Lokahi Makai Offers Comfort and Convenience on the Big Island
The entrance to Lokahi Makai invites you to enjoy all that the community has to offer
With its comfortable elevation, welcoming layout, and proximity to Kailua-Kona, it didn’t take long for my wife and me to choose Lokahi Makai for our new home when we moved to the Big Island several years ago.
Beautiful Mountain Climate
Accessed by way of three entrances off Kaiminani Drive in the Kona Palisades area, Lokahi Makai is made up of 192 single-story homes perched on the slopes of Hualalai. The community benefits from a relatively dry climate with ample breezes from both the mountain (mauka) and ocean (makai). Average annual rainfall is about ten inches. Winter low temperatures are generally in the mid-60s while summer highs top out right around 90 degrees.
The ocean, only a couple miles away, offers ever-changing views.
That Neighborhood Feel
Lokahi Makai means “unity by the sea,” and this is evident when you spend a little time around the neighborhood. Well maintained sidewalks alongside gently sloping streets allow for leisurely strolls around the community, where you are almost certain to have the chance to greet neighbors. Each afternoon dog owners gather at the park to talk story and let their pooches run and play. If you stop by the park, say “hi” to my friend Duane. He’s usually there with his black lab, Roxie.
Get There Quickly
Lokahi Makai is convenient to so much of what the Big Island has to offer. You can get to the airport in less than ten minutes. When I need to pick up my wife from one of her trips to Oahu, I like the fact she can call me when she lands, and I can get there in time to meet her at the curb. It takes about fifteen minutes to get to Kona, and you can be at the Waikoloa resort in less than 25 minutes. Waimea is 45 minutes away and you can drive across the Saddle Road and be shopping in Hilo in about an hour and fifteen minutes.
An example of the easily walkable streets in Lokahi Makai.
Shared Goals
I am on my second stint as a member of the homeowners’ association (HOA) board of directors. The board meets monthly to discuss the association’s finances, landscaping needs, and other business, as well as to hear any concerns homeowners may have. Lokahi Makai has a great mix of year-round island residents, owners who come to the island part of the year, and those using their homes as long-term rental properties. The board reflects this variety and shares the homeowners’ priorities of maintaining home values, keeping the neighborhood beautiful and safe, and fostering good communication.
If you would like to know more about living in Lokahi Makai, please contact me. I’d love to show you around!
john
May 28, 2020
Is there a community swimming pool, besides the Pacific Ocean?
Bruce Pratt
June 3, 2020
> Hi John,
There’s no pool in the community.
Catie
July 26, 2021
Hi Bruce,
Does the HOA allow expansion/addition to the home and addition of Lanai/deck? If so, is it a complicated process and is there a fee from HOA for design review?
Mahalo!
Bruce Pratt
July 27, 2021
> Aloha Catie,
Yes, the HOA will allow modifications and expansion to the house. I’ve seen them also approve enlarging a lanai. The key is that any modification must stay within the Design Guidelines. For example, house heights are restricted to preclude adding a second floor. You would have to submit your plan to the design review committee for approval. I wouldn’t consider the process complicated. They will expect that all county codes and regulations be met. The committee has 45 days to approve or not approve after the request is submittted. They require a deposit, which is refundable. This is to cover any cleanup to the property or repair of the common area that may be needed after the project is completed (if not done by the homeowner or contractor.) The deposit is anywhere from $250 to $1000 currently, depending on the estimated cost of the project. Once the plan is submitted, the design review committee works with the homeowner to clarify any questions and bring any unacceptable variances into line with the guidelines.
I hope this helps. I appreciate your interest.
Mahalo,
Bruce Pratt