Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers

Super Bowl Sunday (2012) Double Rainbow on Kauai

Amy Marvin, RA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:39:37 +0000

This rainbow was a good sign on Super Bowl Sunday! What an amazing place we live to wake up to such a beautiful sight! I guess Eli Manning and the Giants were at the end of this rainbow collecting the pot of gold!

Kona Palisades Estates Home With Swimming Pool Offers Wonderful Place to Live

Michele McKinley, RS SFR — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:45:09 +0000

Kona Palisades Estates

Kona Palisades Estates is located on the western slopes of Hawaii’s third largest volcano, Mt. Hualalai, and no, it’s not active (FYI)…Kona Palisades Estates is comprised of 733 homes and built in habitats ranging from desert landscapes in less than 100 ft. in elevation to lush tropical gardens at 1,700 feet in elevation.

So, I was out showing property to some really nice people and stumbled into to a listing that I had not seen before (MLS# 248126). Really, I should have seen this listing before, but I thought is was overpriced at the time. When I showed it, I was amazed at the quiet, peaceful, and fun place that it was…and the best part is the property just had a price drop of $20,000.

The kitchen is the older style kitchen, but let me tell you, this would be a fun entertaining home! This picture doesn’t do justice to the kitchen, it has wide open, big window views of the ocean, living room, and pool.

There is a counter with a bar that has a separate ice maker and wet bar sink great for entertaining. The center island is great and wide open. The kitchen has tons of cabinets, and if you are like me, I have way too much cooking utensils because I love gadgets and cooking, so this kitchen is built perfect for someone like that.

The rooms are very open as well. This home is now vacant, and when you walk in, the openness gives you such an “ahhh” feeling. So many ideas were going through my mind…This home was so clean and spick-and-span, you could eat off the floor. This home has a lot of upgrades like central AC, lush landscaping, a great laundry room, the list goes on!

I really think this is a great buy and it is in my favorite place, Kona Palisades Estates…

The Kona Real Estate Market

Inventory in Kona is getting very tight, believe it or not, and I don’t have my crystal ball, but there are a lot of positive changes happening with the Kona market; less market time, multiple offers, over bidding, etc. Kona Palisades Estates has been through a lot of distressed properties these last few years and when you see a buy like this (MLS# 248126), you say to yourself, “WOW, that’s a good buy! It’s time to make a move in the market.”

Aloha for now! See ya next time!
Michele Mckinley

Waihonua – First Man Standing Changing Kakaako’s Skyline

Caron A Ling, R, CRS — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:45:48 +0000

Right now, I am calling everyday to find a one-bedroom available at Waihonua; I keep checking the availability list, to no avail! Because of the popularity of the latest building in Kakaako, Alexander and Baldwin has become the pioneer of development in 2012. More developments have suddenly popped up.

What’s great is what this new project started; there are now rumblings of projects at Symphony Park (above Nordstrom’s) and finally some news, as I mentioned above, of the beginnings of developments in the Kamehameha Schools Art and Industrial district of Kakaako.

Changing Kakaako's skyline seems to be the trend of this ten year period, but I'm excited to see what happens to retail markets and residential with all the new development happening in this part of town

It takes years to build a building, but once someone starts, it just seems to trickle down to more and more buildings being built! You can see that with the development of Koolani, Hokua, Keola Lai, and Capitol Place. Now you see it happening all over again. It is quite an exciting time in Oahu real estate.

It’s also nice to see Alexander and Baldwin starting their next project AFTER Waihonua is built. This gives time for units to sell, the building to be built, and then focus on delivering good, quality projects, not rushing into anything. Check out this link: Kamehameha Schools and Alexander and Balwin Announce…

One more thing to love about Oahu: new projects. It’s a whole new game for buyers who haven’t been able to find anything for the past few years.

If you have any more detailed questions about anything I’ve mentioned in this blog, feel free to email me at caron@hawaiilife.com. I’d be happy to answer your questions.

Golfing and Living My Hawaii Life at the Keauhou Country Club

Michele McKinley, RS SFR — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:30:32 +0000

I’ve lived in North Kona on the Big Island for seven years and I had never played golf until this year. Last Sunday, I realized what a beautiful place and how reasonable the kama’aina prices are at the Keauhou Country Club on the mauka (mountain side) course. My next goal is to play from the makai (ocean side) course. That course is a little harder from what I hear, but I am ready for the challenge!

I was sitting here browsing through homes, looking at all the great deals in Kona, and stumbled on this beautiful condo (MLS# 250601) at the Country Club Villas with a lanai overlooking my next challenge….

I thought to myself, this could also be my year to buy a retirement property while prices are so low….is it wishful thinking?

I don’t think so, I just have to put my mind to it, just like I am trying to put my mind to my next challenge at the Keauhou Country Club…I can dooooo it!! It’s definitely worth trying for the serenity of my Hawaii life!

Here I go…see ya next time! Bye!

