“A Haven in the Heights” – Hawaii Loa Ridge

Like other East Oahu hillside neighborhoods, Hawaii Loa Ridge began with construction of an access road winding upward from Kalanianaole Highway. Most of the land was still essentially vacant in the 1960s when the road-building project was launched on property owned by the Lucas Trust. Originally part of an ancient Hawaiian ahupuaa, the parcel was included in a grant by Kamehameha I to Alexander Adams and passed down to his descendants.

The ridgeline property was ideal for the new upscale residential development, which gained momentum in the mid 1980s with completion of the turnaround loop on the makai side of the highway.

An architectural committee set guidelines for design and construction of homes to ensure quality, environmental integrity, and preservation of view channels. The subdivision was laid out and developed incrementally by zones with the larger estate-size properties at the lower levels.

Today Hawaii Loa Ridge includes approximately 500 homes, a management office, recreation center with tennis courts, clubhouse, children’s playground, picnic areas, a park, and a security center at the gated entrance which dispatches a patrol throughout the community.

As one of the few gated communities in Honolulu, security was and continues to be an important selling point for Hawaii Loa Ridge and a particular priority with off-shore and high profile buyers, especially those in the entertainment industry.

Currently, the former home of TV producer Al Masini is on the market. Offered by The Choi Group with Hawaii Life, the luxurious residence tops the price range of available properties at $11,888,000. Located at 828 Moaniala Street, “Kekaulani,” built in 2005 and subsequently remodeled, was designed by Masini together with prominent Hawaii architect Richard R. Bass AIA.

Situated on a 17,543-square-foot lot on the hillside, the grand, three-story structure provides panoramic views of the ocean, coast, mountains, and Neighbor Islands across the channel. The architectural design is complemented by high quality finishes and elegant detailing throughout, including Baccarat crystal, blue pearl granite, Blue Bahia and Grecian Thassos marble. The 270-degree view is captured by walls of glass in main living and dining areas, accented by jewelry grade lapis lazuli and onyx in the dramatic domed entry

with a ceiling ascending to 17 feet. The 8,424-square-foot interior, including an expansive great room with recessed lighting, a lapis lazuli fireplace, sculptural ceilings, and motorized drapes, is augmented by 742 square feet of lanais providing additional venues for dining.

With five spacious bedrooms, seven opulent bathrooms, and two half baths, the residence supports a gracious lifestyle and entertaining on a grand scale. The stylish kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and finished with blue pearl granite counters. Contributing to the atmosphere of a private resort are an outdoor spa, biometric keyed elevator, personal gym, home theaters, and tropical gardens with waterfalls, a koi pond and stream. The gated property includes guest quarters, a laundry, utility room, and covered parking for four cars plus driveway parking.

The home is move-in ready. To arrange a showing, contact Patricia Choi (RB-11824) at 734-7711 or pat@choi-realty.com.