Aloha! 🌺 If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a luxury home in Honolulu, the neighborhoods of Black Point, Diamond Head, and Kahala are among the most prestigious addresses in Hawaii. With breathtaking oceanfront views, private gated communities, and multimillion-dollar estates, these areas represent the pinnacle of Oahu’s luxury real estate market.

In this blog post, we’ll take a walking tour through these three exclusive neighborhoods, showcasing some of the most iconic homes, historic estates, and recent listings. Whether you're a luxury homebuyer, real estate investor, or just love admiring stunning Hawaiian properties, this tour is for you!

1. Black Point: A Private Oceanfront Enclave

📍 Gated community | Oceanfront estates | Historic homes

Our tour begins in Black Point, one of Honolulu’s most private and exclusive neighborhoods. Nestled on the slopes of Diamond Head, this gated community features stunning cliffside homes with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Notable Homes in Black Point

🏡 4101 Black Point Road – Built in 1930, this charming bungalow offers incredible ocean views with a cozy, historic feel.
🏡 4157 Black Point Road – A 4,000+ sq. ft. oceanfront estate, originally built in 1921, boasting direct water access and unparalleled sunsets.

What Makes Black Point Unique?

✅ Gated Community: Residents enjoy privacy and security in this exclusive neighborhood.
✅ Historic Architecture: Many homes date back to the 1920s and 1930s, blending old Hawaiian charm with modern luxury.
✅ Unmatched Views: Clifftop homes offer breathtaking panoramic ocean views, making Black Point one of the most sought-after locations in Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a private escape with stunning oceanfront views, Black Point is an excellent choice.

2. Diamond Head: The Crown Jewel of Honolulu

📍 World-famous landmark | Luxury estates | Beachfront properties

Next, we head to Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most iconic locations. Known for its volcanic crater and upscale homes, Diamond Head offers a mix of historic estates, modern mansions, and beachfront residences.

Key Landmarks in Diamond Head

🏡 Doris Duke’s Estate (Shangri La): A 20,000 sq. ft. mansion built by the tobacco heiress, now a museum showcasing Islamic art.
🏝️ Cromwell’s Beach: A hidden gem near Doris Duke’s estate, offering a secluded beach experience with crystal-clear waters.

Exclusive Homes in Diamond Head

🏡 Sands of Kahala – A gated community with only four homes, each featuring split-level designs and private swimming pools.
🏡 27 Million Dollar Modern Mansion – One of the most luxurious homes in the area, setting the bar for ultra-high-end real estate.

Why Live in Diamond Head?

✅ Unbeatable Location: Minutes from Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, and the ocean.
✅ Luxury and Privacy: Spacious estates with private beach access and high-end amenities.
✅ Scenic Beauty: Homes here offer breathtaking views of Diamond Head, the ocean, and Waikiki’s skyline.

For those who want a prestigious address with stunning views and proximity to the beach, Diamond Head is the ultimate dream location.

3. Kahala: Hawaii’s Beverly Hills

📍 Ultra-luxury estates | Oceanfront mansions | Prestigious community

Our final stop takes us to Kahala, often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Hawaii." This exclusive neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive real estate on Oahu, including oceanfront estates that have sold for over $20 million.

Luxury Homes in Kahala

🏡 9.2 Million Dollar Home (Mauka Side) – A stunning property showcasing modern design and spacious interiors.
🏡 3.8 Million Dollar Home (Ocean Side) – A more affordable yet luxurious option with proximity to the beach.
🏡 The Hemmeter Estate ($65 Million) – One of the most expensive homes in Hawaii, recently under contract.

Why Choose Kahala?

✅ Exclusivity: Home to celebrities, business moguls, and high-profile residents.
✅ Expansive Lots: Unlike many Honolulu neighborhoods, Kahala offers larger estate-style properties.
✅ Beachfront Living: Many homes sit directly on the sand, providing unmatched oceanfront luxury.

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury lifestyle in Hawaii, Kahala is where you’ll find it.

Final Thoughts: Is One of These Neighborhoods Right for You?

Each of these three neighborhoods—Black Point, Diamond Head, and Kahala—offers a unique blend of luxury, privacy, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you prefer the secluded cliffs of Black Point, the iconic beauty of Diamond Head, or the ultra-luxury estates of Kahala, there’s a dream home waiting for you in Honolulu.

