Owning Your Second Home In Lush Hawaii

Hawaii is currently number one on the list of Best Luxury Destinations in the USA by U.S. News, and for good reason. The exotic greenery, breathtaking sights and pristine beaches are enough to sell any traveler on visiting. But, why visit when you can invest in a dream Hawaiian home?

For those itching to own their second home, considering the lush islands of Hawaii is ideal. There are many benefits of owning a vacation home in Hawaii’s tropical climate while still having the safety and security of U.S. laws. 

Here is what potential home buyers should keep in mind when looking into purchasing a vacation home in Hawaii.

1. Have ample time for due-diligence: When you purchase a home in Hawaii, state law provides buyers with 30 days to review all the purchase agreements and have their questions answered. This helps create a pressure/stress-free experience for buyers, many of whom are on vacation when they make the decision to call Hawaii their second home.
2. Manage time zones: It can be a hassle to manage a second home in a different time zone. Consider having someone on the island who can monitor your assets for you and ensure everything is well taken care of while you are away, like security, bills, groceries, and air conditioning.
3. Plan out furnishings: In Hawaii, homeowners sometimes face roadblocks when furnishing, due to lack of in-stock products and long shipping times. Many buyers take advantage of purchasing fully-furnished residences as a way to limit any inconvenience and own something that is move-in ready.
4. Renting your home while you’re away: Many purchasers plan to rent their Hawaii homes when they are not currently living there, but it’s important to note that many areas in Hawaii have restrictions on rentals – only homes with Transient Vacation Rental Licenses within Visitor Destination Areas are legally allowed to operate vacation rentals

After being informed properly on how to logistically own a home in Hawaii, it’s time to look at properties. Here are three gorgeous options to consider.

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay

Launching in July 2014 with 84 oceanfront luxury residences situated in the year-round community of Kapalua Resort, this residence is a lush natural paradise located on Maui’s spectacular western shore. Within the 1,650-acre community, each residence is a rare treasure, offering generous private lanais and expansive ocean views.   

MaunaKeaLiving.com and Hapuna Realty announce new oceanfront condominiums on the Big Island.

By Brielle Bryan

Set within the iconic Mauna Kea Resort on the lush western coast of Hawaii — the legendary destination where modern island luxury was born — a new collection of exceptional residences is reinventing the beloved resort for the next generation. Just mere steps from two of Hawaii’s most celebrated beaches, with sweeping views from the snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano all the way to Maui, the Hapuna Beach Residences present a rare and limited opportunity to own one of the last and most coveted beachfront properties in all of Hawaii.
The Residences promise an exhilarating beachfront lifestyle that embraces the warm and welcoming spirit of aloha. Limited to just 62 owners in total, the spacious and sophisticated residences offer unobstructed views from each of the four distinctive floor plans, ranging from one to four bedrooms and up to 3,400 square feet. The initial release offers 17 of the most exceptional properties in the collection along with exclusive benefits for debut release buyers.

“Early buyers are afforded the benefit of locking in one of the most favored properties at the debut rate, as well as the added luxury of customizing select finishes, and first choice selection of an original work from Hawaiian painter Jaline Pol, our artist in residence,” said Tomo Matsumoto, owner of Hapuna Realty, the dedicated brokerage exclusively representing the property.

The Residences are the latest offering to come to market from MaunaKeaLiving.com’s collection of new contemporary living options within the resort, and have a starting price of $1,500,000. Along with the one-of-a-kind Hapuna Beach Villa — a spectacular four bedroom, 10,600 square foot private oceanfront estate — and Hapuna Estates homesites, the Residences are part of a multi-million-dollar transformation bringing fresh excitement to the Mauna Kea. At the centerpiece of the expansive refresh is the new Westin Hapuna Beach Resort; a dramatic $46 million renovation which debuted in March, with transformed common spaces, refreshed dining experiences, beautifully re-imagined guest rooms and an invigorating new wellness and workout center. Owners can easily access the hotel’s amenities, as well as those at the neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.  

Owners have the opportunity to join The Club at Mauna Kea, considered the most active and vibrant club on the island. Members enjoy preferred tee times at two world-class courses, and there is a lively social scene at the Seaside Tennis Club, named one of the world’s top five tennis experiences. Three fitness centers, inspiring dining options and a revitalizing spa rejuvenate and refuel the mind, body and soul. Owners also have exclusive access to the new Amaui Club at Mauna Kea Resort, with fitness activities, massages, men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam showers, a pool, water slide and barbecue area.

Photos courtesy of Hapuna Beach Residences

Kukui’ula
Kauai, Hawaii

This resort and real estate community on the sunny south shore of Kauai embodies the trend of tropical modernism through various custom homes, bungalows, villas and cottages. Celebrating indoor-outdoor living, Kukui’ula’s home design features breezy, open floor plans with a minimalistic approach to let the outdoors in. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor showers in glass covered bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes with lush greenery.

