Great Hawaiian Homes Blog

Calling All Interneters! 

I know that there is a property on Oahu that is not on the market now (if it were, I would have found it already) with a property owner that thinks he or she might be willing to sell it.  I have a client that needs a property with 5 acres or more where they can live, keep their horses, grow some veggies and raise their kids. 

There are some properties that are vacant land without any kind of structure built on it, but in order for this transaction to work their has to be a structure on it and has to have been there for at least one year.

Water catchment systems are fine and we can run from a generator or run electrical into the structure...but there has to be a structure.

If you own such a property or a larger piece of land and would be willing to "Break a piece off" to sell, please call me ASAP.  My number is (808) 630-1828.  My email is Mike@GreatHawaiianHomes.com.  If you want to know how we are, check us out at http://GreatHawaiianHomes.com.

Thank you for your time, I understand this is an unusual way to find a property for my clients, but then these are unusual times we live in...

Cheers-

Mike

Ewa Beach Real Estate and the Neighborhood

Single Family Homes & Condominiums & Land & Milti-Family Homes

Originally a plantation town, the quaint buildings of the original town center are being preserved for future generations. Newer neighborhoods have been built at the entrance to the Ewa area. The Ewa-Gentry subdivision began development in 1988 with the Soda Creek single-family home project and will eventually have a total of 8,000 units of single and multi-family projects. Palm Villa and Palm Court subdivisions are townhouses, some with grassy courtyards, and others with decks. All have detached parking stalls for each unit. The Arbors subdivision has larger townhouses that include attached garages and an attractive recreational center with a swimming pool for each large group of townhouses. Sunrise is a 3-story condominium subdivision. Sun Terra project offers single-family homes with glass block windows and bay windows. Westloch is a master planned neighborhood with the emphasis on cul-de-sac streets to enhance neighborhood identity. Most houses are grouped in clusters around common courtyards and tot lots. The single-family homes were incorporated in 1988. Some of the homes were sponsored by the City to allow some families to purchase below the market price. Some of the houses border the West Loch golf course. Two of the projects in this neighborhood are West Loch Fairways and West Loch Estates.

Today there is a new marina going in to Ewa Beach.  There is also one of the best kept secrets in Oahu's real estate market.  It's not new, far from it, it's the original beach homes that line to coast line of Ewa Beach.  Some are on rocky fronts and some are on beautiful white sand beaches with unbelievable views of Diamond Head off in the distance.  There is also a lovely "Small Town Beachiness" to the community as well. 

The biggest reason this area is almost forgotten about and prices are so good is due to the traffic that has become synonymous with the name Ewa Beach.  There are lots of people traveling up and down Ft. Weaver Road and rush hour is pretty tough to take.  There is finally a project underway to widen this major thoroughfare and also to connect the Kapolei Parkway which will also ease traffic to the H1.  Add to this the Rail System that will be coming right through the area and we believe property values will be going in only one direction in the years to come...STRAIGHT UP!

To do a search of all Oahu Real Estate, click here for a list by Area and Zip Codes, it is very easy to use!

Gayle and I would love to assist you in the search for your home. Please call upon us anytime and we will give you our 200% effort...because there are two of us...:-) :-)

Kaneohe Real Estate and the Neighborhood

Single Family Homes & Condominiums & Land & Milti-Family Homes

They say if you like the beach you go to Kailua and if you like boats you go to Kaneohe. With Kaneohe and Kailua in such close proximity to each other; you can have both!! With the addition of the H-3 to the Pali Highway and Like Like Highways, access to downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Hickam AFB and the airport area is much improved from the late 60s when these bedroom communities expanded to the suburbs they are today. From Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, Kaneohe, or Kailua to Pearl Harbor or the airport travel time is approximately 20 minutes.

Kaneohe is made up of several smaller subdivisions.  From multi-million dollar homes to small condominiums, Kaneohe has a great deal to offer first time home buyers and seasoned veterans as well.  Some of these areas are Haiku Plantations which is made up of 1 acre gentleman lots and homes from about $1,000,000 and up, although the occasional bargain can be found, Haiku Village, Mikiola, Mahinui, Bat View Estates, Halekauwila, Kapuna Hala, Kaneohe Town, Castle Hills, Pikoiloa, Lilipuna and Haiku Knolls just to name a few. 

There are some newer homes in these areas but by in large, they are older Island Style Homes in well established neighborhoods.  You will occasionally a home that is up to date, but again, most of these homes will allow you to really make them your own.

Water sports are the rage in Kaneohe.  Sailing and boating on Kaneohe Bay, Fishing from wonderful old piers, day trips out to the sand bar with a small group of friends...on big holiday weekends your small group of friends will number in the THOUSANDS!

