HERE ON THE BIG ISLAND - Makai or Mauka? September 5, 2008
Posted by Kelly in : Big Island Hawaii, Featured Listings, General, HERE ON THE BIG ISLAND, Updates , 2commentsHERE ON THE BIG ISLAND
By Kelly Moran
Makai or Mauka?
Would you rather live by the sea, or on a hill?
On a coral atoll, everywhere you could possibly live is close to the ocean; but on a high island like Hawaii, you can live so far from the water that you might not even see it! Everyone who has the choice is either a makai (seaward) or a mauka (uphill) type. Which are you?
Living makai is what most people probably imagine, when they contemplate moving here. It’s almost stereotypical: swaying palms, seashells at your feet, that bracing salt air . . . . Being right on the water, or close to it, gives you the calming sound of the surf, and those cool breezes that are so welcome on hot days. Actual ocean frontage, of course, is typically the most expensive land. But sea views - from anywhere - are always in demand, and the greater the expanse of ocean you can see, the more desireable will be that property.
Just remember that, unlike the older Hawaiian islands, the Big Island has very few sandy beaches, and no one with an oceanfront lot has a truly “private” beach. By law, property owners have to provide - or at least not block - access to their section of the shoreline from the ocean or from the adjacent coast, and the public is entitled to be there, to swim, fish, etc., right up to the high-water mark. That said, though, since most of our coastline here is rocky - some of it actually being sea-cliffs a hundred or more feet above the water - there isn’t too much foot-traffic along most of our shores.
If there’s a down-side to living on the ocean, it’s the ocean itself. Salt spray fogs your windows, and leaves a crust on your furniture and clothes; it will also wreak havoc with unshielded electronics. Building-codes are particularly restrictive at or near sea-level, too, because your house is vulnerable to damage from storms, and (it must be said) from tsunamis.
Still, here are some potential makai properties to consider:
40’s Vintage Plantation Home with Million Dollar Views
Architectural Masterpiece with Private Beach on 13 Acres
*Virtual Tour*
Rare Hilo Oceanfront Estate
*Virtual Tour*
2 Oceanfront Acres with Panoramic Coastline Views
*Virtual Tour*
Oceanfront Paradise! Over 1/2 Acre, Panoramic Bay & Kaloli Point Views
*Virtual Tour*
What about living mauka? Land uphill, even with a distant ocean view, is typically less expensive than property of the same size close to the water. And mauka lots are generally bigger, too, so you may have more privacy. The temperature drops approximately three degrees (F) for every 1,000 feet of elevation, so summer days will be a little cooler, no matter how high up you go; and winter nights, if you’re in, say, Waimea or Volcano, can be be quite chilly - though quite a few houses there will have thicker walls and possibly even a fireplace.
If you want to live in the woods, you’ll have to be uphill, where there is a greater variety of trees that also grow taller and closer together than they do near the ocean. Maybe you prefer the wide-open spaces: the farm- or ranch-lands are all uphill. Many mauka parcels are almost flat, especially if they were formerly used to grow sugar cane; they can serve as a “blank canvas” on which you can create your own landscape from scratch.
The down-side to mauka living is mainly about distance: everything is a car-drive away: the beach (of course!), but also movies, festivals, and shopping. If you have to commute to work, and especially if gasoline stays as expensive as it is right now (over $4 a gallon), living uphill will be a bit costly.
Nonetheless, there are some wonderful mauka properties available, right now:
Panoramic Ocean, Mountain & Stream Views - 6 Acres
*Virtual Tour*
Cozy 2BR Home on 7.9 Acres - Private & Serene
*Virtual Tour*
Diversified Ag Business with Home on 20 Acres
*Virtual Tour*
8.3 Acres - Panoramic Mountain, Ocean and Hilo Bay
*Virtual Tour*
So wherever you choose to life, you’ll certainly agree that there’s no place like home on the Big Island!
Reduced - Kawainui Estate April 2, 2008
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This list price has been reduced on beautiful Kawainui Estate.
For up-to-the-minute pricing, virtual tour and full details, go to:
Just Listed! 4.8 Private & Secluded Acres with Waterfalls, Stream, More! March 20, 2008
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Rarely available! Secluded 4.8 acres near Akaka Falls, with mature trees and pasturelands, forested stream and waterfall. Ocean views from hills and knolls. Paved driveway leads to private, estate-size cleared home site beside a shady fern grotto.
Located near Akaka Falls State Park, several miles above Honomu, a vibrant plantation town on the Hamakua Coast. It is a twenty minute drive to downtown Hilo. Property is located at the end of a private road.
Akaka Falls Rd., Lot F, Pepeekeo, HI 96783 (Honomu Homesteads)
For a virtual tour, downloadable flyer, additional images and information, please click here.