🏡 Looking to buy or invest in luxury real estate? Contact me at 808-371-3509 for expert advice on finding your perfect home in paradise!

Which Neighborhood is Your Favorite?

Drop a comment below and let me know which of these luxury communities caught your eye! 👇

Aloha! 🌺 If you're looking for high-rise living in the heart of Honolulu, Kapiolani Boulevard offers some of the best condo options on Oahu. Nestled near Waikiki, The Ala Wai Canal, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, this vibrant neighborhood is home to a mix of luxury, mid-range, and classic condominiums that cater to various lifestyles and budgets.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a walking tour of the top condo buildings in the Kapiolani neighborhood in MLS showcasing their amenities, architecture, and history. Whether you're searching for a new home, an investment property, or just love Hawaiian real estate, this guide has everything you need to know!

1. Marco Polo: A Classic Honolulu Landmark

📍 572 units | 36 stories | 1, 2 & 3-bedroom condos

Our tour starts at Marco Polo, one of Honolulu’s most recognizable condo buildings. Known for its curved architecture, Marco Polo offers stunning views of both Mānoa Valley and Waikiki.

What Makes It Unique?

✅ Historic Building: Known for a major fire years ago, the building has since been renovated.
✅ Exclusive Amenities: Walking path, swimming pool, basketball court, and rare on-site retail spaces.
✅ Prime Location: Easy access to Ala Wai Canal, University Avenue, and Waikiki.

If you're looking for a spacious condo with a great location, Marco Polo is a fantastic option.

2. Ala Wai Plaza & Ala Wai Plaza Skyrise

📍 Ala Wai Plaza: 349 units | 25 stories
📍 Ala Wai Plaza Skyrise: 206 units | 38 stories

Next up, we explore Ala Wai Plaza and its twin, Ala Wai Plaza Skyrise. These buildings are well-known for their two-story condo layouts, a rare feature in Honolulu high-rises.

Why You’ll Love It Here

✅ Unique Two-Story Layouts: Unlike most condos, these units offer a loft-style living experience.
✅ Proximity to Nature: Just steps from Ala Wai Canal and local parks.
✅ Spacious Common Areas: Includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and pedestrian bridges connecting different sections of the property.

These buildings offer modern comforts with a unique design, making them a top choice for residents.

3. Royal Iolani: Twin Towers with Luxury Amenities

📍 296 units | 39 stories | 1, 2 & 3-bedroom condos

Located near Iolani School, Royal Iolani features two twin towers with panoramic views of Diamond Head, Ala Wai Canal, and the ocean.

Key Features

✅ High Security & Concierge Service – Feel safe with 24/7 security and package delivery services.
✅ Resort-Style Amenities – Pool, barbecue areas, EV chargers, and covered parking.
✅ Prime Location – Just minutes from Ala Moana Shopping Center & Waikiki Beach.

If you’re looking for high-end condo living in Honolulu, Royal Iolani is an excellent choice.

4. Iolani Court Plaza & Regency Tower: Classic Honolulu Condos

📍 Iolani Court Plaza: 347 units | 38 stories
📍 Regency Tower: 238 units | 42 stories

Both Iolani Court Plaza and Regency Tower offer affordable yet spacious condos in Kapiolani. These buildings are ideal for first-time homebuyers and investors, featuring:

✅ Convenience Stores On-Site – Perfect for quick shopping trips!
✅ Studio, 1 & 2-Bedroom Units – Affordable housing options in Honolulu.
✅ Great Amenities – Swimming pools, sauna, and barbecue areas.

For those who want a balance of affordability and convenience, these condos are worth checking out.

5. Kuilei Place: Honolulu’s Future Luxury Condo 🏗️

📍 New Development | Completion in 2027

One of the most exciting new projects in Kapiolani is Kuilei Place, developed by the Kobayashi Group. This high-rise will offer modern, high-end residences with breathtaking Diamond Head views.

🏡 Want to be among the first to live here? Stay tuned for updates on pricing and availability!

Final Stop: Kapiolani Gardens

📍 73 units | 17 stories | 2-bedroom condos

Our final stop is Kapiolani Gardens, a cozy and well-maintained mid-rise condo. With only 73 units, this building offers a quieter living experience compared to some of the larger towers.

