Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Waikiki

Foster Tower Fee Now Available in Waikiki

Mark Buck, R — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:20:57 +0000

Foster Tower in Waikiki, the only condominium in Waikiki directly across the street from Kuhio Beach, has been a leasehold building with diminishing values until Saturday. That is when Queen Liliuokalani Trust had a meeting to announce the fee would be offered to the condominium owners. Fortunately, I was able to attend the event. The Trust has business reasons to offer the fee at this time.

View from Foster Tower #2101 (MLS# 1200467) where the fee interest is now available

By having the fee available, owners or future investors will now be able to own and finance very desirable units. Currently, there are 5 units for sale in the building with the most expensive listed at $749,000 leasehold with the fee available.

There are 4 other units listed for sale at $220,000 and below. The current owners have until May 29th to purchase with a closing date of August 30th to close. Because of some units having been combined over the years, there are many different prices in this offering. However, the typical original unit prices would vary from a low of $159,000 for a studio to $539,000 for a 2 bedroom. With the interest shown at the meeting, this promises to become a valuable resort condominium to own.

If you currently own a unit at Foster Tower and wish to purchase the fee interest, or are now considering a leasehold unit now that the fee is available, feel free to contact me for more information.

Talk Story #35 – Waikiki Beach is Getting its Sand Back

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:55:33 +0000

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki, the name brings up a symbolic picture of a warm and friendly Hawaiian lifestyle, including the white, soft sand of its wide beach. The years have certainly made changes and one is the growth of this famous strip between the Ala Wai Canal and the blue ocean.

Along with construction and modernization made by man, the pull of the ocean currents has caused this lovely beach to erode. As mentioned in my previous Talk Story #34 blog the replenishments have now begun! Starting at the Diamond Head end of the beach, operators of the large machines are doing their best to keep the noise level down, but it is all worth it!

Photos of Waikiki Beach Sand Getting Replenished

Timeless Waikiki

I was a child and played on the ‘wall’ with my brother, at Waikiki’s section of Kuhio Beach when my mother took this photo. The sandy beach stretched ‘forever’ in those days. The uniquely styled Catholic church had landscaped grounds and stood separate. The majestic white Moana Hotel was not totally surrounded with other hotels yet. Today’s children still play and adults still relax, so actually, it is timeless.

As the work progresses, it will indeed be a pleasurable sight to see “our” beach returned to its beauty from all the erosion of years past. I will be including some before and after photos in a future article after the recovered sand from the ocean bottom gets replaced, especially in the empty areas near the premier Halekalani and the Royal Hawaiian hotels.

Oahu Living

Have you been considering the enjoyment of this great lifestyle we have on Oahu? Nearby condominiums and homes are available in all price ranges from rental unit investments for limited personal use to full time residency. There are several oceanfronted ‘Gold Coast’ condominiums and residencial properties available nestled near the base of Diamond Head.

An excellent example of moderately priced condominiums for full or part time living, including landscaped surroundings in the immediate Waikiki area, is the Liliuokalani Gardens. Contact me for additional galleries or information.

Meanwhile, let’s ‘Talk Story’ about your desires and parameters. I look forward to it! Yes, I was here and remember the past, but it is the future that beckons! Let me help you in finding a future home in Hawaii.

With warm 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.

Waikiki Banyan – Oahu Condos with Vacation Rental Certification

Yvonne Shen Rubes, R — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:45:34 +0000

Waikiki Banyan is located at 201 Ohua st., one block from the famous Waikiki Beach and within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in Waikiki. There are two towers, one is on the Makai side with some units having an ocean view, and one is on the Mauka side with some units having mountain, river views, etc. Each unit’s interior is under 600 square feet with a 67 square foot lanai, and is a 1 bed/1 bath with a full kitchen.

Makai side

Mauka side

Vacation Rental Usage

Each unit has non-conforming use certificate permitting to be rented on a daily basis. The rent daily can be $99-$175; weekly $636-$1,055; monthly $2,118-$3,335 depending on the each unit’s view, floor, and renovated lever, also how busy it is in the tourist season. The capital gain on the investment is more than 4% up when you deduct all the expenses. Each unit has a monthly maintenance fee under $350, including electric, hot water, septic, and water.

