The History of Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai is one of Oahu's premier planned communities, developed by Henry Kaiser and Kaiser-Aetna in the 1950s, formed by dredging and filling Kuapa Pond.    Originally, Kuapa Pond, or "fishpond wall,"  had a natural barrier beach, that protected the tidelands from Maunalua Bay and the Pacific, encompassing 523 acres.   Ancient Hawaiians used the lagoon and wetlands as a fish pond.  But in 1961, Kaiser-Aetna leased the acreage from Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, one of the largest landowners in the entire state of Hawaii, to develop residential tracts and a marina.  At one time, Kaiser even hoped for a minor league baseball team to be based in Hawaii Kai, playing in a 50,000-seat stadium.  Because of failing health, he rushed construction and some locals even considered Hawaii Kai to be "Kaiser's Folly."  Real estate appreciation in the last 50 years, and the quality of life in the community, have confirmed his vision of a mixed-use development with wide appeal.

Hawaii Kai's Ideal Location in East Oahu

Hawaii Kai is about 12 miles from downtown Honolulu, has easy access to the H1 Freeway, and is in close proximity to the Kahala and Kaimuki neighborhoods on one end and Waimanalo and Kailua on the other.  Residents enjoy s a good variety of  beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, movie theaters and restaurants.  Hanauma Bay Beach Park is one of its greatest attractions.

Homes Come in All Sizes and Prices

This community offers a nice mix of residential subdivisions: ocean front-mini estates in Portlock .. Marina front townhomes in Gateway Peninsula.. Koko Marina and Kuapa Isle, resort like-condominiums in Mauna Lauan and The Esplanade.. Elegant highrise condominiums in Mt.Terrace and the Commodore.. golf course front-homes in Queens Gate.. ocean view homes on several ridges, and affordable condominiums and single family homes.

Ownership of the Land

The majority of the single family homes are owned in Fee Simple (you own the land and the building) however, some of the condominiums and townhomes are still held in Leasehold (you lease the land from the fee owner).

Hawaii Kai is Unique

This development really is unique on the island, and a very prestigious address to have.  I've lived and worked here as a Realtor for many years, so contact me with any questions on our lifestyle or the real estate market.

Your Hawaii Kai REALTOR®,
Barbara Abe
808-226-2537
808-396-9462
barbara@barbarashawaii.com