Lanikai: A Little Piece of Heaven

Lanikai, which means heavenly, has one of the best recognized beaches in the world.  It is a community in Kailua on the windward coast of the island Oahu. It was developed in the 1920s designed around the idea to allow people to get away from the “hustle and bustle” of the outside world. It is surrounded by the Koolau mountain range which calls for warm weather with cool trade winds year round.

The area has been used by many photographers over the years to get not only great landscape photos, but to take pictures of swimsuit models. The community also played home to many of the actors of the television show Lost that did a lot of its filming in Kailua.

Homes Found in Lanikai

Lanikai is an upscale community that is home to numerous million-dollar homes. People here have the luxury of having one of the only non-county beach parks in Hawaii.  Which means those that live here can avoid having visitors year long. There is a tourist season, however, when the beach can get quite crowded.

Most homes for sale in Lanikai are single family homes, and they are typically only a stroll away from the beach. They are found along the coastline or on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Mokulua Islands. 

Lanikai is a tight-knit community with many long-time residents. The average sale price for a home here is around $2.1 million, with the low range being a two-bedroom home around $800,000 and the high-range being a beach-front home for $5 million.

Activities in Lanikai

While the area is known for its seclusion and beautiful beaches there are a variety of choices of activities for residents to choose from. Spending a day at the beach is always a great idea here.  This is one of the best and safest swimming areas in the state. There is also the ability to kayak to the Mokulua Islands and go for a picnic or have some fun playing sports in the nearby Lanikai Park.

The fact that Lanikai is located in Kailua is a bonus, too as there are a numerous amount of restaurants, department stores, Thursdays’ Farmer’s Market, a movie theater, and live entertainment on occasion to take part in. There is also the ability to take the 30 minute drive through the mountain or along the coast to downtown Honolulu. 

Lanikai really is heaven. How many other places can have seclusion and beauty all wrapped up in one. The community is great, and they love their town. They even have the Lanikai Association to protect the community owned park and their unique way of life.  It is a great place to escape from the world, but the world is just a few minutes away at the same time. Anyone that is seeking an upscale residential community that overlooks one of the best secluded landscapes should look no further than Lanikai.

Find Bliss in Diamond Head Real Estate

Diamond Head is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.  It is just to the east of Waikiki and sits on the southeast portion of the island facing the Pacific Ocean.  The locals call the island Le’ahi.  It received its modern name from British sailors, who confused the sparkling calcite with diamonds. 

Diamond Head is a volcanic crater in a chain of Hawaii’s craters.  This crater has been extinct for 150,000 years, and when Hawaii became annexed by the United States, Fort Ruger, one of the major defense forts of the time, was built inside Diamond Head.  This turned Diamond Head into an observation deck and underground complex.  The Diamond Head trail still gives evidence to the command post that once stood, and is still home to radar.  The trail is one mile and three-quarters long and leads to the west side of the island where hikers will get a breathtaking view of Waikiki to Koki Island.

Homes in Diamond Head

Diamond Head is home to people who are looking to get away for a while or who are looking to stay gone.  This area is where vacationers come for quiet and relaxation and where retirees and millionaires look to call home.  This is an exquisite upscale community.

The Gold Coast is located at the base of Diamond Head on Kapiolani Park.  It has the feel of a residential area but is still in close proximity to nearly everything.  Waikiki and Honolulu are both just a few minutes away.  This area is home to some of the best condos, with amazing views of the Pacific and Waikiki, in Hawaii.

Along the Gold Coast there are cottages and mansions alike lined up beside the crater.  Many of these homes sit on the bases of cliffs and overlook the ocean.  Some of the most luxurious homes are located in this area alone due to the spectacular views available.

The average home in Diamond Head starts at a price of $800,000.  Most of the homes here have an average of four bedrooms, and the condos have an average of two bedrooms.

Activities in Diamond Head

Besides being able to go on the Diamond Head trail there are numerous other things people will love about living in this area.  Diamond Head is made for someone who loves to be outdoors.  The Kapiolani Park is in walking distance from the beach.  There people can enjoy practicing any number of sports from tennis to archery. 

Waikiki is located just on the outside of Diamond Head.  This provides some privacy and quietness from this widely popular tourist destination, but also is close enough where homeowners can enjoy the two-mile strip shopping center.  They also have the option of eating at any number of high-rated restaurants, visiting the Honolulu Zoo, or checking out the Haunama Bay.

People are buying peace when they buy real estate in Diamond Head. This area is great for those who want to live a quiet life in an epicurean lifestyle.  The beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean always in view and the ability to enjoy it in a comfortable environment is a dream come true for many people.  Plus, there is the bonus of never having to travel far to enjoy other activities. Diamond Head really does offer everything.

