Top 10 Best Buys of Kailua Homes for Sale Under $1,000,000 Kailua continues to be one of the most desirable towns in which to live in on the Windward side of the island.  It’s beachy, small community feel with easy access to Central Oahu and Downtown Honolulu is part of its appeal. To be greeted by the stunning Ko'olau mountain range and endless miles of powdery white sandy beaches adds to its allure.   Military families based at Kaneohe Marine Corp Base often select Kailua as their home base because of its close proximity to the base.  As a buyer, the media tells you that there are deals to be found in every market. I am here to help show you where those deals are through my monthly Top 10 Best Buys of Kailua Homes for Sale for Under $1,000,000. Come back each month to see new deals.... 07/13/2008

Last week Thursday, I had the opportunity to get a tour with the Urban Land Institute's Young Leader group with Mitch D'Olier, the President and CEO of Kaneohe Ranch.  We started at the Farmer's Market, which is relatively new to Kailua and takes place every Thursday from 5-7:30 PM.  It is hosted by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.  It's in the parking lot behind Long's Drugs in the heart of Kailua Town.  What's great about this & other farmer's markets (such as the one at Kapiolani Community College on Saturdays) is that they do not even have to advertise.  The products are so good that the "word of mouth" buzz creates more than enough traffic.  We met at the new fountain fronting Kailua Road.  Mitch gave us a brief history on Kaneohe Ranch and the Castle Family.  The perpetuation of... 03/17/2008

Compiled using statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors MLS. SP is sale price. LP list price at time of sale. DOM is days on market. Neighborhood Year Sold Avg SP Med SP %SP/LP Avg DOM Med DOM 2006-2007  %Change Avg. Sold Price AIKAHI PARK 2007 18 $909,255 $850,000 97.00% 36 15 2.24% " 2006 14 $889,321 $875,000 97.89% 54 41 BEACHSIDE 2007 21 $2,938,714 $2,050,000 91.87% 82 80 -22.05% " 2006 16 $3,770,062 $2,390,000 92.20% 84 30 CNTRY CLUB KNOLL 2007 2 $1,087,500 $940,000 98.86% 63 230 2.92% " 2006 3 $1,056,666 $950,000 99.69% 22 7 COCONUT GROVE 2007 47 $687,351 $662,500 97.29% 62 53 5.56% " 2006 56 $651,151 $625,000 97.27% 54 46 ENCHANTED LAKE 2007 41 $822,114 $775,000 97.70% 72 57 -4.88% " 2006 43 $864,302 $840,000 97.95% 68 54 HILLCREST 2007 2 $987,000 $160,000 97.53% 112 135 -1... 02/15/2008

This past Friday, the 18th marked a historic landmark for leasehold ownership in Hawaii.  The landowner (lessor), Kaneohe Ranch prevailed in a suit between themselves and the individual owners (lessees) of the Kailuan in Kailua.  Over a dozen owners will be forced to surrender their homes by February 15, 2008.  As of December 31st of 2007, the lease expiration date, the owners/lesee's equity in the property is all gone.  They were given eviction notices prior to the end of the lease, however decided to take Kaneohe Ranch to court with the hopes of being able to salvage their home or investment.  This is the first time a landowner was successful in taking their property back. Every leasehold transaction involves a leasehold disclosure, where every potential owner/buyer must sign a disclo... 01/19/2008

A Sunrise in Kailua is like none anywhere in the world!   It is just and absolutely splendid.   It is not unusual for us to awaken to a site like this from our home in Kaimalino in Kailua!   What a wonderful place to live.  We are generally favored with this kind of view in the winter when we have a little more rain than usual and temperatures in the mid 70's during the day.   Evenings are another matter!   Temperatures dive to 65 degrees and we absolutely freeze!   It's tough to have to put on sweats or a jacket and long trousers to sit in the back yard at such times.   Brrrrrr!    I hope everyone has an opportunity to visit Hawaii!  It is truly Paradise.   And should you choose to stay, give us a buzz. RE/MAX Kai Lani, 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive #109, Kailua, HI 96734 -- 808-237-5300  01/19/2008

The Kailua communities (zip code of 96734 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market.The below figures include both fee simple and leasehold properties.  These are only the totals and average sale prices.Single Family homes sales:  The month of November saw strong average sales prices.  Year to date, both average sales price and sale volumes have shown modest increases over the 2006 figures.  Inventory levels also came down a little in November.Condo and townhouse sales:  In November both sales volume and average sales price volume continues to be a bit off from 2006, while average sales prices are still holding strong in the Kailua area.  Inventory levels are somewhat low, which may keep the prices strong.Currently Active for Sale (as of 12/22/07):  ... 12/22/2007

