A Haven in the Heights – Kamehame Ridge-Na Pali Haweo
Hawaii Kai was envisioned by developer Henry J. Kaiser as a new community that would encompass virtually all home styles in a variety of settings. The masterplan laid out neighborhoods with single family homes, townhomes, and multi-story condominiums in the valleys, on the hillsides, throughout the newly created marina, and along the ridges.
The three ridgeline neighborhoods, Mariner’s Ridge, Kamehame Ridge, and Na Pali Haweo, were developed on primarily raw land over a period of approximately three decades starting in the 70s with access roads and infrastructure. The three new neighborhoods were designed to maximize views for the homes and planned to cover a range of price points from moderate to upscale.
Both the Kamehame Ridge and Na Pali Haweo neighborhoods are accessed by Kamehame Drive, which connects to Hawaii Kai Drive via Maunanani Street. On making the turn, Ainanani Place branches off to the right and Kamehame Place to the left before Kamehame Drive starts the climb up the hill.
Kamehame (pronounced as “Kamehameha” without the final syllable) is the name of the earlier of the two developments, as well as the geographic name of the easternmost of the Hawaii Kai ridges.
Homebuilding in the subdivision on the lower slope of the ridge was well underway in the early 1980s, with the majority of the approximately 200 homes completed before 1990. Architectural design is diverse and yards are generally well-kept with mature trees and tropical plants that thrive in the sunny weather.
On ascending the hill, which peaks at 700 feet in the Na Pali Haweo neighborhood, the climate becomes noticeably cooler and prices of homes, in general, become higher.
Most homes have ocean views, some spectacular panoramas extending from Diamond Head to Koko Crater and Neighbor Islands across the channel, as well as mountain and valley vistas. Homes built on spur roads and cul de sacs off Kamehame Drive to the west also overlook the Hawaii Kai Marina, a sparkling spectacle at night. Homes on east-facing lots may catch glimpses of waves breaking on Koko Head Sandy Beach.
Both neighborhoods have their own community associations. A community park at the entrance to Na Pali Haweo on Kamehame Drive, essentially a large grassy space with stone benches and a small pavilion, is available to residents for picnics and gatherings.
The Na Pali Haweo luxury home community that tops the development consists of 193 lots. Homes at the highest levels overlook majestic Koko Crater, one of the most spectacular views available from any of Oahu’s ridgeline neighborhoods.
Sales of lots, which are a minimum of 10,000 square feet, began in 1991, with the majority of the homes built over a 20 year period. The ambiance of Na Pali Haweo is upscale, probably more so than any other Hawaii Kai neighborhood. It
has the feel of a gated community although the well maintained streets are public rather than private. Buyers are required to observe architectural and landscaping criteria overseen by the homeowners association, ensuring that the quality of the neighborhood is maintained and view channels are protected. Also under the purview of the association are a neighborhood security patrol and the community park. Privately owned raw land borders the top of the subdivision.
A 10,800 square foot vacant lot at 1021 Hanohano Way has been listed at $899,000 by Hawaii Life Realtor Diane D. Almadova, a specialist in East Honolulu properties. The rectangular level lot, with approximately 74 feet of frontage on
Hanohano Way, backs up to Kamehame Drive. Available utilities include cable, telephone, electricity with wiring underground, and connection to public water and sewer systems. A soil test and survey can be provided by the owner.
“This is a well-located lot and a great value for someone ready to build their dream home,” Almadova said. “I think of it as an empty canvas waiting for an artist’s creative touch. Hanohano Way is a quiet cul-de-sac, and neighbors have commented about how safe they feel here with security patrol as one of the community amenities. They love to walk the neighborhood with the cool trade winds and views of the ocean. And the community park, which this lot overlooks, is just a short distance.
“A home could be designed for this property with sweeping views of the ocean, Neighbor Islands across the channel, Koko Crater just below, and much of the southeastern coast. Another great feature of Na Pali Haweo is its convenience to the commercial center of Hawaii Kai and, in the other direction, recreational opportunities with beaches and a golf course just a few miles away.”
For more information or to arrange a showing, contact Diane D. Almadova at 808-222-7030 or DianeAlmadova@HawaiiLife.com.
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