, details, data and stats. Here you can also search all home listings available for sale.

We hope you find this format useful. May you greatly benefit from our resource guide to quickly become Hawaii Kai’s marina front condos and townhomes expert.

Here starts the ultimate reference guide to Hawaii Kai marina front condos and townhomes:

Map 1 – Hawaii Kai marina front condos & townhomes

1.)  Napua Point:

• Pros:  Feels like a house, rather than a townhouse.
• On the ocean! with exceptional forever ocean and horizon views.
• Beautiful landscaping.
• Ocean access from the narrow beach in front.
• Cons:  No boat docks.
• A bit close to the highway with some street noise.

1. Napua Point

Napua Point is technically not on the marina, but rather on the ocean side, next to the Kalanianaole Hwy bridge at the entrance to Hawaii Kai. In fact this project is the only Hawaii Kai townhouse project located right on the ocean with a calm narrow beach in front.

Napua Point, developed in 1980, consists of 18 attached townhomes with no neighbors above. The units are spread out over 4 different buildings and offer two different spacious 2- and 3-bedroom split level, 2-story floorplans with between 1,540 and 1,771 sq ft of living space.  Each unit comes with a partially covered patio deck for truly awesome indoor / outdoor entertaining.

The project address includes 115, 117, 123 and 125 Maunalua Ave.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-7-6.

8 townhomes come with an enclosed double garage. The remaining townhomes come with a single garage and one extra open parking stall.

The grounds are lush and tropical and include a good size pool, hot tub and a tennis court. There are also two guest parking stalls. This project has a small beach rather than a marina rock wall. You may launch your paddle boat, or stand up paddle board, but there is no boat dock to moor a boat.  The views and ambience are exceptional.

Rarely do Napua Point units become available.  More details and Napua Point townhomes for sale here.

2.)  Gateway Peninsula:  (video)

• Pros:  Some of the largest 3 and 4-bedroom marina front townhomes.
• Boat docks right outside your back patio for most units.
• Cons: Some units are a bit close to the highway with some street noise.

2. Gateway Peninsula

The Gateway Peninsula is located directly across the street from Napua Point and is the first marina front townhouse project on the left when entering Hawaii Kai.  Developed in 1972 the project includes 39 two-story townhomes arranged in 6 different buildings. The street address includes 205, 207, 209, 211, 213 and 215 Kawaihae St.  Project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-35-16.

Gateway Peninsula townhomes are some of the largest mostly 3- and also 4-bedroom marina front townhomes with 1,632 to 2,100 sq ft of interior living space in a 2-story layout, no neighbors above.  Each townhouse enjoys a private walled-in entry courtyard and back patio.

Many of the units have their boat docks immediately outside their back patio. There are a couple additional shared boat docs available for those few units that are not directly facing the marina.

Gateway Peninsula townhomes come with two covered carport parking stalls.  The project features a swimming pool and beautiful landscaped grounds.

Search Gateway Peninsula townhomes for sale.

3.)  Koko Head Villas:

• Pros:  Some of the most affordable marina front townhomes.
• Good size for the price.
• Low maintenance fees.
• Cons:  Only one parking stall per unit.
• One shared boat ramp only.
• Limited marina views.

3. Koko Head Villas

If your budget is limited, Koko Head Villas represent some of the most affordable marina front townhomes you can find. These townhomes rarely become available for sale.

Developed in 1969 and located at the corner of Kawaihae St and Milolii Pl, the Koko Head Villas project consists of 24 attached 2- and 3-bedroom two-story townhomes with no neighbors above, arranged in 5 buildings with a kidney shape pool centered in the middle.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-35-12.

Each unit comes with only 1 covered carport parking stall. The project has 12 additional open guest stalls.

The Koko Head Villas project (not to be confused with Koko Villas) is located at the very tip of one of the marina fingers and you won’t really get much of a marina view.  Marina access is via a shared boat ramp.  This is ok to launch a kayak or a SUP, but if you want to have your own private boat dock you will need to check other options on this list.

More info about Koko Head Villas for sale.

4.)  Villa Marina:

• Pros:  Units in building #B can moor their boat right outside their back patio.
• Cons:  Parking stalls are uncovered.

4. Villa Marina

The Villa Marina project consists of 19 attached 2-story townhomes with no neighbors above, spread out over 4 buildings, developed in 1970.  All units include 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with 1,452 interior living space and large fenced-in front and back patios.  Each unit comes with 2 side-by-side open parking stalls.

The project is located on the corner of Kawaihae St and Kawaihae Pl and includes an oval shaped pool in the center.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-35-7.

Only the 6 units located in building #B enjoy direct marina frontage.  Here you can moor your boat just outside your private back patio with a 22 ft linear marina frontage.

All other townhomes have the privilege to use a shared boat landing.

See all Villa Marina townhomes for sale.

5.)  Marina Palms:

• Pros:  Opportunity to moor your large boat very close to your townhome (first come first serve) along the common element marina wall.
• Beautiful magical landscaped grounds with many tropical palm trees.
• Resident manager.
• Cons:  Parking stalls are uncovered.
• Per house rules, no AC units allowed.

5. Marina Palms

Marina Palms is a popular marina front town house project located between Kawaihae Pl and Keokea Pl, along Kawaihae St.  There are a total of 54 Marina Palms attached townhomes spread out over eight 2-story buildings developed in 1966 along the Hawaii Kai marina.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-34-59.

26 townhomes are designed as 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhomes in a 2-story layout, with no neighbors above.

28 townhomes are designed as 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhomes in a single level design.  14 of these are located on the ground level with a patio and a large 296 sq ft fenced-in court yard. The remaining 14 units are located above, same size and layout with a lanai instead of the patio, but without the large courtyard.

Each unit comes with 2 open parking stalls.

The project features 12 boat landings as part of the common element available to residents on a first come first serve basis. With 12 boat landings throughout the project you have a pretty good chance to moor even a large boat very close to your townhome.

The Marina Palms project is known for its beautiful landscaped grounds with lots of palm trees, and an awesome marina side pool and hot tub. The buildings are arranged slightly set back from the marina creating a sense of space and tropical beauty. All units enjoy a magical serene green garden view with the marina immediately beyond.

There is a resident manager on site. The project is designed and arranged to maximize cross ventilation and natural cooling for each unit.  Per house rules, AC units are not allowed!

Bring your boat and enjoy living.  Check all Marina Palms townhomes for sale.

6.)  Colony Marina:

• Pros:  Some of the largest 4-bedroom, 3-bath marina front townhomes with >1,900 sq ft interior living space.
• 1 bedroom with adjacent 1 bath is located on the ground floor.
• Individual boat docks located right outside your back patio for most units.
• Low maintenance fees for the size of the units.
• Cons:  ?

6. Colony Marina

The Colony Marina project consists of 26 marina front attached townhomes developed in 1969, located between 6204 through 6252 Keokea Pl.  Colony Marina townhomes are spread out over 5 buildings.  Three buildings include 6 units and 2 buildings include 4 units.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-34-52.

All townhomes are fronting the marina with the ability to moor a boat right outside your back patio, except 4 units within the first building #A being set back a bit away from the marina, located on the corner of Kawaihae St and Keokea Pl.

Each townhouse has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with about 1,914 sq ft of interior living space in a 2-story layout with no neighbors above.  Each unit also comes with a large fenced-in private entry courtyard and 2 covered carport parking stalls close by.

The project features a kidney shape pool with a generous size clubhouse, and gorgeous landscaped grounds.

Notable is the corner-end unit E106 in the last building #E. This unit is slightly larger with an impressive 2,368 sq ft interior living space including an extra half bath. This special unit also enjoys additional land on the side and an adjacent enclosed rare 4-car (!) enclosed garage.

See all Colony Marina townhomes for sale.

 7.)  Hawaii Kai Condo Project  – aka Hale Makani Kai, Garden Lanai, Kala Kai Marina:

• Pros:  Very low, or even No maintenance fee!
• Self-managed, means maximum control and minimum rules.
• Could potentially add a 2^nd story addition.
• Cons:  ?

7. Hawaii Kai Condo Project

The Hawaii Kai Marina Condo Project is a very unique Hawaii Kai marina front townhome project that includes 20 separate individual cluster developments of attached townhomes in a variety of different configurations, some as small as a duplex and some with up to a dozen units within a cluster.

Most realtors are not even aware and confused by the different alias names, configurations and locations of these marina front townhomes, because Hawaii Kai CP clusters are spread out over several locations and non-contiguous street addresses throughout the West Marina neighborhood.

Most of the Hawaii Kai CP townhomes were developed between 1963 and 1964, representing Hawaii Kai’s very first townhome developments, with ‘Hale Makani Kai’ being a bit later completed in 1967.

The single most attractive feature of these townhomes is the self-management of each small townhome cluster. That means the governing rules are often lax and minimal. On some of the single level townhomes you might be able to add a 2^nd story addition!  How is that for a value added proposition!  Maintenance / association fees are either zero or minimal (other than the $400 / year annual marina fee, and Hawaii Kai’s private sewer fee at currently $114 / every two months).

Did we capture your attention yet?

Most of the Hawaii Kai CP townhomes feature 2- to 3-bedrooms with 958 sq ft to 1,570 sq ft interior living space. A few have been expanded to 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhomes with up to about 2,005 sq ft interior living space. These townhomes come in either single level, split level or 2-story layout, all with no neighbor above, together with either one parking stall or some even with a double enclosed garage.