Michele McKinley

North Shore Oahu Home For Sale Oceanfront to Sunset Beach

Benjy Gilholm, RA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:15:21 +0000

North shore oceanfront buyers, don’t pass up this super specatuclar oceanfront gem (MLS# 1112626) located in front of the world-famous Sunset Beach. 59-017 Kahauola St. 017 is part of a two unit CPR. The other dwelling, unit 2, is currently in escrow, per listing agent Roberto Lopes agent remarks in the MLS, priced at $2.695M.

This home has panoramic views of the setting sun over surfing’s Gold Coast. Built in 2001, this luxurious home has been hardly used. Located on a sandy beach on one of the north shore’s most desirable neighborhoods, this is the perfect beach house. This property is discounted to sell!

Features

High quality finishes
Over 4,600 sq./ft. of roofed area
3 bedrooms
3.5 bathrooms
A large garage
A ‘bonus area’ with 2 bedrooms + bathroom + exercise + game room

Cost of Living the Kohala Coast Resort Lifestyle – Part 2

Catherine Klug, RS — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:00:52 +0000

If you read my previous blog – Cost of Living the Kohala Coast Resorts Lifestyle, Part 1 – you probably got inspired by the homes and settings at Mauna Kea Resort that defined some of the resort lifestyle on the Kohala Coast. Today, I want to help you discover what’s going on just a few miles south at Mauna Lani Resort. This resort also offers exceptional amenities, recreational activities, and real estate opportunities.

Sunset at Mauna Lani Resort

Mauna Lani Resort

Mauna Lani Resort is renowed for its devotion to preserving and enhancing the cultural history of Hawaii. The resort is nationally recognized for its successful honu program, cultural activites (i.e. full moon “talk story”), indigenous plant life, and historic fishponds. This land is a 3,000 square acre luxury resort and provides a place where visitors can still seek refuge from a fast-paced world.

The name of Mauna Lani is synonymous with golf and this resort features two championship golf courses and a private beach club located between the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and the private residential developments on a protected bay with white sand and coconut palms.

The Mauna Lani Beach Club

Golf Villas

Fifteen developments within the resort provide a variety of home and condominium options, some of which are offering incredible prices. Golf Villas is set right on the golf course and features a fitness room, pool, spa, and BBQ area, and a 3 bed/3 bath (MLS# 205506) for $577,000.

The Fairways at Mauna Lani

The Fairways at Mauna Lani, located on the 4th and 12th fairways of the beautiful north course, has 7 townhomes for sale and the lowest price for the larger 2 bedroom (1,646 sq.ft.) is $469,000 (MLS# 248024). And it’s an easy walk to the Shops at Mauna Lani and the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.

The Fairways at Mauna Lani Lagoon Pool

49 Black Sand Beach

Those seeking the ultimate in luxury resort living may turn to one of the most exclusive gated communities, like 49 Black Sand Beach, where owners enjoy a private beach club and spa with a 25-meter lap pool, a tennis court, a concierge service, and a work-out facility. It overlooks the Honokaope Bay and its exotic 800-year old black sand beach.

An example of the best this resort has to offer is the 8,178 sq.ft. 6 bedroom/7 bathroom remarkable estate set right on the golf course with coastline views (MLS# 250311) offered at $8,800,000.

Come “e komo mai” and live your island dream. Come and experience Mauna Lani. Call me for a tour of the Hawaii luxury resort living. Those who thrive on activity, events, and shopping may find Waikoloa Beach Resort to be their favorite. If so, watch for my next blog!

Mauna Kea Resort Valentine’s Day Dining Options

Katie Minkus, R(BIC) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:45:05 +0000

Valentine’s Day is special…some people love it, some people hate it, some are indifferent…for me, I’m glad it gives us dining choices!

Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The menu for Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort for Valentine’s Day 2012 looks de-lish!

One of the things about living on an island in a more “remote” area such as Puako Beach, is that the dining choices are limited. Most of the choices are outstanding – don’t get me wrong – it’s just that there are only so many of them. So when a hotel like the Mauna Kea offers a different menu on a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, well… it’s hard not to make ressies!

The Coast Grille

The Coast Grille is where you’re most likely to find @Daveminkus and I. We’ve been fortunate to have been out dining a lot lately, and the simpler menu at the Coast Grille seems most appealing at the moment. And how do you pass up an entire meal accompanied by champagne??

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Big Island’s Kohala Coast!

Kauai is Buzzing With Excitement Over Newly Listed Wailua Bay View Condo

Katerina Norman, RA — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:27:47 +0000

Have you ever wondered what can be better than falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean washing over the shore just underneath your windows? Getting up to whales frolicking in the morning, of course!

Competitively priced at $274,000, unit 214 marketed under (MLS# 251530) is one of only 5 currently for sale (one of which is already in escrow). It is a turn-key vacation rental and belongs to an active on-site rental pool, but new owners have a choice of self-management as well.