Hanauma Bay just east of Hawaii Kai

Hanauma Bay, with its beautiful half circle shape, could be a stand-in for paradise.  The white sand beach is framed by swaying palm trees.  The bay is actually an extinct volcanic crater; after an exterior wall collapsed, the ocean waters entered and formed the bay.  It has a large coral reef and supports a variety of marine species.  Snorkelers at Hanauma Bay may encounter turtles and tropical fish including the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the reef triggerfish), Hawaii’s state fish. 

In 1967, Hanauma Bay became a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park.  According to the City and County of Honolulu site on Hanauma Bay, recognition of the damage caused by neglect and by too many visitors (three million annually), engendered a plan to restore Hanauma by reducing the number of visitors allowed into the area, setting up an education program, and using other supportive restrictions.  The result has been a cleaner, healthier Hanauma Bay.

Beyond “just” scuba diving or snorkeling, visitors to Hanauma Bay can also enjoy great swimming.  The bay is usually pretty well protected from big waves and rough surf.  Once out of the water, the beach is great for sunbathing and relaxing.  Many people also enjoy a picnic whilst on the beach.  There is also hiking available on trails that both hug the water and go up ridges that provide great views of the area.

Hanauma Bay was once the local “fishing hole” for Hawaiian royalty.  Fish that are commonly found in Hanauma Bay include Blue Pacific Marlin or A`u, which, legend has it, could use its heavy bill to poke holes in the ancient Hawaiians’ fishing canoes.  Another popular eating fish found in Hanauma Bay is the Ono (“delicious” in Hawaiian is “`ono”) which has white, delicate and flaky meat. Both of these fish appear in a Hawaiian take on sashimi, which is called poke:  pieces of raw fish marinated in Hawaiian salt, seaweed, soy sauce, sesame oil, kukui and chilies.  Of course, the exact recipe varies from chef to chef!

Contemporary residents can still enjoy the tastes and beauty of Hanauma Bay’s bounty.  Finding homes very close to Hanauma Bay may prove to be difficult.  However, there are nearby communities such as Portlock and other upscale Hawaii Kai communities that are very convenient to Hanauma Bay.  The community of Koko Kai, which sits along the rise of KoKo Head, lies just to the west of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park.  Koko Kai homes have good-sized lots and most were custom built about 35 to 40 years ago.  Best of all, the homes in Koko Kai have panoramic views where both the ocean and the mountains can be seen. 

The Koko Marina Center is a nearby establishment of retailers, water sports activity agents and a variety of restaurants.  There is also an eight-theater cinema.  The nearest guest accommodations are at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (less than 5 miles away), or else at any of the numerous bed and breakfast establishments in the area.   

Luxury Homes and Real Estate in Hawaii: Five Buying Tips

Hawaii is known to be one of those areas that most people are wanting to live in since it is after all considered to be paradise for most people that have ever had the chance to go there. With that being said, people that are interested in buying real estate here should make sure that they are doing their best to buy Hawaii luxury homes and real estate that is going to be good for them now and into the future. IN order to make this possible, they should take the following five buying tips to heart:

1. Do your homework and know where to look

You will find that there are tons of areas in which you can choose to buy a home. However, there are some things to keep in mind. First off, you want an area that has homes that are styled in a way that is of interest to you. You also want to consider the homes that are going to have the best values in order to increase your investment potential,. Also consider if this home is something that is going to be a part of the lifestyle that you envision for yourself. The whole idea is to find a place that you will be happy with.

2. Know what you can afford

Do not put yourself into the situation in which you are finding that you simply do not have enough money to cover the home that you buy. With that being said, the person should calculate just what they can afford and work off of this figure. They should take into consideration the cost of living in the area when making this calculation to make them more accurate.

3. Know your expectations are realistic

In order to know what you can expect, most people are encourage to come to the area for at least two weeks to know if this is something that they would like. Otherwise, you can never really know if this is your type of area or not.

4. Find a home that is you

This means that you should not simply buy a home since most people are looking at it and they consider it to be something that is perfect. You want to buy a home that is going to fit you and only you. You are the one that is buying this, thus, it should be something that you love and can picture yourself in for years to come and know that you will be comfortable. 

5. Look at your location options 

You should make sure that you look at all the locations that Hawaii has to offer, whether it be city living, suburb living or on the beach. Through scouting each location you will know for sure when you do find the home that best suits your needs.

The Most Common Hawaii Mortgage Types

Fixed Rate Mortgage.  This type of mortgage is perhaps what most mortgagors or borrowers are most familiar with.  If you avail of a fixed rate mortgage, you will bear an interest rate that remains unchanged no matter what the economic situation is or even if a mortgage provider alters its current rates.  This will be advantageous to you if the interest rates have soared up high in the financial market.

 

Standard Variable Rate.  The standard variable rate or SVR mortgage is often the type of mortgage that banks or mortgage providers would initially offer.  There’s nothing complicated about this mortgage.  In case the rates fluctuate or if the mortgage providers or banks decide to increase or decrease their rates, the amount of mortgage that you’ll be paying will definitely change.