Let’s take a closer look at these clusters:

1. Hawaii Kai CP lot 4A, aka Kala Kai Marina, aka Garden Lanai #20, is located at the south eastern tip of the Milolii Pl cul-de-sac. The address includes just about all odd street numbers between 6229 Milolii Pl to 6255 Milolii Pl.   These are 12 attached townhomes labeled #A through #L in a cluster arrangement of three buildings, TMK# 1-3-9-35-11.  This is the only Hawaii Kai CP cluster that also includes a common swimming pool in the middle of a gorgeous maintained center lawn, hence this cluster does have a small maintenance fee.  These units come with either open and or some covered carport parking.
2. Hawaii Kai CP lot 4B, located at the north eastern tip of the Milolii Pl cul-de-sac.  The address includes 6234 and 6236, as well as all even numbers from 6240 to 6246 Milolii Pl.  These are 6 townhomes labeled #A through #F in a cluster arrangement of two buildings, TMK# 1-3-9-35-10.  This Hawaii Kai CP cluster does have a small maintenance fee. Each unit comes with one open and one covered carport parking stall.
3. Hawaii Kai CP lot 5, located along the northern street side of Milolii Pl starting from the Kawaihae St corner. The address includes 257 and 259 Kawaihae St, as well as just about all even numbers from 6206 to 6230 Milolii Pl. These are 12 attached townhomes labeled #A through #L in a cluster arrangement of 5 buildings, TMK# 1-3-9-35-9.
4. Hawaii Kai CP lot 8, located past the Marina Palms project along the southern street side of the Kawaihae Pl cul-de-sac.  The address includes just about all odd street numbers from 6229 Kawaihae Pl to 6249 Kawaihae Pl.  These are 8 attached townhomes labeled #A through #H in a cluster arrangement of 3 buildings, TMK# 1-3-9-35-6.
5. Hawaii Kai CP lot 9, located at the south eastern tip of the Kawaihae Pl cul-de-sac. The address includes 6255 Kawaihae Pl #A & #B. This is a duplex townhouse. Each unit comes with 1 covered and 1 open parking stall.  TMK# 1-3-9-35-5.
6. Hawaii Kai CP lot 10, aka Garden Lanai, is located at the north eastern tip of the Kawaihae Pl cul-de-sac. The address includes all even street numbers from 6246 to 6260 Kawaihae Pl. These are 6 attached townhomes labeled #A through #F arranged in 3 marina front duplexes.  TMK# 1-3-9-35-4.

Noteworthy is the duplex at 6258 / 6260 Kawaihae Pl (#A & #B), completely rebuild in 2009 from the ground up as a brand new gorgeous two story duplex with 2,883 and 2,456 sq ft respective interior living space.  This duplex represents the largest and most modern marina front townhomes within all Hawaii Kai Condo Project clusters.  It also demonstrates the development potential that might be attainable within this self-managed condo project.

7. Hawaii Kai CP lot 18, aka Kala Kai Marina, located towards the south eastern end of the Keokea Pl cul-de-sac.  The address includes 6243, 6245, 6251 and 6253 Keokea Pl. This cluster consists of two marina front duplexes, labeled #A through #D. One of the duplexes is designed with a 2-story layout. The second duplex is designed with a single level layout.  TMK# 1-3-9-34-57.
8. Hawaii Kai CP lot 19, located at the south eastern tip of the Keokea Pl cul-de-sac.  The address includes 6257 & 6259 Keokea Pl (#B & #A) This cluster consists of only one single level marina front duplex.  TMK# 1-3-9-34-56
9. Hawaii Kai CP lot 20, aka Garden Lanai, located at the north eastern tip of the Keokea Pl cul-de-sac. The address includes all even street numbers between 6256 to 6268 Keokea Pl. This cluster consists of three duplexes labeled #A through #F.  TMK# 1-3-9-34-55.

The following remaining Hawaii Kai CP clusters are all located along Kawaihae St either in a duplex, 4-plex, 6-plex, 8-plex or even a 9-plex building. These townhomes are all split level in design and just about all come with 2 covered parking stalls (except, #16, Hale Makani Kai townhomes come with either 1 or 2 stalls). The following Hawaii Kai CP townhomes have no association fees (except, #16 Hale Makani Kai has a small association fee):

10. Hawaii Kai CP lot 1A, located along Kawaihae St. just past the Colony Marina project. The street address includes all odd street numbers between 325 to 331 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-51.
11. Hawaii Kai CP lot 1B, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 335 to 341 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-50.
12. Hawaii Kai CP lot 2A, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 345 to 351 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-49.
13. Hawaii Kai CP lot 2B, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 355 to 361 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-48.
14. Hawaii Kai CP lot 3A, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 367 to 377 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 6-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #F and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-47.
15. Hawaii Kai CP lot 4, located just past Awini Pl. along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 401 to 407 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-2.
16. Hale Makani Kai, formerly known as Hawaii Kai CP lot 5, located at the most northern point of Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 421 to 435 Kawaihae St. This cluster consists of an unusual 9-plex (!) building because of the slightly odd shape lot. Each townhouse is labeled #101 through #109 and comes with either 1 or 2 parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-34-1.

Check here if there are currently any Hale Makani Kai townhomes for sale.

17. Hawaii Kai CP lot 6, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 441 to 451 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 6-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #F and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-30-53.
18. Hawaii Kai CP lot 7A, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 459 to 469 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 6-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #F and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-30-52.
19. Hawaii Kai CP lot 8A, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 475 to 489 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 8-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #H and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-30-51.
20. Hawaii Kai CP lot 9A, located along Kawaihae St. including all odd street numbers between 493 to 499 Kawaihae St.  This cluster consists of a split level 4-plex. Each townhouse is labeled #A through #D and comes with 2 covered parking stalls, TMK# 1-3-9-30-50.

Be quick and decisive as these townhomes sell quickly. Check here to search all Hawaii Kai CP townhomes for sale. Nowhere else can you live the marina lifestyle without often inflated association or maintenance fees.

Map 2 – Hawaii Kai marina front condos & townhomes

8.)  Moorings:  (video)

• Pros:  Opportunity to moor your boat very close to your townhome back patio.
• Beautiful magical landscaped grounds with many tropical palm trees.
• Cons:  Parking stalls are uncovered.

8. Moorings

The Moorings project consists of 64 marina front townhomes developed in 1969 located on an exclusive peninsula surrounded by the marina on three sides. The address is 6370 Hawaii Kai Dr. The townhomes are numbered #1 through #64 and arranged throughout 9 separate buildings.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-29-76.

54 of all 64 townhomes are facing directly the marina with the ability to moor a boat just outside your back patio.

Each townhouse has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with between 1,332 and 1,517 sq ft of interior living space in a 2-story layout with no neighbors above.  Each unit also comes with a large walled-in private entry courtyard, a back patio facing the marina and 2 open parking stalls close by.

There is a central oval shape pool with a good size clubhouse and gorgeous landscaped grounds.

See all Moorings townhomes for sale.

 9.)  Kuapa Isle:  (video)

• Pros:  Opportunity for most units to moor your boat just outside your waterfront patio.
• Large pool, clubhouse and basketball court.
• Two covered parking stalls right in front of your townhouse.
• Cons:  ?

9. Kuapa Isle

The Kuapa Isle project includes a total of 234 townhomes and is considered one of the largest Hawaii Kai marina front townhome projects.  Kuapa Isle was developed in 1970 and spreads out over two elongated parallel running peninsula fingers accessible from Hawaii Kai Dr.  The address includes all street numbers on Opihikao Pl and Opihikao Way.  See the project tax records here: TMK# 1-3-9-31-2.

Kuapa Isle townhomes come in duplex configurations either with 3 or 4 bedrooms in a single level or 2-story layout with no neighbors above. Kuapa Isle townhomes range between 1,164 and 1,557 sq ft interior living space and feature a marina front patio or deck with the ability to moor your boat right outside your living room.

The units that are not directly on the marina have a fenced-in yard or patio instead.

Each Kuapa Isle townhome comes with 2 covered carport parking stalls immediately next to the townhouse front entrance.

For the townhomes that are not directly on the marina, the project includes a couple of community boat docks and a boat parking area.

A large pool, clubhouse, basketball court and adequate visitor parking make Kuapa Isle a favorite for marina front townhome enthusiasts to enjoy.

Check here to see all Kuapa Isle townhomes for sale.

Map 3 – Hawaii Kai marina front condos & townhomes

10.)  Kai Nui Court:

• Pros:  Gated small community of modern detached marina front CPR homes.
• Rare newer 2002 construction.
• Cons:  Marina front location is a bit close to the busy bridge.

10. Kai Nui Court

Kai Nui Court stands out as being different from all other marina front projects in several ways.

What makes the project special is a.) the secured entry gate, b.) the newness – built in 2002, c.) the size of the project – only 11 homes, and d.) the detached design of the homes.  These are actually detached single family homes in a small CPR development. Each home has a small private yard on all sides, not just in the front or back.

The address is 321 Ainahou St and includes all 11 homes, TMK# 1-3-9-68-143.

Only 4 of the 11 homes are on the marina enjoying direct marina access, making these extremely rare offerings.  The remaining 7 homes not immediately on the marina do not have marina access.

The Kai Nui Court project, together with the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai project, represent the very last and final marina front development. There simply is no remaining marina front land to develop.

Kai Nui Court homes include 3 to 5 bedrooms with between 1,377 to 2,495 sq ft interior living space in a 2 story layout. Design features include vaulted cathedral ceilings, stucco exterior, concrete tile roofs, attached enclosed double garage and a private fully fenced-in yard on all sides.

If you prefer the newer modern look and the benefit of a security gate, check out Kainui Court CPR homes for sale.  Remember all other projects – except Peninsula at Hawaii Kai – have been developed decades ago.

11.)  Koko Isle:  (video)

• Pros:  Opportunity to moor your boat very close to your townhome back patio.
• Beautiful magical landscaped grounds with sprawling lawns and many tropical palm trees.
• Two covered parking stalls right in front of your townhouse.
• Cons:  ?

11. Koko Isle

The Koko Isle project has one unique distinction compared to all other projects:  It feels like living on a private island, because it actually is a private island!

