A Haven in the Heights – Kaneohe

The country feel of Kaneohe continues to support the desirability of this Windward community, which experienced a phase of new growth with the completion of the H-3 Freeway, creating direct access to the Airport and downtown Honolulu.

Located between Kailua and Kahaluu, Kaneohe also claims one of Oahu’s most picturesque coastlines, the shores of Kaneohe Bay. While bayfront neighborhoods command close-up ocean views, homes on the hillsides above Kaneohe Bay offer spectacular panoramas of the dramatic Windward coastline, offshore islands, and countryside.

The towering Koolau mountain range with its verdant foothills and amphitheater-like valleys defines the mauka boundary of Kaneohe. The largest of the valleys, Haiku and Ahuimanu, are subdivided into residential communities that incorporate affordable townhome developments and upscale single family homes. Along the bayfront and on the hillsides, the residential development varies from simple cottages built decades ago to remodeled homes, new architect-designed custom homes, and small subdivisions. Large parcels of vacant and raw land and ranches, some with equestrian facilities, also make up the diverse mix of Kaneohe properties.

An extensively and elegantly remodeled home on Nanamoana Street, on a hillside above Kaneohe Bay Drive, has recently been listed for sale by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hawaii Real Estate at $1,695,000.

Listing Realtor Malia Siu describes the neighborhood as “straddling Kailua and Kaneohe” and the location of the 12,186-square-foot property as “very private and peaceful.”

The two-story, four-bedroom, three-bath single-family home is a spacious 3,208 square feet. The main living area on the ground floor flows out to a 220-square-foot outdoor covered deck and 40-foot lap solar-heated swimming pool.

“The custom outdoor credenza with cabinets and granite counters is wonderful for family gatherings and buffet style al fresco dining,” Siu said. “The views of tranquil

Kaneohe Bay are breathtaking… and you will love dining and entertaining at the large barbecue pavilion overlooking the ocean and the Koolau Mountains.

“As you enter the home, you immediately notice the beautiful Brazilian Cumaru hardwood flooring that encompasses the entire living room area. The main living area is where the owners have set up the dining table alongside a picture window with views of the mountains and offshore islands in the bay. The large open living room is spacious enough for two seating areas and a baby grand piano. The open kitchen, with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a custom armoire, and Travertine flooring, was designed by the owner and completed by cabinetry specialist Hannan of Layout Etc. The dining nook and built-in desk with clever pull-out drawers offering lots of storage in the kitchen/TV room has become the most used asset of the home.”

Siu added that new Pella sliding doors open to a covered lanai with “hints of a Japanese garden complete with shishiodosh,” a Japanese water fountain made with bamboo, and another example of details that “showcase the owners love of Asia.”

“Each year the owners would take a room and, with much thought and attention to detail, they slowly renovated it utilizing professional contractors. These contractors had the talent and skills to remodel and upgrade the three bathrooms, including new Travertine flooring, and also add a craftsman carport to enhance the curb appeal of the front entrance.”

The roof is new, and 36 owned PV panels have been installed to offset electricity costs. Each of the bedrooms has an AC unit; two split AC units are located in the master bedroom and TV room. The property is fenced, walled, and landscaped with flowering plants and mature trees.

For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Malia Siu at (808) 479-8418, malias@bhhshawaii.com or co-listing agent Lisa A. Camacho at (808) 348-0468, lisac@bhhshawaii.com. The property will be open for a showing on Thursdays, April 4 and 11, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.