Amenities

2 Whirlpools
Sauna
Hotel pool
Tennis court
BBQ grill
A covered area with tables for outdoor dining

This is a great place right now for investors intending to invest in Hawaii real estate. If you need to know more information for your investment, please contact me at 808.391.6214 or e-mail yvonne@hawaiilife any time. I’ll help you as soon as possible.

“Waikiki Banyan” 坐落在离瓦基基海滩只有一条街之隔，与附近所有的好的饭店只有几步之遥。她有两栋楼，一栋靠海，有海景，一栋靠山和河，也有很好的视野。公寓有游泳池，有网球场，有烧烤和户外就餐。她与其他的公寓不同，有可以做每天出租的许可，像酒店般的运行。每天出租的房价：$99~$175一晚，每星期：$636~$1055;每月出租：$2118～$3335 不等，这主要看每个单元的风景，层面，装修，旅游的季节不一而定的。

在扣除所有的每月的费用，投资的回报率仍然可以在4%以上。公寓的每个单元是1房1卫，有全套的厨房，内部面积在600平方英尺以下，67平方英尺。每月的物有费包括电，水，下水道等在$350以下。

如有意想投资夏威夷房产，这是目前最好的投资项目，有意者请与我联系：808-391-6214，yvonne@hawaiilife.com.

Talk Story #34 – Waikiki Beach Sand Soon to be Replenished

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:56:40 +0000

Even the Maui News Now is talking about our famous Waikiki Beach getting its sand back! Yes, finally after months of wondering when this would happen, we will be avidly watching the state-of-the-art procedure of blowing in sand from the ocean these next 3 months or so.

About 1,730 feet of shoreline will be restored from the popular Kuhio Beach where the Duke Kahanamoku statue is, along in front of the iconic Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian Hotels, toward the beautiful Halekalani Hotel.

Throngs enjoy the sunny area called Waikiki on the island of Oahu. Come to Hawaii and see for yourself a way to live and work and enjoy what is here. Hundreds of condominiums and nearby residences are available and Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I would be most happy to assist you in fulfilling the desire for this states unique lifestyle on Maui, Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, Lanai, or right here at Waikiki. Let us “Talk Story.” Contact us and ask for me, I will be happy to send a specific gallery of Waikiki condos made just for you. I look forward to it!

With warm 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.

Canadian Buyers Happy with Oahu Condo Purchase

David E. Buck, R, BIC — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:45:45 +0000

I recently had some clients from Canada come back to town to enjoy their condo I helped them purchase earlier this year for the first time. I am pleased to say, they are very happy. While just above freezing temperatures this time of year is considered “a good day” in Canada, our sunny skies, trade winds, and temperatures between 21-27 degrees Celsius are truly paradise.

We’ve seen a trend over the past few years with the weaker U.S. dollar, Canada’s wealth of natural resources such as oil and gas and have led Canadian investment in Hawaii to surpass Japanese investment. This is a trend I don’t see changing anytime soon…

Here’s what my happy clients allowed me to share:

“Our business dealings with Hawaii Life Real Estate was a pleasant experience. Their showings of the Diamond Head area were very informative and realistic to our price range. David Buck went above and beyond as far as returning our phone calls and relieving our confusions and concerns during the process. We highly recommend Hawaii Life Real Estate to any interested parties looking for their own foothold in paradise. They made our dreams a reality.”

Darren Wilson and Stacey Clayton
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Waikiki Condos at Liliuokalani Gardens

David Hite — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:34:29 +0000

The King and Queen towers of Liliuokalani Gardens condominiums offer a nice quality of living in a resort setting with tropical grounds at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki.

Liliuokalani Gardens grounds

There are currently four fee simple 1-bedroom condos listed for sale ranging in price from $359,000 to $395,500. Three of the listings are the the smaller 538-570 sq. ft. interiors and the highest priced listing is 620 sq. ft. interior with a separate dining area. Here is a video tour of my listing—the larger 1-bedroom condo and grounds.

The average listing price of a fee simple 1-bedroom condo is $384K and the average sold price is $362K for the past 6 months. There are also two 2-bedroom condos listed at $605K and $800K as well as two studios listed at $220K and $229K. You can see all these listings on my Waikiki Condo Vacation Homes property gallery.