Surrounded on all sides by the Hawaii Kai marina, Koko Isle residents enjoy arguably one of the finest marina front locations. The project is located in the center of the widest section of the entire marina taking delight in the greatest distance from any neighboring developments. Koko Isle is accessible only by way of crossing over the private Koko Isle bridge.

Koko Isle was developed in 1968 and might have represented the central ‘cherry in the middle of the cake’ for Henry Kaiser, the great visionary developer, when his ‘little Venice’ marina community turned into realty.

Koko Isle includes all of Koko Isle Circle including all street numbers between 101 to 917 Koko Isle Circle.  See the project tax records here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-4.

Koko Isle consists of 124 attached townhomes spread out over 23 buildings. More than 2/3rds of all Koko Isle townhomes are directly facing the marina. These townhomes enjoy the ability to moor a boat just outside your back patio deck.

The remaining interior Koko Isle townhomes not directly facing the marina enjoy a beautiful landscaped view and still have the ability to possibly moor a boat although not directly outside your living room back patio.

One of my personal favorite location within the project is the area of south-west facing marina front townhomes with the large grassy green belt between the townhomes and the marina’s edge captured in this brief video starting @ 26 sec.  Truly magical, this is a particularly peaceful and quiet setting within the project, protected from Tradewinds with wide open views across the marina.

Koko Isle townhomes are 2-story in layout, no neighbors above, and include 2 to 4 bedrooms with a back patio or deck, a fully fenced front courtyard and a covered 2 car carport next to your private entry door.

The Koko Isle project features a large pool with a 2-story clubhouse, exercise room, BBQ grills, a shared boat landing area, a sauna and gorgeous landscaped sprawling lawns with lots of palm trees.

Search all Koko Isle townhomes for sale and experience Koko Isle’s magic for yourself.

12.)  Kalele Kai:  (video)

• Pros:  Gated community with additional secured building entrance.
• Solid concrete construction.
• Generous size single-level layout with wide hallways and elevator access.
• 9 ft ceiling height throughout.
• Huge wrap-around lanais.
• Onsite resident manager and roaming security.
• Cons:  Condo living with neighbors above (most units).

12. Kalele Kai

The Kalele Kai project is a gated marina front community developed in 1993 with a total of 229 large 2- and 3-bedroom units. The project is both modern and grand compared to many of the other Hawaii Kai marina front projects. The general feel is that of a gated tropical resort, but surprisingly quiet and very residential. Once you enter the project through the secured entry gate you are greeted by a large open courtyard surrounded by three main 6-story condo tower buildings plus an additional 3-story marina front townhome building straight ahead along the water’s edge.

The Kalele Kai project address is 1 Keahole Pl.  Project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-30

The vast majority, 219 of all units are located within the three main buildings. Let’s explore these in detail:

Building #1 the largest building of all runs perpendicular to the water’s edge along the western perimeter of the project. It includes 6-stories with up to 18 single level condos per floor.

Building #2 runs parallel to Keahole St along the northern perimeter of the project. It includes 6-stories with up to 13 single level condos per floor.

Building #3 runs perpendicular to the water’s edge along the eastern perimeter of the project. It includes 6-stories with up to 13 single level condos per floor.

Kalele Kai condo unit numbering in these three buildings goes as follows: 1^st digit indicates the building number, 2^nd digit indicates the floor level number and the last 2 digits indicate the stack within the building.  E.g. Kalele Kai #3613 means the unit is in building #3 on the 6^th floor in the -13 stack location.

All Kalele Kai condos feature awesome 9ft ceilings, huge wrap-around lanais, a spacious layout in a single-level design, plenty storage and two covered parking stalls

All 6^th floor penthouse level condos enjoy the additional benefits of an extra-large roof overhang providing additional shade on the lanai, extra tall vaulted cathedral ceilings and being on the top level with no neighbors above.

About a dozen of outward facing condos right above the garage level in building #1 and building #3 enjoy larger than regular lanais.

The majority of Kalele Kai condos include 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with at least 1,421 sq ft interior living space and an additional minimum 263 sq ft lanai area. These are some of the largest 2-bedroom single level condos available in Hawaii Kai.

2-bedroom Kalele Kai condos are either facing a.) towards the pretty green landscaped interior court yard including the large impressive free form heated pool, hot tub and clubhouse, or b.) towards the exterior of the project.

Among the units that are facing the exterior of the project these are the views in order of desirability:

1.)    Building #3 enjoys arguably the nicest views overlooking the low-rise Mawaena Kai townhomes and grounds with plenty marina views beyond.

2.)    Building #1 enjoys some decent marina views but you will need to be either towards the marina end of the building or above the 4^th floor to clear the roofline of the neighboring Safeway grocery store.

3.)    Building #2 will offer a pleasant mountain view instead of the marina view. These units tend to sell at a slight discount because of the busy Keahole St below.

3-bedroom Kalele Kai condos are located only at the corner-end of the buildings enjoying better cross ventilation. These 3-bedroom condos feel like a house all on one level with at least 1,998 sq ft interior living space and an additional minimum 589 sq ft wrap-around lanai.

‘The Townhomes’ are located in the building that runs parallel to the water’s edge. There are only 10-attached townhomes in a 3-story layout with no neighbors above. The townhomes are numbered 1001 through 1010. These most desirable units feel and live like a marina front house with 2,205 to 2,345 sq ft interior living space, large wrap around decks and an enclosed double garage. Especially the larger end units take the cake.  Kalele Kai townhomes face directly towards the marina.

-The Kalele Kai project features a large heated free form pool, hot tub, clubhouse, BBQ grills, beautiful grounds, marina front walking paths and a Gazebo. There is also a resident manager, roaming security, the secure gated entry to the project and to each building.  There is a pedestrian gate on the west side of the project for a direct shortcut to the adjacent Safeway grocery store.

Some Kalele Kai units come with a deeded boat dock, some others do not.

Search all Kalele Kai condos and townhomes for sale.

13.)  Mawaena Kai:  (video)

• Pros:  Gated community.
• All units are facing the marina with great marina views beyond a beautiful green belt along the marina front.
• Cons:  2-story layout with neighbors above.
• Limited number of boat docks
• 2^nd parking stall is uncovered.

13. Mawaena Kai

The Mawaena Kai townhouse project is a gated marina front community developed in 1988 including a total of 104 townhomes spread out over eleven 2-story buildings along the marina.  The Mawaena Kai project address is 7007 Hawaii Kai Drive.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-31.

All units are facing the marina and enjoy the beautiful green belt view between the back patio or deck and the marina.

All Mawaena Kai townhomes include either 2 bedrooms, 2 baths or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with between 1,012 sq ft and 1,406 sq ft of interior living space plus an additional outdoor patio for the ground floor units or a marina facing lanai for the upstairs units.

While all ground floor units are single level in layout with neighbors living above, the upstairs units feature an additional second story loft space utilizing some of the high cubic interior living space under the pitched roof.  Overall the upstairs units have a more spacious feel due to the tall vaulted cathedral ceilings.  But you will need to walk up the stairs to get to your unit.

The ground floor units instead have an open back patio that leads right over the gorgeous sprawling green lawn to the water’s edge.

Some Mawaena Kai units come with a deeded boat dock, some others do not. Each townhome comes with one covered carport parking stall with some storage capability for surfboards etc. above your car, plus one open parking stall close by.

The Mawaena Kai project does not come with a pool, hot tub, club house or any other fancy amenities. Project residents appreciate the security gate and the views.  A resident manager is on site.

Search all Mawaena Kai townhomes for sale.

 14.)  Peninsula at Hawaii Kai:  (video)

• Pros:  Gated, modern and new (2002 – 2005) master planned community.
• Modern design features available in a large variety of condo, townhouse and even single family home layouts.
• Great amenities and beautiful grounds.
• Cons:  Limited number of boat docs, currently a waitlist for a boat slip.

14. Peninsula at Hawaii Kai

The Peninsula at Hawaii Kai is by far the largest Hawaii Kai marina front project. The project includes a whopping 662 total living units. It is also the newest and most modern project developed between 2002 and 2005. The project consists of two sections:

Parcel I (A) Makai. This is the larger of the two, and is secured with an automatic entry gate on both Lunalilo Home Rd and also on Wailua St.  All 569 living units within this gated section share a common 520 Lunalilo Home Rd project address.  See the project tax records here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-16.

Parcel II (B) Mauka. This is the smaller of the two located north of parcel I, across Wailua St and accessible from both Wailua St and Lunalilo Home Rd without entry gate.  All 93 living units within this section share a common 580 Lunalilo Home Rd project address.  Project tax records for this parcel are here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-36.

The Peninsula at Hawaii Kai project is unique in offering a wide variety of different housing options including single family homes, townhomes and three groupings of two 4-story condo building towers with elevators.

These are the five distinctively different housing products with a variety of different layouts and floor plans available within the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai:

1.)    Executive Residences (ER)

2.)    Carriage Ways (CW)

3.)    The Cottages (CO)

4.)    The Villas (V)

5.)    The Colony

We have written extensively describing each of these housing products on our Peninsula at Hawaii Kai page.

Only the Executive Residences (ER), a few of The Cottages (CO) and a few of the Villas (V) are located directly on the marina.

The project offers great security, a large variety of housing options, modern amenities including 24h gym, 2 large heated pools, 2 hot tubs, BBQ grills, club house, gorgeous sprawling lawns, a playground for kids, Gazebos and an awesome marina front promenade walking path.

Regretfully the number of available boat docks is limited. If you desire to sign up for a boat slip you need to content with a current waiting list.  Otherwise the project is hugely popular and a fabulous place to live.

Search all Peninsula at Hawaii Kai condos and townhomes for sale.

15.)  Kaimala Marina:  (video)

• Pros:  Many open boat docks available for residents, to be assigned by manager.
• Cons:  Parking stalls are uncovered.