Why Choose Kapiolani Gardens?

✅ All units are 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom – Ideal for small families or roommates.
✅ On-Site Pool & Car Wash – Small but valuable amenities for residents.
✅ Peaceful Community – A less crowded alternative to bigger high-rises.

If you prefer a more intimate condo experience, Kapiolani Gardens is a hidden gem.

Final Thoughts: Is Kapiolani Right for You?

Kapiolani Boulevard offers a diverse selection of condos, from historic buildings like Marco Polo to brand-new luxury developments like Kuala Place. Whether you're searching for investment opportunities, a first home, or a high-rise with resort-style amenities, this neighborhood has something for everyone.

🏡 Thinking about buying a condo in Kapiolani? I’d love to help! Contact me at 808-371-3509 for personalized recommendations and real estate advice.

What’s Your Favorite Kapiolani Condo?

Drop a comment below and let me know which building caught your eye! 👇

Thinking of buying a condo in Oahu? 🌺🏝️

Before you dive into paradise living, it’s crucial to understand the hidden costs -especially maintenance fees. These fees, also known as "strata fees" in Canada and Australia, can vary significantly depending on the building, amenities, and location. In some cases, they can be as low as $500 per month, while luxury properties in Hawaii can exceed $10,000 per month!

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about maintenance fees in Oahu, including:

✅ How much they typically cost

✅ What they include

✅ Which buildings have the highest fees

✅ And how to find the best value for your money

How Much Are Condo Maintenance Fees in Oahu?

According to recent data, there are 2,139 active condo listings on Oahu. Here’s the breakdown of maintenance fees across these properties:

• 10% have fees of $500 or less
• 51% range between $500 – $1,000
• 23% cost between $1,001 – $1,500
• 6% fall in the $1,500 – $2,000 range
• 3% are $2,001 – $2,500
• 2% are $2,501 – $3,000
• 2% are $3,001 – $3,500
• 2% exceed $3,500+

The lower-priced condos typically include studio and one-bedroom units, while larger and more luxurious properties demand higher fees.

What’s Included in Oahu Condo Maintenance Fees?

Most condo maintenance fees in Hawaii cover essential services, including:

✅ Water & Sewer – Included in almost every condo fee

✅ Hazard Insurance – Protects the building from damages

✅ Common Area Maintenance – Upkeep of pools, gyms, landscaping, elevators, etc.

✅ Trash Collection – Unlike in Canada, where this is paid separately

Beyond these basics, some buildings offer premium perks such as:

✨ Cable & Internet – Included in some newer developments

✨ Electricity – A rare but valuable inclusion

✨ Luxury Amenities – One high-end condo called Uraku Tower even include limousine services & weekly maid cleaning! 🚗💎

One unique feature of some Oahu condos, particularly co-ops on the Gold Coast, is that property taxes are included in maintenance fees. This means you own shares in the corporation rather than the property itself, which affects tax payments.

The Most Expensive Condo Fees in Oahu

For those dreaming of high-end luxury living, be prepared for hefty maintenance fees. Here are the priciest ones on the island:

🏢 Waiea Townhouse – $10,000/month 🌟 (A $13 million property!)

🏢 Ritz-Carlton Penthouse – $9,000/month

🏢 Trump Tower Waikiki (Now Kalai) – $2,000 – $3,000/month for 1-2 bedroom units

If you’re looking at condo-hotels (condotels), expect to pay significantly more than a traditional condo due to added services like housekeeping, concierge, and resort-level amenities.

How to Find the Best Condo for Your Budget

When shopping for an Oahu condo, consider:

✔️ The size & location – Newer, more luxurious areas like Ward Village in Kakaʻako tend to have higher fees

✔️ The amenities – Do you really need a rooftop infinity pool? 🌊🏊‍♂️

✔️ Fee structure – Some buildings charge per square foot (e.g., $1.10/sqft → $1,100/month for 1,000 sqft unit)

If keeping maintenance fees low is a priority, look for buildings with fewer amenities and compare what’s included before making a decision.

Final Thoughts: Are High Maintenance Fees Worth It?

For some, high maintenance fees are just part of the cost of luxury living in Hawaii. For others, they can be a dealbreaker. Either way, understanding these costs upfront will help you make the best real estate decision for your lifestyle and budget.