To do a search of all of Oahu Real Estate, click here for a list by Area and Zip Codes, it is very easy to use!

Gayle and I would love to assist you in the search for your home. Please call upon us anytime and we will give you our 200% effort...because there are two of us...:-) :-)

Kailua Real Estate and the Neighborhood

Single Family Homes & Condominiums & Land & Milti-Family Homes

Kailua is located in Windward Oahu in the judicial district and the ahupua'a named Ko'olaupoko. [ Ahupua'a are the land divisions of old Hawai'i from the mountain top to the sea. Just think of a Spoked Bicycle Wheel and you will have the right picture in mind.] It is located 12 miles northeast of Honolulu - over the Nu'uanu Pali, tallest mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range. The town is a typical suburb spawned by post-war development and improved highways bringing thousands home from their workplaces in Honolulu. Many small businesses and community organizations support this unique town with its beautiful, protected beaches, Kaiwanui Marsh, and Enchanted Lake. With the addition of the H-3 to the Pali Highwayand the Like Like, access to downtown Honolulu and the airport area is much improved.

Historians and researchers believe that it is possible that Kailua was home to Hawaiian families at least 1,500 years ago. The earliest settlers are thought to have lived fished and played on the slopes surrounding Kawainui Marsh. In the 16th century, Kailua attracted the ali'i giving birth to many rich Hawaiian legends. Many legends were born here including the menehune who were known for working at night in Kaiwainui Marsh and mo'o who took the shape of a large lizard that attracted fish. Kailua was densely populated before the arrival of Captain Cook and was the ancient capital of O'ahu's kings. The biggest event in Kailua and the entire Windward side was in 1795 when King Kamehameha I conquered O'ahu in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The King granted Kaiwainui Marsh and old Kailua, which included large freshwater fish ponds and saltwater ponds at Mokapu, to the warriors and chiefs that had helped him. The land was used in various forms for agriculture from sugarcane to rice to taro and eventually was used primarily for cattle raising.

Kailua was a sleepy town of barely 3,000 in the 1940s. However, the events of World War II changed the appearance of Kailua. Kaneohe Ranch sold portions of land to the government for expansion of the Navy base (now Marine Corps Base Hawaii) and the Army's Fort Hase. Finally in 1942, Kaneohe Ranch closed down its cattle raising operations entirely, freeing thousands of acres for post-war development. A new four-lane highway, tunneling through the Ko'olau Mountains, was completed in the late 1950s. In 1946, a small Liberty House (now Macy's) shop opened with three employees and upgraded to a full-line department store in 1953 with nearly 50 employees. The first bowling alley, a branch office of the telephone company, and the very first supermarket in Hawaii opened in Kailua in 1947.

By the end of the 1950s, Hawaii had become a state and Kailua became the official postal designation (previously known as Lanikai). Castle Hospital (now) opened in 1963. By 1960 the population was up to 24,400. The town has grown more than 100 percent since 1960 when its population was 24,402. It has a compact, easy-to-shop business district surrounded by mostly single-family homes. By 1992 50,000 residents encompassed a central urban core with surrounding residential areas. Kailua consists mainly of various neighborhoods of single family homes, although there are several condominiums in Kailua town and one upscale townhome complex in nearby Enchanted Lakes.

Natural Features abound and Kailua is a place of much natural beauty. The most significant features of Kailua are the bay, the mountains, and the wetlands. Kailua Bay is a magnificent place symbolizing the regional quality of the community. Kailua Beach and nearby Lanikai have been on the " Worlds Best Beach" lists by several publishers for many years. Ka Wai Nui (the big water) Marsh, a natural wetland, provides habitat for many species of wildlife. The marsh was a center of life for early Kailuans. A huge saltwater wetland, it's peacefulness can be enjoyed on the hiking/biking pathway that wraps around its edge. Mount Olomana towers over every neighborhood in Kailua. It's three peaks are it's significant feature and a challenge for the hardiest hikers.

All or the various areas on Oahu are available to search.  To do a search of Oahu Real Estate click here for a list by Area and Zip Codes, it is very easy to use!

