Coastal Options – Southeastern Oahu – Paiko

The southeastern coast of Oahu, bracketed by Koko Head in the east and Diamond Head the west, claims some of Hawaii’s most desirable and valuable real estate.

Development along this approximately 10 mile stretch of scenic coastline, almost exclusively residential, includes primarily single family homes, a few townhome communities, and a cluster of highrise condominiums at the edge of Waikiki. A hotel, country club, golf course, and two private beach clubs constitute the only additional development. Numerous parks provide acres of open space along the coast and within the communities.

The first permanent or primary residences began replacing vacation cottages on beachfront lots nearly a century ago. Kamaaina families with primary homes in the valleys and on the heights were attracted by the sunny weather and clear, calm waters of Maunalua Bay. Today distinctive estates set the tone for upscale living in neighborhoods from Portlock to Kahala.

Over the years, southeast Oahu oceanfront neighborhoods have continued to reinvent themselves, retaining value despite negative market fluctuations and offering renewed opportunity for local and offshore builders, buyers, and investors.

Most homes on the coast of southeastern Oahu are special in some way, but a coastal property at the base of Kuliouou Valley is particularly noteworthy due to its unique outlook over the Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. The home, listed by Keller Williams-Honolulu for $5.88 million, was built in 2006 on a level, 31,930-square-foot, fee simple lot, most of which is wide-open, landscaped lawn, bordered by a high wall and metal driveway gate on the street side and mature palms from the street to the lagoon.

The State-owned fishpond is almost wholly enclosed and separated from the ocean by the undeveloped Paiko Peninsula with Paiko Beach on the opposite side at the edge of Maunalua Bay. The Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects the endangered Hawaiian stilt and other migratory water birds, is a virtually private enclave where fishing, hunting, removing or introducing any form of plant or wildlife is prohibited. Homeowners along its edge enjoy raw natural beauty and serenity, yet are just minutes from the conveniences of Hawaii Kai.

Listing real estate agent I-Hsiang Tsai said the two-story Paiko Lagoon home is a spacious 4,930 square feet, with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, an elegant kitchen with Viking appliances, a high-ceiling dining and living area with large chandeliers, and a three-car garage. All bedrooms have views of the ocean, while the master bedroom has an expansive view of Koko Head as well.

“The current owner bought the property in 2011 and loves the expansive lot and serene environment,” Tsai said. “Many good family memories were created here, such as the daughter’s wedding and the grandchildren’s birthday parties. The place is so stunning, that it was featured in a 2010 episode of ‘Hawaii Five-0.’ And considering the size of the lot and R-10 zoning, it even has potential for future improvement or addition.”

“This type of estate is very rare in East Oahu,” he added, “and similar estates of this size will cost much more than the current asking price.”

For more information or to arrange a showing, contact Tsai at 392-8393 or hawaiihomepro@gmail.com.