A lot of buyers are attracted to the resort ambiance of Liliuokalani Gardens. Favorable financing is also available because it is classified as a residential building—specifically:

All the condos have full kitchens
There are no daily rentals allowed
There is no front desk hotel-style operation

Lenders typically require 35-50% down payment on condos that are run like hotels and/or do not have full kitchens. Whereas residential buildings can be financed with as little as 10% down payment on a primary residence. Liliuokalani Gardens is also one of those rare VA approved buildings, so veterans and active military buyers can procure VA financing with no down payment when purchasing a condo as a primary residence.

Talk Story #32 – New High Rise (Waihonua) Offered in Kaka’ako Has Eager Buyers

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:30:01 +0000

Kaka’ako is happening!! Action and change continues now with the Kewalo Development LLC, an affiliate of A&B Properties (Alexander & Baldwin) once again changing the skyline in this prime area between Honolulu City and Waikiki.

Interest is high, lines have formed at the Waihonua Sales Gallery

The ‘Waihonua’ will be the newest high rise joining this area of prestigious, established high rise condominiums such as Ko’olani, Hokua, Nahru Tower, Hawa’iki, and 1350 Ala Moana with the Moana Pacific twin towers and the new Pacifica-Honolulu nearby.

Location of Waihonua in undeveloped area between the Hawaiki and Ko'olina

The new Waihonua will have 345 pet-friendly boutique condominium residences all with contemporary design and numerous custom features, plus amenities which are expected now in this upgraded arena of modern condominiums. A wide variety of developer prices are offered ranging with an overall mix of $375,000 for a 1 bed/1 bath unit, through all the 2 and 3-bedroom units in the mid-range, to a few, spacious upper level penthouses offered at over $1.5M.

Amenities Include

Club room
Private movie theater
Fitness center
Pool/spa with the BBQ dining and lounge areas

Exclusively being sold by the developer’s team, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I are always happy to assist you in any regard. Let’s “Talk Story” and discuss what you are needing or desiring within your parameters and qualifications. I look forward to it! The time is now to take advantage of some of the great opportunities available. Kaka’ako has many possibilities right now for the immediate move in, or future planning.

With warm Aloha,
Jeanne Buboltz
808.937.8387
Jeanne@HawaiiLife.com

Note: In Hawaii there is often a gathering of family and friends. In a casual way, stories are told of that days happenings, or past events. We call it “Talk Story.” My continued series will be about different places around Oahu sometimes with a bit of history. Having grown up on Oahu during the Territorial Days, it is always interesting to see the contrast today of the past and changes happening today. 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 front resort home-away-from-home, a grand residence with superb view, or a high rise condominium, the choices are many and Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I are available to assist on whatever island you might decide upon. Contact me, let us “Talk Story.”

Waikiki Condos at Aloha Surf Hotel

David Hite — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:30:49 +0000

Aloha Surf Hotel listings doubled in November bringing the inventory up to ten condos currently for sale priced at $97K to $188K for studios and $325K for a one-bedroom penthouse. Four of the five new listings are the larger 315—320 sq. ft. studio apartments that feature a wet bar and a 45 sq. ft. lanai.

Aloha Surf Hotel

The building is located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki adjacent to the Ala Wai Canal at Kanekapolei St., about 3 blocks to the beach. It consists of 205 studios, 6 one-bedroom penthouse units, and 5 commercial spaces. Aloha Surf Hotel units are classified as condotels and are sold on a cash basis only, as there is currently no financing available.

Aloha Surf Hotel lobby

Owners are allowed to reside permanently, or rent their units long or short term. A lot of owners choose to put their units into the hotel rental pool and receive rental income when they are not using it themselves.

Aloha Surf #805

Aloha Surf #805, listed at $154,900, has a nice Ala Wai Canal, golf course, and mountain view with a 320 sq. ft. interior, 45 sq. ft. lanai, and a wet bar.

The highest priced studio listing at $188K is Penthouse A—a 385 sq. ft. studio with 144 sq. ft. lanai and an ocean view. The past 12 months sales activity for studio apartments average listing price is $121K and average sold price is $114K.

