West Marina Neighborhood: An Ideal Community for the Water Sport Enthusiast

West Marina is located in East Honolulu in the Hawaii Kai area. As the name suggests, it is a marinafront community and thus has a very active water sport lifestyle. Many homes have marina access and those with private boat docks are highly sought-after. Popular water sports in the area are boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Yes, we have good surfing in the area too! And it’s not crowded like in town – there’s nothing worse than fighting traffic to get to your favorite surf spot only to fight more traffic on the waves. There are wonderful little-known surfing spots here, where you typically “hang 10” with just a handful of other surf enthusiasts making it enjoyable and stress-free. Other nearby recreation options are golf, a skate park, and a movie theater. Hanauma Bay is just around the corner too!

West Marina is a unique neighborhood especially loved by water sport enthusiasts

Shopping options are plentiful here. The main hubs are Hawaii Kai Town Center, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, and Koko Marina Center. Grocery retailers include Costco and Safeway. Dining choices include the usual fast food spots for when you’re in a hurry, or on the occasions when you have time to sit and dine there is Roy’s Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Kona Brewing Company, and more. Located just 11 miles from downtown Honolulu, your commute to work can average about 40 minutes during rush hour.

Currently on the Market

In the West Marina neighborhood, buyers have quite a variety to choose from. There are many new construction projects that include single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums (low-rise and high-rise), many of which have great views of the marina or ocean. So just about every buyer can find what they are looking for.

Map of current active listings in West Marina

Currently in West Marina there are 20 active listings in MLS*, of which 2 are single family homes, 8 are townhouses, and 10 are condominiums (4 high-rise, 6 low-rise). As you can see, the offerings in this neighborhood is varied and appeals to a variety of home-seekers, which is one of the reasons why this area is so popular.

The lowest priced listing is in the Esplanade condo – a pet-friendly high-rise with great amenities, such as 24-hour security, a boat slip, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. Esplanade unit #33F, located at 500 Lunalilo Home Road, is offered at $435,000 FS and consists of 1 bed/1 bath/1 parking with 874 total interior square feet.

Esplanade #33F (MLS# 201504452)

On the opposite side of the spectrum, topping out the list is 520 Lunalilo Home Road #ER107. This single family home is located in the Peninsula and for the $1,850,000 FS price tag offers 3 beds/3.5 baths with an interior just over 2,100 square feet. The landscaped lot is approximately 6,235 square feet, has a 2-car garage, and a much sought-after private boat dock.

520 Lunalilo Home Road #ER107 (MLS# 201500495)

So What Property is a Good Purchase?

In my opinion, 821 Koko Isle Circle #14/1410 listed at $799,000 FS is the best value of the bunch. Yes, this is a short sale and it is likely to take a longer time to close, however, if you have the patience you will be rewarded.

821 Koko Isle Circle #14/1410 (MLS# 201500963)

The two-story townhome has 3 beds, 2.5 baths, and 2 parking all on 1,400 interior square feet. There is a lanai off of the sunken living room both offering amazing views of the marina. Koko Isle has great amenities including a heated pool, club house, exercise room, and community boat dock.

If you are looking to relocate, consider the West Marina neighborhood. It’s a wonderful community with easy access to exciting recreation, great shopping, and more.

*MLS search was done on 4/8/15.