This 2-acre landmark property just outside of Hawi town offers multiple possibilities, either for an investor or for a buyer seeking to have a home on small acreage in historic North Kohala. The lot is zoned RS-15, meaning residential, minimum of 15,000 sq ft per lot, and there are already two pre-existing lots of record.
Aerial taken from recent survey showing the location of the structures and the two pre-existing lots of record.
The home on the property dates to the plantation era, and would have been moved to the property prior to the permit process. On both sides of the living room are multiple connected rooms suitable as bedrooms or office. There is one bathroom in the home, plus a half bath that was added on the back lanai. The interior shows charming details but the residence is in need of a complete remodel.
The large permitted structure was once the Kahei Theater, showing first run movies to the Kohala community. This is a non-conforming use in residential zoning, and in order to have any commercial activity, a new owner would need to seek special permits from the County. A recent commercial building inspection deems the theater structure dangerous to enter and the survey shows it to be built into current setbacks. Buyer to do their own due diligence with respect to any future possible uses for this structure.
The theater is a cherished landmark, but no longer structurally sound, nor an allowed use in residential zoning
A recent appraisal deemed the highest and best use to be vacant land and appraised as such, noting structures would need to be demolished, but potential for multiple new homes to be built. There is beautiful landscaping around the home, and the back portion has lots of privacy from neighbors.
About an acre of vacant land behind the current structures
Additional photos and information are at MLS 715526.
Stephen Otton
April 30, 2025
I have been told that the ceiling of the theater is lined with asbestos. What about the cost of disposing of that asbestos? Is that being disclosed to potential buyers?
Beth Robinson
April 30, 2025
Hi Stephen, thanks for your observation. The disclosure is that an inspection deemed the theater structurally unsound. Seller has no knowledge of the construction but the age of the residence would require an asbestos disclosure by law. It would be up to buyers to do their own due diligence as to costs and requirements for whatever their intended use might be.