Neighborhood in Focus: “A Haven in the Heights”

Waialae Nui Ridge

Located between Maunalani Heights to the west and Waialae Iki to the east, Waialae Nui extends from the 1430 block of Halekoa Drive just above Kalanianaole Highway to an elevation of 1,350 feet at the top of the development, one of the highest altitudes of any Honolulu neighborhood.

Only sparsely developed at the lower levels before the 1950s, Waialae Nui began its transformation into one of East Honolulu’s most extensively developed ridgeline neighborhoods in the 1960s.

The abundance of vacant land on Waialae Nui Ridge and the potential for creating a new upscale neighborhood with homesites overlooking the ocean and the valleys attracted major developers who laid out the subdivisions accordingly.

Convenience to shopping and dining just down the hill at Kahala Mall as well as freeway access and close proximity of Kahala beaches were additional attractions that made the new development successful and continue to contribute to its popularity. In fact, Waialae Nui is experiencing a renaissance with remodeling in progress at many of the older homes to maximize views and space.

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties Realtor Dawn Kayano has recently listed a home at 1476 Halekoa Drive at $890,000. “This is an incredible value and opportunity to live in a highly desirable neighborhood in East Oahu for under $900,000. This home offers endless panoramic ocean views from Kahala to Diamond Head and has a very flexible, livable floor plan,” Kayano said.

“The current owner’s parents were the original owners of the home, which was built in 1956 and designed to maximize use of the terraced lot and optimize views from all levels. From the carport, you descend a flight of stairs to the entrance to the home on the first floor, where the large main living area, kitchen, three bedrooms, and a bath are located. The living room opens to a 200-square-foot covered lanai, which looks out across the neighborhood and golf course to the ocean. One bedroom and one bath are downstairs, as well as another large living area and covered lanai which opens to a grassy lawn with a large lime tree. This area provides additional space for dining and entertaining. Below, at the lowest level of the property, is a fenced yard with a plumeria tree and barbecue area. The terraced yard areas provide ample room for gardening, outdoor entertaining and dining. Another nice feature of this home is its location in Waialae Nui…you enjoy un-obstructed views and cool breezes without a long drive up the hill.”

For more information on the property, contact listing Realtor Dawn Kayano at 389-4662. An Open House will be held at 1476 Helekoa Drive this Sunday, July 28, from 2 to 5 p.m.