Owning a home in paradise is a dream for many; Hawaii has become a popular destination for homebuyers for its ability to turn dreams of paradise living into a reality. When prospective homebuyers first begin their search, I generally hear two specific criteria for their dream location: “How close will I be to amazing beaches?” and “Will I be able to embrace the Hawaiian culture?” Although these are great starting points, searching for the perfect neighborhood may become overwhelming.
View of Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park
When visiting Diamond Head, worries seem to drift away with the passing breeze. The Diamond Head area encompasses all aspects of Hawaii living from surfers gathering along the coast to photographers tirelessly shooting along the hillside. With no specific cookie cutter neighborhoods, each street offers a new adventure with its own style of living.
Pualei Circle – A Welcoming Neighborhood with Something For Everyone
Nestled along the base of Diamond Head you will find Pualei Circle, a unique community for the pocketbook-conscious buyer. While taking a stroll around Pualei Circle, you will find condos that proudly showcase their age by embracing their diversity.
Low-rise condominiums prevalent along Pualei Circle, close to Kapiolani Park
This community has no average buyer with residents ranging from young adults to retirees. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, allowing even a stranger to feel at home. Although Pualei Circle condos were built in the 1960’s, their close proximity to Kapiolani Park, the ocean, and Waikiki truly gives this community something to offer everyone.
Cozy Homes with a Hefty Price Tag
Leaving Pualei Circle brings you to Holei and Nikolo Street where you will find cozy homes snuggly situated on 5,000 square foot lots. Although these homes are small, they come with a hefty price, especially to those like me coming from the midwest. Even with the price for a home on Holei and Nikolo starting at a lofty $1.5M, they are rarely available.
Playing fields of Kapiolani Park (top), Holei Street home (left), stately Noela property with iconic Diamond Head as a backdrop (right)
Multi-Million Dollar Homes
As you travel further on the slopes of Diamond Head, you will find hideaways of multi-million dollar homes covering the streets of Gail, Owena, Hibiscus, Alapali, and Makalei. However, you know you have found the grand dame of them all when you casually approach Noela Drive, which has some of the largest estates in the area. With homes covered in beautiful architectural details, magnificent gardens and skyline views, it’s no wonder families maintain these homes for generations.
Gated property in the Noela neighborhood
Gold Coast Living
If the unsurpassed skyline views of Noela are not your style, you may find yourself searching for a condo along the Gold Coast. Although these condos lack the amenities and luxurious décor of the new buildings within Ala Moana and Kakaako, they are not lacking in Hawaiian lifestyle. Here you will find yourself easily submerged within Hawaiian culture all while being within walking distance to Waikiki shops and restaurants.
Gold Coast home, many of which are on the historic register; Home on Makalei Street
At the end of the day, the Gold Coast offers the ocean at your backdoor, allowing you to take in its breathtaking sunsets and sounds of the waves. This quaint neighborhood’s luxury truly comes from its location. However, if you need more space than a condo can give you, just a ways from the Gold Coast, La Pietra offers 2-story luxury townhomes nestled in the foothills of Diamond Head.
Gold Coast condominiums
Exclusive Oceanfront Estates
Oceanfront living is what most of us dream of and the Diamond Head coast offers some of the island’s most exclusive estates. Owning a home on the ocean is a luxury for only a privileged few; with price points ranging from $5M to $25M, it’s not hard to understand why. Although these homes vary in size, age, and architectural design, the seamless shift from property’s edge to ocean’s beginning is what sets these homes apart.
Visitors flock to the sandy beaches along the Gold Coast
If the thought of constant waves crashing outside your door is overwhelming, you may find yourself on the east side of Diamond Head, known as the Kahala Side. With this area being strictly residential, you will not find restaurants or shops within walking distance. Don’t let the location fool you, many shops are only a short drive; and many homes, higher on the slopes, offer breathtaking views of the ocean, east Oahu and even, on a clear day, neighboring islands.
Are You Ready to Begin Your Hawaii Life?
Wherever your Hawaii home search takes you, I encourage you to begin with Diamond Head. And if your start begins with Diamond Head, perhaps I can share my morning stroll with you as we discuss where your Hawaii Life can take you.
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