Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Oahu

An Innovative Architecturally Designed House Overlooking Diamond Head in Wilhelmina Rise

Yvonne Shen Rubes, R — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:45:11 +0000

This house (MLS# 1205386) has a listing price of $1,365,000 and was built in 2005 in Wilhelmina Rise. This house has an innovative architectural design in a lot with only 4,057 square footage, but with a total living area of 3,397 square feet, 6 bedrooms/3 baths, and a 3 car garage.

Unique 2-story vaulted ceiling, windows, and wall add to the volume of the open floor plan

This amazing house has splendid panoramic views from Diamond Head to the ocean to the city. It takes your breath away.

This is really a piece of architectural art. Buyers amazed by this house’s architecture, like me, please contact me anytime at 808-391-6214 or yvonne@hawaiilife.com.

这栋房产建于2005年，位于“Wilhemina Rise”，市场价格是$1,365,000.00. 这个房产新颖的设计，合理运用只有4,057 平方英尺的土地面积，建起3,397平方英尺的内部的居住面积，有6个卧房，3个浴室，3部停车位车库。

她的非常特别的设计，在客厅里你能看到非常漂亮的钻石火山，大海和城市的景色。真不愧是一个建筑设计的艺术品。跟我有同感的买方，请与我联系：1-808-391-6214, yvonne@hawaiilife.com.

Owners of Waihonua Condos Get Excited For its Completion

Caron A Ling, R, CRS — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:00:52 +0000

What’s great about writing all these blogs is…you meet great people! Yes, I know at least TEN, yes ten people, that will be moving into Waihonua in the next few years. However, writing this blog has put me in touch, by the randomness as the world is…with my new neighbor, directly next to my unit.

We met up for coffee, and here’s the break down of what we discussed:

Interior design for our units
New information that we’ve discovered through our own barrage of questions we’ve asked
Who we are, what our lives are like
Our excitement!!!

What’s the Next Step?

What I learned through all of this is that we were a lot alike, from tastes we had about the design of our units, our lives were similar but at different stages, we ask a lot of questions, and we are SOOOOOO excited for the completion of this building. Now, I know this ain’t rocket science, and I’ve left out all the juicy details…but if one plus one is two, then there must be more people out there interested in meeting their neighbors just like us!

My thoughts on this are: sometimes, it’s way more fun to do it together – get excited – and there must be other people out there dying to meet each other!! Post your thoughts on this page, if you like, and maybe we can start sharing our excitement and inside scoops together…

Deal: Contemporary Makakilo Town Home with Upgraded Amenities

Jayney Sharpe, RA SFR — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:00:15 +0000

Welcome Home to Makakilo and all the Leeward Side Has to Offer!

This spacious, well appointed town home is in breezy Makakilo (92-1259 Panana St. #14). This light and airy town home (MLS# 1205200) is available now, but won’t be for long at this price! Asking $252,500.

About This Town Home

It’s a corner end unit, mere steps from the pool and your parking. It has 1 bedroom and a full bath downstairs with 3 bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. There are also split living areas with a raised platform in the living room.

Additional Features

Recess lights
Tone on tone paint
Crown moldings
Wall to wall carpeting
Ceramic tile
Eat in kitchen counter
2 enclosed lanais (front and back)
Walking distance to the elementary school

About The Area

Makakilo is located just above Kapolei, Oahu’s second city. In Kapolei, you have a wealth of shopping and dining. The newly opened Croc Recreational Center and Wet ‘n Wild Hawaii are here, Foodland is going in, the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus is scheduled to open this fall and the new rail system is under construction.

Oahu Ocean View Ridge Homes

David Hite — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:30:06 +0000

For those who cherish an ocean view, but don’t necessarily want to live in an oceanfront home, there are many ridges on Oahu to choose from. I know from personal past experience that the drive each day up the hill coming home is immediately offset by the rewarding views once you look out over the rest of the island below with the cool blue ocean surrounding all.