💬 Thinking about buying a condo in Oahu? Contact us at 📲 808-371-3509 for expert guidance!

Can you believe that home sales in Waialae-Kahala were up 450%? This is David Buck with Harcourts Island Real Estate here to report on the local market update for December of 2024. 

Local Neighborhood Report for Homes

A year ago, in December of 2023, there were only 2 transactions that took place in Waialae-Kahala and this past month we saw 11. The North Shore saw the largest increase in medan sales price and that was up 336%. That was going from $875,000 a year ago to $3,812,500. That's a huge increase, but part of that reason was there was there were only 2 deals that took place on the North Shore. One of which was an oceanfront home that sold for $6,250,000 that we reported on earlier in the month.

Local Neighborhood Report for Condos

Kailua-Waimanalo saw the largest increase in condo sales year over year of any neighborhood on Oahu. This is on the 21 major neighborhoods that the Honolulu Board of Realtors reports on. With that said, Kailua-Waimanalo was up 250%. That was going from 2 transactions in December of 2023 to 7 this past month. 

Waialae-Kahala also saw the highest appreciation, which was up 49%. A year ago, that median price in Waialae-Kahala was $370,000 and this past month it was at $550,000. Now, you might ask "can I get a condo in Kahala for that amount of money?". The Kahala Beach Apartments are leasehold and that's probably why the prices were a little bit lower in Kahala. 

Oahu A Bargain Compared to Aspen, Colorado

To put things into perspective, even though this is a high end area, in Aspen, Colorado the median condo price in December was just over $4.1 million. Here's a video I put together showing the comparison to Oahu. You could basically buy 7.5 median priced condos on Oahu for the price of 1 condo in Aspen, Colorado. It really shows how underpriced our real estate is here compared to some markets.

Granted, we are higher than most places in the country, but every neighborhood on Oahu is different. To find out what's going on in your particular neighborhood, feel free to reach out and give us a shout at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

Aloha! This is David Buck with Harcourts Island Real Estate and today we're going to report on the luxury market recap for 2024. 

Highest Luxury Home Sales of 2024

First off, we're going to start off with the single family homes and there we saw 8 transactions on Oahu at $10 million or more. The highest home sale we saw on Oahu this past year was a home at 123 Kailuana Loop in Beachside for $26 million.

123 Kailuana Loop Sold for $26 Million

That was by far the highest home sales we saw on the island. Then, the 2nd highest home sale we saw on the island was right around the corner from there at 47 Kailuana Place. That went for $15,888,000.

47 Kailuana Place Sold for $15,888,000

Now, that's 2 sales that have eclipsed the 2023 highest sale on Oahu, which was an oceanfront home in Kahala. Keep in mind, both of those properties were in the stunning neighborhood of Beachside. I have a home right down the street from these currently listed for sale at just a mere $5 million, which is just a fraction of what those went for.

133 Kailuana Place at $5,000,000

This one is not on the water, but it's a beautiful home with a swimming pool, slide, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. It's roughly 4,000 sq. ft. of living area on a quarter acre. So, It's a great buy, especially on a price sq/ft. It's a great value for the neighborhood of Beachside in Kailua.

21 Homes for Sale Over $15 Million

Now, that we're in 2025, as of today, there are 21 homes on Oahu listed at $15 million or more and 7 of which are asking more than the highest sales price of $26 million last year. Three of those asking prices are $50 million or more. One of these we report on last year, which is in Beachside. Now, there's one in Diamond Head and Kahala asking north of $50 million. 

508 N Kalaheo Ave (MLS # 202327941) Asking $50 Million

3735 Diamond Head Road (MLS # 202421173) Asking $55 Million

4823 Kahala Ave (MLS # 202427799) Asking $65 Million

The record home price on Oahu we talked about last year was $42 million way back in the year 1990 at the former Kaiser Estate in Portlock. 

Highest Luxury Condo Sales of 2024

Park Lane #6305 Sold for $9.6 Million

The highest condo sale we saw on Oahu in 2024 was a Park Lane condo that went for $9.6 million. That's just a fraction of what the Park Lane Penthouse that went for $27.5 million, which was the record sale of 2023. After the Park Lane sale, the next 2 were 2 transactions that took place at Waiea in Kakaako. 