15. Kaimala Marina

The Kaimala Marina project was developed in 1972 and includes a total of 90 townhomes spread out over 9 separate buildings. The general feel of the project is charming and casual island style, much reminiscent of old-style Hawaii living. The project construction incorporates wooden trellises and other wooden design elements.

All townhomes share the common project address 444 Lunalilo Home Rd.  The project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-8

Only 3 buildings, #1 through #3, are located directly along the marina and offer spectacular marina views.

These 3 most desirable marina front buildings within the project are 3-stories in height. Units located on the ground floor have a single-level layout with neighbors living above, featuring a large marina front partially covered patio / yard. The units on the second floor are 2-story in design with no neighbors above. These 2 story units have two marina front lanais and impressive marina and sunset views.

The three marina front buildings include a mix of different floor plans including 1-bedroom units on the ground floor with 697 sq ft interior living space (units #111, #118, #211, #218, #311 & #318). The majority of units here are 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes with between 1,267 sq ft and 1,281 sq ft interior living space, plus large patio decks or upstairs lanais. There are however a few upstairs 2-story units that have 4 and even very rare 5 bedrooms (!) with as much as 1,555 sq ft interior living space plus partially covered patio decks and lanais (units #120, #129, #220, #229, #320 & #329).

The remaining 6 buildings are set back from the marina and do not have the benefit of the marina views. The townhomes in these remaining buildings are 3-bedroom townhomes (some created a 4^th bedroom) with between 1,282 sq ft and 1,323 sq ft interor living space in a 2-story layout with no neighbors above. Each townhome comes with fenced-in partially covered patio and upstairs lanais.

All townhomes, even the 1-bedroom units, come with 2-uncovered assigned parking stalls close to the townhome entrance.

Kaimala Marina townhomes are numbered based on which building the unit is located in. E.g unit #329 is located in building #3 (on the marina), on the 2^nd floor in the –9 stack of that building.  Unit #908 is in building #9 (not on the marina) in the –08 stack of that building.

The project features a pool, hot tub, clubhouse, resident manager, roaming security and beautiful tropical landscaping with casual secret walking paths meandering between the buildings.

What makes the Kaimala Marina project special is that there are plenty boat docks available for you to moor your boat.  Just let the manager know and a dock will be assigned for your use. Also available is kayak and SUP storage.

Search all Kaimala Marina townhomes for sale.

16.)  Esplanade:

• Pros:  Amenities galore.
• Many open boat docks available for residents, to be assigned by manager.
• Classy building with grand porte-cochere entrance, gorgeous grounds and landscaping.
• Fabulous expansive marina views and even impressive ocean views from the higher floors.
• Cons:  High-rise condo living with neighbors above.

16. Esplanade

The Esplanade set an impressive new standard in marina front living when it was developed in 1973. The Esplanade includes a total of 208 condos spread out over 4 high-rise buildings with elevators.

The Esplanade being up to 8-stories tall represents the only true high-rise condo located directly on the Hawaii Kai Marina. The Kalele Kai project being only 4-stories tall is considered the distant second.  If you like to live high above on the water’s edge, the Esplanade condo project is for you.

The project address is 500 Lunalilo Home Rd.  Project tax records are here: TMK# 1-3-9-8-9.

The Esplanade was designed to impress with a grand entrance porte-cochere and a multitude of resort style amenities (video), including a huge pool, hot tub, gym, tennis courts, putting green, driving range, BBQ grills, 24h roaming security, gorgeous sprawling tropical grounds and a fabulous marina front promenade walking path.

The vast majority, 135 Esplanade condos are 2-bedroom, 2-bath condos with 1,083 sq ft of interior living space and large lanais. Some of these units have enclosed their lanai space and increased the interior size up to 1,227 sq ft.

Also available are 51x 1-bedroom condos with 762 sq ft to 931 sq ft of interior living space. All Esplanade condos are single-level in layout in a high-rise condo building with neighbors living above, except on the penthouse level.

All 22 Esplanade penthouse condos on the top floor are 3-bedroom, 3-bath condos with 1,657  sq ft featuring multiple large lanais. Some of these units have enclosed lanai space to increase the interior living area up to 1,862 sq ft.  Esplanade penthouse condos feature soaring cathedral ceilings and a 2-story layout with no neighbors above.

All 22 penthouse 3-bedroom condos are located within the front-row buildings #1 and #2.

It goes without saying the Esplanade penthouse condos take the cake when it comes to design layout, size and simply mesmerizing marina, ocean and sunset views.

Esplanade condos are numbered based on which building the condo is located in. E.g unit #47F is located in building #4 on the 7th floor in the “F” stack of that building.

The two largest buildings within the Esplanade condo project, building #1 and #2 are running parallel and closest along the marina. These are not only the tallest buildings but also the longest buildings and include by far the largest number of all Esplanade condos offering the most stunning marina views. Both of these two high-rise buildings are single-loaded aka single-stack in design, means all unit lanais are facing in the same direction towards the alluring marina.  A common open walkway runs along the other side of the building where you would access your condo front door from the elevator landing.  This type of single-loaded (vs double-loaded) building design promotes excellent cross ventilation and orients all condos in the same most ideal direction to enjoy priceless views of the marina and ocean beyond.

The Esplanade project clearly stands out because of the unique wide open views from the higher floors and the many awesome amenities and stunning grounds.

Let’s also remember, boat docks are plentiful at the Esplanade and so is kayak and SUP storage. Request the manager to assign a convenient boat slip and or storage for you.

Search all Esplanade condos for sale.

What are you waiting for?  Start living, you deserve it.

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If you prefer a marina front single family home instead of a condo or townhome, check our guide: Hawaii Kai’s top marina front homes and neighborhoods.

Search all Hawaii Kai condos and townhomes.

Search all Hawaii Kai homes and neighborhoods.

Perhaps we inspired you to explore marina front living further. Let us know what you think.  We like to hear from you, and we are always here to help.    ~ Mahalo & Aloha

The post Guide To Hawaii Kai Marina Front Condos & Townhomes appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Kapiolani Residence is a new condo project in Honolulu, which will offer 60% of the units as affordable housing (for sale – not rentals).

Kapiolani Residence Rendering

Important: Applicants for Kapiolani Residence must be submitted by 5pm August 31, 2016. In order to apply, a potential Buyer must qualify under the HHFDC’s affordable sales program (HHFDC = Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation) – read more about requirements below (there will be seminars for potential Buyers and since there will be a lottery at some point after August 31, 2016 there is plenty of time at this stage).

Kapiolani Residence in Brief
Address: 1631 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.
Developer: SamKoo Pacific, who reportedly also has plans for a similar tower at 1391 Kapiolani Blvd (some future date).
Units: 484 of which 60% (292 units) will be affordable housing units and remaining 192 units will be market priced units.
Price range: $271,549 to $591,598 (for affordable units – market priced units pricing not yet determined).
Unit sizes: 400sqf to 1,230sqf.
Unit configurations: Studio to 3BR.
Expected completion: mid 2018 (ground breaking probably late 2016).
Unit types:
A = 2BR / 2BA, 892sqf (27 units)
B = Studio, 405sqf (44 units)
C = 1BR / 1BA, 696sqf (27 units)
D = 1BR / 1BA, 726sqf (27 units)
E = 1BR / 1BA, 671sqf (27 units)
F = 3BR / 2BA, 1,230sqf (4 units)
G = 2BR / 2BA, 889sqf (20 units)
H = Studio, 400sqf (44 units)
I = 1BR / 1BA, 669sqf (26 units)
J = 2BR / 2BA, 922sqf (20 units)
K = 2BR / 2BA, 895sqf (26 units).

Annual Income restrictions
1 person: $84,480 (max)
2 persons: $96,480 (max)
3 persons: $108,600 (max)
4 persons: $120,600 (max)
NOTE: There are sometimes ways to reduce one’s annual income to qualify for affordable housing. Example: Over-time work may not have to be included in the calculation, if you have a fulltime and a partime job, the income from the part-time job may not have to be part of the calcuation etc. Conclusion: If you make slight above the income restrictions, do not automatically assume you do not qualify.

Other Affordable Housing Requirements
Must be a US Citizen or resident alien.
At least 18 years old.
Currently resides in Hawaii and will reside in unit to be purchase (in other words, must be an owner-occupant; not possible for investors to purchase).
Does not own a majority interest in a piece of real estate (this applies to anyone in the household).
Income restrictions: Coming soon!

Shared Ownership
The state will have a certain percentage ownership in the affordable units and will retain a 10 year right to buy-back (in case an owner wants to sell). The state’s ownership % is not fixed at this stage and it various with price of unit, estimated value values & more, which will only be determined upon closing (expected year 2018).

The post Kapiolani Residence – New Affordable Housing Project in Honolulu appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Paul Brewbaker with TZ Economics is one of the sharpest and most respected economist here in Hawaii. His analysis on Hawaii economics and Oahu real estate is candid and insightful.

Summarized below are a few key takeaway points from his presentation during the 6/8/2016 HBR regional meeting in Honolulu. These are subjective notes we took during the presentation with particular focus on Paul’s current Oahu real estate market outlook. But before we get started, let me share a little story from 16 years ago:

I first met Paul in 2000 during one of his presentations in front of about 300 top realtors at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Paul predicted with unshakable confidence that the median sales price for Oahu single family homes could reach $767,000 by the year 2007.  In 2000 this seemed unbelievable and bold, especially in front of a large number of realtors. At that time the median Oahu single family home value had been hovering around $300,000 for several years.

Prior to Paul’s 2000 presentation the Oahu real estate market experienced a prolonged softness throughout all of the 1990s. This softness was in part because of Japan’s real estate bubble busting in 1990, starting what has become known as Japan’s ‘lost decade’.  Japanese real estate investors had been a strong buying force during the late 1980s but became net sellers through all of the 1990s.

