If you’re thinking of buying property in Waikiki, the beachfront section of Honolulu, you’ll be interested to learn of the new International Market Place, bar far the hottest new development in Waikiki.

 

            The new shopping center will feature a Saks Fifth Avenue, the largest high-end retail space in Waikiki, and is scheduled to open in spring of 2016.  It’s an exciting development due to the boost it will give the local economy, creating hundreds of jobs.  In addition to Saks, the sprawling shopping center will include the Grand Lanai, a 50,000-square foot seating area for the several restaurants to be housed there.  Since the market—on Kalakua Avenue, is a block from the beach, this concentration of dining options is beneficial to the throngs of tourists.

            The new development replaces the old International Market Place, a Waikiki landmark.  Some are sad to have seen the old market place go, and bemoan the coming of a shiny, upscale mall.  The old market place had the famed banyan trees watching over it, but was thought by many to be kitschy and tourist-oriented.  The change marks one of a largely open-air market to a traditional shopping mall.  It’s not yet known which stores will populate the many mall spaces aside from Saks Fifth Avenue. The developer, Taubman Centers, is based in the Detroit suburb Bloomfield Hills, MI, and specializes in upscale retail centers.

            Traditionalists will be pleased to know that the renowned Banyan tree will be preserved along with the market’s name. 

            Peter Apo, a former state representative, who is working with the developers, assures Honolulu Magazine that a “Hawaiian sense of place” will pervade the new mall.  He predicts this will include exhibits that celebrate Queen Emma wife of Kamehamaeha IV, who prevailed as a sort of patron saint over the original market.

            New developments are always a bonus for buyers of real estate, bringing in tax revenue that fund all of the amenities important to local residents.  And while some are critical of the passing of the old market, many residents may find the new center to have more to offer and to ultimately make a better community hub.

It won’t be long before the new development will be an institution, and generations of people will have their own memories of dining and shopping there.  It will forge its own traditions.

Metro and the Downtown Core

Metro is typically a large area that is comprised of Waikiki, Ala Moana, Pacific Heights, Manoa, Salt lake, Punchbowl, University, Chinatown, Kakaako, Punahou, Old Pali, Kalihi, McCully, Nuuanu, Makiki and of course, Downtown.  Other neighborhoods also form part of the Metro, although it is not likely that people remember them, even for the locals. Honolulu is really a vast area, especially when we speak about its population. It is considered Hawaii’s most densely populated area.

People who are inclined with the life in Town are generally known as a “townie”.  Since there are literally hundreds of condominiums and town houses in Metro Oahu, it is strongly advised that you take note of the condominium/house location anytime you are looking to buy one.  Real estate prices in these areas are typically much more expensive as compared to other areas of the island since the town area is more conveniently located near business/entertainment areas and other places of interest.  When you are on Oahu, travelling just 5 miles instead of 20 miles is quite a lot of time saved.  Houses in the Pearl City, Ewa, Aiea, Mililani and Kapolei area may be less expensive, although being stuck in traffic is one of the situations who will need to get used to.  

From Downtown, a 30-minute drive will take you to a tour of some of the most exquisite Honolulu real estate, which is owned by celebrities and other prominent figures.  Truly, Oahu is one of a kind; a place where everyone from all walks of life can have a really great time.

Like any other big cities in the United States, Oahu has pretty much everything you can ask for, although it has yet to have its own professional sports team.  Despite this, Oahu is still visited by professional teams every once in a while for pre-season and exhibition games such as those from the NFL and NBA.

Older neighborhoods such as Old Pali, Manoa and Punahou are a haven for mature trees and the best place to find old-style charm – a perfect gift if properly taken care of. These neighborhoods are quite hard to find if you don’t know your way around the area.  If you really wish to find properties here, you will need to enlist the help of a local to guide you through your search.

