In today's Seller's market on Oahu, inventory is typically hard to come by. Let alone, finding something cool, unique and in a boutique building in Diamond Head like Colony Beach. The listings are typically so rare that I decided to write an article on it last year. As expected, that listing sold pretty quick at $2,350,000. Today, that same penthouse is back on the market for $3,400,000.

View from Colony Beach Penthouse #8 (MLS # 201335025) which is back on the market

Although priced over $1 million more than it's previous sale 19 months ago, it still might not be too far out of the question in today's environment. It's a penthouse, boutique building on the ocean at Diamond Head. In other words, a rare gem. We'll see what a buyer is willing to pay. In addition to this Penthouse #8, unit #2 is also available for the same price of $3.4 million. It's listed on paper as being over 200 sq. ft. larger and on a lower floor (less stairs if there's an elevator problem).

2nd Floor Unit #2 at the Colony Beach (MLS # 201328324) also listed for $3.4 million

Regardless of price, Colony Beach is a treasure.  It's one of only 3 buildings on the Gold Coast where you have 1 unit per floor, which is quite rare as a whole in Honolulu. If you're interested in something private such as this or anything else here on Oahu, let us know how we can help. It's not every day you see 25% of the inventory in a building (2 out of 8 units) for sale. Chances are once these go off market, it could be years again before one sells. Considering this is oceanfront, when you compare to condos in New York and San Francisco, these prices are still looking quite attractive...

I had the opportunity to attend a field trip with my daughter to Aloun Farms Pumpkin Patch this past week. I've heard so many good things about it over the years and finally had the opportunity to break free from work now that I'm no longer running the office.

Children from all over Oahu are bussed in for the an exciting time at Aloun Farm's Pumpkin Patch

I had such a great time being able enjoy the experience with their class. We were just one of many schools that happened to have an excursion the same day. This acreage nestled between Ewa Beach and Kapolei is quite special.

2nd Graders in search of the right pumpkin to take home...

Living on Oahu or the Gathering Isle I've learned that things are not always constant and this portion of West Oahu appears will be undergoing a significant change over the next few years. As we were bussed in to the farm that day, you can see the pilings already being laid for the rail system the city has planned. For better or worse, the landscape we see today will me much different when we look back 10 years down the line.

Construction underway for Honolulu's rail system seen driving in to Aloun Farms

Although progress on the rail has been slowed down with lawsuits and funding, you can get a glimpse here of what may lie ahead for West Oahu. Living in the Pacific near the ocean, I'm still not 100% sold on the idea of a steel on steel rail system here.  I could already make out the rebar rusting through on the pilings... take Aloha Stadium for example. Although an iconic stadium that's hosted the Pro Bowl for many years, it's rusting apart and some say becoming obsolete. I'm wondering what will happen if/when we spend $5 Billion + on the rail here, how will it be maintained? Will it rust also? If so, where will the $ come to repair and maintain it?

Pilings laying the groundwork for Honolulu's rail project in the middle of Agriculture land

In addition to rail, DR Horton has plans to build 12,000 homes on the current site of Aloun Farms in their Hoopili project. According to an article in Civil Beat last year, the farm is actually in support of the homes. The promising news in this is it sounds that they have a place to move to. Regardless of the change, I'm glad I've taken the opportunity to enjoy the Pumpkin Patch with my daughter as it may not there forever...

After four years of running the Oahu office of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, I've decided to go back in to sales full time.

I've learned a lot over the course of the last four years. From humble beginnings, I saw the future of where Hawaii Life was headed early on. I had the rare opportunity to work with the company on a referral basis while still selling real estate with RE/MAX here on Oahu. A year after the financial crisis of 2008, I joined Hawaii Life in the summer of 2009 when I realized half of my eight escrows at the time were coming from Hawaii Life. I was the first agent hired on the ground on Oahu and got my Broker's license shortly thereafter. The original "office" was my home (literally). We actually didn't open an office here on Oahu until February of 2011 once we had over 10 agents. This week as I stepped down from the helm, we've just about tripled in size with nearly 30 agents. We're also on track to quadruple our 2010 production.

We have an ongoing saying within the company to "buckle up your seat-belts" for the rocket-ship type of a ride Hawaii Life has been. Last year Hawaii Life was the #3 fastest growing company in Hawaii according to Pacific Business News. We are also now the #4 Residential Real Estate company in the state. Oh... and we have a show on national TV. Unfortunately, all the growth does not come without "growing pains". I've sacrificed family time, family travel and most recently lost touch with my own personal clients. I was so busy running the office and managing agents that I had less time devoted time to spend with friends, family, clients and really getting out to enjoy my Hawaii Life.

