A Haven in the Heights – Waialae Iki

As the supply of available buildable land diminished in East Oahu coastal neighborhoods in the 1960s and 70s, homebuilders turned their attention to the ridges for potential residential development. The abundance of vacant land on Waialae Nui and Waialae Iki ridges attracted major developers. Among them was Herbert Horita, one of Oahu’s most successful builders of quality subdivisions, as well as the creator of Ko Olina. Contoured access roads into new neighborhoods, a Horita trademark, made it possible to design homes with views of the ocean and neighboring valleys.

With oceanfront property from Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai essentially built out, buyers recognized that the next best thing to being on the ocean was a view of the ocean…and that was the feature promised by the new hillside neighborhoods. Convenience to shopping and dining just down the hill at Kahala Mall and close proximity of Kahala beaches were additional attractions that made the new developments successful.

Waialae was the original name of two large land areas that encompassed what is now known as Kahala and included or bordered on the new hillside subdivisions -Waialae Nui (big) and Waialae Iki (small).

The Waialae Iki subdivision, with its approximately 1,000 homes, was conceived as an upscale community and developed in five increments.

The main access route, Laukahi Street, climbs the hillside from Kalanianaole Highway to an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet at the top of Waialae Iki 5, a gated community with the largest parcels on the hill and recreational facilities. Just above the subdivision, is the start of the five-mile hiking trail named for the ridge, Wiliwilinui.

The lower increments, with lots starting at a minimum of 7,500 square feet, are accessed by Laukahi and numerous spur roads, loops, and cul de sacs branching off to the east and west of the ridge, creating mini neighborhoods with lots of various sizes and configurations. The Waialae Iki Association provides a security patrol throughout the community. Parks with exotic plants and walking paths are located on the 1500 and 1700 blocks of Laukahi.

From its inception, Waialae Iki attracted high end builders and buyers. In 2018, 29 homes sold for prices ranging from approximately $1.2 to $2 million.

Realtor Myra Brandt of Elite Pacific Properties has recently listed a two-story, 2,049-square-foot home at 1655 Ihiloa Loop overlooking a coastal panorama extending from Diamond Head to Koko Head that she describes as a “wonderful family home.”

“The home is situated on a terraced landscaped lot of nearly 10,000 square feet and also offers great privacy,” she said. “Main living areas, the kitchen, four bedrooms, and two of the three baths are on the main level, which has soaring ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors.”

A family room/office/guest suite and bath are on the lower level. An expansive wrap-around, largely covered deck provides additional space for entertaining and dining. A two-car garage and driveway parking are at ground level.

The home is priced at $1,595,000, which Brandt noted is below the median sales price on the ridge, $1,725,000, offering an opportunity to “not only personalize this home to your taste, but also capitalize on this wise investment.”

For information, contact Myra Brandt of Elite Pacific Properties at 224-3413 or myra.brandt@elite-pacific.com. An open house will be held at the on Sunday, March 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. The home is also shown by appointment.