Photos courtesy of Kukuiula

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay
Maui, Hawaii

Residence 2604, a sleek residence designed by Bassman & Blaine, offers a relaxed, yet luxurious feel that pairs well with the world-class destination that is Kapalua Bay. The muted color palettes are highlighted with a pop of color to draw the attention to the scenic ocean background and provide a timeless, high-end feel for even the most discerning of buyers.

Photos courtesy of Montage Residences Kapalua Bay

Photos courtesy of Luana Garden Villas

Ward Village
Honolulu, HI

Ward Village honors the rich culture of Hawaii’s past while transforming the destination into a model 21^st century sustainable community, epitomizing tropical modernism by truly building a city of the future. Waiea, the first residential tower to be completed at Ward Village, has a sweeping, unparalleled glass façade and spacious view-oriented interiors. The interior, designed by Tony Ingrao, complements the building’s exterior with refined, exceptional detailing throughout. Ingrao embraced a clean aesthetic, keeping the design elegant and streamline — from sleek marbled bathroom walls to the clean, effortless lines of the kitchen and living spaces.

Awakening the coast of Hawaii’s oldest island, Kaua’i, is the brand-new Timbers Kaua’i — Ocean Club & Residences at Hokuala, a 450-acre slice of paradise offering an 18-hole ocean course, 47 luxury residences and soon-to-be-completed clubhouse, dining and retail spots.

“On one of the most coveted sites in all of Hawaii, Hokuala is a natural oceanfront amphitheater at the entrance to the tranquil waters of Kalapaki Beach along the Pacific,” says Gary Moore, managing director of Timbers Kaua’i.

Due to its proximity to the cliff-sides, Timbers Kaua’i has been deemed the “last-of-its-kind” as construction regulations require new properties be at least 500 feet away from escarpments. “Timbers Kaua’i was grandfathered in due to the timing of its approval process…. Therefore, the residences are the last property to be built on the island with closer than close proximity to the ocean,” says Moore.

The residences at Timbers Kaua’i are offered in fractional and whole ownership opportunities, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $7.5 million. A $9.5 million penthouse also will be listed in the future. Overall completion of the property is aimed for June 2018.

While the property offers wonderful amenities such as oceanfront infinity-edge pools, an “ohana” pool with waterfalls and a grill, personalized services for families through the Keiki Club and island adventure guides, the standout amenity is “the wonder of the views,” says Moore. — Samantha Myers

photo courtesy Timbers Kaua’i

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

Moana Residence, located within the first luxury development to come to Kona Coast in more than a decade, has sold for a record $16.5 million.

The record-breaking sale of Moana Residence, announced by Kohanaiki, caps off more than $120 million in sales for 2017. 

Photos courtesy Kohanaiki

Hualalai’s individual communities each possess unique character and ambiance, all offering spectacular vistas and cooling tradewinds.

By Camilla McLaughlin

All photos courtesy Hualalai

An old Hawaiian saying is, “You don’t choose the island, the island chooses you.” After a recent visit to Hualalai on the island of Hawaii, I left completely smitten by the magic of the place, and in my wildest dreams I tend to think maybe I am one of the chosen.

Rather than buildings, the most prominent feature here is the landscape — miles of coastline and lava rocks, an iconic signature of the island. The grounds are extensive with pathways that meander past low-slung bungalows embraced by a jungle landscape. Locals like to say the resort sits lightly on the land, and that’s only possible when development is guided by a commitment to stewardship.

This property was featured in our Global 2017 issue. 

Click here for the full digital version.

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.”

This article originally appeared in our Fall 2017 issue. Click here for the full digital version.

Set high alongside the championship Hapuna Golf Course and offering dramatic Kohala Coast views, MaunaKeaLiving.com and Hapuna Realty have introduced a new limited release of homesites at Mauna Kea Resort.
Along with the one-of-a-kind Hapuna Beach Villa and 60 Hapuna Beach Residences, the homesites present a rare opportunity to own one of Hawaii’s most spectacular properties, just steps from two of Hawaii’s most celebrated beaches.
The first release of Hapuna Estates includes 11 of the largest homesites. The sites, ranging from half-acre to over 1-acre lots, sit privately along the 7th and 8th fairways of the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course.
The higher elevation of the homesites affords cool breezes along with the reward of panoramic 360° vistas. Prices start at $795,000.

“The most favored sites at Mauna Kea Resort will soon become the mauka properties — those on the mountain with the highest elevations with sweeping ocean views in a milder climate,” says Tomo Matsumoto, owner of Hapuna Realty, the dedicated brokerage representing the property portfolio of MaunaKeaLiving.com. “In their short time on the market we’ve seen incredible interest in the Hapuna Estates, with three already reserved.”
Future releases include a collection of individual estate homesites and 17- and 10-acre site parcels, all enjoying golf-front locations. Also coming soon are Hapuna Beach Residences and Hapuna Beach Villa. Limited to just 60 owners, the residences will feature unobstructed views from each of the four distinctive floor plans. The Villa will be a spectacular 4-bedroom, 10,600-square-foot oceanfront estate. Both offerings sit directly on Hapuna Beach, widely considered to be one of the best in Hawaii.
The Residences are currently taking reservations and public sales will commence later in 2017. The Villa is expected to come to market in late 2017.

