Oceanfront Options – The North Shore – Kawailoa

By the time the winter big wave surfing competitions conclude at the famous beaches of Oahu’s North Shore, visitors and competitors from all parts of the world will have been exposed to the energy and ambiance of this unique part of Hawaii. Many have purchased their own personal “piece of paradise,” contributing to the diversity of the North Shore communities.

North Shore real estate has continued to appreciate dramatically over the past three decades, with oceanfront properties commanding the highest prices. Homes along the stretch of coastline between Kahuku and Kaena Point range from “beach shacks” to multi-million dollar estates and condominium developments. Kamaaina families have continued to maintain both primary and secondary residences on the North Shore, and companies such as Billabong, Hurley, and Volcom have purchased properties in choice beachfront locations. Commercial development is concentrated primarily in Haleiwa Town, where several new commercial projects have just been completed. Turtle Bay is the area’s only major resort destination. Despite the extensive media exposure and the increase in upscale residential real estate development, the North Shore of Oahu continues to resist excesses of urban encroachment and retain its country atmosphere.

With surfing elevated to the status of an Olympic sport and slated for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Games in Japan, media attention focused on Oahu’s North Shore – site of the World Surf League’s Triple Crown competition – continues to expand, reaching new audiences in all parts of the globe. The setting is an integral feature of surfing event coverage, which emphasizes the scenic attributes of the area.

Richard Sterman, Principal Broker/Owner of Sterman Realty and a North Shore resident since 1974, noted that the World Surf League has opened offices in the North Shore Marketplace in Haleiwa, where his brokerage is also located.

“Having WSL headquarters here in Haleiwa further validates the North Shore of Oahu as the epicenter of the sport of surfing,” Sterman said. “The sport brings the media attention and the visitors, and the exposure is now bringing new waves of buyers and investors in addition to those from the Mainland West Coast, who discovered and embraced the North Shore lifestyle decades ago.

“The result has been a steady increase in property values, but there are still excellent buys here, including some oceanfront estates listed at prices that are competitive and even low in comparison with per-square-foot prices in desirable resort areas on the Mainland.”

For buyers who also happen to be surfers, proximity to favored surf breaks can be a decisive factor in choosing a North Shore property, whether for full-time living or as a second home utilized for vacations or weekend getaways.

Sterman Realty real estate agent Kristin A. Crowe has listed a large oceanfront property at Kawailoa with two identical homes, each with 3,328 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two baths, and covered outdoor lanais. The 34,866 square foot property is gated at the entrance from Kamehameha Highway and walled along the oceanfront. Its panoramic coastal view extends from Alligator Rock out to Kaena Point and beyond.

“The coast here is rocky, but we consider that an asset rather than a liability, since swimmers and surfers would generally choose other access to the ocean, and sandy beaches are close-by,” Crowe said.

“Choice surfing spots you can paddle out to right from the property include Uppers, 5-0s, and Alligators…Chuns, Jockos, and Laniakea are just down the road. In addition to surfing, the ocean out front is clear enough for snorkeling and scuba diving when the ocean is calm…a small rocky island less than one hundred feet from the shore is a good fishing spot. This property is ideal for large extended families and has been used by owners as a weekend retreat… it also has great potential for generating income. You could live in one of the homes and rent out the other, and still enjoy privacy since the property is so large.”

Crowe has listed the property for $4,350,000 and is showing it by appointment.