Oahu offers a diverse array of real estate, and property in Kalama Valley is in high demand. Tucked into the base of Koko Head Crater, within the affluent community of Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley offers gracious Hawaiian living, away from the fast pace of Waikiki.
The valley was once agricultural land on which farmers raised pigs and grew vegetables. They lived simply, in old, single story homes with tin roofs. These dwellings were bulldozed, amidst much protest from the residents, to make way for Kalama Valley residential development.
Kalama Valley residents not only have Koko crater in their backyard, but a botanical garden inside the crater as well. Koko Crater Botanical Garden, located at the end of Kokonani Street, features 60 acres of rare dryland plants.
If you’ll be moving the family to Kalama Valley you’ll find lots to do. The large expanses of grass make Kalama Valley Park the ideal place for a picnic. The park also has a basketball court and play equipment for the keikis.
Living in Kalama Valley puts you within minutes of several of Oahu’s best beaches, Makapuu and Sandy Beach. Both beaches are particularly popular with body surfers. The valley is also close to Waimanalo Beach Park and Hanauma Bay – a designated marine conservation area and underwater park, and an amazing place to snorkel.
Kalama Valley is located within the Kaiser School District, which includes six elementary schools, Niu Valley Middle School and Kaiser High School. Most Kalama Valley children attend Kamiloiki Elementary.
Valley residents are just minutes away from some great shopping. For groceries, there’s a Costco in Hawaii Kai. Local residents also shop at the Koko Marina Center, featuring banks, clothing and specialty shops and eateries. The Hawaii Kai Town Center is nearby as well, where you’ll find restaurants, shopping and professional services.
When you purchase Kalama Valley real estate you’ll find that your new neighbors are, for the most part, Honolulu professionals who commute to the city to work. The commute, by the way, generally takes about half an hour, depending upon the time of day and the amount of traffic.
Housing in the valley consists of pricey single-family homes that were built in the 1970s and 80s. The typical Kalama Valley lot measures 5,000 to 6,000 square feet.
Although home prices in Kalama Valley are down, like most areas of the country, they actually increased almost 9 percent from 2010 to 2011. The median sales price was $910,000, which is almost exactly what it cost to purchase a home in Kalama Valley five years ago. Well-maintained properties typically don’t remain on the market much longer than three weeks.
Kalama Valley is a fabulous neighborhood that offers a slow-paced lifestyle and a sense of community.