“The wide-range of living options offered through MaunaKeaLiving.com are among the most special in all of Hawaii. The singular beachfront location is unparalleled and unlikely to be duplicated for years to come,” Matsumoto said. “It’s a place that’s perfectly envisioned for creating a legacy home that will remain beloved through generations.”
The new real estate offerings are part of an expansive refresh of the iconic resort, first envisioned by venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller in the ’60s. Now more than 50 years later, the Mauna Kea Resort is being reimagined for the next generation, while keeping in spirit with its storied legacy.
At the centerpiece of the excitement is the new Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, a dramatic $46 million renovation debuting in early 2018. Owners can easily access the hotel’s amenities, as well as those at the neighboring Mauna Kea — the original hotel where Rockefeller’s dream of timeless island luxury was born.

Photos courtesy of Hapuna Beach Residences

In 2017, Unique Homes is traveling the U.S. to find the dominant stories in each region of the country — This issue covers the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, California and Hawaii. 

By Camilla McLaughlin

Photo courtesy of Matthew Field

A mix of tech, entertainment and financial service industries along with sheer physical beauty and miles of coastline make California, the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii unlike any other part of the country. Recognized worldwide as a mecca for technology and innovation, West Coast metros have an urban vibe that reaches across generations. Islands, bucolic country settings and premier enclaves with a worldwide reputation for ultra luxury add to the region’s singular blend of real estate. So, it’s no surprise the West has some of the most dynamic housing markets in the country with demand for upscale properties anchored by lifestyle, jobs, economic performance, gorgeous settings, and often stunning architecture.

Seattle and Las Vegas

Photo courtesy of Gorbis/Getty Images

California

Golden State real estate continues to amp up, with too few on-market properties the biggest drag on sales. Statewide, the May median price was $550,200, the highest level since August 2007. San Francisco prices continue to lead the state and the nation with a median of $1.5 million, but Los Angeles, home to some of the highest priced properties in the country, accounted for the second highest price increase in California in May, 6.9 percent year-over-year.

“This year’s market has been unbelievable with the highest volume of estate properties on record. Way ahead of last year, and last year was a record,” says Joyce Rey, executive director of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, of L.A.’s prime West Side markets. In the $30 million bracket, there have been 14 sales in 2017 compared to only three in 2016, an increase of 367 percent. In the $20 million bracket, 2017 transactions increased 182 percent, from 11 to 31, while those in the $10 million range were up by almost 20 percent. 

Stunning architecture and an integral indoor/outdoor synergy make this home designed by Brian Foster a work of art.

This Los Angeles home reflects a vision for contemporary interiors that is elegant, yet casual and inviting.

Photo courtesy of The Agency

On the Horizon in San Francisco:

Personalized condominiums: La Maison in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood is a collection of 28 uniquely designed individual residences in a five-story building. Each features high-end appointments. Building amenities include organic gardens and a rooftop deck.

Luxury Adaptive Reuse in Pacific Heights: The Pacific includes 76 boutique residences, 12 townhomes and four rooftop duplex penthouses, each with a private terrace. Interiors were inspired by international hospitality brands including Bulgari and the Satai.

What’s hot:

• Rooftop decks are the latest “must-have” outdoor amenities. They have become a staple for condos, but increasingly single-family homes also incorporate a rooftop deck, particularly if there is a view. A luxury bonus is elevator access.
• Bunk rooms in Tahoe are a favorite second-home addition, but this trend is not limited to Tahoe. On many of our “On Location” visits we’ve found that bunk rooms, often with an adjacent playroom, are not a rarity. Even adults find it’s hard to resist the pull of such cozy appointments.
• Basements in both San Francisco and L.A. as residents scramble for more space.
• Hybrid designs with an exterior reflecting one style and the interiors another. Frequently seen are combos with a traditional exterior and a decidedly contemporary interior.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Mayer Photography

What Buyers Want:

When it comes to luxury, few trends can be generalized, even downsizing and simplification. “Preferences are totally mixed, and luxury buyers get what they want. Luxury buyers don’t try to fit into a box. Instead, they make the box,” says Josh Reef, with Hurwitz James Company.

Few upscale consumers are willing to sacrifice to reduce square footage. “Our buyers prefer a high square footage for all the rooms they need and desire in a home, such as personal wine cellars and gym or yoga rooms. While there is still a demand for high square footage, buyers are shifting toward a more-casual home living environment. In exchange for formal living and dining rooms, buyers are requesting rooms that allow them to fully utilize 100 percent of their home on an almost daily basis,” says Arana.

Still, brokers say the one thing almost all buyers want is to have everything done. “Even at the lower end of prices, very few are interested in a renovation,” says Trinkie Watson with Chase International in Lake Tahoe.

Photo courtesy of Martis Camp Sales

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

Click here to see the digital version.

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.

$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.