Downtown

If you try to go around Downtown, you might say that the number of condominiums here could be around a million. True enough, anyone looking for a genuine city experience will be thrilled to reside here. Downtown seems much a much more peaceful area when compared to New York, and avoiding people is easily accomplished by travelling across the freeway or Pali highway. Many of the condominium units here offer a breathtaking view of the ocean. From there, the Diamond Head can also be seen from a distance, as well as surfers riding the waves.

No other landmark in Hawaii is more deeply associated by people to Oahu than Diamond Head. Despite its name, there is actually no diamonds to be found here, although the people who first came to the place encountered a precious rock known as quartzite, which quite similar to the appearance of a diamond.  

Many well-known schools consider Diamond Head their home, as well as the Kahala Mall, which has an area 1/10 that of Ala Moana Mall albeit in closer proximity for East Oahu residents.

I strongly advise driving along the Diamond Head road in order to appreciate the beauty of the place and to drop by one of the lookouts over the surf.  You will find many novice surfers here as the waves are calmer as compared to other beach areas.  During summertime, the waves can reach a height of around 5 to 7 feet, although the ride is usually sluggish.

During winter, I recommend going diving, as the ocean is teeming with coral reefs and colorful varieties of fish. Kahala boasts one of the most magnificent coastlines in the world, although the spectacular view is usually blocked by the towering gates of mansions and beachfront estates.  Of course, that may not be really surprising considering these homes command price tags of about $5 million; you would expect them to take privacy seriously.

Beaches

Just beyond Kahala Avenue, a marvellous public beach awaits you, with an ambiance very similar to that of any Oahu Beach, save for the dazzling mansions along the road.  The beaches in Diamond Head are generally rocky rather than sandy, although there are still some areas where your feet can relax in the soft sand.

Golf Homes

 Located at Kahala, Oahu’s first-class private golf course, the Waialae Country Club is home to the annual Hawaiian Open.  This exclusive golf club is open for its members only, who pay around $40,000 membership fee and another $5,000 for annual fees.  Truly, this place is only for the wealthy golf enthusiast.  

The golf course here at the Waialae Country Club is one of the finest that the island has to offer.  The homes surrounding the fairways have spectacular views of the ocean, giving you the best of both worlds on Oahu.  

Parks

One the most prominent feature of Diamond Head is the enchanting Kapiolani Park.  The fresh ambiance and lush greens are enough to make anyone’s day unforgettable, whether you are with friends or family.  Simply going a few meters away from Waikiki makes you feel like you’re in a whole new world.  Kapiolani Park is well known for its calm and tranquil environment – qualities embraced by residents of the area.  Events such as NFL pro bowl games, concerts and craft fairs are not uncommon here in the park.  Kapiolani Park is best enjoyed by spending a peaceful and quiet day with your friends or family, play volleyball, or drop by for a surf at Castles, Tongs or Old Man’s.

Restaurants

The major restaurants here at Diamond Head offer its visitors a sumptuous treat no matter what time of day, although there are also small diners that serve hearty meals as well.  Since my family loves Mexican food, we often visit Mi Casa as it offers genuine Mexican cuisine with a relaxing outdoor ambiance.  You can also drop by the Kahala Mall as it houses many restaurants and stores, which means you don’t always have to drive to Pearlridge Mall or Ala Moana.  

Diamond Head Weather

Diamond Head offers its visitors the best weather anyone could ever ask for – with moderate temperatures and cool breeze blowing over the city all-year round.  Rain isn’t that frequent here in Diamond Head and Kahala as compared to the Windward side in Kailua or Kanehoe, and the winds here are not as gusty.  For potential homeowners looking for a property that has dryer weather compared to the Windward side of Oahu, then Diamond Head is the best choice.  It is also much cooler here in this area as compared to the island’s western area.

There are other nice amenties you can find here in Diamond Head and Kahala, but the best part of living here is being close to town which is Honolulu.  You will appreciate going in and out of town easily the longer you stay here in Oahu.