This tastefully appointed condo on Kauai’s Coconut Coast has it all…picturesque views of the gorgeous Wailua Bay, close proximity to local shops, restaurants, Wailua Golf Course, and numerous beaches offering you year-round surfing, snorkeling, and swimming.

Wailua Bay View Apartments

For those times when you don’t feel like leaving the property, Wailua Bay View complex offers a swimming pool and BBQ area, or you can simply stay in and make a homemade meal in the fully equipped kitchen with ingredients from our local farmers’ markets.

All 45 of Wailua Bay View units consist of 686 sq. ft. 1 bed/1 bath condominiums with complete kitchens, their own washer/dryers, and as they all face the ocean – sweeping views of the Pacific.

Living in Paradise and Raising Children on the Garden Island of Kauai

Amy Marvin, RA — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:30:36 +0000

Every morning that I wake up on Kaua’i I give thanks to the powers that have enabled me to call this garden island my home for the last 40 years. I have traveled the world, exploring many deserted islands, amazing cities, and countrysides; there is simply nowhere that compares to this island I call home.

I have raised 5 children on a secluded stretch of beach on the north shore, completely off-the-grid. The kids had each other and the beautiful outdoors to entertain them. They would build sandcastles, make ti leaf skirts for the hula shows they would perform for us, and spend hours swimming and snorkeling in the blue lagoon that fronts our house and is protected by a barrier reef. It is like a huge aquarium with reef fish, beautiful coral, and the occasional green sea turtle, eagle ray, or Hawaiian monk seal.

One morning, we were late driving the kids to school because a huge pregnant monk seal was cuddled up to my car. My parking spot borders the sandy beach, so she did not have far to travel to get cozy with my SUV. At the west end of our property there is a stream with a small waterfall that supplies us with irrigation water and also a nice spot to rinse off the salt at the end of another day in paradise.

We are now expecting our fifth grandchild and four generations continue to enjoy our beautiful home. The perk is that my husband and I now have a very peaceful “empty nest” on our blue lagoon in between the frequent visits of children and grandchildren. It truly is heaven on earth!

Remodeled Plantation Home For Sale Near Kauai’s Wailua River

Lucy Adams, RS — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:15:48 +0000

This is a sweet story about an adorable little plantation home on Kauai…Once upon a time there was a quaint plantation home (MLS# 249826) tucked across the street from Kauai’s famous Coco Palms Hotel. This hotel took pride in having the largest coconut grove in the state of Hawaii with its swaying palms and coconuts.

This idyllic setting was only 3 minutes walking distance to the Wailua River, which is the largest navigable river in Hawaii — a river in which you could kayak, water ski, or take the boat ride to the famous Fern Grotto. This home was also only about 4 minutes walking distance to beautiful Wailua Beach — one of the most beautiful ocean views on Kauai.

Along came Jack and Kathy and they fell in love with the charm of this location and the home’s storybook setting, but alas the home was old and needed major updating, including all new copper plumbing, new electrical, new septic, new plumbing fixtures, new kitchen, new landscaping, new two car garage — well just about new everything! But there was something about this home that captivated them and they decided to purchase it and embark on a major renovation.

Home before the remodel and renovation

The prize unfolds — the plantation home after the remodel

The entire kitchen is replaced with new cabinets, granite counter tops, all new appliances, and a five burner gas stove

But it doesn’t stop there — oh no! Kathy is an interior decorator, so everything had to be “just right” including her personally designed landscaped yard with two curved coconut palms set exactly the right distance from each other for their hammock swing.

Lazy days lying in the sun between two coconut trees!

New tropical front entry into this fully remodeled plantation home

Life is good, the remodel is done, and they are loving everything about their new home. Then as life gives its twists and turns, unexpectedly, Jack is transferred to California, so sadly, off they go. However, being the smart people they are, they had applied for a vacation rental permit during the open period that allowed vacation rental approvals.

So, they were ready to allow other people to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and happily, this home has been operating as a permitted and very popular vacation rental – much to the delight of their guests (as their guest book loudly attests) Jack even purchased a Radio Flyer wagon — you know the kind with the wooden sides — so guests could tote their kids (or their stuff) to the beach or river in comfort!

And as sad stories go, they have decided that the time has come when they must say “goodbye” to their adorable home. And while this may be a sad ending for Jack and Kathy, as in all good fairy tales, there is always a happy ending — so this is just the beginning of a “new love story” for its next owner.

Outdoor living area just as it should be

Of course, because of market changes, they understand that they will not be able to recover the money that they invested in this home, so they simply want the new owner to love it as much as they do! Could that be you?

If you have ever thought of buying a home, a second home, or a vacation home on Kauai, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind home. It is being offered at only $695K and comes with the vacation rental website, and all future bookings, should the new owners not be ready to make a permanent move to Kauai.

Please call Ilona at 808.635.1495 or Lucy at 808.651.5676 for more information about this charming plantation home. We would love to provide more information about this home and are ready to assist you with your real estate needs. Have a wonderful Aloha Day!