I have no regrets. I've grown a lot personally and as a Realtor. I've managed and will continue to work alongside some awesome people. I've been through the Hawaii Association of Realtor's Leadership Academy and currently serve on HAR's Education Committee. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead as I've created the space and energy to spend more time with family and my clients that entrust me to help them with their real estate needs.

Nohona Kahala is a gated community of 55 homes on the mauka (mountain) side of Kahala Mall, most of which were completed in 1991. Although many would consider it a "Kahala" address, you won't find it on your Kahala home search as it happens to fall under the Wilhelmina neighborhood of our MLS. Given the exclusivity of the area, it's not too often one of these comes on the market. We're fortunate enough to see today though that one is available.

This Nohona Kahala home (MLS # 201329874) recently came available for $1,375,000

Although priced above the last few sales within Nohona Kahala, I can see why this seller is asking what they are. We recently sold a newer DR Horton home in Kuhina at Kahala for $1,380,888. It was similar dimensions and newer, however it was not in a true "gated community" for that extra security or peace of mind when traveling. As far as recent sales in Nohona Kahala, here are the two most recent sales:

• 4063 Keanu St. sold for $1,289,000 on August 27, 2012
• 1006 Kiionioni St. sold for $1,040,000 on September 21, 2012

Both of those were 2,146 square feet under roof, whereas the active listing is 2,237. In addition, the one that sold for $1,040,000 had a lot that was over 20% smaller than the other sale and active listing. Given the market, it appears this home is ripe for a new owner. Remember now, there are only 55 of them.  If you're looking for a gated community near Kahala and access to great amenities and H-1 for commuting, this is the place.

I recently listed a Banyan Tree Plaza unit here in Honolulu. It's a building as old as I am, built in 1974 (oops - I gave away my age). There's a great mix of units in the building with 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom units. The 3 and 4 bedrooms are a little more rare however. 

Banyan Tree Plaza seen from Punahou Street

The one we have available is a 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1420 sq. ft. unit, which is larger than a lot of single family homes in Honolulu.  It's also on the 29th floor I might add, which provides for some incredible views.

Welcome home to your 2 story home in Honolulu with awesome views

This building was considering an icon for luxury in its day. Considering most of today's luxury buildings are sellling north of $1,000/sq. ft. I feel Banyan Tree Plaza is a great value play for someone looking to find something in the heart of Honolulu. Listed at $680,000 we are priced at $478/sq. ft. The most recent 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom sale in the building sold for $503/sq. ft.

If you're loooking for a great value in Honolulu, this is the place. Another product in comparison shopping in the area could be a single family home in Manoa, where prices start higher and rapidly climb from there. Although this unit is well kept, it could use some updates. That's where the value comes in. Once you fix this up, the maintenance of a condo this size will be quite different than a single family home. With the master bedroom and bath on the main floor, you can just come home relax on your lanai and enjoy the views...

Lanai View of #2907 (MLS # 201326925) which you can access from either the living room or master bedroom

As I said earlier, these 3 bedroom units are rare and won't be around forever...

This past week, the Outrigger Canoe Club listed one of it's major assets for sale - two contiguous oceanfront parcels totalling over 2.6 acres.

The "Alii Estate" (MLS # 201327172) off Kalanianaole Hwy. is one of East Honolulu's last treasures

What is very special about this property is it is one of the last large tracks of oceanfront residential land in Honolulu. Most of the once larger parcels have been subdivided and sold off over the years. This one could end up going down that same path. Zoned R-10, this has the potential for further development. Currently, there is a modest structure on the property that was previously used as a corporate retreat by a Japanese company prior to the club's aquisition.

Situated on Aina Haina Beach, I've been told this once home to Alii or chiefs. I'm not surprised as much of what is currently around here can be considered regal in nature to this day. One of the neighboring estates was once home to the Sullivan Family (Foodland Supermarkets). Up the hill, you have Hawaii Loa Ridge a gated community of luxury homes. Right now, the only product I can find similar to this is listed for nearly three times the price.

2.7 Acres of Land in Kahala (MLS # 1303602) can be yours for only $45 million

Granted, Kahala has traditionally fetched the highest prices when it comes luxury real estate on Oahu. However, if you're willing to drive another 5-10 minutes east, you can have something pretty spectacular for roughly 1/3 of the price. The Kahala one also has the potential to be subdivided. It will be interesting to see future the outcomes of these two trophy properties. Will they remain intact and house a large estate or will they follow a similar path of so many properties on Oahu that were subdivided for profit? Only time will tell... All I do know is that something will be built on both at some point in time and the opportunity to be a part of it won't be around forever.