The Kailua communities (zip code of 96734 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market.The below figures include both fee simple and leasehold properties.  These are only the totals and average sale prices.Single Family homes sales:  The month of October saw a drop in the number of closing and for average sales price.  Year to date both numbers have shown increases over the 2006 figures.  Inventory levels are at about 4 months worth.Condo and townhouse sales:  Have shown increases in average sales price over 2006 levels.  Number of units sold is down year to date from last year, but did show a rebound in October.  There is currently less than 4 months worth of inventory.Currently Active for Sale (as of 11/29/07):  138 Single Family Homes  58 Condos/ Tow... 11/29/2007

Data current as of September 2007.Maunawili is one of Kailua's best kept secrets. Maunawili is lush and green, and as would be expected, a bit rainer than some other areas of Kailua. A tranquil bedroom community, Maunawili is only 10 minutes (or less) from Kailua Town. Living here also shortens your commute to downtown Honolulu, as it is located off Auloa Road, turning South from the Pali Hwy (61) and heading into the country. This area is very convenient to Le Jardin Academy and Trinity Christian School, and to H-3. Maunawili has many beautiful homes with spectacular mountain views, including some large estates on huge lots. With hiking trails and a waterfall nearby, Maunawili home prices range from $700K to $1.3M and up, depending upon lot and home size which vary greatly. There are r... 09/26/2007

Data Current as of September 2007The Kukanono neighborhood in Kailua is very small and consists of only a few streets. It is located between the Pali Highway and Kawainui Regional Park. Homes rarely become available in this area, but if listed would probably be priced between $600K to $850K. Kukanono lot size varies from about 3,500 to 11,000 square feet and some lots have been split, with two homes. This neighborhood is conveniently located for commuters to Honolulu, and there are nearby walking and running trails at the Kawainui Marsh. Castle Medical Center is also next door and Kailua Town is a short drive.(c) 2007, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn. All rights reserved.Kailua Real Estate. Buy or sell real estate on Oahu. http://www.yvonneahearn.com/ 09/26/2007

Data Current as of September 2007The Pohakupu neighborhood is a relatively small subdivision in Kailua. It is bordered to the Northwest by the Pali Highway and to the Southwest by the Kalanianaole Highway. Great for families, this neighborhood features a large park with a playground for kids. Pohakupu homes were built in the late 1950's and early 1960's, and are among the most affordable in Kailua, selling usually between $625K and $800K. Lot sizes in the Pokakupu subdivision mostly range from about 7,500 to 8,600 square feet. Homes are 3 bedroom and up, usually ranging from 1,100 to 2,400 sq ft. Like nearby Olomana and Kukanono, the Pohakupu neighborhood is great for commuting to Honolulu, as it has great highway access. Some of these homes may have very nice mountain views. (c) 2007, ... 09/26/2007

Data current as of September 2007The Olomana neighborhood in Kailua is relatively small and houses do not come available here too often. A nice family neighborhood, it is relatively affordable, and includes convenient access to the Pali Highway and proximity to Castle Medical Center. Some of the homes here have great views of the Koolau Mountain Range and the neighborhood, itself, is named after Mount Olomana, the unique three peaked mountain in near proximity and view. Lot size in this area is generally between 7,500 to 8,500 square feet, with a few larger exceptions. Most homes range from 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft, and are of slab construction, built in the early 1960's. Homes are priced, usually, between $725K and $825K and tend to go quickly. The neighborhood is bordered by the Kalaniana... 09/26/2007

Data Current September 2007 Lanikai means "heavenly seas" and is one of the most desired, prestigious, and expensive areas of Kailua. Home or vacation spot to many local and national celebrities, such as the beloved late Don Ho, you will find multi-million dollar mansions and modern architechtural masterpieces mingled with plantation style homes and shabby beach cottages.  As one of the first and oldest areas of Kailua, there are more very old (incl. 20's & 30's) homes left in this area of Kailua than any other, some beautifully restored. The beach, with it's soft white sand is world renowned and many homes are either beachfront or have a views of the ocean and nearby Mokulua islands, a wildlife preserve, to which people take out kayaks. It is very, very expensive and you really can't e... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007This is a very desirable family neighborhood with areas very close to the Kailua Beach Park/Kailua Beach, and Kailua District Park. It has many cul-de-sac streets. It is bordered approximately by Kuulei Road to the Northwest, the odd-numbered 0-200 blocks of S. Kalaheo on the Northeast, the even-numbered 100-200 blocks of Kailua Road on the Southeast, and the even-numbered side of the 400 block of Kailua Road & the East side of Kailua Intermediate School & the 0-200 blocks of S. Kainalu Drive on the Southwest. Homes are mostly original to the 1970s, but there are some fabulous remodels, causing prices to range from about $1.1-$1.8M, depending on size and proximity to the beach. These are slab foundation, ranch style homes and lots are usually over 10,000 sq ft... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007This Kama'aina family neighborhood is bordered by Keolu Loop to the West & includes Ku'upau street to the North. It ends East at the hills located above & behind Lanikai and Bellows Air Force Station. The Southwestern border is approximately at Akamai Street (Kailua Bluffs), and the Southwest border is Keolu Drive Loop (Enchanted Lake). The lower part of Keolu Hills is comprised mostly of bungalow-style homes original to the early 1950s, most in various stages of remodel. Some are have been completely torn down and rebuilt, some are tear-downs. These start at around $700K, with tear downs in the $600K's, making this area one of the more affordable areas of Kailua. Homes are usually post & pier, with single wall construction and no garage (most have added carpo... 09/16/2007