Residents will be able to tell you just how close to the action you could be when you live here, especially with its nightlife events that should be perfect for any taste.  Some people actually consider Waikiki as “Vegas on the beach” due to the major hotels built on the sand with upscale boutiques surrounding the area.  Here you will find many signature items, be it Armani, Prada, Gucci or YSL.  

Well-known brands such as Nike and Hawaiian Island Creations can also be found in stores here, as well as around 50 ABC stores. ABC stores are like your typical convenience store, which sells general merchandise, usually anything that a tourist would probably need. You should not be surprised if you see 3 ABC stores in one corner of town!

The eastern area of Waikiki is a place near Kapiolani Park that is filled with lush greens and leads all the way through Diamond Head Crater.  This place is commonly known as the “Gold Coast” because of the several expensive and extravagant oceanfront homes that are built along the coastline. Try wondering how people here earn a living; I’m sure you’ll get the point.

The Beachside Neighborhood

When we talk about Kailua Real Estate, it is very easy to picture in our minds the scene of exquisitely-designed homes built around the white sand beaches, pristine ocean waters and the soothing sound of the waves.  A relaxing breeze blows from the ocean as people bask under the sun and experience the bliss of being in a paradise island.  

Tourists may or may not be aware of this, but this kind of imagery can actually be found in the neighborhood Windward Oahu, better known as Beachside.  For people who have the financial means to own a residential property in Beachside, the real meaning of luxurious Oahu living is sure to be revealed to them.  Beachside is unparalleled in Oahu – its location is simply the best you can get in the beach of Kailua.  It features a 2-mile stretch of white sand, pristine ocean waters and the most elegant custom homes you can find.  President Obama will soon be visiting Hawaii, and do you know where he will be staying?  Yes, it’s here at the beach area of Kailuana!

Beachside homes, which are just walking distance to the beach, sell for around $1 million on the average, while waterfront homes sell starting at $4 million for each unit.  

One of the best assets of this area is that the residence unit you will be purchasing is just a few meters away from the beach, and it comes with deeded beach access for a price about 50% less than a residence just across the beach.  It is important to note, however, that you will not always be able to get a view of the ocean and you will need to walk more or less 100ft before your feet touches fine sand.  For $2 million, it’s not hard to imagine how you can experience pure island paradise bliss in Beachside.

This place features homes that were built way back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, although new home designs has also been blooming here for the last two years.  Purchase price for these newly designed homes are now around the $7-10 million mark.  These remarkable structures are built across 60-100 linear feet of majestic waterfront.  

Another notable feature of the Beachside is its close proximity to the H3 on-ramp.   Kailua Town is just about 5 minutes drive from this area, and is well-known as one of the most warm and hospitable towns in Oahu.  Imagine having the best of both worlds – the paradise-like life of a beach town and the convenience that is unique to Kailua. 

About Kailua real estate

Situated north of Waimanalo and south of Kaneohe, Kailua can be described as an enchanting little town on the windward side of Oahu.  The town is well-known for its panoramic sights of nature, pristine beaches and a warm neighborhood.

Despite Kailua being just 12 miles (20 minutes) away from Downtown Honolulu, it still feels like the place is on an island of its own.  The town has the ambiance of a city – having its own architectures and a wide range of amenities and services.  Here you will find movie theaters, banks, grocery stores, malls, bowling alleys and small boutiques as well.  

Vacationers who come to the little town of Kailua will easily fall in love its overall design.  Its recent renovation has truly breathed new life to this lovely community.  People can look forward to enjoy shopping in newly built shopping boutiques, as well as dine and relax in the outdoor restaurants.

The Fourth of July and Christmas are considered the climax of Kailua’s annual events.  Make sure you check out the Kailua Thursday Night Farmer’s Market located in the parking area of Kailua, which is just behind Longs.  The event is scheduled every Thursday night starting at 5:00pm until 7:30pm.

