Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Kauai

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!

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!

2011 Hawaii Tourism Authority Visitor Statistics Infograph

Justin Britt — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:47:59 +0000

Brought to you by Title Guaranty.

Visiting the Islands? Check out our Hawaii vacation rentals.

My Life In Paradise on a Frank Sinatra Movie Set

Amy Marvin, RA — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:15:46 +0000

In 1965, Frank Sinatra produced and starred in a movie called “None But the Brave” at a secluded beach on the north shore of Kaua’i. While the movie was being filmed, my family purchased this little piece of paradise and waited anxiously for the completion of the film to take ownership.

Since it is far off the beaten path, has a stream for irrigation and a spring for domestic water, we went off the grid. It was totally camping in the beginning, but now we have solar and most modern conveniences. I spend every moment I can exploring the underwater world in front of my house; I pet turtles, swim with the fish, and find beautiful shells.

The above photos are of a 6-inch perfect shell I discovered diving about 30 feet offshore. These shells are VERY delicate and it is very rare to find one totally intact. Just another instance of Kaua’i magic! I love my life!

Idyllic Kauai Farm House For Sale at the Base of Mt. Namahana (Kalihiwai Ridge)

Miriam Perlmutter, R(B) Broker in Charge Kauai North Shore — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:28 +0000

Home Details

8.87 acres
3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms plus an office
1,642 sq.ft. living area

Located in the popular subdivision of Kalihiwai Ridge, this idyllic farm house (MLS# 251694) sits on nearly 9-acres of pasture land at the base of Mt. Namahana. Designed to take advantage of the views, the house features a large wraparound lanai for outdoor living (and easy maintenance of the 2nd floor exterior).

The living area features spectacular views of Mt. Namahana and the pasture land on the property. Solid oak wood floors, granite tile countertops, and solid oak cabinets provide quality and durability in the living areas. A cast iron wood-burning stove sets the farmhouse tone and provides a great option for taking the chill off of cool winter nights.

Land

Seven acres of the property are used as pasture land with grazing goats. The property also includes numerous fruit trees:

Mangosteen
Mango
Navel orange
Valencia orange
Tangerine
Lemon
Lime
Grapefruit (ruby red)
Lychee
Macadamia nut
Indonesian (white) guava
Apple bananas
Dwarf Williams bananas
Dwarf apple bananas
Coffee
Cocao
Lilikoi (passion fruit)

Photos

Views: Waterfalls – Namahana mountain range and Hei Hei mountain range

Zero Down Home Loans Available

Sharon Gerber, Senior Loan Officer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000

USDA/Rural Housing Loans Offer 100% Financing on Hawaii Homes

Many people are unaware that there is still 100% financing available. There are definitely eligibility requirements for the property and the borrower. To find out if you are eligible, this website is an excellent resource: http://www.eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

As an example, the whole island of Kauai is considered rural. This does not mean that every property on Kauai is eligible for this loan, but does broaden the liklihood that a property would be eligible. Condos are also eligible as long as they are already on an approved government list, such as VA or FHA.

Income eligibility is a key piece as well. The income guidelines are generous. I recently closed a USDA/RH loan for a single borrower that makes just under $50,000 per year.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact me.

Kealia Kai – Upscale 300 Acre Oceanfront Subdivision Features 29 Estate Lots

Lucy Adams, RS — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:30:45 +0000

A luxury Kauai subdivision, Kealia Kai, is located on Kauai’s east side just minutes from Lihue that features privacy, views of the Pacific Ocean, and Kauai’s mountain landscapes.

Panoramic Kealia Kai photo taken from Lot 11 showing views from the ocean to the mountains of Kauai

Recent Sales

Lots in Kealia Kai range from approximately 5 acres and up. This planned community features CC&R’s to maintain the integrity of this development. The developer’s custom spec home on 5 acres sold in September 2011 for $4.7 million. Two buildable lots without homes sold in October 2011:

Lot #2 of 5.77 acres sold for $1,225,000
Lot #9 of 7.16 acres sold for $1,295,000

Lot 11A

We are offering Lot 11A, a 4.77 acre oceanfront lot, that allows construction of a main house plus a guest house. The owner has substantially reduced the selling price making this the lowest price oceanfront parcel in Kealia Kai. The current County Assessed Tax Value is $1,041,000. This 4.77 acre parcel that runs all the way to the beach walk and is offered at $899K. Nothing else of this quality is currently available in Kealia Kai for this price.

This photo was taken from Lot 11A, showing view from the building site

If you are interested in an upscale property in a 300 acre spacious subdivision, this may be the perfect time to consider Kealia Kai. Here is an overlay showing the location of our lot, 11A.

Please call us for additional information or to view this property. My sister, Ilona, and I work as a team and we are ready to answer any of your questions.

Ilona Coffey, RS
808.635.1495
KauaiAgent.com

Lucy Adams, RS
808.651.5676
KauaiAgent.com

What’s Bigger Than the Pro Bowl? The Fish Bowl Known as the Pacific

Judy Shiroma — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:33:34 +0000

While so many eyes were fixed on the Hawaiian islands this weekend with the broadcast of the 2012 Pro Bowl game, my eyes were glued to a much bigger bowl…the big fish bowl of the Pacific.

The grand splash a whale’s tail

I took a 3.5 hr. Na Pali sunset cruise and was on the sideline to some of the best splash action and awe inspiring beauty around. They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, so I’ll cut my chatter and let the pictures speak for themselves:

Mother and her calf

Beautiful Na Pali

Pod of spinner dolphins playing in the afternoon sun

A beautiful sunset to top off my day…reminding me of how “lucky I live Kauai.”