Take a look at the following historical graph (courtesy HBR, compiled from MLS data) showing Oahu median sales prices:

Oahu Homes & Condos – median sales prices  –  courtesy HBR, compiled from MLS data

During 2004 and 2005 it became clear that Paul’s ambitious prediction from 2000 could very well come true. In the Summer of 2007 the median sales price for Oahu single family homes surpassed the predicted market value establishing a new market peak.

We greatly appreciate Paul’s presentations and pay close attention to his predictions. Following are some bullet point notes from Paul’s recent June 8, 2016 presentation. All graphs courtesy Paul Brewbaker – TZ Economics:

• Construction led Hawaii GDP quarterly 4% growth surge in 2015 is a construction led one-time pulse.  Real Hawaii GDP growth is about 1%.
• Btw, 1% population growth with only 1% GDP growth translates into 0% net growth in production output per capita.

1.) Hawaii GDP growth 1%

• After Ala Moana is being rebuild with another million sq ft of retail space being added, and after the International Market Place is completed (completion expected shortly), what is next?
• Think about out it: There is no new office building being built. The last Honolulu office building was built about 20 years ago (First Hawaiian Bank building).

2.) Oahu homes & condos – long term trend before inflation

• Nice steady path coming?  June 2011 to May 2016 translates into 4.7% (4.5% to 5%) price appreciation. Federal Reserve Board’s 2% inflation target means real estate appreciation actually is at 2-2.5%  inflation adjusted.

3.) Regression to the mean – Oahu real estate 2.2% inflation adjusted long term trend

• The long term inflation adjusted home price appreciation trend for Oahu is about 2.2 % (~2.1% for all of Hawaii).  Since Summer 2011 the current trend has been converging with the long term trend. Maybe the bubblish cycle swings are over for now.
• California real estate prices are pulling away!  If Honolulu continues to fall behind San Francisco and San Jose prices, than the arbitrage argument could be Honolulu in comparison will soon become undervalued.
• There is no bubble here. When your Uber driver is telling you to buy a condo, then you know we are in a bubble.

4.) California prices pulling away – arbitrage

• Home sales volume (unit sales momentum) is slower and more sustainable, currently only 3 months of remaining inventory.

5.) Months of remaining inventory

• DBET data 2012 to 2015 shows on Oahu 87% of all real estate buyers are local. Neighbor island local buyer ratio is about 60%
• According to A&B, the 2015 completed Waihonua condo project closed with about 70-80% local buyers.
• Housing unit construction numbers have been consistently short of what is required in order to not have your kids live with you in the future.

6.) New housing units short of projected needs

• All Oahu single family homes above $1Mill have gone from 20% to 30% distribution from 2011 to 2015. All Oahu condos above $1Mill have gone from 1.5% to 2.5% distribution from 2011 to 2015.  – This is a hidden tax increase with more and more properties falling into the 2014 established higher property tax rate Residential ‘A’.
• Conclusion:  Looks like we are in a Goldilocks housing market. Steady, not too hot and not too cold without the big swings. 4.5% Oahu home appreciation equals ~2.5% real inflation adjusted Oahu home price appreciation and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

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Let us know what you think.  How do you see Hawaii’s real estate market and the general economy?

We like to hear from you.

~Mahalo & Aloha

The post Oahu Real Estate Market Outlook – June 2016 appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Picking the ‘Best’, especially in the real estate area, can be not only be difficult, but divisive. What one considers the ideal place to live in, for example, is the exact opposite of what another believes makes for the ultimate in living experience. Still, we have 4 areas we think are the Top Honolulu Condo Neighborhoods, and for good reason.

We’ll address the specifics of what makes each standout, along with some drawbacks to give you a complete picture. However, our picks center on not just the quality of the properties themselves, but also the amenities and recreation opportunities available nearby, and even a few unique factors that put this quartet firmly at the top.

KAKAAKO

Kakaako Seen From Kewalo Basin Harbor

Including Kakaako should be no surprise in any discussion of Honolulu condos, it’s more than earned its place among our picks of the best. The potential of this neighborhood is being realized now, with the large stores of Ward Village and the 1-2 architectural punch of the Anaha and Waiea displaying the modern, yet Island-rooted environment that will soon spread across the entire area.

It’s that combination of a forward-looking urban lifestyle and our own Hawaii values, on equal footing, that make it a shoo-in selection. Though some of it still only exists in plans, the unprecedented focus and momentum of this project ensures this vision will be realized.

One thing we love are the wide sidewalks, green spaces and parks that are an integral part of the Kakaako landscape, not just the usual occasional break in the concrete sprawl you usually see, and shopping & dining is ample and spread throughout the area, so you’re always close to a favorite eatery or store.

The entire area is built around pedestrian-friendly walking paths and scenery so a stroll to restaurants and shops that aren’t in your immediate surroundings is not only simple, but pleasurable. The famous saying that ‘getting there is half the fun’ just might be true in the new Kakaako.

The attractions of the outdoor life are equalled by the indoors. From Penthouse suites that are among the most luxurious condos in all Hawaii, a heady claim, but one that’s justified. Incredible, eternally open ocean views, private in-residence pools, vast lanais made for world-class entertaining and bedroom suites that will amaze the most discriminating homebuyer. That’s just the start of those top shelf properties.

Lower floors may not have the same level of luxury, but few properties anywhere do. They still stand out easily with views of that same ocean, use of incredible amenities, such as the pool that cantilevers over the sidewalk below in the Anaha, and often featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outdoors into your life at home.

Affordable condo properties are being offered here as well, raising the appeal of this place to being a true community open to a broad range of Oahu residents. This will guarantee a true local flavor is there from the very start.

The Kakaako style has spread even to Ala Moana next door, making it a part of this integrated urban living/shopping/dining environment, with One Ala Moana perched on top of the mall itself and Park Lane’s even more visible profile on the front of it, with single-family alike style units looking right out at the Beach Park.

There’s so much more to add, such as the green innovations that are being put in place to save energy, money and impact on our delicate Island environment. With the limits of space, though, it remains to just say that Kakaako was an easy selection, pointing the way for the Honolulu condo market to follow for some time to come. Plus it’s just an exciting place to live.

WAIKIKI

Waikiki Beach with Beachfront Condos & Hotels in Background

What has made this district famous throughout the world as a tourist destination also makes it another easy selection for condo living year ’round.

Waikiki condos have a surprisingly broad range, from small walk-ups that date to the 1950’s to the very latest in luxury in places like the Ritz-Carlton Residences. Though the prices are definitely higher in this part of Honolulu, you can find every variety within this segment of the real estate market.

That said, it’s true that much of the inventory is in older buildings. Waikiki, like much of Hawaii, went through a huge surge of development in the 1960’s and 70’s, covering much of the limited property in this area.

Many of the buildings date from that time and not all have been maintained well over the years. This has resulted in differences in the quality of the structures and the residences themselves. The interested condo buyer will need to sift sometimes in their search due to this factor.

There are more recently built condominiums, such as the Ritz-Carlton, the Trump building and a forthcoming project on the current site of King’s Village. However, due to the limited real estate, along with that previous widespread build-up and other factors, there hasn’t been the opportunity to add many new properties.

Those limitations can also restrict some normally expected neighborhood elements, most prominently a large supermarket or big box stores. There is the Food Pantry, but what it offers in convenience is balanced out by the higher prices.

Still, Safeway is just up Kapahulu Avenue and WalMart is almost as close at its location on Keeaumoku St, very near the vast Ala Moana Shopping Center. Those on the west side of Waikiki can actually walk to Ala Moana in no time to sample the unending selections there.

What all of these residences bring to your daily life, though, is access to the most dynamic neighborhood in Hawaii. Most of the major festivals and events happen here, such as the Honolulu Festival, the Aloha Festival and Spam Jam, along with practically every major parade.

The beaches here are celebrated in every corner of the world, and for good reason. Magnificent protected blue lagoons, waves to challenge every level of surfer and Diamond Head presiding over it all. Those welcoming sands are within easy walking distance from almost every corner of Waikiki. You enjoy the resort lifestyle in the most famous resort of them all.

Although a typical grocery store may be missing, the streets of this area are still your own huge shopping mall, filled with numerous eateries, designer stores and the brand new International Market Place.

Even when browsing doesn’t strike the mood there are all kinds of free entertainments available, especially the wealth of live Hawaiian music and hula dancing to delight in at the shopping centers as well as on Kuhio Beach most evenings. You’re never short of things to do when you live in Waikiki.

All these attractions bring a certain percentage of owners who buy here for reasons of investment and income. If you’re one of those, you should be aware of the ability to rent for short-term stays in certain buildings, opening the door to serving the vacation condo market that has grown in recent years.

Special zoning is required, of course, so this ability is not extended to most condominiums. However, it is a more significant part of the landscape here, for obvious reasons, than elsewhere. There’s much to this subject that cannot be explored here, so we highly recommend reading our article on short-term stay Waikiki condos to get a full understanding.

As we’ve pointed out, even the alluring image of Waikiki isn’t without its own issues, here and there. That’s not unique to them, it’s just part of the reality of real estate. There’s a give and take anywhere you look in Honolulu. What’s different here are the singular benefits that no other neighborhood offers, making life here something that truly cannot be experienced anywhere else.

DIAMOND HEAD GOLD COAST

Gold Coast Condos in Diamond Head

There actually is a neighborhood, right next door to Waikiki, that has its own one-of-a-kind living experience to offer. The Gold Coast condos line the shore just east of Waikiki, as it starts to round the front of Diamond Head. They claim a special status, and setting, due to something no amount of money can overcome – local zoning and regulations.

