Just beyond Waikiki at the base of Diamond Head is Honolulu's "Gold Coast". The Gold Coast is the last strip of buildings at the end of Kalakaua Ave. across from Kapiolani Park. Unlike the "hustle & bustle" of Waikiki, the Gold Coast is a little more quiet. The buildings consist of:
Right out the front doors of these building offer great swimming, diving and surfing breaks such as Tongg's, Rice Bowls, Old Man's and several others. You've also got Kapiolani Park on the Mauka (mountain side) as I mentioned which is a great spot for outdoor activities and the finish line for the Honolulu Marathon, the Tinman Triathlon, etc. What's also great is the Gold Coast is within walking distance of the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and the Waikiki Shell which offers great concerts and entertainment.
If you think the Honolulu's Gold Coast is something that interests you, listings in MLS fall under the Diamond Head neighborhood and start around $100,000 for a leasehold condo at the Diamond Head Beach Hotel and go up to $4.9 million for a unit (entire 6th floor) at 3019 Kalakaua Ave. My grandmother's old penthouse unit at the Diamond Head Apartments sold for $4.5 million a few years ago, which is the highest sale to date. There have however been some other large sales this summer I previously posted about.
We've currently got a listing at the Diamond Head Ambassador priced at $595,000 Fee Simple, which is a 2 bed, 1 bath and priced $265,000 less than the previous owner paid in 2005, which is a great buy! If this or anything else on the Gold Coast interests you, give me a call to live your Hawaii Life on the slopes of Diamond Head.
It was less than a week ago that I posted about a development on the west side not going through. Well, the state just approved Kamehameha Schools 29 acre development proposal in Kakaako. Unlike the displacement of farmlands in the Ewa Beach scenario, this is a "re-development" of an area that has traditionally been "industrial" in the corridor between Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu. Kakaako is already the home to several luxury condos such as Hokua, Nauru & Hawaiki Towers, Koolani, Keola Lai and other newer projects like Moana Pacific, 909 Kapiolani, The Vanguard Lofts and Moana Vista (being built). It also boasts the two largest shopping complexes in the state of Hawaii with Ala Moana Shopping Center and Victoria Ward Centers, both owned by General Growth. There's also great outdoor activites available at Ala Moana Beach Park & boating activities at Kewalo Basin. In addition to Kamehameha School's approval to add up to 2,750 more residences in high rises, townhomes & lofts, they plan to add a 25,000 sq. foot plaza on Auahi St. and a 400,000 sq. foot Asia Pacific Research Center for biotech companies. General Growth also got approval earlier this year for a master plan that proposed up to 4,000 more residences.
What does this all mean? More traffic? More congestion? I think, ultimately it will be great place as it is already. Kakaako is vibrant and has a lot to offer. The skyline and traffic will be changing. Maybe not overnight, due to the economy. When you're looking to buy in the area, be sure to work with a good Realtor that's up to date on things. There are several buildings such as 909 Kapiolani & Imperial Plaza that come to mind where this could effect their views for resale values... Other than that, Kakaako ultimately won't simply be a transition from Downtown to Waikiki. It will seamlessly blend in.
This past Friday, the State Land Use Commission voted against DR Horton's proposal to build 12,000 new homes on the Ewa plain between Waipahu and Kapolei. The project, named Ho'opili would be the largest project since Mililani in central Oahu by Castle and Cooke, which just completed last year after 40 years of development. It's also said to be similar size in scale to Hawaii Kai in east Oahu. There are two arguments to the development:
Both are valid arguments. There is obviously a need for more affordable housing, yet what price do we pay? This saga is not over in that DR Horton can petition again once they get their ducks lined up in how they will go about the development in phases. They argued that over the 20 year span of the development, the farmers will "gradually" be displaced. Only time will tell..
I am very excited to have joined Hawaii Life Real Estate Services as their 1st agent on Oahu. They are the premier real estate website for Hawaii Real Estate. 86% of homebuyers now start their home search online. Check out www.hawaiilife.com or www.hawaiihomelistings.com to live your Hawaii Life!
Although this spring started off slow, the Diamond Head market is pickup up heat this summer! Not only have listings that were sitting for awhile selling, they are commanding several million dollars from buyers from the East Coast, Japan & Europe. Here's some recent sales:
If you're looking for something special in Diamond Head, there are still a number of great properties for sale. I live and own in Diamond Head. It's a great place to live your Hawaii Life!
The "Buck" Stops Here for All Your Real Estate Needs! David E. Buck (RA) at your service! Your local source for information, satisfying his buyers and sellers needs! Servicing all of Oahu, Hawaii.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