The marvellous islands of Mokulua are a must-visit place here and are easily accessible by a short kayak ride from the beach.  The majestic mountain ranges of the Ko’olau on the other hand can be seen from virtually any area of Kailua.  It features panoramic views of jagged hills which have already been featured in several films and TV series such as “LOST”.

Getting To Kailua

In order to reach Kailua, you will need to navigate the highest peak in the Ko’olau Mountain Range known as the Nu’uanu Pali.  By car, you will be taking the H-1 to Pali HWY, then travel north to Pali along the mountains until you get to Kailua Town.  

Please take not that after you cross Kamehameha Hwy, you will be travelling to a different road name Kalanianiole Hwy, then to Kailua Rd once you come across Castle Hospital.  The path you will be taking is pretty much straightforward; although you still need to be focused on your driving to make sure you don’t go the wrong way.  

 Kailua Area Schools

The following is a list of the Private Elementary Schools in Kailua:

•Kailua Christian Academy – located at 305 Hahaini St, #109 and serves grades 1 to 12

•St. John Vianney Parish School – located at 940 Keolu Drive and serves K – grade 8

•St. Anthony School – located at 148 Makawao St and serves K – grade 8

•Trinity Christian School – located at 875 Auloa Rd and serves PK – grade 6

•Redemption Academy – located at 355 N.Kainalu Dr and serves PK – grade 12

•Windward Adventist School – located at 160 Mookua St and serves K – grade 8

•Le Jardin Academy – located at 917 Kalanianaole Hwy and serves PK – grade 8

Listed below are the public primary/middle schools in Kailua:

•Kailua Intermediate School – located at 145 South Kainalu Drive and serves grades 7 and 8

•Kailua Elementary School - located at 315 Kuulei Road and serves PK - grade 6

•Mokapu Elementary School - located at 1193 Mokapu Bl and serves PK - grade 6

•Keolu Elementary School - located at 1416 Keolu Drive and serves PK - grade 6

•Aikahi Elementary School - located at 281 Ilihau Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School - located at 140 Alala Road and serves K - grade 6

•Kaelepulu Elementary School - located at 530 Keolu Drive and serves K - grade 6

•Maunawili Elementary School - located at 1465 Ulupii Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Kainalu Elementary School - located at 165 Kaiholu Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Enchanted Lake Elementary School - located at 770 Keolu Drive and serves PK - grade 6

Beaches in Kailua, Hawaii

Kailua Beach is considered as one of the world’s premier beaches and was entitled as “America’s Best Beach” in 1998 by world-renowned beach and coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman.  You will find the finest white sand here in Kailua Beach, and is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing due to the great winds and calm waters.  Besides windsurfing, tourists can also enjoy other water-sport activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, spear fishing, surfing and kayaking.  Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat in the golf courses offered by Kailua which includes Luana Hills, Olomana and Pali Golf Course.

For most of the year, Kailua maintains its cool and excellent weather because of the trade winds and frequent rains.  You should not be alarmed should it rain though, as it only usually lasts for a few minutes. 

Oahu beach-goers will need to watch out for warning signs on Portuguese Man O’ War in the surrounding waters.  These bright, blue-colored floating creatures are not be messed with – their sting can cause excruciating pain and life-threatening allergic reactions.  In the event that you get in contact with these creatures, it is best to call the attention of the lifeguards or call 911 in emergency situations.

Restaurants in Kailua HI

Kailua features a wide range of  restaurants and eateries, with many international cuisines to offer – Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Thai, and Pacific Rim to name a few.  For breakfast, I always look forward to having Cinnamon, then Maui Tacos for dinner.  For you Mexican food cravings, check out Mexico Lindo in the center of Kailua Town.

•Pinky's Pupu Bar & Grill – located at Kalaheo Avenue.

•Boot's and Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen – located at Hekili Street.  If you love pancakes, this is the perfect place to be, especially with their signature macadamia nut syrup.