These condominiums came into being during an era of more lenient laws, specifically ones relating to how close you could build to the shoreline. These residences benefitted from being constructed before a regulatory window closed permanently in the early 1960’s, allowing them to stand closer to the ocean than any homes in Hawaii since. Living in this close proximity to the water will never be repeated or duplicated.

From their lanais they look up at Diamond Head’s proud profile on one side. On the other, the waves rolling toward them, seeming to lap up almost at the foot of their building directly below.

Your hours within these condos are spent with the accompaniment of the sounds of those swells, creating a soothing environment that firmly underlines the sights of the ocean that you gaze upon so grandly from here.

We also make this one of our choices for the neighborhood’s atmosphere that recalls an earlier era of Hawaii. Despite being beside the busy streets and spaces of Waikiki, you immediately notice how quiet it is here. You can hear yourself think here, when you want to.

As high-end as these homes are, they are older, otherwise they wouldn’t be in this fortunate position. That can mean greater upkeep. They’re also a product of a time when amenities were not a priority. Only three of the buildings have a swimming pool and those are just about the extent of extras across the whole neighborhood.

This is strictly a bedroom community so daily or weekly shopping will require a drive, the closest option being Kahala Mall with its Long’s and Whole Foods or up Kahapulu Avenue to Safeway.

Another, larger concern is the seawall that is in need of repair after so many decades weathering Nature’s powerful forces. All agree that it needs maintenance, if not replacement, but the fight over who is responsible for that – the State or the condo/land owners – is still going on as of this writing.

Ultimately, though, this is a singular living situation and setting, even in Hawaii. It is truly a way of life that cannot be replicated even in the most expensive of modern condos. Though short on the luxuries that fill the brochures of today’s residential buildings, they grant their owners something that no developer could ever create, even with the richest of budgets.

HAWAII KAI

Kalele Kai – Waterfront Condo in Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai is Honolulu’s version of the more upscale suburbs one finds in the major metro areas of the Mainland. The residents here prize the achievement of this master-planned community, with its well laid out residential and commercial areas, the preservation of the sightlines through primarily low-rise development and, of course, the marina.

Those are primarily condo properties that line those waters, with their close up views and even personal docks bobbing up and down just a few steps from their back doors. The most prized of Hawaii Kai homes, it’s an obvious place to start with why this is an obvious pick for our list.

Even those townhomes and condos in Hawaii Kai that don’t share those waterfront areas gain much from the marina’s presence, however. There’s something about living even near the water that brings a certain peace to your life.

Whether it’s drinking in the view from home, walking beside the marina in the cool evening with someone special or just taking it in on your daily driving routine, there’s something special there. It’s effect is unmeasurable, yet unmistakable, in how the waters both lifts and calms the spirit. Those who live here will attest to this in no uncertain terms.

There’s also Hawaii Kai’s more concrete advantage of Convenience. Shopping, from boutique shops and restaurants at Koko Marina, to mainstays like Safeway, Costco & Long’s, is in easy reach for all in this area. Quick errands or filling up on necessities for the next week is no problem.

As easy all of that is, the commute to Downtown that so many here make can be problematic at times. Kalanianaole Highway is the one and only route in that direction – and back. If there’s an accident, things can get backed up fast.

The beaches are not the kind you find in other parts of Honolulu, either. They’re a rocker variety so sun worshippers won’t find places to lay down their towel. However, the waters are pure liquid playground and locals take full advantage. You’ll see every kind of boat and craft out there enjoying the beauty and recreational possibilities of the ocean off of this coast.

There’s more close by, too. You always have Hanauma Bay, free to kamaaina, as well as Sandy Beach, one of the most popular stretches of sand on Oahu, just up the road.

Whether deep in the valley, where you have some of the more traditional towers that can see for miles around them or closer to the marina in one or two story townhomes, Hawaii Kai condos bring a modern, yet fully Island rooted neighborhood life to your every day.

It’s not City, it’s not Country, it’s just pure Hawaii Kai, the town built by, and on, the water.

THE BEST THERE ARE
Those 4 neighborhoods are our picks for the best of the Honolulu condo neighborhoods, each bringing something extra special and distinctive to the lives of their residents. We bring both the good and the bad to light because that’s the only path to your satisfaction ultimately.

It’s also, though, a recognition that these are the best because they still stand alone even with these drawbacks. That’s the sign of true real estate excellence – homes and neighborhoods that can acknowledge the negative and yet come up so richly on the positive side of the ledger.

The post 4 Best Honolulu Condo Neighborhoods appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Hawaii Kai’s special connection to the ocean is apparent the minute you first visit. The Hawaii Kai Marina is an extension of the ocean and makes one of the main neighborhood features, creating Hawaii Kai’s special allure and its awesome unique lifestyle.

We described in detail Hawaii Kai’s marina front homes and neighborhoods here. We also wrote extensively about marina front condos & townhomes here. 

There are about 520 single family homes directly on the Hawaii Kai marina.  But did you know there are only 40 Hawaii Kai single family homes right on the ocean. These are rare and highly priced trophy properties often valued well above $3Mill (as of 2016).

There are however many hundreds of Hawaii Kai homes that offer ocean views to varying degrees. Ocean view could be from close by the ocean, or from one of the high elevation residential ridges. Here is the rule of thumb: a.) the more ocean you see, and b.) the closer you are to the ocean, the higher is the property value.

Portlock, Koko Kai, Triangle & Mariners Ridge

If either ocean front, or ocean view is what you are after, you found the right place to help you zero in on your search.

We have broken down Hawaii Kai’s ocean view homes into the following 4 categories:

1.)    Ocean front

2.)    Good elevation, close to the ocean

3.)    Ridge homes with great ocean views

4.)    Other homes with ocean views

Here we explore Hawaii Kai’s ocean front and ocean view homes starting with the closest you could possibly get to the ocean:

1.)    Ocean front:

Portlock:  (video)

Portlock is Hawaii Kai’s premier residential ocean front neighborhood. It is here where industrialist Henry Kaiser, who developed all of Hawaii Kai during the 1960s, made his own home. His sprawling 5.5 acre estate with private boat harbor is located in the 500 block of Portlock Road.

Portlock consists of only about 120 homes along Portlock Road and about 8 more homes along ocean side Kalanianaole Hwy. Most lots are level and between 11,000 and 1 acre in size. Only 40 of these homes are directly on the ocean. Since the neighborhood is completely flat, only the 40 ocean side homes are able to enjoy ocean views. You can’t get any closer to the ocean.  The only other Portlock homes that will get to see above tree top ocean views are some of the slightly elevated homes across the street starting in the 500 block of Portlock Rd.

Scarcity creates value. Most Portlock ocean view homes are selling in the $2Mill to $5Mill range, some even as high as $20Mill.

Portlock, Koko Kai & Triangle

2.)    Good elevation, close to the ocean:

Koko Kai:  (video)

Koko Kai is located immediately and adjacent south of Portlock, and has a different hillside feel due to moderate elevations along the base of Koko Head. The Koko Kai neighborhood includes about 130 homes starting south of 274 Poipu Dr and includes several other adjacent streets. Most Koko Kai lot sizes are between 11,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft.

Only about 32 Koko Kai homes are right on the ocean. Oceanfront in Koko Kai means dramatic cliff side location with about 20 to 120 feet elevation. Here you are close to the ocean but above the tsunami evacuation zone.

The ocean views are spectacular and some of the finest in Honolulu. Koko Kai represents a unique combination between: a.) being very close to the ocean, and b.) having modest elevations to get plenty blue ocean views. Due to the mildly sloped terrain, even the Koko Kai homes not on the ocean enjoy great ocean and sunset views.  Koko Kai is also a pleasant walkable neighborhood. Most Koko Kai ocean view homes are selling between $1.5Mill to $5Mill with some exceptional properties selling as high as $8Mill.

Triangle:  (video)

Triangle completes the trio of neighborhoods, comprised of Portlock, Koko Kai and Triangle, wrapping around the north eastern slope of Koko Head. Triangle consists of about 300 homes, none of them are directly on the ocean. Most Triangle home lots range between 10,000 to 15,000 sq ft, and most Triangle homes are valued between $1.1Mill and $3Mill.

Only a small number primarily along the higher elevation Triangle streets e.g. Makaweli St, Makaweli Pl, Kekaha Pl, Polihale Pl, some of the Poipu Dr homes and a few upslope Nawiliwili St homes enjoy ocean views.

It is important to note that Koko Kai and Triangle (not Portlock) have association design guidelines with a 16 ft height limit from the highest corner of the buildable footprint. You may not be able to add a second story depending on your lot topography. However, it appears a couple of homes may have already set precedent by having disregarded the association’s height restriction.

Search all Portlock, Koko Kai and Triangle homes.

3.)    Ridge homes with great ocean views:

Hawaii Kai Ocean View from Koko Crater

Napali Haweo:  (video)

Napali Haweo is considered Hawaii Kai’s luxury home ridge. Developed fairly recent during the 1990s the neighborhood has a much newer and grander feel compared to Mariners Ridge or Kamehame Ridge.

Napali Haweo offers some of the highest elevation homes in all of Hawaii Kai, some over 700 ft above sea level. Because of the high elevation and also the unique narrow ridge layout, just about all Napali Haweo homes enjoy plenty ocean views. Most Napali Haweo lots are between 10,000 sq ft and 17,000 sq ft. Napali Haweo homes are often valued between $1.5Mill to $4Mill.

The views up here are spectacular, both towards the western sunset beyond the distant Diamond Head, but also towards the south-east with the Hawaii Kai golf course below. If you desire wide ocean views and like to feel like being on top of the world, Napali Haweo is for you.

Napali Haweo & Kamehame Ridge

Kamehame Ridge:  (video)

Kamehame Ridge is located immediately south, below Napali Haweo. Kamehame Ridge was primarily developed during the 1980s with Napali Haweo as the natural newer extension above. Most Kamehame lots range between 10,000 and 15,000 sq ft. Kamehame Ridge homes are often valued between $800,000 and $1.2Mill with a few exceptional homes selling as high as $2Mill.