On the south-southeast side of Oahu convenient to the Honolulu financial district, I can think of at least a dozen ridge neighborhoods from Alewa Hts. all the way down the line to Kamehame Ridge. One that I would like to feature here is the very old and sought after neighborhood of Maunalani Hts. in the Diamond Head region.

3639 Kawelolani Pl.

This 7,334 sq. ft. home (MLS# 1115090) with 6 bedrooms/7.5 baths sits on 1.8 acres and is currently for sale listed at $2,698,200.

3668 Lilinoe Pl.

This contemporary 2005 construction 6 bedroom/3 bath home with a 3,397 sq. ft. interior (MLS# 1205386) just came on the market at a list price of $1,365,000.

Eating out could prove to be a disappointment when your home dining room offers this view

3938 Monterey Pl.

This 5 bedroom/4.5 bath Maunalani Hts. home with a 4,294 sq ft interior (MLS# 1202423) is currently listed for sale at $1,475,000.

Ocean view with a pool is always nice

There are currently 9 active ocean view home listings in Maunalani Hts. at an average list price of $1,500,000.

Kailua Beachfront Luxury Estates Attract President Obama and High Profile Vacationers

Sandra Sagisi Moser, RA — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:30:31 +0000

President Barack Obama's Hawaiian beachfront getaway

President Barack Obama loves Kailua so much that he returns again and again. The rental that the First Family retreats to each Christmas (MLS# 1205217) is back on the market, listed at $9.8 million. The home is a five-bedroom luxury beachfront, with 6.5 baths sitting on a 33,811 sq. ft. lot. The master suite faces sapphire waters, set on a private beach, similar to Blue Lagoon.

Who wants to dine out when you have a kitchen like this?

The only drawback is that you will have Secret Service members swarming the place each December, as long as Barrack Obama is in office, and if he indeed continues to vacation in Kailua.

Another Lanikai Beachfront Estate

And just down the street, take a stroll through Beachside and Lanikai and you will find other beachfront estates. Endless views of the vast Pacific ocean with both sapphire and emerald waters. This exotic Lanikai wonder below is located at 1600 Mokulua Dr. and continues to be a draw.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, than I am speechless!

Pre-approved buyers who are ready to offer on any of these and other Windward luxury oceanfront estates, call me.

Moving to Hawaii with Your Pet: The 5-Day-or-Less Program

Billy Eckert, REALTOR (S) — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:15:02 +0000

My dog, Kirra, has brought to light a common misconception that many people have about moving to Hawaii with your pet. To clarify and justify my sanity, although I do have the occasional one-sided conversation with Kirra, she is not able to speak English and did not tell me the aforementioned with her own lips.

You see, living in paradise with a dog seems to make you more approachable and Kirra is no exception. Whether we are running the beach at Secrets or sharing waves in Hanalei Bay, animal-loving tourists seem to gravitate towards us for a quick pet (the pets are reserved for her) and an introduction (although vocal for a dog, the talking is up to me) that generally leads to casual conversation.

Upon realizing Kirra once lived on the mainland, pet owners hoping to one day call Hawaii home are always curious about how I brought her here and the “grueling” quarantine process.

The 5-Day-or-Less Program

Almost 9 years ago, the quarantine law, which once required that you quarantine your dog in Honolulu for up to 120 days, changed for the better. This change is referred to as the “5-day-or-less program” and it generally allows for your animal’s release from the airport within an hour of arrival.

Preparing your dog for the 5-day-or-less program does take some time and money, but it is worth every penny. From start to finish the process takes a little over 4 months to complete and requires a few trips to the veterinarian for rabies test, microchip insertion, blood work, and a health certificate.

Note: Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the 5-day-or-less program, a puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations are completed. The following website outlines the checklist necessary in making you pets arrival and subsequent release quite seamless: Checklist for 5-Day-or-Less Program.