Just Listed! Prime Building Lot in Sunrise Ridge Above Hilo February 20, 2008
Posted by Kelly in : Featured Listings, General , add a commentPrime building lot on Lahou Street in Sunrise Ridge above Hilo. This is a quiet, safe and upscale residential neighborhood conveniently located to shopping, schools and major access routes.This 10,000 
square-foot lot sits at the top edge of this quiet subdivision and affords an unobstructable view of Hilo Bay and the Pacific Ocean from the second story. This neighborhood has high quality homes with underground utilities, sidewalks and a pleasant ambiance. Hilo’s early morning sunrises are incredible to behold from this property. At approximately 300 feet, the relatively low elevation avoids much of the rain frequenting Hilo’s higher elevations, yet with no worry about tsunamis.The lot is located just 1-1/2 miles above downtown Hilo, less than 1 mile to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and only 1 mile to the Puainako Road Extension for access to Saddle Road which will quickly take you up to the Mauna Kea Observatory or over to Waimea and Kona. Hilo Hospital, an extensive medical office complex and astronomy centers are located nearby.
This fairly level lot is nestled against a lush greenbelt area at the rear of the property. It is far away from the main streets so that traffic noise will not disturb the quietness and privacy of everyday living. The neighborhood, largely occupied by professionals and retirees, is accessible from two streets along which pleasant-looking custom homes reside. A private park at the end of a cul-de-sac is only footsteps away. The Hilo airport is only 5 miles away but the flight corridors steer clear of Sunrise Ridge and the skies are serene. Hilo has a small town atmosphere with plenty of aloha and friendly people.
Directions: From Komohana Street, go up Kukuau Street into Sunrise Ridge Subdivision. Turn right on Ohukea (the first street). Turn left on LaHou and lot is halfway down on the right side. Look for sign posted, just after two story blue home.
For a virtual tour, images and additional information Click Here
Just Listed! Rare Hilo Oceanfront Estate January 16, 2008
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An elegant oceanfront oasis …
Four miles north of Hilo, just across Honolii Bridge, enter through a gate onto a cobblestone drive lined by Areca palms. At the driveway end, on a bluff overlooking a Hilo Bay panorama, you’ll find a private and elegant estate home.
Very few homes in Hilo are truly oceanfront — this is a rare offering. Situated on an extra large lot overlooking one of east Hawaii’s favorite surf spots, this residence offers panoramic views from most rooms. The home design is ideal for tropical indoor/outdoor living. Large wrap-around lanais, complete with soaking pool, provide spectacular views and extend the living space with areas for dining, whale-watching and relaxing. The interior of the home has been completely renovated. An open floor plan and high beamed ceilings create a serene interior ambiance ideal for tropical living and entertaining. The kitchen features a new gas stove, new cherry wood kitchen cabinets and under counter lighting. The master bath features a new spa tub and shower area with Hansgrohe thermal balanced and thermostat controlled valves with premium nickel finish and new granite countertops with double sinks. A 250,000 BTU split air conditioning unit with humidity control adjusts to your desired temperature preference.
To preserve the beauty and integrity of the home from the effects of oceanfront exposure, these additional improvements were made: new metal roof with premium heat resistant paint and thermal blanket throughout, new full metal fascia wraps entire home, outside decking created with Veranda plank (synthetic) decking and tempered glass elements, and all operational windows are dual glazed and have vinyl trim.
This home is a short drive north of Hawaii’s second largest city, Hilo. This vibrant town offers unique downtown shopping, world class astronomy centers and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Click here for the virtual tour and additional details
Featured Listing - Like New Cozy Home on 8 Acres December 12, 2007
Posted by Kelly in : Featured Listings , add a comment
This month’s featured listing is a Cozy home located on 8 acres in a private and serene tropical rainforest.
Virtual Tour, Images & Current Price:
Click Here
Cozy home located in a private and serene tropical rainforest. Like new custom home is being sold completely furnished and ready to move in!
Almost 8 acres located on a paved private road in Mt. View approximately 15 miles from Hilo and 20 miles from the Volcano National Park (Hawaii’s #1 tourist attraction).
Immaculate condition and quality throughout including: high ceilings large tiled floors deep Kohler bathtubs Bay window custom wood frame beds pedestal sinks stacked Kenmore washer/dryer vinyl cased windows and a large Nordic Hot Tub.
The lanscaped yard has a fenced paddock ready for your horse or animals. A large galvanized steel water catchment tank is located on the north side of the house.
This is a very peacful and tanquil setting. The home is in excellent condition and like new.
The home is nestled in a native forest with giant old growth ohia wild orchids and giant hapuu.
There is incredable stargazing from the property.
Custom made Teak and Mango wood furniture.
Interior design by local artist.
All gardening to date has been done with organic fertilizers and natural pesticides.
Ultra Violet filtration is installed on the water catchment system.
Perfect home for self sufficency. Small enclosed grazing area planted with high quality grazing grass.
Set back far from the road and electric has been brought in.
Easy to convert to gas for energy efficiency.
