About Honolulu's Manoa

My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Manoa

Manoa Valley, home to the University of Hawaii, is a gorgeous lush green suburban neighborhood in the heart of Honolulu, close to downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana. One of the nicest areas near town, the area offers lots of charm, has a bit of a tropical feel, as well as above average rains, due to it’s higher elevation.

Manoa homes are typically older, some with classic, tudor or Victorian architecture and many are on larger lots with huge trees and lush mountain views. A few homes on the upper edges of the valley, on the hillsides, have lovely city and ocean views.

Technically, there are three areas of Manoa, Manoa Area, Manoa – Lower and Moanoa – Upper.

See Current Home Listings in the Honolulu Neighborhood of Manoa

'Awa or Kava(pronounced aahvaah) is a sacred plant in the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures and has many uses from the spiritual to the medicinal. It is more commonly known today as an intoxicating beverage but it's uses are found in ceremonial traditions both religious and community based across Polynesia. 'Awa has several medicinal uses including the treatment of: colds, headaches, respiratory diseases such as asthma, diabetes, rheumatism and it is commonly used as a muscle relaxant or sedative, often in conjunction with Lomi Lomi or Hawaiian massage.

An `awa drink, good for migraines or pre menstrual discomfort may be prepared for personal use by chewing a few small pieces of clean root until a thumb size cud is formed. Once you have produced three of these cuds, mash them in a bowl with fresh water. Strain the liquid through cheese cloth to remove the fibrous elements and if you prefer add cane juice or honey as a sweeter as 'awa is the Hawaiian word for bitter.

In the traditional Hawaiian preparation, the `awa may be mixed with water or with coconut milk and is sometimes warmed in a special calabash called a kanoa, over hot stones. After straining it is consumed when it has cooled.

'Awa is often served as a beverage of thanksgiving and is gulped not sipped with some left in the cup that is poured onto the ground with a prayer. E hanai `awa a ikaika ka makani.
Offering `awa and prayers to one's ancestors strengthens their spirit presence so that they may be of help to you and your Ohana or family.

Pacific Islands Kava Festival, UH Mānoa Campus, Saturday, October 3
The Kava Festival, also known in Hawai'i as the 'Awa Festival, features many aspects of 'awa as central to culture for Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands. The festival celebrates 'awa as an important and fundamental aspect of Hawaiian culture and a treasure for Hawai'i's people and the world.

Live local music from Hawai'i's hottest music groups, educational and cultural booths, 'awa sampling, 'awa plants, 'apu making workshop, preparation demos, pa'i'ai/poi pounding, food booths, and Hawai'i's 'awa serving bars and cafes will also be serving the public. In addition, a traditional Hawaiian kapu 'awa ceremony will be performed honoring VIPs who have made contributions in culture, education and science.

More information on the Awa Development Council website

Saturday, October 3, 2009
UH Manoa main campus, on McCarthy Mall
Map of Campus Mall
9:00am-5:30pm
Free Admission
Parking on street or on campus

JDS Consulting- Hawaii Home Staging and Decor Design. Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Diamond Head, Kahala, Waikiki, Kapahulu, Kailua, Makiki, Tantalus, Hawaii Kai, Manoa, Nu'uanu, Ala Moana, Waialua, Haleiwa, North Shore, Kapolei, Makaha, Honolulu.

I started writing this to talk about what I think is one of the best deal in Honolulu, but ended up with this thought because of a property I saw that would be ideal to buy if I were parent with a kid in college. If I were a student, I would have just died to have a place like this. If I were a parent, buying is the only think that would make economic sense to me. In fact, there is no good reason I can think of not to buy. If someone can tell me otherwise, I would be interested. Let me tell you about this property. First, it is not listed with me or my company. I wanted to share it because it just so happens to be in my favorite neighborhood to invest, Punahou. It's an upgraded 1/1/1 on the second floor of a quaint 1950's building. The building surrounds the pool like a courtyard amongst a tropical setting. It's pet friendly! Monthly fees are only $259 and monthly taxes are only $26. It generates $1,375 in rental income. It's about break even from a cash flow perspective, but what about the tax benefits of the interest on a mortgage? Everyone's tax situation is different, but you have an asset rather than the liability of rent I don't see how you can lose? What more could you ask for when the money spent on rent is out the door? Boy would that be an amazing graduation gift too!