“A Haven in the Heights”
The dual neighborhood of Maunalani Heights and Wilhelmina Rise is the oldest of the East Oahu hillside residential developments. Among its attributes, in addition to views in all directions, is the diversity of both its natural and built environment.
Early landowners planted their properties extensively with shade and fruit trees, including rare species, that surround and tower over many of the homes today, providing privacy and even a certain mystique to the area.
Homes range from simple cottages to large residences, many designed by leading architects of the period. A number of vintage homes have been preserved and restored, and rebuilds, for the most part, have been sensitive to the surroundings.
Views, depending on location on the hill and orientation, encompass valleys to the east and west, sweeping spans of ocean and coastline, and Diamond Head directly below.
Several routes to Maunalani Heights branch off Waialae Avenue and wind through pocket neighborhoods at lower levels before starting the climb up the hill, the most direct being Wilhelmina Rise, crisscrossed at several junctures by Sierra Drive and eventually terminating at Maunalani Community Park.
The earliest homebuilding followed completion of street paving in Kaimuki in the mid 1920s and proceeded simultaneously at both the lower and upper levels of Wilhelmina and Maunalani Heights.
At 3405 Sierra Drive, on a 6,709-square-foot lot, a 70-year old home has recently been remodeled with elegant detailing.
Dustin Geiger (RA) of Hawaii Life has listed the home at $1,250,000.
“This is a good value for three dwellings on one property within walking distance of Kaimuki shops and restaurants,” Geiger said.
The three-bedroom, two-bath main home has been updated with new vinyl plank flooring, shaker cabinets, and quartz countertops. The two-level structure commands views of Diamond Head, the ocean, mountain, and city from the living room, kitchen, and decks.
“The main house has an attached studio with bath and wet bar at the lower level that can be entered internally through a staircase or externally from the property,” Geiger said. “A separate, private one-bedroom, one-bath cottage with a full kitchen is self-sufficient with its own electric meter and washer/ dryer. Both the main home and the cottage include laundry areas.
“This is a great indoor/outdoor home with many options for dining and entertaining with its multiple decks overlooking the views as well as the gardens. An outdoor shower and hot tub are located in the garden at the top of the property.
“The gardens, which are at various levels, have been well maintained and include several varieties of citrus, mango, banana, longan, and avocado, as well as plumeria and puakenikeni. This home is a must-see retreat at the edge of the city.”
Geiger added that just up the hill is a neighborhood park with a tennis court, basketball court, and recreation center…plus hiking trails emanating from Maunalani Circle that lead to wilderness areas.
For information or to arrange a showing, contact Dustin Geiger at 741-3878. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, February 10, from 2 to 5 p.m.
To view a video of the property go to https://drive.google.com/file/ d/1R6lRyHbxTJetdf8E9I1ZiVI6IN9zC5h/view
For a 3 dimensional walk-through of the property, go to https://my.matterport.com/ show/?m=8kn2VsPGThZ
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