Along the shores of Big Island’s Kohala Coast, it’s no secret that private club community Kohanaiki is changing the face of luxury of the Hawaiian Islands and beyond — and they’ve got the sales to prove it.
By Samantha Myers
“I guess you can say we’ve had a great first half of the year. We surpassed $100 million in sales since January,” says Nicole L. K. Vincent, principal broker for Kohanaiki. “We have more than tripled the sales from the first half of last year.” Attributed to the surge in demand for the 450-acre residential development was the debut of its 67,000-square-foot clubhouse at the beginning of the year, which has quickly become a lifestyle meeting place for its residents.
“I think it’s important to recognize that our members are a unique set of individuals,” says George Punoose, general manager. “They are well-traveled, sophisticated and they’ve seen a lot of special places over the world.” Kohanaiki offers members two home options: buildable home sites and turnkey properties, from $1 million for custom home sites to over $16 million for turnkey properties. But with property, also comes private club membership — with a $150,000 entrance fee and a $25,000 annual fee, Kohanaiki is at the forefront of full-service luxurious living.
“What I find really special is the vertical membership,” says Vincent of the program that enables siblings, children and grandparents to be members. “You get families and generations coming together for holidays. Everyone’s so happy to spend time together, golfing, going out on the ocean on the boat… creating these magical memories in Hawaii.”
Recent to the luxury development is a new director of its world-class spa offering an extensive menu of wellness and relaxation treatments. “Our focus on the spa has always been to use ingredients that are local, whether that’s the coffee, the sand, mud or lava soil,” says Punoose. Other additions include the opening of an on-site brewery, providing residents a choice alternative to the otherwise wine-centric property.
Despite the abundance of amenities, a Rees Jones golf course, and ideal coastal surfing and snorkeling spots, when it comes down to it, the essence of Kohanaiki is actually in the intangible. “Time and time again, we constantly hear that what is special at Kohanaiki is not only the product and the service,” says Punoose. “But our biggest factor is the quality of people we hire — their attitude and friendliness.”
The U.S.’s 50th state is far from last when it comes to luxury real estate. As part of this waterfront edition of Unique Homes, we researched the 25 most expensive listings in The Aloha State. Although the country’s eighth smallest state, Hawaii offers the fourth longest coastline (behind just Alaska, Florida and California). From acreage to penthouses, from organic farms to rooftop lanais, our snapshot of Hawaii’s priciest offerings is as diverse as the archipelago’s environment.
$70,000,000
2676 E. Kauapea Rd., Kilauea
The ultimate Hawaii retreat on 15+ bluff-top acres with a white-sand beach, main house, guest pavilions, and caretaker’s quarters.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$45,000,000
5418 Weke Rd., Hanalei
A multi-property estate boasting old-Hawaii charm on the ocean at Hanalei Bay.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$36,000,000
1118 Ala Moana Blvd., GPH #36, Honolulu
The 10,000-square-foot Grand Penthouse has 5 bedrooms and over 1,300 square feet of outdoor patio space, including its own pool.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$35,000,000
1118 Ala Moana Blvd., GPH #35, Honolulu
On the 35th floor of Waiea, this 6-bedroom penthouse boasts a rooftop lanai with an ocean-facing infinity pool.
List Sotheby’s International Realty
$31,000,000
4200 Anini Vista Dr., Unit D, Kilauea
An impressive estate on the dramatic coastal bluff of Kauai’s North Shore with views of mountain, shoreline, reef and beyond.
Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty
$30,000,000
2620-A Kauapea Rd., Kilauea
This gated ocean-bluff estate has a deeded trail to the beach, a guest home and one of the most beautifully detailed homes on Kauai.
Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$29,500,000
2590 Kauapea Rd., Lot 65, KilaueaThis elevated 28-plus-acre estate features ocean, mountain and
extended coastal vistas.
Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$28,000,000
3244 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
One of Maui’s most exclusive homes, this 13,422-square-foot residence is located on world-renowned Keawakapu Beach in South Maui.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$26,000,000
51 Kaikea Pl., Kailua
A 2.5-acre oceanfront property on 3 lots with private, gated access to Kailua Bay.
Aska Estate Hawaii Inc.
$25,000,000
4000 Wailea Alanui Dr., Apt. 102, Kihei
Magnificent, totally remodeled “double unit” with the most dramatic oceanfront location in South Maui.
Dave Wagner, Wailea Point Realty Inc.
$24,995,000
210 N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua
Truly a resort within itself, this stunning Kailua beachfront estate has a 5-bedroom main house and 3-bedroom guesthouse. KW Worldwide
$23,000,000
69-1566 Puako Beach Dr., Kamuela
Majestic oceanfront residence comprised of 1.16 acres with approximately 450 feet of prime ocean frontage on the Kohala Coast.
Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$22,800,000
72 S. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua
House of Paradise, a chic, sophisticated, contemporary avenue-to-ocean beachfront estate on world-renowned Kailua Beach.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties
$22,000,000
69-2014 Nani Paniau Dr., Kohala Coast
On 7.45 acres, this is one of the largest, privately owned oceanfront estates on the island of Hawaii.
Robert Chancer & Steve Hurwitz, Mauna Kea Realty
$21,500,000
4469-W N. Waiakalua Rd., Kilauea
This is one of the most profitable certified organic farms on Kauai and comes with a Hawaiian-Japanese-style home.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers
$20,000,000
73-2230 Ala Kohanaiki, Kailua-Kona
The Moana Residence, on the best lot at Kohanaiki, is a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home of approximately 7,000 square feet under roof.
Joni Metzler, Metzler Realty
$20,000,000
1133 Ikena Circle, Honolulu
With unparalleled attention to detail, this elegant property is designed in the 19th-century French style rarely seen today.
Sachi Hawaii, Pacific Century Properties
$20,000,000
5403 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu
Sophisticated and modern 1.43-acre oceanfront estate with 185 linear feet of beach frontage, a tennis pavilion, sparkling pool, Jacuzzi and pool pavilion.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties
$20,000,000
59-367 Ke Nui Rd., Haleiwa
Comprised of 2 properties. Here you can sit on your porch and have a front-row seat to view the world-famous surf spot called Pipeline.
List Sotheby’s International Realty
$19,900,000
3 Kapalua Pl., #3, Lahaina
A rare opportunity to own a stunning Island Contemporary architectural masterpiece by award-winning Hawaii architect Jeffrey Long.
Keller Williams Island Living
$19,500,000
600 Stable Rd., Paia
On approximately 500 linear feet of white-sand beach, this home offers world-class panoramic views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains.
Wailea Realty Corp.
$18,000,000
2332 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu
One of the largest estates in metro Honolulu, this hillside property features a main house and guesthouse on beautifully landscaped grounds.
Patricia Choi, Choi International
$18,000,000
4383 Royal Pl., Honolulu
This island treasure, designed by Frank Roberts, AIA, has been home to the Doheny family for 50-plus years and offers the rarity of 165 linear feet of beach frontage.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties
$17,800,000
5949 Kalanianaole Hwy., Apt D, Honolulu
One-of-a-kind setting surrounded by water — a private lagoon on one side, a bird sanctuary on the other that opens out to the ocean.
Dolores Bediones & Takako Friend, Locations Hawaii
$17,750,000
280 Poipu Dr., Honolulu
One of the nicest oceanview homes on Oahu, situated for the trade winds, with the pool area offering perfect breezes to ensure comfort.
OahuRE.com
This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017.
Click here to see the digital version.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.
Kahala oceanfront estate offers exceptional privacy, frontage.
By Jaymi Naciri
According to Hawaiian legend, fishermen once spent time up on the hill at Kahala, fishing for King Kamehameha. Seeing regal estates like Punahele, the royal connection comes as little surprise.
Meaning “favorite,” Punahele was named by the Dohenys, its former owners, known for their luxury homes around the world. “This was their favorite home, out of all those they built,” says Beth Chang, who, together with Anne Hogan Perry and Tracy Allen, has co-listed the estate for Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. “This iconic property is an incredibly rare offering that can’t be recreated, with 165 linear feet of frontage and an unmatched location on a quiet street in Kahala.”
That frontage — and the views it provides — are practically unheard-of today in this coveted area, where many newer lots are only 60 feet wide, and so is the privacy. “Because of the dramatic curve of the coastline and the pie-shaped lot, with the widest part along the ocean, this home feels like it’s all by itself,” says Hogan Perry. “It brings in incredible turquoise water vistas that are unachievable now, because of the 40-foot setback requirements. You can’t get this close to the ocean anymore.”
Nor can you get quite as close to the reef, which offers several distinct advantages. “It creates this nice, calm area, and you can hear…
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2017 ISSUE OF HOMES & ESTATES.
BIG ISLAND’S LATEST PRIVATE LUXURY DEVELOPMENT IN NEARLY A DECADE IS MAKING ITS MARK ON THE HAWAIIAN LANDSCAPE AND THE RESIDENTIAL MARKET.
By Samantha Myers
This is an extended version of an article originally in Unique Homes Ultimate 2017. Click here to view the print version. Also check out our breaking story on Kohanaiki’s clubhouse from February 2017.
There’s nothing like stepping out of a pressurized plane cabin into Big Island’s pacific breeze. But Kohanaiki — a private club community only two miles from Kona International Airport — takes that refreshment a step further. Handed lava rock-filtered water and a chilled towelette in a private shuttle, we headed to the source of this impeccable service — a place both breathtaking, and where you can catch your breath.
