A Haven in the Heights – Makakilo

Peaking at approximately 1,000 feet above the Ewa plain, Puu Makakilo was once the site of a school for kahuna kilokilo, Hawaiian astronomers. According to Hawaiian historian and kumu hula John Kaimikaua, who had been a resident of the community, “Makakilo means ‘watchful eye.’ The hill provided the kahuna kilokilo with an excellent vantage point from which to view the heavens in order to chart the seasons, identify the best times to plant crops, and plan religious ceremonies.”

Today, Makakilo Heights provides residents with sweeping views that from some sites extend from Diamond Head to Barber’s Point. Prices of homes, as in other hillside developments, tend to reflect the elevation. The priciest Makakilo homes were built in Kumulani at the top of the hill, but development throughout the neighborhood has generally ranged from moderate to upscale.

The earliest development on the Ewa Plain was in the form of sugar cultivation on lands purchased by James Campbell in 1877 and later placed in trust. In the mid 1950s, the Estate of James Campbell launched its long-range “Ewa Master Plan” to develop the plantation land and create a new urban economic center – the City of Kapolei.

Makakilo City is a distinct community, although it shares a zip code with Kapolei, encompassing an approximately 3.8-square-mile area on the lower slopes of the Waianae Mountains. The boundary of lower Makakilo is just above the H1 Freeway with residential and commercial development extending up the slope another 400 feet. Makakilo Drive continues up the hill to the newer subdivisions of Makakilo Heights and the Palehua area to the west, where the Makakilo Heights Neighborhood Park is located. Above the residential development is Camp Palehua, conservation land, and hiking trails that reach the summit.

The first of the new subdivisions was undertaken in the 1960s by Finance Factors.

Subsequently, and continuing for approximately fifty years, other developers, primarily D. R. Horton, Schuler Division, created new neighborhoods of single family homes and townhomes throughout the hillside.

Kumulani, West Oahu’s only ridgeline gated community, is a 21-acre, 114-lot subdivision at the top of Makakilo Heights. Currently an exceptional home with panoramic views across the Ewa Plain to Diamond Head is offered by Homequest Realtor Laurie F. Morgan at $1,387,000.

Architecturally unique, the two-story home is spacious and airy with an open floor plan, 22foot-high ceiling over the “great room,” and an abundance of large windows which optimize views of the ocean, countryside, and the terraced property’s manicured gardens.

The approximately 3,000-square-foot home includes the main living area, dining area, kitchen, bedroom with full bath, laundry room and half bath on the ground floor. Upstairs are two bedrooms, and two baths which also share the views.

Morgan noted that the kitchen features tumbled marble flooring and granite counters, hardwood cabinets, a large island with a bar sink, and top-of-the-line appliances including Sub Zero refrigerator, Wolf range, and Miele dishwasher. “This kitchen is beautifully finished, as are the luxurious bathrooms,” Morgan said.

“Additional special features are the hardwood floors, stained glass windows on the upper level, ceiling fans in addition to central air conditioning, a sound system throughout, and designer lighting.

“The house is well constructed with masonry walls, concrete tile roofing and structural steel beams. Twenty-two photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof. The parking garage can fit three cars and another three or four can park in the large, paved concrete driveway. The property is walled and fenced with an electronic gate at the entrance.”

Morgan added that the home is well located in Kumulani, on a rim lot, at the edge of vacant ag land, which enhances its privacy. “This unique home offers peace and tranquility,” she said.

For information or to arrange a private showing, please contact Laurie F. Morgan #286-2348 or e-mail: laurie4658@aol.com.