Waiea #3301 Sold for $8 Million

Waiea #2201 Sold for $7.1 Million

11 Condos for Sale Over $10 Million

As of today, there are 11 condos for sale on Oahu priced at $10 million or more. One of them is actually under contract. That's going to be Penthouse B at Hokua, with an asking price of $15,888,000. 

Hokua Penthouse B (MLS # 202427233) Asking $15,888,000

If that deal sticks, that's going to already surpass the highest deal of 2024. 

Takeaways For 2025

The main takeaways regarding the luxury real estate market here on Oahu is that we see a lot of high asking prices, but very little deals taking place within those asking prices. I'm guessing like 10%. Like we talked about in the single family homes, there was just 2 deals that took place at $15 million or more while there's 21 listings at that price.

Then, on the condos, we have 11 listings at or above $10 million and we didn't have any that sold at that last year. Maybe, there's one that might stick right now (at Hokua). So, very little of these high end properties are actually transacting. 

The takeaways in my opinion are twofold. One of which is if you're a buyer in this marketplace, it's a great time to buy because there's a lot of inventory on the high end to chose from. That's number one. 

Number two is if you're a seller in this marketplace and you're looking to sell a high end property, why would you do what everyone else is doing and starting with a big number (asking price) and seeing if the market shows up? You've got a less than 10% chance of success. 

Hoping to Sell Is A Bad Strategy

We, here at Harcourts can offer something that nobody else on Oahu can offer with our non-distressed luxury auction platform. Not many people are aware of it, but it's been a proven success all over the country and all throughout the world. Harcourts is in 10 countries and we've had a lot of success with this in the US.

Harcourts Auctions and Global Reach

If you're curious about that process of if you're looking to buy luxury property here on Oahu, feel free to reach out and give me a shout at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

Well, here we are. It's another January in Hawaii and earlier this month the Sentry PGA Tour just wrapped up in Kapalua. Here we are back on Oahu for the annual Sony Open on Waialae Golf Course.

Homes Fronting Waialae Golf Course

Like I do every year, I'd like to report on the real estate here fronting Waialae Golf Course. For those of you that don't know, there's MLS 3 neighborhoods that front the golf course. We have Waialae Golf Course, Kahala as well as Kai Nani. This year, there's only 1 home for sale and that's at 4821 Kaimoku Way.

4821 Kaimoku Way on Waialae Golf Course (MLS # 202424118)

This home is priced just under $5 million. They just reduced the price yesterday. This is a home that sold in 2021 for $2,650,000. It was my friend's family home. They sold it a few years back. The people that bought it fixed it up. It's a "flip", but they lived in it for a bit and now they're trying to double the price. That one is available just under $5 million. It's the only one for sale that's on the golf course.

Over the past year, since I've reported on the Sony Open last year, there was only 2 sales that they were calling "golf course frontage" in MLS. However, they weren't quite on the golf course. They were actually across the street. One was in Kahala and the other was in Kai Nani. 

Back to that 3rd MLS neighborhood I'd mentioned, there has not been a home sold since the last one I sold in the neighborhood 3 years ago. Earlier in 2024, I did a report on how there's been nothing for sale in the Waialae Golf Course neighborhood. There is one bank owned property that the bank has been trying to sell, however has not moved. If you want more information on that or any golf course real estate here on Oahu and don't have $3-5 million to drop for a golf course home on Waialae, we have other golf properties on Oahu.

As we head into the final part of the weekend, we're wishing all the players out there the best in the Sony Open. If you have any questions about real estate here on Oahu, I'm here to help. I'm at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

Can you believe that Oahu home sales were up over 25% this past month? This is David Buck with Harcourts Island Real Estate. Today, we're going to talk about market stats for December of 2024. Happy New Year to everyone by the way!

Single Family Home Stats

First off, we're doing to dive into the single family homes and there we saw sales up 25.3%. A year ago, there was only 182 single family home sales on Oahu. This past month we saw 228. Meanwhile, the median price for a single family home was also up. It was up 5.8%. That was going from $996,500 to $1,054,500. Once again, that's going to be a 5.8% increase, year over year. Meanwhile, median days on market have increased slightly, going from 18 to 20 days. That's an 11.1% increase. That's going to summarize the homes. We're going to talk about the condos in a second, but what we're going to start instigating is talking about the luxury market on Oahu each month.