Like most homesites on Kohanaiki, our 3-bedroom hale offered an inland backdrop of Hualālai’s mountains and views extending to the pristine coastline. A tour of the 450-acre property via electric golf carts, the main form of transportation on property, and a walk-through of the brand-new, 67,000-square-foot clubhouse provided a true understanding of life here.
“The Kohala Coast of Big Island is famous for its year-round sunny, tropical vacation weather,” says James Lynch, sales executive for Kohanaiki Realty, LLC. “It’s a perfect environment for indoor-outdoor living.” Kohanaiki’s distinct architectural style, a contemporary interpretation of traditional Hawaiian design, was developed by a handful of esteemed architects. The sleek, atmospheric outdoor-orientated architecture is not only a selling point for its available homesites, but is also a paradise-like setting for its amenities.
With our freshly caught cuisine enjoyed at the signature open-wall sushi bar and chophouse Kōnane, and beach dining with seating that spills onto the white-sand beach, the open-air became our dining room.”This is a setting where shoes are optional, as life can be lived here pure and natural,” Lynch adds.
A tour around the Rees Jones-designed golf course offers ideal vantage points of the carefully planned and preserved landscape — where smooth greens interlace with black volcanic rock, environmentally protected anchialine ponds, ancient sites and six masterful oceanfront holes for golfers. You gain an appreciation of the land and what Kohanaiki has done to both preserve and accentuate its features while at the same time providing a comfortable lifestyle for its members.
“Kohanaiki appeals to people with a taste for adventure, an appreciation for the finer things in life, and a desire for a laid-back environment,” says President and CEO Joe Root. If you’re craving indoor activity on a rainy day, you’ll have to imagine the rain. But the clubhouse offers a fitness center, movie theater, bowling alley, bar and secret cigar lounge among other hidden treasures.
The shores are some of the best snorkeling and surfing spots on the island, and our time with the “A-Team” — expert ocean sport guides — set us up with snorkels and paddleboards instructing us to the best spots to see marine life. We didn’t have to stray far before we were swimming alongside schools of bright fish and watching a sea turtle dance around the reef. The next day, our charter on Kohanaiki’s yacht, the Kaikea, let us swim alongside thirty-plus dolphins and gave us front-row seats to a humpback whale show while enjoying breakfast on the boat.
In between water sports, we were able to visit the spa, which offers an extensive menu of treatments. We opted for a couple’s spa treatment in a heavenly private courtyard — the “Botany of Bliss” — which included a soak in a custom-blended herbal outdoor bath for two, followed by individual La’i massages.
The comfort provided by the spa and locker rooms was even unexpectedly rivaled by the golf “comfort stations” located throughout the property. These stations provide an air-conditioned retreat during a round of golf or a tennis match, and are fully stocked with any type of snack or treat imaginable, as well as frozen mai tai machines and cold wine and beer. One may find themselves spending more time here than out on the course.
While luxurious relaxation prevails in any corner of the property, our tour with Joe around Kohanaiki showed us details that one may not notice upon first glance, or on their own explorations. This included the wide-range of art celebrating the Hawaiian heritage and the history of Kohanaiki’s property. The collection includes over 200 art pieces, including prints, paintings and artifacts. “The clubhouse features one of the most robust and extensive collections of authentic, museum-quality art pieces on the island,” says Root. “It was important to give the clubhouse a sense of place through this robust collection of artwork. We have been collecting any of these pieces over the past decade, and are pleased with how they seem to weave in seamlessly with the design of the clubhouse and help to give it the character and historical context that make it so much more than just a building.”
A visit to the wine tasting room revealed a collection of rare vintage wines — 50 years worth of Château Mouton Rothschild — among some of the resident’s wine lockers, which are located throughout the property, especially around the eating spots. Residents can have a bottle of wine handy at any given moment. Kohanaiki has made it a priority to bring wine to their residents, a drink not as common on an island location due to costs of importation. While we were visiting, we attended a beachside wine dinner collaboration between Kohanaiki and Kosta Browne Winery, from California. Enjoyed with other members, the four-course meal featured pairings with 2013 and 2014 Russian River Valley Pinor Noirs (and others) alongside a delicious, delicate menu including crispy seared snapper and a dish of duck breast, confit and Colorado lamb. For dessert, it was a Tahitian vanilla bean crème brûlée enjoyed with a remarkable 40-year-old Tawny Port.
“Our membership is the best part of Kohanaiki,” says Root. “We have attracted an incredible group of well-traveled, sophisticated and successful people who have chosen Kohanaiki as their place to disconnect and just have fun with their friends and family.” With a $150,000 entrance fee and $25,000 annual membership fee, Kohanaiki is at the forefront of full-service luxurious living.