The Hawaii Animal Qurantine Station can be reached at:

Phone: (808) 483-7151
Email: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
Website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

Each airline has different policies and parameters for traveling with your pets. Weight restrictions and costs also vary between carriers. If you would like to fly directly to an outer island airport (Lihue, Kona, or Kahului) for direct release, the following program is now available: Checklist for the Direct Release Program.

The state of Hawaii is one of the most dog friendly states I have ever encountered and Kauai has become somewhat of a fountain of youth for Kirra. Whether it’s hiking one of the countless mountain trails, stand-up paddling down a river to swim under a waterfall, or surfing in Hanalei Bay, Kirra has yet to complain about her life in paradise. But then again, who would listen if she did?

Here Are a Few Helpful Links Outlining Some of the Major Airlines Current Policies:

Hawaii Life Vacation Rentals is Proud to Announce the Launch of Hawaii Life Concierge

Kahea Zietz, RA — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:57 +0000

With a clientele list that is rapidly growing, we have decided to extend our services beyond assisting clients with a rental or real estate purchase. Whether through vacation rentals or real estate, all Hawaii Life clients now have the opportunity to utilize our Concierge Department, run by Sonja Cabebe.

With over two decades of experience serving Kauai’s visitors and residents, Sonja has proven her ability to accommodate and be a successful concierge agent. Starting with Na Pali tour boats 20 years ago, she has since worked for some of Princeville’s most prestigious resorts, including the St. Regis Princeville. Her Hawaii visitor industry knowledge coupled with her passion for guest relations and friendly nature made it an easy decision appointing her to the position of Concierge.

Sonja is here to help any and everyone in search of the ultimate Hawaii experience. The following are some of the services with which she’ll be able to assist:

Airport Pickup and On-Island Transportation
Private Dining Services
Personalized Itineraries or Tours
Surfing, Stand Up Paddle and Kite Surfing Lessons
Snorkeling and SCUBA Diving Tours
Fishing and Sailing Charters
Private Masseuse and Spa Services
Personal Shopping
Hiking, Kayaking and Mountain Biking Guides
Childcare and Children’s Amenities and Services
Helicopter and Airplane Tours
Golf and Tennis
Floral Arrangements

Hawaii Life extends a warm welcome to Sonja! She is available to offer concierge services on all islands and can be reached at Sonja@HawaiiLife.com or at 808.634.8508

District 19: Kaimuki, Kahala and Waialae Iki (Oahu)

David E. Buck, R, BIC — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:30:55 +0000

Growing up here on Oahu, I had no idea what district I live in. We all refer to areas by neighborhoods, often the same neighborhoods we refer to in MLS. It wasn’t until recently that I had a client that was looking for a home in the Waialae Charter School District that I stumbled upon this informative video by our local State Representative Barbara Marumoto.

Representative Barbara Marumoto on District 19

Representative Marumoto had a lot of great insights and information on the various public schools throughout our district. It’s a great resource for those considering a move to the neighborhoods of Kahala, Kaimuki and Waialae Iki.

Public Parks of District 19

All three neighborhoods also have great public parks. In addition to the public infrastructure discussed in the video, Kahala and Kaimuki also boast some great shops and restaurants.

Public Park in Kahala with Diamond Head in the background

The park above is one adjacent to where I went to preschool as a child. Although, I am horrible at baseball, it’s also where I played for a summer when I was younger. This is just one of many public parks throughout District 19. I know I love living in the District and having someone that cares so much about it as much as Rep. Marumoto makes me feel even better. To learn more about real estate in the District, feel free to contact me or stop by our local office in Kahala.

Talk Story #42 – Waikiki Beach Sand Replenishment Completion

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:58 +0000

It is Now the Merry Month of May, and I Bring You Some Good News!

Since March, my Talk Story articles #34, #35, #37 and #38 have been following the estimated $2.5 million project to return the disappearing beach of Waikiki to its former splendor. Kama’aina’s and visitors alike have been closely watching the process.

Tractor spreading the new sand

Well, State Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesperson, Deborah Ward, announced that all the sand replacement between the Kuhio beach area (where the Duke Kahanamoku statue is located) and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is now pau (completed/finished/done).