Gayle and I would love to assist you in the search for your home. Please call upon us anytime and we will give you our 200% effort...because there are two of us...:-) :-)

Area 1 Ala Moana / Kakaako District

Ala Moana is at the edge of the Waikiki district and therefore attracts a large number of visitors. Luxury and high-end apartments are found here, many with spectacular ocean, park, and city views. Residents can enjoy the walking convenience to Ala Moana Center Oahu’s largest regional shopping center; Ala Moana Beach Park, a boat harbor, restaurants and megaplexes. Surrounding communities are Kapiolani, Ward/Kinau. There are a few pockets of older single-family homes here and some of these are simply breath taking.  However, there are far more condos in this area down on the lower-flat part of the map.  These residences are primarily low rise and high-rise condominiums. Kakaako, close to Downtown Honolulu, was mostly industrial, however in recent years the re-development of Kakaako with planned parks, the new medical school and bio-medical center, condominiums and multi-use living projects well underway.

(Area 2) Makiki / Manoa District

Makiki is another popular choice for those wanting a short commute to downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and the University of Hawaii. The low land area of Makiki is predominately condominium with a few single family homes mixed in. Choices of condominium styles (walk-up, low rise, high rise) abound and so does the price range. The hillside neighborhoods of Makiki Heights and Tantalus have single-family homes in the higher price range. Quite a few public and private schools, two hospitals and churches are found in the area. Part of Manoa’s appeal is its tree-lined streets with traditional and New England style architecture. Manoa extends deep into the lush valley from which emerges another desirable neighborhood, Woodlawn. As its name implies, this section is woodsy and the homes are often set amidst green lawns. This area is home to several restaurants, grocers and neighborhood shopping centers. The University of Hawaii is in the lower section of Manoa, but it too gets frequent Manoa shower mists that come, even under sunny skies.

Area 2 Waikiki District

This world famous beach resort is only 2 miles long but it is the center of the state’s billion-dollar tourist industry. There is a high concentration of movie theaters, nightlife, restaurants and hotels. It is a densely populated condominium area but many of the residential type buildings are as pleasant and quiet as you’ll find elsewhere. There are also a smattering of single family homes in this area as well.  The busier condominiums are those in which hotel operations or short-term rentals are permitted. This is the one district where rentals can be obtained fully furnished, down to the plates and linen. A quieter end of Waikiki is near Kapiolani Park and the slopes of Diamond Head crater, a tree-lined area often referred to as the Gold Coast. Oceanfront or ocean view apartments are at a premium here. A number of the buildings are cooperatives rather than condominiums.

Area 3 Kaimuki District

Kaimuki, located mainly on the slopes of Diamond Head, is an older established area particularly appealing to residents whose families have lived there for generations. Its residential and business community is over 100 years old. The majority of single-family properties are at least 5,000 sq. ft with some properties subdivided into areas as small as 2,400 sq. ft. Chaminade University (private), neighborhood shopping centers, restaurants, private and public schools, parks and grocers service the needs of the population. There are also some condominiums in this area.  Although the elevation is high in these hillsides they are generally sunny and dry. Nearby in the arid neighborhoods of St. Louis Heights, Wilhelmina Rise and Maunalani Heights you’ll find a mixed style of older and newer homes, many with city and ocean views.

Area 3 Waialae / Kahala District

Kahala takes on the look of a nicely defined suburb with regional shopping center Kahala Mall and the Kahala Mandarin Hotel (formerly the Kahala Hilton). The lots in Waialae average 7,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. Many of the 10,000 sq. ft. and larger lot homes in the area have swimming pools, wider streets, deeper front lawns and have consistently been on the higher end of Oahu’s price scale. The beachfront properties of Kahala, Diamond Head, and Black Point are some of the most expensive in the nation. For those desiring more view, there is the hillside neighborhood of executive homes called Waialae Iki. Other options are the golf course homes in the Kai Nani area and the homes on a peninsula called Wailupe. Other residential alternatives for the area are two high-rise condominiums and four nearby townhouse projects.

Area 3 Hawaii Loa Ridge District

Hawaii Loa Ridge is an exclusive, gated hillside community of large homes offering buyers a community clubhouse and tennis courts. Many have spectacular views of the ocean, Diamond Head crater to the west or Koko Head crater in the east because the developer established protected view corridors for the lots. All the custom homes must first obtain the approval of the developer’s review board and meet their minimum requirements. Within this gated community is another newer gated community, The Pointe. These are premier view lots on the west slope and residents have part ownership of the elegant Pointe Club clubhouse.