59-353 Ke Nui Drive Sold for $6,250,000

The highest home sale we saw this past month was at $6,250,000. That would be for an oceanfront home on the North Shore of Oahu on Ke Nui Drive. We're not seeing the crazy high prices, but we're going to jump into the luxury market on Oahu coming up shortly in the next few days to recap the entirety of 2024.

Condo Stats

Now, as we dive into the condos, the condo market also saw a nice bump up in the number of transactions year over year. There, we saw an 18.8% increase year over year. A year ago in December, there was 272 condo sales on Oahu. This past month, we saw 323. Meanwhile, we saw a nice step up in the median condo price, which was up 5.9%, going from $510,000 to $540,000. Meanwhile, the median days on market (which is a barometer of how long it's taking condos to sell) increased 38.5%. A year ago it's taking 26 days and now we're at 36 days. This is a trend we've been talking about for awhile in that there's a lot more inventory in the condo market and it's taking them longer to sell.

Victoria Place in Ward Village

Last, but not least, we're going to talk about the luxury end of the condo market. There was a bunch of deals taking place at Victoria Place in Ward Village in Kakaako. There were bulk closings in November and some resales taking place in December. 

Ritz Carlton Waikiki #3407 Sold for $3.7 Million

The highest condo resale we saw this past month was Ritz Carlton Waikiki #3407. That went for $3.7 million. That was the highest condo resale we saw in December of 2024. Once again, as I mentioned in the single family homes, we're going to cover the entire luxury recap here within the coming week. 

I hope you enjoyed the monthly market update for December of 2024 If you have any questions about real estate here on Oahu, feel free to reach out and give me a shout at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

Aloha! Today, we're here in Waikiki and we're going to talk about the differences between Waipuna on Ena Road and The Wailana on Ala Moana Blvd. These are two significant landmark properties that have been in Waikiki since the late 1960's to early 1970's. I'm going to break down the difference between the two and why these could be good condo options here in Waikiki.

The Waipuna

Located at 469 Ena Road, the Waipuna was built in 1971, it has a curved architecture, which you can see from the front. This is very similar to the Marco Polo, which is across the Ala Wai Canal. Here we are at the Waipuna and you can see the way the building curves and you've got balconies or lanais on all of them. The lower floors are going to have some of the larger balconies or lanais that are a little more rectangular shaped vs. the oval shape once you start to get further up in the building. 

Situated on 2.5 acres, the Waipuna has 109 units over 38 stories. This is made up primarily of 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom units, all of which are fee simple. There's also a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom product and the 2 bedrooms are going to be 948 square feet on average. Then, the 3 bedrooms are going to be roughly 1,200 square feet. In general, they come with either 1 or 2 parking stalls

Amenities at the Waipuna include a swimming pool as well as a pickleball court, a golf putting green, a sauna, a workout room and a library. They also have surfboard storage and currently, there are lots of empty stalls. Next, we're going to talk about the Waialana.

The Wailana

The Wailana fronts Ala Moana Blvd and was built in 1970. As we talked about earlier with the Waipuna having the curvature on the architecture, the Wailana is kind of like a V-shaped building. Basically, half of the building is going to wrap the corner and front Ala Moana Blvd. Then, the balconies on Ena Road are going to face towards Canterbury Place right across the street. They've got some beautiful glass lanais, which you can see. 

The main difference between the Wailana and the Waipuna is the Wailana is going to have retail space along the street frontage. They also have commercial parking for the occupants of the retail spaces as well as the residential parking, which is going to have separate entrances. One cool thing here is there is an Urgent Care here at the Wailana. This is a real high density area as you can see with buildings all around here. 

What's unique about the Wailana that we didn't talk about at the onset is the Wailana, which is located here at 1860 Ala Moana, was forever known for the Wailana Coffee Shop. This was in the retail space which is now called Island Country Markets. It's a real bonus for residents that live nearby here because you've got all sorts of gourmet food here and coffee. I can spend all day in here. This is a real bonus for the people that live nearby. 