“In most cases these homes are our members second or even third homes. We try and make multiple home-ownership as easy as possible with our residential services program,” says General Manager George Punoose. “We take care of your entire pre-arrival, stay and post-departure experience by attending to all aspects of your home — housekeeping, landscaping, pool care and even grocery shopping.” Our visit to Kohanaiki was a testament to this service — upon our arrival, the fridge and pantry were fully stocked with over a week’s worth of groceries, the home was lit up and an iPad was connected to a sound system playing the ideal relaxing vacation music you’d want to hear upon arriving in paradise.
Just some of the many residential options at Kohanaiki.
The property puts being social and incorporating family as primary ideals for their membership. “We are a family friendly resort and we’ve attracted families small and large, with parents and grandparents seeing this place as something their family will enjoy for generations,” says Root. “Kohanaiki uses vertical memberships that enable siblings, children and grandparents to be full members of the club. Whatever we can do to make it easier for families to come together is a good thing.”
The philosophies of Kohanaiki, instituted by a stellar team, have been reciprocated by the public. Kohanaiki is one of the hottest new luxury residential spots to own property on, not only on Hawaii, but anywhere — and they have the celebrity clientele and sales to prove it. “The recent grand opening of the new clubhouse was a key milestone validating Kohanaiki as the premier private, gated community in the Hawaiian Islands, resulting in record-breaking sales of over $60 million over the past 60 days,” says Lynch.
“Our members are a sophisticated set that have traveled and experienced the finest things in life,” says Punoose. “Our goal here is to still exceed their high expectations.” Here, at Kohanaiki, attention to detail is not sufficient. Instead, a staff that masters the details awaits Kohanaiki’s fortunate members who retreat in this otherworldly community.
Kohanaiki offers two ownership options: custom homesites where you can purchase a plot of land and build your own home, or choose a home from a full-range of turnkey and fully furnished developer-built homes in various sizes, styles and configurations. Kohanaiki also offers fee-simple real estate ownership. Fee-simple means that the real estate is owned forever in perpetuity and can be passed down from generation to generation. Less than 5% of all the land in the Hawaiian Islands is available for fee simple ownership, therefore, Kohanaiki represents a rare opportunity for families to own in a world-class oceanfront community here in the islands and build long-term legacy wealth.
Opening of first mixed – use residential tower marks major milestone for Ward Village Community.
On November 17, 2016, The Howard Hughes Corporation, welcomed its first residents to Ward Village, the company’s 60-acre community in the heart of Honolulu. Developed by the Howard Hughes Corporation, Waiea will be the first mixed-use residential tower.
Along with its first residences, Waiea®, Ward Village includes three additional mixed-use residential towers – Anaha, Aeʻo, and Ke Kilohana – which are currently under construction. Aeʻo will complete construction in 2018; it will include 466 residences and O‘ahu’s flagship Whole Foods Market. Ke Kilohana is slated for completion in 2019, and the 424 home tower welcomes a flagship Longs Drugs to the neighborhood.
Between downtown Honolulu and Waikīkī, Waiea includes 174 residences and will be home to internationally acclaimed restaurant Nobu Honolulu. In mid-2017, Anaha will include 317 residences and the first Merrimanʻs restaurant on O‘ahu.
Waiea’s architecture is influenced by its shoreline location, the cultural connections to water and the story of Hawaiian fishing god Kuʻula and his son ʻAiʻai. Waia also features work by internationally renowned artist, Tony Cragg. By year’s end, Auahi Street will provide dedicated bike lanes, offering a pedestrian-friendly experience.
“Today marks a major milestone for Ward Village as we welcome our first residents to this growing community. The vision of Ward Village is to create a thriving neighborhood in the heart of Honolulu, and that vision became reality today,” said Todd Apo, Vice President of Community Development, The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Waiea’s name and design honor the history of this place and highlight our efforts to honor the past while building a brighter future for Honolulu.”
Waiea, which means “water of life,” was designed by renowned Vancouver-based architect James K.M. Cheng in partnership with locally-based WCIT Architecture, and makes a stunning contribution to Honolulu’s skyline. Waiea’s interior design by Tony Ingrao complements the building’s exterior, with refined and exceptional detailing throughout the its homes and common spaces.
Michelin-star chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa will open his flagship Honolulu restaurant on Waiea’s ground level in December, joining a variety of dining at Ward Village.
Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Harbor can be seen from the building’s amenity level. Amenities features an infinity edge lap pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, playground, splash pad, dog walk, outdoor lounges and entertaining spaces. Indoor amenities include a private theater, library, golf simulator, spa, as well as multiple dining and entertaining spaces.
Ward Village presents architecture, local shopping, dining and the arts and culture of Hawai‘i for a unique experience for its residents and visitors. Homes in a variety of price points are available in the five Ward Village towers currently for sale. The Information Center and Residential Sales Gallery is located at the iconic IBM Building at 1240 Ala Moana Blvd.
For more info, visit www.wardvillage.com
Photo credits from Ward Village