Leeward Options – Makaha

Makaha is the last town on the Leeward Coast heading northwest to Kaena Point. It remained rural and sparsely developed until implementation of a masterplan for the valley created by visionary entrepreneur Chinn Ho in the 1960s was set in motion. Ho recognized the area as favored in terms of natural beauty with its amphitheater-like valley surrounded by the peaks of the Waianae Mountains and mile-long sandy shoreline that includes the world-famous Makaha surfi ng beach. Initial components of the development consisted of Leeward Oahu’s first resort with a hotel and two golf courses, one of which is still in play, as well as large country zoned properties. From the late 1960s to 1980, six condominium apartment developments were completed, four on the coast and two in the valley.

Makaha Valley Towers, built in 1970 by Chinn Ho, includes just under 600 Fee Simple condominium studio and one- and two-bedroom units, a recreation area with swimming pool, and parking facility. The 20-story structure is located on 14 acres on a hillside in the west part of the valley.

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties Real Estate Agent G-No Opfer (RA) is a specialist in Makaha condos, representing buyers and sellers in transactions on the Waianae Coast over the past nine years. Based in the Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties Kapolei office, he is also a Waianae resident, who notes that he was attracted to the area by the warm sunny weather, sandy beaches, surfable waves, and country lifestyle.

He is currently offering a unique apartment on the 12th floor of Makaha Valley Towers with panoramic views of the mountains, ocean, and golf course at $469,000 inclusive of furnishings and two parking stalls.

The spacious 1,317 square-foot interior is augmented by two lanais with a total of 152 square feet overlooking the swimming pool area as well as the scenic surroundings.

“This is an extremely rare unit where a two-bedroom apartment was combined with a studio located on the desirable mauka side of the building,” Opfer said. “It has been completely reconfigured and remodeled with high-end features and includes central A/C. The kitchen has been expanded with bamboo etched cabinetry that reaches the ceiling, custom lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a reverse-osmosis water system.

The main bath was redesigned and enlarged and features a shaker-style door with fogged glass and cultured marble shower enclosure. The front bedroom has been converted into an office with a custom built-in wall unit, desk, and horizontal pulldown bed. The studio portion has been converted into an open living room with a second custom bath and hidden utility closet. Upscale finishes also include custom tile and engineered hardwood flooring.

“The views from the Towers are breathtaking due to the elevation of the property…nothing like it anywhere else in the valley. The Towers has a resort lifestyle feel to it. Many of the owners live there part time and when they are here, they’re essentially on vacation. You see them heading out with golf clubs, relaxing at the pool, going to the beach. There are also many vacation rentals at the Towers…the visitors are excited to be in Hawaii and in immense awe of the beauty of Makaha Valley.

“After a good rain, over dozens of waterfalls can be seen cascading down the mountain right behind the Towers… massive breathtaking waterfalls. I love watching the visitors at the Towers as they are incomplete wonder at the surroundings. This property truly fulfills their dreams of Hawaii. Also the Makaha Valley Towers staff demonstrate real aloha to the owners and the guests. I often meet clients and friends around the swimming pool at sunset and it truly has the atmosphere of a classic Hawaiian resort with the tiki torches lit in the barbecue area…and people swimming in the pool that is always heated to 82 degrees.”

Opfer added that dry sunny weather and sandy beaches are among the attractions of the Waianae Coast, as well as a wide range of surfing options. ”Everything from hard-core heavy barreling waves near the end of the road at Third Dip to classic long playground-style waves at Makaha,” he said. “For the beginners, there’s a surf spot called Rest Camp, which is similar to a Waikiki-style wave. In addition, Pokai Bay, just down the coast, is protected from the waves making it an ideal area for paddling canoes, stand-up paddling, and sailing. The recreational opportunities accessible from Makaha Towers are endless!”

For more information or to arrange a private showing, call or email G-No Opfer at (808) 497-6840, g-noo@cbbpacific.com.