(Area 3) Hawaii Kai / Portlock District

Hawaii Kai itself is a master planned community begun in the 1960s by the renowned American industrialist, Henry J. Kaiser. Once regarded as a “country area” for farmers, Hawaii Kai has become one of the premier suburbs of Oahu. The variety of housing styles and price ranges appeals to a diverse group of residents. It’s about 12 miles from downtown Honolulu with easy access to the H-1 Freeway. It is close to Kahala and Kaimuki neighborhoods on one end and to Waimanalo and Kailua on the other end. The Hawaii Kai community enjoys a good variety of beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, movie theaters and restaurants. In fact, other popular community-based businesses and services such as supermarkets, fitness centers, playgrounds, medical facilities and dry cleaners are located in Hawaii Kai so residents do not have to go far for their day-to-day needs. For recreation, the many wide streets encourage biking and jogging. Nearby is Sandy Beach for experienced body surfers; Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve; and Maunaloa Bay for water skiing, boating, or canoe paddling. The single-family homes are in a variety of price ranges but generally begin above the affordable range for Oahu. The Hawaii Kai high-rise condominiums have commanded higher prices than condominiums in other Oahu regions. The Portlock district offers premium luxury beachfront homes.

Areas 4-12 are coming soon!  To do a search of Oahu Real Estate in the mean time, click here for a list by Area and Zip Codes, it is very easy to use!

Gayle and I would love to assist you in the search for your home.  Please call upon us anytime and we will give you our 200% effort...because there are two of us...:-) :-)

OAHU, The Gathering Place, is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to Honolulu, the state capitol. Honolulu was proclaimed the state capitol by King Kamehameha III in 1850 and began operating in 1905 as the County of Oahu before being renamed the City and County of Honolulu in 1907. It is the only American city founded by a monarch or ruler and is the site of the only palace in the United States.

The city and county of Honolulu encompasses all of Oahu and is governed by an elected mayor and nine city council members each representing a specific geographic district on the island. These districts are grouped together under larger regions commonly referred to as: Honolulu, East Oahu, Windward, North Shore, Leeward and Central. Within these regions are various towns, communities and neighborhoods each with their own distinctive characteristics.

According to the 2000 census Oahu had a population of 876,156, which at the time represented approximately 72 percent of the people of the state. The 2000 census also shows there was a total of 460,542 housing units in the state. Today, Honolulu’s median resale value for a single family home is $569,000 and $310,000 for a condominium.

When planning a trip around the island it can be useful to know that the local residents have a special language for indicating direction. For example, mauka [m-ow-ka] is toward the mountains, makai [ma-k-aye] is toward the sea, Ewa [w is usually pronounced as "v"] is in the direction of Ewa town, Diamond Head is toward that famous Waikiki landmark, and Koko Head is toward the location of that crater which is location out next to Hanauma Bay.

There are two mountain ranges that divide the island, the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges. The highest peak of the Koolaus is the Pali. The Pali lookout offers wonderful views of Kailua, Kaneohe and the Windward coast. Take the Pali highway from Honolulu and watch for the signs.

There are truly wonderful homes in all of these areas.  If you are thinking that a Condominium would be better suited for your needs,  there are also hundreds that will make fabulous homes for you all around Oahu.

Have we found the bottom of the Housing Market? Well for the third month in a row, sales of new homes have increased. Last month sales were up 11% and as many “economy watchers” look on, the news is a welcomed sign of things to come. We have to stop here to mention that each area of the country is different and National Numbers often hold little clout in regional sales figures, but never the less, this is great news.

Here in Honolulu, the real estate market has been a “mixed bag” for some time. Some areas of Oahu have been in what’s known as a buyer’s market for and other areas like Kailua, Hawaii Kai and Manoa have been in a Seller’s market.

How do you know the difference? It is basic supply and demand. If the supply of available homes goes up or out paces the sales of the homes in the area, it will be a buyer’s market. If the supply of available homes goes down or the sales of homes in a given area out pace the addition of supply, then it is most likely a sellers market.

There is still the wild card...”Distressed Properties”. A distressed property is one that is in Foreclosure, a Short Sale or even a Lender Sale-REO-Bank Owned Property. When one of these properties sells in a specific area, it will affect all of the homes or properties in that area because the value of a home is found in the sales price of other similar homes in the same area. Realtors and sellers can always make excuses as to why that sales price should not affect the value of the home they are selling, but the simple fact is that it does in one way or another.

If you are looking for a new home, or thinking that it may be time, home prices and interest rate are both near their lows. Now is an excellent time to buy the home you have been thinking of. FHA and VA buyers will have added benefits like 0 to 3.5% down and programs where the lender will give you the money to renovate the property along with 6 months of mortgage payments and loan amounts based on the after renovation value of the property.

Yes, it is an excellent time to purchase a new home and we would like to assist you in doing so. Please call upon us anytime and we will share with you all of the homes and programs that will perfectly fit your needs.  If you would like to search for homes that might interest you, go to http://gayle.hawaiirealtygroup.info and use our award winning search tool.

Have a great week!

Cheers-

Mike & Gayle