The Ilikai is one of Oahu's most iconic hotels on Ala Moana Blvd. Jack Lord helped put the Ilikai on the map in the opening scene of Hawaii Five-O. What a lot of people don’t know is the Ilikai was supposed to originally be built in Marina Del Ray, CA.

Welcome to the Ilikai…

My Mom’s stepfather, Guy Harrison was a real estate developer in Southern California & was here in Hawaii on a trip when he happened to drive by the current site in Waikiki and asked the cab driver pull over because he was amazed at the beauty and location. He ultimately secured an option on the land, moved my Mom, Grandmother and family out from California and brought in Chin Ho as the money partner and developed what is known today as the Ilikai in 1964. What has been so unique about the Ilikai over the years is its mixed use of Hotel and individually owned condos.

Fast forward 42 years: local developer Brian Anderson bought 343 of the 1009 rooms in 2006. He had grand ambitions for the place. Unfortunately, they never came to light and the past few years the association has sued Anderson, he went delinquent on maintenance fees on the units he owned and earlier this year, the lender foreclosed on Anderson.

Due to all the litigation that’s been taking place, lenders have not been lending on the Ilikai. Therefore, those that are looking to sell need cash buyers. This has created some awesome opportunities for those with the cash! Here’s some statistics I ran over the past 5 years:

To find out more about the Ilikai in Waikiki, feel free to contact me for more information.

Recently Listed Mid Century Modern Home in Kailua (MLS # 2915114)

Over the past week, I’ve noticed a number of new listings coming on the market with Mid-Century Modern architecture, which is a passion my wife & I have had over the past few years. We’re in the process of remodeling a home designed by Alfred Preis (who designed the Arizona Memorial & the entrance to the Honolulu Zoo) that we purchased last year. Hawaii’s most prominent Mid-Century Modern architect was Vladimir Ossipoff. Almost 2 years ago, I wrote a blog post on Active Rain about Ossipoff and have since gotten many inquiries from buyers specifically looking for Ossipoff homes for sale. So, I figured I’d create a page to showcase Mid Century Modern homes. For the purpose of this, I won’t specifically limit to Ossipoff homes, however will showcase anything with that look/era.

Enjoy my Mid Century Modern Home page of listings I’ve put together!

Will and Jessica Patnode, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

David was very knowledgable of Oahu. He was patient, honest and professional. My aunt is a realtor on the mainland and recommended David to my husband and I. He not only served us, but had to "answer" to my aunt as well. David listened to our wishes and Budget. We would recommend David to any military family or civilian looking to purchase a home.

Phillip Jones, Carlsbad, California

David Buck displayed tremendous professionalism and patience searching & presenting property to me in Honolulu/Gold Coast Area. He was responsive, courteous, and very honest.  We have been working with David for over 2 years and he has demonstrated tremendous patience and professionalism.

Some examples of his commitment to fair dealings and high ethical standards:

1) Always presented the facts and never pushed
2) Always put us before the sale
3) Respected my criteria & didn't exceed my limits
4) Never gave up the search & showed tremendous tenacity

He made the search fun & painless and we love our new condo at the Diamond Head Apartments.

Gary and Carol Dias, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Mahalo nui loa for all your kokua in finding a home that was just right for us here in Ewa Gentry Las Brisas. Gary & I enjoyed working with you, and we greatly appreciated all the time you devoted to making our dream happen.

Thanks so much for your patience and your guidance.

Brian Card, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

I had been promoted by the Army and assigned to Hawaii. I had no time to shop for properties as I was at Ft. Bragg, NC.  I met a firefighter on the island that was challenging himself to fulfill a goal. He succeeded and he's now the TV star you watch. Honestly David is a down to earth guy and  enjoys the thrill of the hunt for the customer more than anything. He knows if he takes care of that target the rewards follow.

You might find someone as good, but I doubt with all sincerity that you will find one better......

Laura Couch, Haleiwa, Hawaii

David shared the bad with the good, returns calls promptly, very effective to all concerns of the buyer, even those that border on paranoia.

Great recommendations on:

1. Price

2. Loan Officer

Saved me lots of money!

Lolly Totero, New York, New York

As I look at the beautiful ocean view from my new apartment in the Mauna Luan, I would like to take this opportunity to commend David Buck for helping me make the dream of owning a second home in Hawaii a reality... I am a real estate broker in New York City, and I can spot great service no matter how many miles away.. Even though I have made a career selling real estate, I had never purchased anything outside of New York City... I learned that the process is quite different in Hawaii. I could not have completed the purchase without David's knowledge of the Honolulu market and his clear step-by-step instructions through the escrow period... I look forward to many hours in the sunshine thanks to David Buck! I will gladly refer future business to him.

Leslie Goldman, New York, New York

David was wonderful. He helped me sell my Diamond Head condo while I was living on the mainland. I felt so comfortable with his confidence it getting it sold. We sold it on the first open house at full price. He even found the buyer. It didn´t stop there. He even found me a great Realtor to help me purchase my condo in Manhattan.  
David´s the man!

Kirk Hovious, Kailua, Hawaii

It has been a true pleasure working with you over the past six months. In that short time you have assisted me in buying two properties in Waikiki and Palolo. In both cases your help has been invaluable. You are always prompt in returning calls, proactive in getting me information and punctual when it comes to appointments. In short, you're a true professional and I look forward to watching you grow within the Real Estate Industry.

It's refreshing to work with such an industrious, respectful and courteous young man. If I can ever be of assistance feel free to contact me and also consider me as a reference should the need arise.

Thanks for all your efforts and I look forward to working together again soon.