The amenities at the Wailana are going to be at the upper deck that overlook Ala Moana Blvd. They do have a swimming pool as well as a BBQ area. This building is also going to be pet friendly just like the Waipuna. 

Contrasts Between Both Buildings

The main difference between the Waipuna and the Wailana is the Wailana has a bunch of leasehold units that are still remaining. On those leasehold units, the land lease ran through 2039. Now, fortunately for some of the homeowners, they had the ability to extend through 2069, which makes them able to be financed (banks want to see at least 35 remaining for a 30 year mortgage).

The Waipuna is going to be all fee simple 2 and 3 bedroom units like we talked about earlier. Meanwhile, here at the Wailana, this is going to be all 2 bedroom units with the exception of the penthouse units, where there is a 3 bedroom product. On the 2 bedroom units at the Wailana, they are like 1,100 to 1,300 square feet. So, they can actually be bigger than some of the 3 bedroom units at the Waipuna. Keep in mind, when you do see something here at the Wailana that looks "too good to be true" price wise, it's most likely because it's leasehold.

Challenges with Older Buildings

Both buildings are older, they're both iconic buildings, I have clients that live in and love both. But, if you're not into an older building, because what they might be facing is ordinance 19-4, which has to do with a sprinkler ordinance in Honolulu after the Marco Polo fire. Then, the next thing I want to talk about is in some of these older condominium buildings in Waikiki is that a lot of the older cast iron plumbing has been starting to go bad between the walls.

If that is not something that you want to deal with in the near future and you want to get in on the market sooner than later, some properties to maybe consider that are right around the corner from hear are going to be the Allure as well as Waikiki Landmark. Both buildings are newer with sprinklers and they'll have newer plumbing. So, you won't have to deal with those 2 issues I just talked about. 

The catch is with both of those buildings, I always say the best stuff was taken up first. So, the Waipuna and the Wailana are closer to the ocean. I'm here at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Both Waipuna and Wailana have a closer walk to get to the beach. However, if you want a newer product, I'd consider Allure Waikiki or the Waikiki Landmark. 

If there's anything I can help with, if you're looking to buy or sell a condo in Waikiki, The Buck Stops Here for All Your Real Estate Needs. Feel free to reach out and give me a call at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

I can't believe it's been 10 years since we filmed the HGTV episode with Sam and Lucie Silveira here on the Windward side of Oahu in Kailua and Kaneohe. We're back at where the episode initially started. Back then, it was called Pinky's. It's no longer in business. Now, it's Nico's Fishmarket, which is an incredible restaurant here in Kailua on the canal. 

Pinky's in Kailua

Former Pinky's is Now Nico's

Sam and Lucie on the Canal in 2014

You may recognize this location. This is the scene where they did some interviewing with Sam and Lucie. We had our initial consult in here. Don't make fun of me, but I own the same Aloha Shirts that I did back then. You'll see those throughout the video today. 

I'm going to take you through step by step of the different homes we saw back then and what's been happening in our market here over the past 10 years. We'll jump into what market has appreciated the most of the homes we looked at. You're also going to want to stick around to the very end because I want you to see something special that's going on with Sam and Lucie today.

When we first filmed this episode, they were relocating here from the bay area of San Francisco and had a thriving photography business. We'll see what's going on in their world today.

Kailua Beach

David on Kailua Beach in 2014

Sam and Lucie on Paddle Boards in 2014

Here we are back at Kailua Beach Park and this is where I summarized all 3 of the homes that we saw with Sam and Lucie. This is also the location where they were doing their stand up paddle boarding. It's still a beautiful white sandy beach. However, 10 years later there is maybe a little bid more erosion you can see on the coastline. That was already starting to happen back then, but this is one of the most beautiful beaches here on Oahu at Kailua Beach.

Homes We Saw

It's a beautiful day here in Kaneohe. We're at where we filmed the first home and there's a lot of dogs out today, which is great for protection of your homes. However, we're on Poomau St. in Ahuimanu area. It turns out the home we looked at back then was listed at $890,000. It was a 9 bedroom, 4 bath and then it sold for $849,000 the next year in 2015. Then, it was back on the market and sold again in 2021 for $1,390,000. So, we definitely saw some appreciation here in the Ahuimanu area.