Only about half of the about 200 Kamehame Ridge homes have great ocean views especially the western side of the ridge overlooking the marina with ocean beyond.

Important to consider about ridge locations are Hawaii’s prevailing Tradewinds blowing 5-10 miles/h naturally cooling from a north easterly direction about 300 days per year.

For most ridge locations the preferred orientation is to have the Tradewinds blowing from the mountain towards the ocean, with your house sheltering the pool deck and entertainment areas. This will allow calm enjoyment of your pool deck in spite of the Tradewinds.

This general orientation can be found on western facing slopes of all Hawaii Kai’s ridges, as well as on western facing slopes of all other Honolulu ridges.

Kamehame Ridge is no exception and offers some magical western facing ridge locations with great elevation and truly spectacular ocean and sunset views.

Mariners Ridge

Mariners Ridge:  (video)

Mariners Ridge is Hawaii Kai’s original ridge neighborhood developed mostly during the 1970s. Its final newer hilltop section of custom homes was completed during the early 1980s.  Most Mariners Ridge lots are between 6,000 and 16,000 sq ft, and Mariners Ridge homes are often valued between $1Mill and $1.6Mill.

Although Mariners Ridge homes tend to be older compared to the other ridges, Mariners Ridge has maintained its position as a popular Hawaii Kai neighborhood option.

Besides being a little closer to downtown Honolulu for superior access compared to Napali Haweo and Kamehame Ridge, Mariners Ridge is also a bit closer to the Hawaii Kai marina and Maunalua Bay.

This makes for arguably some better marina and ocean views. Especially the western facing rim lots on the lower section of Kaahue St offer some of the most dramatic marina and ocean views available on the Hawaii Kai ridges.

4.)    Other homes with ocean views:

Napali Haweo, Kamehame Ridge, Laulima & Queens Gate

Laulima:  (video)

Laulima is a zero lot line cluster home development completed in 1988 in the back of Hawaii Kai.  Lot sizes in Laulima are modest, mostly between 3,300 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft, and much smaller compared to some of the other Hawaii Kai neighborhoods.  The homes however feature some interesting architectural angles and are well worth to check out. Laulima homes are often valued between $900,000 and $1.1Mill.

Only 65 Laulima homes are facing the Hawaii Kai Golf Course and only a few of these get the additional benefit of an ocean view. Famous Sandy Beach and the ocean are about 800 ft south from here.

Because Laulima’s topography is flat and barely 20 to 30 ft above sea level, ocean views here are not as dramatic compared with some of the high elevation ridges.

However, Laulima’s south facing perimeter homes share a magical unique combination of golf course frontage and ocean views beyond the trees.

If a smaller home towards the end of Hawaii Kai meets your needs, than Laulima might be a good fit. There are very few Honolulu homes that will offer both golf course and ocean views. Consider yourself lucky. You found paradise.

Queens Gate:  (video)
Queens Gate is a gated community just across the street from Laulima and bordering the same Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Queens Gate actually consists of two gated sections, Queens Gate I and Queens Gate II, with a combined total of 141 homes, all completed between 1978 and 1980.

Queens Gate homes and lot sizes are larger compared to Laulima. Most Queens Gate lot sizes are between 6,000 sq ft to 11,000 sq ft, with some as large as 14,000 sq ft.  Most Queens Gate homes are valued between $1.1Mill to $1.4Mill.

All Queens Gate homes enjoy nice green golf course views, but only a few of the south facing perimeter homes located within Queens Gate II get the additional benefit of pleasant ocean views beyond the golf course. The beach is only about 1,000 ft straight south from here. With modest elevations barely 20 to 30 ft above sea level, ocean views here are limited to a blue horizon beyond the green fairway.

Queens Gate homes are desired because of the very rare combination of a quiet secure gated neighborhood with good size homes, great golf course views and some decent ocean views beyond. The setting is magical and Queens Gate could be considered one of Hawaii Kai’s best kept secret.

Interested in exploring ocean view  homes outside Hawaii Kai? Check out our extensive list with all Honolulu homes for sale.

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Perhaps we inspired you to explore Hawaii Kai ocean view homes further. Let us know what you think.  We like to hear from you. We are always here to help.  ~ Mahalo & Aloha

The post Stunning Hawaii Kai Ocean View Homes appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

Here are two tips how to lower your Honolulu property tax:

1.) How to lower your Honolulu property tax – Declaration Regarding Condominium Use. 

You might own a Honolulu condo in a building that is zoned for hotel use and allows short term vacation rentals. We call them ‘condotels’ because the condo could also function as a hotel room.  That is if the building allows short term rental terms of less than 30 days.  Some of Honolulu’s most popular condotels include the Ilikai, Trump Tower, Ritz Carlton, Waikiki Shore and more.

When you compare Honolulu condo listings you might wonder why some ‘condotel’ listings have higher property taxes than others.

That is because the City of Honolulu charges hotel zoned buildings at the higher hotel & resort property tax rate. That tax rate is currently $12.90 / per $1K assessed value, versus the residential tax rate at $3.50 / per $1K assessed value.

Let’s say your condotel is assessed at $900K.  At the hotel & resort tax rate of $12.90 / per $1K assessed value you would be paying $11,610 per year in property tax.

Now here is the trick:  You might be able to reduce your property tax to just $3.50 / $1K assessed value.  At $900K assessed value the new property tax bill would be only $3,150 per year. That translates into $8,460 in annual savings over paying the higher tax rate.  Keep in mind you would enjoy these savings every year.  Sounds appealing?

However, you are only entitled to the lower property tax rate if the condo is not being rented on a short term basis for less than 30 days per tenant.

If that is the case with your condo, than this is how you lower your tax:  You will need to file the form: “Declaration of Condominium Use”

On the form you will need to declare either:

1. You used the property only for your personal use (as a full time resident or vacation home), or,
2. If the property was rented, you need to show proof (e.g. rental agreements), the condo has been rented only on a long term basis. Rental terms will need to have been at least 30-day minimum per tenant between October 2^nd last year and October 1^st this year.

You will need to file the form by Sept 30^th this year in order to get the lower property tax rate effective for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1^st next year.

That’s our tip of the day. With tax matters, make sure you always check with your favorite qualified tax professional before making tax decisions.

2.) How to lower your Honolulu property tax –  Adding an owner occupant relative on title.

The Honolulu City Council passed the budget last week. The good news is there is no increase in real property tax rates for fiscal 2016 effective July 1^st 2016.  For Honolulu County, the island of Oahu property tax rates remain as follows:

• Residential rate is $3.50 / $1K assessed value.
• Residential rate ‘A’ is $6.00 / $1K assessed value.
• Hotel & Resort (condotels) $12.90 / $1K assessed value.

A client of mine bought a home a couple years ago for their young 18-year old son to occupy while attending University Hawaii. The owners / parents do not occupy the property as their principal residence, in fact they live mostly overseas and only come to visit on occasion.

Because the tax assessed value for the property is above $1Mill and the property is not used by the owners as their principal residence, the property tax rate Residential ‘A’ applies at $6 / $1K assessed value, versus the regular residential tax rate $3.50 / $1K assessed value.

So the owners decided to add their 18-year son on title as ‘tenant in common’ designating as little as only 1% of ownership interest to their son. The son is living full time in the home and he is a legal resident in Hawaii.

It is a simple process to get this done as long as there is no mortgage involved. An escrow company orders a new deed with the owner occupant relative added for all owners to sign in front of a notary. Escrow records the new deed at the bureau of conveyances.  The total one-time cost was $345.

The 18-year is now on title to the degree of >1% ownership interest. He is living in the property as his principal residence and now files the standard $80K home exemption form.

The home assessed at $1.5Mill with Residential rate ‘A’ ($6 / $1K) used to have a $9,000 property tax bill per year. That tax rate will now drop to the regular residential rate ($3.5 / $1K) and the new tax bill will be $5,250 per year.  The $80K home exemption will generate an additional $280/y in tax savings.

In this scenario the total one-time cost was $345, generating tax savings of $4,030 per year and every year after that.

Always check with your favorite qualified tax professional before making tax decisions.

Please let us know what you think. We are here to help and we like to hear from you. Please click Like, Share and Subscribe.

Mahalo & Aloha

The post How To Lower Your Honolulu Property Tax appeared first on Honolulu HI 5 Blog.

When you envision Oahu real estate, the ultimate daydream is always of the home by the ocean. There’s just something in the common human spirit that responds to the call of the waters, so what could be better than living near, or even on, the shore?

We’ve picked out 10 oceanfront neighborhoods on Oahu that we believe are the best, not just on the basis of the ocean views or recreation potential, but also the land-based factors, where you’ll spend most of your time. Here they are, but in no particular order, just 10 great places to live.

KAHALA

Kahala Homes

Kahala is known far and wide as THE luxury neighborhood on the Island, its name almost a shorthand for wealth. That’s justified, especially due to the huge beachfront mansions that line Kahala Avenue, their sales consistently in the multi-million dollar range. The surrounding streets are also filled with large, impressive houses including many vintage kamaaina homes that are iconic Hawaii residences.

Though the beaches are not as good here, being smaller and often rockier, the scenery is still awesome. Here the oceanside lifestyle is more about quiet elegance, rather than the crowded activity of Waikiki. You come here to submerge yourself visually and spiritually in the beauty and serenity of this part of Paradise.

That same atmosphere reigns over the entire neighborhood, with its distinctly low-rise landscape, wide and roomy streets, and large parks scattered within. You feel the greater spacing all around you, a huge contrast to many places on Oahu where, by necessity, everything is packed tightly together.

Kahala is the high-end district its reputation projects, but when you can live by stunning ocean and all the grace and style that goes with these elegant homes, it’s no secret why this is one of our 10.