The deconstructing of the large de-watering basin in the east Kuhio swim section will commence, and then finally, no longer will there be the heavy tractor and equipment noise along this particular area of our famous landmark. No more periodic fencing of different sections and a required refraining from swimming and use. Word is that everyone was just happy to see something being done and not minding the inconvenience that much.

Relaxing at Waikiki

Of course, it is too soon to tell whether the improved areas will experience a continued loss of sand, especially at certain times of the year when larger wave action starts pulling at all that nice new sand. Time will tell.

Prime hotel beach areas still eroded

In actuality, the splendid, long stroll on a wide, white sand beach once enjoyed may be something of the past to just remember or read about. For walking further west along the shoreline toward the Fort DeRussy ocean side park, it is still a different story. The beach becomes quite narrow or is literally gone in sections, with the ocean lapping up next to the boundary walls and used now for walking along, past several hotels.

Over all though, this sand activity has been a real step forward for Hawaii. Trying to return this world renown beach to its symbolic and beautiful state…even though the ocean continues to strive otherwise! Come see for yourself!

Why Not Make Your Own Hawaii Memories?

It is now May, and I remember back when I was a child during the Territorial years, the charming pageants, often great ‘events’, put on by the children of long ago and still today. I attended a private “High English” standard (we had to wear shoes - among other prerequisites) grade school named “Island Paradise” located on Piikoi St. lower Makiki, here on Oahu.

One year, for May Day, I was very happy and proud to be asked to represent this island. I still have a box, long saved, with a deep gold-yellow holo-muumuu in it. It was sewn by my mother and it was fitted and had the longer train in back and I had to walk and dance very carefully, so not to trip.

All the islands were represented by their Royal Court and respective colors and all the children brought bags of flowers (to make their own leis) and sang songs, especially “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii” while proud parents watched and smiled. I wish I had a picture from that wondrous time. Many adult pageants are held throughout the year with good reason; Hawaii has a rich heritage and it is to be preserved. It is a unique lifestyle and treasured even in this world of high technology.

Let’s “Talk Story”

Come, let us “Talk Story” and learn what you are wanting or needing to make Hawaii YOUR home also! Start building your own treasure box of memories. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers are on all the islands and I will be happy to assist you in narrowing down the who, what, how, and where would be the best for your real estate searching experience. Let us help you. We are here.

Contact me today!
With Aloha,
Jeanne

Note: In Hawaii, there is often a gathering of family and friends, and in a casual way stories are told of present and past happenings. We call it “Talk Story.” My continued series are about different places around Oahu with a bit of their history, and the opportunities for you today. I would love to hear about your personal Hawaii memories to share, perhaps during the territorial days, like I was, growing up out ‘Koko Head’ way. Hawaii is a special place and so are the people. Follow me as we discover a lifestyle best suited for YOU. Whether it is a new military move, a casual beach house, a downsized retirement home, a golf course fronted resort home-away-from-home, a grand residence with superb view, or a high rise condominium…the choices and the Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers resources are many.

The Muse of Manoa: A Spacious 3-Story Home on Oahu

Yvonne Shen Rubes, R — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:41 +0000

This classical, charming old Manoa house (MLS# 1204508) is really like a home from a fairytale book. Its listing price is $1,095,000.

It is located on a famous street – Oahu Ave in Manoa – and was built in 1946. The interior living area is 2,589 square footage with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Its a muse with its beauty and history of Manoa.

Classical stairway

Very cute upstairs nursery room

Love this Manoa classical house? Please contact me at 808-391-6214, or yvonne@hawaiilife.com. I’m ready to help you find your dream house.

这栋Manoa 老式古朴的房产真像是一本童话故事,她让人缅怀着Manoa 的历史和美丽。坐落在有名的Oahu ave.上。建筑面积：2,589平方英尺，建于1946年， 4房3浴室。

喜爱古式怀旧的买方，请与我联系：808-391-6214 yvonne@hawaiilife.com.