Heeia View Home

Directly behind me is going to be Heeia View and that's where we saw a 3 bedroom, 2 bath that had incredible views of Kaneohe Bay. I thought this was a good perspective, because the views you're going to have from that house are going to be out this direction. You can't quite see it from here, but Chinaman's Hat was the view that we had from that location. It's a beautiful mid century modern home in Heeia View that was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath at the time priced at $872,000. That was the 2nd home we saw.

Lulani Ocean Home

The 3rd home we saw was the most expensive of the 3. It was a 4 bedroom, 4 bath for $998,000. That was in Lulani Ocean, which is in this neighborhood behind me. Once again, those homes had incredible views of Kaneohe Bay. One of the cool things about Kaneohe is watching the planes fly over that take off and land at Kaneohe Marine Base.

Now, that's a brief summary of all 3 homes we saw during that episode. Now, I'm going to take you back to the location where they actually made their decision. 

Summary at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli

Kalapawai Cafe and Deli

Here we are back at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. What's awesome is they're still in business. They actually just celebrated 18 years at this location. Unlike Pinks's that we filmed at that is no longer in existence, Kalapawai Cafe and Deli is a staple here in the community. This is the scene where Sam and Lucie in the episode decided which house they were going to buy. I'm not going to spoil that right now. I'd like you to take a look at the episode.

What I do want to talk about is what's happened between all 3 markets of Ahuimanu, Heeia View and Lulani Ocean. Over the past 10 years, they've all appreciated at different variations. What we saw at Ahuimanu, where the 1st home was is it's up 53%. It's gone from $800,875 for the average sales price in 2014. Now, it's at $1,228,833. That's a 53% appreciation. Meanwhile in Heeia View, back then the average price was $776,500 and now it's at $1,425,000. That's an 84% appreciation! That's by far the highest appreciation of the 3 neighborhoods. Last, but not least, Lulani Ocean was up 52%. That was going from $875,000 10 years ago to $1,333,000. 

It's always fun to look back and see if you were to buy which house and which one would have appreciated more. Obviously, every house in every neighborhood is different. That's a fun little thing I like to do and we did that on the recap I did last year of filming an HGTV episode with Hawaii Life in East Honolulu. 

If you have any questions about the windward side of Oahu or if you're looking to get in on the market in Kailua or Kaneohe, feel free to reach out and give me a shout at 808-371-3509. Mahalo!

The Silveiras in 2024

Sam, Lucie and Kaili Silveira w/ David

Here we are 10 years later and I told you to stick around to the end because I have something very special. Time is flying at our Silveira family has grown. It's 10 years later and they now have a thriving photography business here in Hawaii. They've made the move and I'll let you know what they have to say. 

"We still love this house so much. I can't even picture living anywhere else and now we have this one. She was still in my belly." - Lucie Silveira

If you have cutie pies or know anyone that needs professional photography, you've gotta look up LucieXYZ Photography. Aloha!

So often in real estate, I get asked "what can happen when the land lease expires on leasehold property?"

Kailua Case Study

There's a reason why I'm in Kailua today. The reason why is years ago, there was some low rise apartments across the street from me here. They were leasehold condos. 

The Former Kailuan Leasehold Low Rise on Kailua Road

When the land lease was going to expire, all these speculators came in and started buying them up saying "they can't kick us out, can they?" That's why whenever you buy a leasehold property in Hawaii, there's a mandatory leasehold disclosure. So, people can't say "I didn't know". 

Buyer Beware

This is a first hand experience. I always tell people that when the land lease is up, you need to move out because you signed a lease. What happened in this circumstance is there was these low rise apartments that were leasehold condominiums and people were buying them at $20,000-$30,000 each, thinking that they'll either extend the lease or they'll offer the land interest. 

Low and behold, Kaneohe Ranch, which owned the land beneath what is now Ka Malanai sold the property to DR Horton and they developed fee simple condos here. 

When in doubt, if you're buying a leasehold property in Hawaii, always pay attention to when that land lease expires. I always explain to my clients that in the worse case scenario, you've got to move out when that land lease is up and hand over the keys.

Seek a Realtor's Advice

I hope that helps and if you're not interested in leasehold property, feel free to contact me if you want to own something fee simple here in Hawaii. I can also help you with a leasehold purchase or sale as well. Mahalo and feel free to contact me at 808-371-3509.