You can view the current active Aloha Surf Hotel listings on my Waikiki Condo Vacation Homes property gallery, in addition to other Waikiki condos available for sale.

Talk Story #31 – Update on the ‘Pacifica-Honolulu’ High-Rise in Kaka’ako

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:45:12 +0000

The Pacifica-Honolulu is the newest luxury high-rise centrally located in Kaka’ako within walking distance to the Victoria Ward Center shopping and movie complex of theaters. It’s just across Kapiolani Blvd. close to the Neil Blaisdell Center and Exhibition Hall, and a short stroll over to the boat harbor and all of the Ala Moana Beach Park areas.

Brand-new "Pacifica-Honolulu" lobby (entrance off of Waimalo Street)

New owners are now moving in and getting settled. This literally brand-new 489 residential apartments condominium has been mentioned in previous “Talk Story” blogs. The larger 2 and 3 bedroom units were purchased quickly. It has been and is an exciting time for these families who have been waiting during the construction process; many are local residents who decided to move from a larger property to the ease of condominium living.

Several restaurants are planned to be on the street level facing Kapiolani Blvd. Construction continues there, for concentration has been on the completing of residential units first. The overall response was most gratifying during the last 2 years in this economically trying times. I stopped in to check out the finished “models” of remaining 1-bedroom units and took a couple of view photos.

Sample panoramic views toward the ocean

View from an upper level makai (ocean side) showing Kaka’ako to Honolulu Harbor, a place of transition

At the cusp of famous Waikiki and all its activity, the choices are actually quite numerous for those desiring a lifestyle with amenities nearby, plus so much more. Below I have linked (for your viewing pleasure) four galleries of available (multiple listed) high-rise condominium properties. All are conveniently located between the renown Ala Moana Shopping Center/Piikoi St. and the Ward Centre/Ward Street. Rather new, quite modern, and all are at least 40+ floors high in structure with fine appointments.

Galleries of Available (Multiple Listed) High-Rise Condominium Properties

If you are considering a move from far away, or just around the corner, and desire the ease of full or part time living here in wonderful Hawaii, then check the prices and descriptions for the various units in price, location, and condition.

Plus, if curious or interested in one of the remaining 13 Pacifica-Honolulu units still being sold through the Developer, (they are all 1-bedroom floor plans in the $500K-$600K range) of course, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I would be most happy to represent and assist you in that circumstance. Should you call me on our toll free number, my ext. is 8403.

Want to be in the center of “what’s happening” on the island of Oahu? Contact me for additional information. Let us “Talk Story” over what you are looking for, as with any larger selection, there may be that perfect unit that needs some upgrading and is priced accordingly…or others in totally prime condition and gorgeous for the immediate move in to start enjoying life in Hawaii. I look forward to it getting your email or call.

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. Hawaii beckons…let us ‘Talk Story!’ I am here!

Waikiki Vacation Condos at the Island Colony

David Hite — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:15:12 +0000

Owning a desirable Waikiki condo under $200K that you can rent to other vacationers and reserve for personal use is possible at the Island Colony.

Island Colony

The bulk of the 746-unit building consists of studio condotels ranging in size from 280-316 sq. ft. and nice large lanais that are approximately 100 sq. ft. The studios were originally divided into two categories:

Lodging units that include wet bar with sink and refrigerator
Studio apartments that feature a wet bar with sink, refrigerator, and built-in cook top

Until recently, the significance of this distinction was that buyers could procure conventional mortgage financing on studio apartments, however, had to pay all cash for lodging units. Presently, it appears there is no conventional financing available for either type of unit, however, that will probably change in the very near future. In fact, one mortgage broker that I work with is willing to attempt a loan through a local source that recently announced they are going to lend on condotels, however, no guarantees.

Island Colony pool

Originally built in 1979, the entire building has undergone extensive rehabilitation over the past 5 years and the recreation deck/pool area renovation was just recently completed. Most of the units have great Ala Wai Canal/golf course views.

Island Colony view

Owners seeking rental income have the option to contract with the in-house rental pool set up by Island Colony Partnership, which is managed by Aqua Resorts. Enrollment in the rental pool entitles the units to be rented to vacation guests on a daily basis. Otherwise, units are required to be rented on a 30-day minimum rental period.

Island Colony lobby