The Resort Lifestyle

Fourth in a series

Kaluakoi, Molokai’s first and only resort destination, was developed in the late1960s by a joint venture of Molokai Ranch, Limited and Louisiana Land & Exploration Company. The island’s largest landholder, with approximately 53,000 acres inclusive of most of the western sector of the island, the Ranch partnered with Louisiana Land to create an infrastructure and masterplan for acreage previously dedicated to agriculture and ranching.

The intention of Molokai Ranch, then led by members of the kamaaina Cooke family, many of whom had homes on the island, was to provide a lowrise, low density, environmentally sensitive alternative to the high density resorts of other Neighbor Islands, as well as an economic alternative to pineapple cultivation which was being phased out on the island.

The 6,700-acre resort/residential subdivison, named for the original Hawaiian land division, encompasses an oceanfront resort complex, 5,500-acre Papohaku Ranchlands with private estates and ranches ranging from approximately five to 43 acres, and a 10-acre beach park on the shores of Papohaku Beach.

The residential properties extend up a gently sloping hillside from the coast to the main highway. In addition to three-mile-long Papohaku, several sandy coves notch the rocky western shore. Luxury homes have been built on the shoreline lots, but much of the upland acreage is still open countryside.

Realtor Diane Swenson, Principal Broker of Tropical Island Properties, has been active in Molokai real estate for three decades and is a resident of the island. She has represented clients in sales and purchases of more than 100 properties over the years, ranging from single family homes and condominiums to vacant land and commercial projects.

She is currently listing a 4.8-acre Papohaku Ranchlands estate situated at one of the highest points in the subdivision and commanding a 360-degree view of the ocean, mountains, sunrises, and sunsets.

The main house, designed by award-winning American architect Roderick J. Graham AIA, is an Island-style residence laid out with an open floor plan. Both elegant and rustic, the home is ideally suited to the rural setting and exemplifies quality workmanship, with high-end finishes throughout. The two-story structure includes 2,247 square feet on the main level and 1,392 square feet on the lower level. The main living and dining areas, a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, two bedroom/ bath suites, a laundry, storage, hallway, half bath, and additional room that can be used as a study or office are located on the upper level. Covered lanais and breezeways add 1,880 square feet of living space to the upper level, expanding options for dining and entertaining. Three more bedrooms and baths are located on the lower level, two opening to a covered lanai, providing separate accommodations ideal for guests or extended family. The swimming pool and gardens can be accessed from a hallway on this level. A two-car garage provides direct entry into the house.

A caretaker’s cottage was built on the property at the time the original main house was completely renovated and reconfigured with new plumbing and electrical wiring. Landscaping was upgraded along with final finishes to the homes. The cottage is 900 square feet, augmented by a 320-square- foot covered lanai and 200-square-foot carport. It includes two bedrooms, a bath, laundry/utility room, and kitchen.

The fenced property was re-landscaped and irrigation installed when the structures were completed. An orchard with citrus, avocado, and other fruit trees together with the recreation area with gardens and a heated swimming pool contribute to the ambiance of this tropical oasis in the dry, sunny West Molokai countryside.

Swenson noted that Papohaku Ranch-lands properties over the years have been sold to a mix of local and out-of-State residents, some who have made their full-time home on Molokai and others who utilize the property as a second or vacation home. “People who choose Molokai are generally attracted by the many opportunities for outdoor recreation available to them here…fishing, skindiving, surfing, hunting in season, hikes into the pristine countryside and boat trips around the island with local guides. Equally important are the serenity and privacy they are able to fi nd on Molokai with its protected environment…and yet only a 20-minute flight to Honolulu or Maui.”

Swenson has listed the home for $2,750,000 and is showing it by appointment.