•Times Coffee Shop – located at Hamakua Drive, this small cafe boasts the best-tasting fried rice in the world.

•Buzz's Original Steakhouse – located just across the street from Kailua Beach Park.

•The Shack – located just beyond Keolu Drive, this restaurant offers one of the best-tasting burgers, although it can be a little bit loud and rowdy during weekends.

•Zia's Café – located at Hamakua Drive just after Boardrider's, this place offers mouth-watering Italian dishes at an affordable price.

•Mexico Lindo – located at the heart of town, Mexican food has never tasted this great.

•Baci Bistro – located at Aulike St, this place is perfect for those looking for an Italian-themed romantic restaurant.  

Kauai is arguably the most beautiful island in all of Hawaii. That being said, finding a great condo unit on the island can be challenging sometimes, especially when you are looking for something nice that comes with a decent price tag. You are in luck, right now a great condo unit at an affordable price has opened up at the Waipouli Beach Resort on Kauai.

MLS# 261709

 

This 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom unit is right on the beachfront and comes with great views and over 1,100 square feet of living space. Direct access to the beach, pool and other amazing amenities are just outside your door. The unit comes with a number of amazing inclusions including: 

• Gourmet kitchen with Subzero/Wolf/Fisher & Paykel appliance units.
• Granite counters and onyx backsplashes
• Custom Otsuka's furniture and design package.
• Wireless high-speed Internet service (no cost to owner)
• African Mahogany Hardwood cabinets
• Merbau hardwood crown molding and doors throughout the unit.
• Peruvian Travertine flooring
• Thick and luxurious wool pile carpeting.
• Energy and sound efficient double-paned and UV glazed windows and sliders throughout.
• Jacuzzi soaking tubs wrapped in warm Peruvian travertine finish
• Central air with built-in dehumidifier
• In unit laundry-Whirlpool full size stacked washer and dryer.

As you can see, this amazing unit located in the Waipouli Beach Resort has a little something for everyone. Most importantly, it comes with a great price tag, even with all the inclusions and amenities available. The unit also comes with tons of resort style amenities including freshwater lagoon pools, water slides, hot tubs, sandy beach pool for children, poolside bar, fitness center, full service day spa, concierge and ocean front dining at the Oasis restaurant. A truly amazing resort style living experience.

If you are on the market for a great condo unit on Kauai but have been unable to find the right one, then take a few minutes to view this listing and others like it now. Your dream condo on Kauai is only a few clicks away.

Flood Zoning Info

RR-20

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Oahu is filled with great neighborhoods to live in. Perhaps one of the fastest growing and most popular areas on Oahu is Ko’Olina. Now you can get a great single-family luxury home in the area for a very affordable price, especially when you consider all of the things that come with the purchase of the home.

MLS# 1303225

Located right in the heart of beautiful Ko’Olina Golf Estates, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom single-family home offers over 2,100 square feet of living space and is set on 0.1 acres of land. The home sits beautifully on the 14^th fairway and is in excellent condition. The home features custom woodwork, beautiful Ipe hardwood deck entry and custom crown molding throughout. Two bedrooms and large den on first level. Master bedroom and sitting area on second level. The layout of the home is pretty amazing, and at this price it isn’t going to last long.

This great home in Ko’Olina also comes with a large number of inclusions and amenities including a bedroom on 1st floor, entry, full bath on 1st floor, landscaped, lawn sprinkler, patio/deck, storage, tennis court, ac central, auto garage door opener, blinds, cable TV, ceiling fan, chandelier, dishwasher, disposal, drapes, dryer, microwave, range/oven, refrigerator, smoke detector, and a washer.

If you have been dreaming of living the good life in Ko’Olina, and also love the fact that you will be living right on a beautiful golf course, than this amazing single-family home in the Ko’Olina Golf Estates may be the perfect match for you. Take a minute to view this listing and others like it to see what you can find. You dream home in Ko’Olina awaits.