Current September 2007This is a charming Kailua family neighborhood, with wider streets, and some areas quite close to the beach. Named after the Koolau Mountain Range, which you can view from many properties, it is the location of the famed Duck Road (Kainui) Road. A very wide street, it is lined in the center isle with palms, where ducks wander up from the part of the Kawainui Canal that ends at Kailua Bay in the Kaimalino/Beachside neighborhoods. Lot sizes vary widely, getting larger as you get closer to the beach, up to about 13,000 sq ft. and prices generally range from $700K-$1.8M, getting higher the further East you go, particularly East of Kainalu Street and on Kalaheo Ave. Canalfront homes are also available and are on the pricier side. Koolaupoku is bounded on the North by Mok... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007This is the beachfront neighborhood in and bordering Kailua Beach Park, ending Northwest at Kailua Rd. by the Kalapawai Market (Est. 1932). Properties consist of single-family, as well as a few condos and rentals. There are a few older homes, but date of construction varies quite a bit. The streets in this neighborhood include Kaneapu Pl., Makalii Pl., Kawailoa Rd., the 300 block of S. Kalaheo Dr., Popoia and Alala Rd. It is a small area and properties rarely come on the market in this area, unless they are newly constructed/renovated. For example, in 2004, 521 Kawailoa (an almost 1/2 acre lot with a tear down) was sold for $2.3M. A new gated subdivision was built in 2005, with each of the high-end units going for between $1.5-$2M, many sold before constructed... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007This neighborhood begins on the West part of Keolu Drive, bounded on the West by HWY 72 (Kalanianaole) and continues Northeast around the loop until about Hamakua Drive, and Southeast on the loop until and including Akaakaawa and the streets branching off it. This neighborhood has mostly newer single family homes ($700K-$1M) and lots of condominiums. Many of these homes are on or near the Kaelepulu Pond ("Enchanted Lake") or have views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range.(c) 2007, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn. All rights reserved.Kailua Real Estate. Buy or sell real estate on Oahu. http://www.yvonneahearn.com/ 09/16/2007

Data current September 2007This neighborhood of older homes is directly East of Coconut Grove and just West of the Kalama Tract. It is bordered on the East approximately by the East side of Maluniu Street and goes about a few houses west of Kainalu Road. It is bordered on the North approximately by Kaha street and the South boundary goes to the commercial section of Kailua/Kuulei Road. As homes are a bit closer to the beach, and lots tend to be larger, with more sq footage in the homes too, the prices are a bit higher than Coconut Grove ($750K up to just over $1M). However, they are very similar in character and are in various stages of remodel. Many in this small area are on Kainalu, a busy road, or right off Kainalu, still a bustling area. Great location near Kailua Town Center.(c) 20... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007This is a nice area, within a block or two of the beach (see photos bleow), located between an area just makai of Kainalu Drive (Kalama/Coconut Grove) and bordered slightly makai of N. Kalaheo Drive (Beachside). Though, the Northwest section of the neighborhood, past Uilama street, is bounded closer to Maluniu street on the West. Pukoa St and Wilikoki bound the area to the North and the Southeast section crosses Kuulei Road. The homes are generally older, many dating from the late 30's, 40s, and 50's, some plantation style with post & pier construction/some slab, but there are also lots of new remodels. The lot size is mostly 10,000 sq ft and larger, but some have been divided. Prices generally go from $1M up to $1.8M, with most being around the $1.1-$1.4M ran... 09/16/2007

Data Current September 2007Bordered by the Southeast side of Mokapu Rd, Marine Corps Base Hawaii to the North, and the beach the East and the Kawainui Canal to the Southeast, this is another one of Kailua's premiere neighborhoods, with luxury, beachfront and canalfront homes. Homes are generally larger than in most other neighborhoods 1800 sq ft and up, and all lots are over 10,000 sq ft. Date of construction runs from the mid-50s through now, and prices usually range from the low 7 figures to about $4 or 5 million.   (c) 2007, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn. All rights reserved.Kailua Real Estate. Buy or sell real estate on Oahu. http://www.yvonneahearn.com/ 09/13/2007