KAWAILOA NORTH SHORE

Kawailoa Homes

As quiet as Kahala can be, it can’t compare, though, with Kawailoa North Shore. It’s roar of the ocean that will be your biggest noise concern here. Some of the most challenging surf is off your homestead here, bringing prime wave watching right to your windows. The home containing that window is probably one of extreme luxury, too.

Turning off of Kamehameha Hwy, as you get more makai, the houses generally grow in size, beginning at 2,300 sq ft on these lots and climbing to an incredible 11,000+ sq ft. Though Kawailoa is not as commonly known across the Island as Kahala, those who are familiar with Oahu real estate understand exactly what its name stands for – big wave vistas, North Shore tranquility and amazing houses.

Over half of these homes are oceanfront, making your chances of a front row view of the swells pretty good. Even those farther back, though, can often see the waters almost as well. Wherever you are and whatever your outlook, the ocean is a very few steps from your doorstep. Despite its lower name recognition, word is getting out about these homes and it’s all very, very good.

BLACK POINT

Black Point Homes

Famously home to Shangri-La, Doris Duke’s incredible estate that is now a museum, it shouldn’t be any surprise that these are highly exclusive properties. Most of the houses are strictly private, sitting behind a gated entrance that few can get past.

The residences are an intriguing mixture of vintage kamaaina homes, built for Hawaii’s elite in the 1920’s and 30’s, that, while not exceedingly large, are unmistakably the property of that privileged class. Alongside those you also see huge, modern mansions that typify everything that cutting-edge luxury is about.

Many of the rich and famous live and vacation regularly in this community, attracted by the privacy and opulence – and they should know. However, that’s not the end of the allure of Black Point.

Just off of these lands are some of the most famous surf breaks, including Cromwell’s, where Duke Kahanamoku rode the waves. There’s also no real beach, though. Instead, it’s the great strength and grandeur of the Pacific that draws you in. It’s an awe-inspiring show that never fails to impress.

Black Point homes are a retreat from the world outside, into a select experience of dwelling in the height of luxury, beside an ocean untamed.

PORTLOCK

Portlock Homes

Portlock makes up the eastern border of Maunalua Bay, hugging the waters as they head out to the open ocean. Its extension out from Hawaii Kai gives residents a head on view of the Oahu coast, with Diamond Head providing the crowning touch.

Being something like a peninsula, you’re removed from the busyness of Kalanianaole Hwy. Portlock is not on the way to anywhere, ending with the Pacific on its far end, so traffic is reduced dramatically once you turn off the highway.

The most exclusive houses sit right on the oceanfront, of course, all large mansions that date from the mid-20^th Century to recent additions. They sit on very large lots, as do much of the homes set further back, spanning between 10,000 to 23,000 sq ft.

Like the rest of the immediate area, this is not a place to find sandy beaches. It is an oceanfront in the purest sense for the most part, but that brings its own benefits. Beaches would require public access, so without that presence, your privacy is fully secure.

The homes on the land side of Portlock Road still enjoy the splendid outlooks on the waves and Diamond Head due to the sloping of the land here. On either side of that road, you live in a special place with unique vistas that take you out of the hubub of Honolulu and back to the peacefulness that has made this part of Oahu so attractive.

MOKULEIA

Mokuleia Homes

Mokuleia is one of those prime ‘Let’s Get Away’ places, even for North Shore standards. It’s location on the west end of that coastline puts it out of range for any tourists as well as most locals. With everyone’s attention on Haleiwa and points east from there, Mokuleia residents rest easy knowing they’ll be left alone.

Being off the beaten track doesn’t mean the scenery is any less enchanting. The beach that runs along the entire way easily ranks with the sands along the rest of the North Shore. In fact, the much smaller crowds, especially as you head west, may even raise their ratings.

The many beachfront homes of Mokuleia gaze right out at the ocean, most with lanais so their owners can take it in fully at their leisure.

Some may call this part of Oahu isolated, since you must drive into Haleiwa to do any shopping at all, but that’s also what draws a lot of buyers. It’s a beach lifestyle that, unlike so much of the Island, is truly off by itself, enjoying a less hurried and uncomplicated existence.

Most of the homes here are large, but not mansions, underlining that this is an exclusive, but not excluding, kind of neighborhood. There are even a few condos here and there, some right on the beach.

This is a remote part of Oahu, so it may not be for everyone. However, our bet is one visit to these shores will convert most into true believers.

SUNSET

Sunset Homes

Sunset is a name synonymous with big waves and surfing, known worldwide for its swells that are awe-inspiring. Residents have been building homes here for decades to indulge their deep love affair with the ocean.

Those who ideal home are the classic Surf Shacks, those smaller, distinctly North Shore style homes, will find them here – and they’re the real deal. Built in the decades of the mid-20^th Century, they are the genuine Sunset beachlife experience, contained in 4 walls.

If you’re looking for something of a later vintage and more creature comforts, that’s taken care of here, too. With the word spreading quickly about the lure of this coast, that quickly brought homebuyers who wanted, and could afford, a more substantial dwelling. Those large mansions, on extremely large oceanfront lots, are now a common sight in Sunset.

Here, you can see live and in person the waves that regularly appear in surfing and travel magazines. When you can look out at these waters casting their immense power from your own home, it’s a soul stirring experience that few other sights can even hope to match. That’s the force behind life in Sunset, drawing us all in its wonderful wake.

KAILUA BEACHSIDE

Kailua Beachside Homes

The two words in the name say it all. This neighborhood falls in the Windward showcase town of Kailua, right along its beach. Tell someone you live next to this shoreline and you’ll see what envy truly is.

Being off of the main street along this part of the coast, Kalaheo Avenue, you live on one of the many side streets that run off of it and end right where you want it to, at the beach. That means, at most, you have a block between you and the waves. Many, of course, live right where grass turns into sand and sand into water.

This long, roughly north to south stretch of shore gives views onto some of the most picturesque swells that stay fairly calm, fitting for the laid back mood of Kailua. That vista includes the famous Mokolua Islands, affectionally known as the ‘Mokes’, which give a particularly idyllic touch to the scene.

Homes can vary greatly in size and style. You’ll find 1 bedroom cottages, many built in the middle of the 20^th Century, that call back to a smaller, older Kailua. Yet up on the northern end of the neighborhood there’s also an especially upscale collection of beachfront luxury homes behind a gated entrance that truly embody modern high-end Island life.

There’s everything in between in Beachside, too, but you can count on a higher price point at every level. When you can live near, or practically on, beachfront like this, the unquestionable laws of real estate must be followed. The good news is that it’s worth the cost, paying off in ways you can’t imagine until you live here.

LANIKAI

Lanikai Homes

Nothing expresses just how magnetic the beauty of this place is more than the one thing locals associate it with – parking problems. Lanikai Beach draws crowds each and every weekend, compelled to come to this piece of the Windward Oahu coast and witness the exceptional ocean scenery.

Part of the distinctive outlook off of these shores are the two Mokulua Islands that sit not far from the sands, providing a truly romantic South Pacific backdrop to the scene.

The scenery doesn’t end with the outdoors. The houses in Lanikai are very well known, and regarded, for their elegant luxury, primarily in a tropical style that fits the setting perfectly. Features like open indoor/outdoor areas are often present to take full advantage of the richness of the vistas and the quiet Island atmosphere.

Due to the slope of Lanikai the views are still clear as you go deeper into the neighborhood. In some ways it improves due to the higher elevations that open up more & more of the surrounding area.

This is one of the Oahu real estate jewels, without question. The magnificent beach and ocean right there, the lavish homes and views that are incomparable. This is what Island dreams are made of.

DIAMOND HEAD

Diamond Head Homes

There’s a certain prestige in living beneath something that represents ‘Hawaii’ to people around the world. However, the real rewards for residents are the hours spent looking the other direction, to the Pacific’s active embrace of our Island.

These waters aren’t just for show, either, they’re an actively used recreation area. Wave riders from all over descend down to the swells from Diamond Head Road every single day. There’s also Kaimana Beach that locals have made their own, using it as a sun & fun space, but also as their launching pad by both long distance swimmers and stand up paddleboarders heading out to sea.

Diamond Head homes are also know for what you see inside. Owners of these properties consistently have built the interiors to match the challenge of the scenery, with large dimensions and luxury features that embody convenience and comfort on a whole different level.

From these lots you gaze to the ocean just as the Ancient Hawaiian lookouts watched for returning Alii or invading armies. They knew this was the key lookout from the Island. It still is now, even if it is for very different reasons.

LAIE

Laie Homes

Laie sits on the northeastern side of Oahu, so high up that many include it in the North Shore. Whether it is or isn’t part of that coastline, it shares much of its approach to life. In Laie, things are taken slower and worries are things that will pass.

The town has a full range of properties, with many smaller homes, mainly away from the coastline, where many families have lived for generations, perpetuating the local ways and environment that characterize Laie. Closer, and even on, the oceanfront are larger residences, some which could be called estates. Some of these lots can be up to 3 acres of prime land right on untouched coastline.

The most notable of the residential areas are on the Laniloa Peninsula, where you’re surrounded on 3 sides by the Pacific. Being on these lots is close to being on an exclusive Island, but without leaving behind the conveniences of Oahu’s mainland.

In these homes the loudest noises are often the waves hitting against the shore, making a distinctive music that no one can resist.

Ten Oceanfront Oahu Neighborhoods – Selected
Any of these 10 will fulfill the enduring desire we all have to be by the ocean. To listen to the waves and imagine where they’ve been and where they’ll go. The surprise here is that there is such a variety of shades to the Oahu oceanfront home, colored by their location on the Island, the mood of the tides there and, of course, the life of the community around them. What is certain, however, is you’ll find living on these shores that your dreams aren’t just made there, you can actually live them.

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