Flood Zone Info

D - This designation is used for areas where there are possible but undetermined flood hazards. In areas designated as Zone D, no analysis of flood hazards has been conducted. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements do not apply but coverage is available. The flood insurance rates for properties in Zone D are commensurate with the uncertainty of the flood risk.

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The Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island) is home to some of the best scenery in all of Hawaii. It is also home to some of the best luxury single-family homes around. This most recent luxury listing in Keauhou Estates is no different, as this single-family home offers all the amenities and perks of luxury living in Kailua Kona that you can imagine.

MLS# 262704

This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom single-family home offers over 3,700 square feet of living space and is located on 0.3 acres of land. The price being offered is a steal, mainly because this is a short sale. This gives you an opportunity to get a great luxury home on the Big Island for much less than usual.

Amazing ocean and golf course views hit you right away, as walking through the front door is quite an experience. Vaulted ceilings with soffit lighting throughout the entire home make this an ever better experience, as it adds to the aura of the space. There is a pool with a swim lane where you can walk up to the master suite. The master suite is a private oasis with as big of master bath that you can imagine. There is simply nothing but luxury all over this place and if you want to live the good life in Kailua Kona, then this luxury single-family listing is right up your alley.

The views from the home don’t stop with ocean and golf course. You will also be able to experience amazing bay, city, coastline, sunset, and ocean horizon views.

If you are looking to live the life of luxury on the Big Island of Hawaii, then take a moment to view this great, low priced listing in Kailua Kona. Your dream home is just a click away.

Zoning Code

RS-15

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La Pietra is one of the more sought after luxury buildings in the Diamond Head area. Now is your chance to own a huge luxury townhouse in the La Pietra Building area. While the price may be a bit higher than a regular townhouse, it is 100 percent worth it, especially when you consider everything you get as part of the purchase. 

MLS# 1303956

This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom unit includes over 2,100 square feet of living space and is designed for those who take luxury seriously. Located close to Kapiolani Park & Waikiki Beach, as well as fantastic shopping, great dining, and plenty of other local amenities, a unit like this is rarely available and also includes an amazing garden view.

Each room has own balconies (2F). Extra study/office room on second floor. Private Lush Garden. The property is being sold “as is,” so what you see is exactly what you will get. That being said, the property condition is well above average and is ready to move in. 

The La Pietra luxury townhouse also comes with a number of great inclusions and amenities. These include pool, private yard, recreation area, resident manager, security guard, storage, ac central, book shelves, ceiling fan, chandelier, convection oven, dryer, range hood, range/oven, refrigerator, and a washer. 

If you are on the market for a great luxury townhouse I one of the most sought after buildings in the Diamond Head area, then take a moment to view this listing and others like it. Your dream townhouse is only a click away.

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A great 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is now available in the high rise building Ohua located in Waikiki. This is a pet friendly unit that is just minutes from the beach and all the other amazing amenities that the Waikiki area has to offer.

MLS# 1304032

If you are looking for a great condo unit in Waikiki with an affordable price, then this unit in the Ohua building is perfect for you. Located minutes from Diamond Head, the zoo, shopping, restaurants and nightlife, this amazing unit includes granite counters, cabinetry to match, s/s appliances, extra storage, and enough living space for a Waikiki haven. With a health and fitness center across the street, as well as an amazing weekly farmers market, this great location has everything you need to enjoy Waikiki living to the fullest.

Mountain views, minutes from the beach, over 1,000 square feet of living space, this place has it all. Amenities and inclusions include patio/deck, pool, resident manager, storage, trash chute, dishwasher, disposal, dryer, range/oven, refrigerator and a washer. 

If you have been searching for a great unit in the Waikiki area that won’t break the bank, then this Ohua Building unit may be the one for you. Offered at a great price, don’t miss the chance to own this fantastic Waikiki condo unit today! Take a few minutes to view this listing and others in the Waikiki area now. 

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