 

Fast-Track Mortgage.  This mortgage is ideal for you if you’re in dire need to obtain a mortgage.  However, for you to be granted of this loan, you need to have a good credit record.  The submission of several requirements is usually ruled out in the process.

 

Discounted Rate Mortgage.  With this mortgage type, mortgage providers grant discounts to its borrowers based on the standard variable rate.  For instance, you may obtain .5% or 1% based on the SVR that you and your mortgage provider have agreed upon.  You can save money if the interest rates decline, but you will have to pay higher mortgage repayments if once it rises.

 

Buy to Let Mortgage.  This mortgage is often availed by people who acquire properties for the purpose of renting it out.  This is one of the best ways to engage in a realty business, but you also need to know that it has more requirements than any other mortgages because it involves more risks.

 

Capped Rate Mortgage.  Also using the SVR as a basis, this type of mortgage follows a standard base rate and any changes implemented by the mortgage provider, but only to a certain extent, which means that there is a ceiling or a limit to the rates being charged.  This mortgage will prevent you from paying superfluous interest rates that are usually dictated by the current economic and financial situation.     

 

Cashback Mortgage.  This mortgage may sound very appealing as your mortgage provider will give back a certain amount of money once you’ll be able to fully pay your mortgage.  However, do not expect that much because the interest rate that will be applied is high, which means that your cashback will be lower that you expect it to be. 

The Benefits that Hawaii Kai Rentals offer Visitors

Rental Benefits

For those that are looking for one of the most luxurious neighborhoods that can be found in all of Oahu, then they are going to want to look at Hawaii Kai. Homes in the area are those that are worth millions of dollars, and this is the norm for all the homes in the area. Within the area, the person will find the marina which has tons of eating places to partake on that offer great views, while there are also many shops that are going to fit the need for any person that wants to shop until they drop. The Koko Marina Shopping Center is the major shopping area that people are going to go to, and have such restaurant as Kona Brewing Company, Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Zippy's and Assaggio's.

However, for those that are looking at this location to rent, they are going to find that the biggest benefits, besides the scenery and shopping is the fact that this is near the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Those that want to have some fun outside are going to find that this is the location that they are going to want. They will find that snorkeling on Hanauma Bay is the way to go for most people. But, there are others aspects about the bay that makes it so appealing to those that visit.

The first is the fact that as any local will tell a person those that are wanting to catch some sun and do some exploring on the bay should act earlier as they only let in around 2000 people at once. And for those that are not there early, they simply have to stand in line and wait for the people to live the bay so that they can enjoy everything as well. In fact, some people wait over thirty minutes just to get onto the bay.

Beat the traffic: get there early

Since the person is staying in the Hawaii Kai area, they do get the benefit of being able to beat the majority of traffic since they are closer. However, that does not mean that they should wait until the last minutes. Parking seems to be a problem for most people since the lot is not extremely huge. The cost to park is one dollar, however, when the lot is full, the person is going to spend a while trying to wait for someone to leave in order to get their spot since there is no parking on the side of the road allowed.

There are around one million cars that are registered in Hawaii, thus a person can see that there are traffic jams occasionally. And of that one million, almost seventy percent of those cars is located in Oahu. By staying in the Hawaii Kai rental the person can avoid this. The bay opens at six in the morning, and those that are wanting to get in should make sure that they are there at opening times.

Paying for the Location

Those that decide to stay here are going to find that the nightly rates of the area are usually several hundred dollars per night, however, you get what you pay for in the long run. They are going to get a lot of room and an excellent location for that price that can make their trip even that much more fun.

Conclusion

Those that decide to stay in Hawaii Kai are going to find that they are staying in one of the most beautiful areas in all of Oahu and they will know just how paradise feels after staying here in this affluent neighborhood. While also getting the benefits that come along with staying here.

Waikiki, Hawaii: Things to Do

On the island of Oahu, located in Honolulu is the city of Waikiki that is known for its beauty. This area is home to what many consider to be the most popular beach that can be found anywhere, and is known for the crisp sands that are white and the water that is blue and fresh. This is where everyone comes to when they want to be a part of the tourist scene when they visit Hawaii. And for those that are considering Hawaii to vacation at, they are going to find that in Waikiki there are tons of things that they can do.

The beaches of Waikiki are actually comprised of a few single, smaller beaches that the person can visit. For example, there is the Royal Manoa Beach, which is considered to be the most popular, thus it is the most crowded during most times of the year. There is also Fort DeRussy Beach is coming in at second place for one of the popular beaches to choose from, and most people visit this beach in order to snorkel and just enjoy the coral reefs that are close to the shore. There are other beaches, including Kahanamoku Beach, San Souci Beach, Queens Surf Beach and Kuhio Beach.

For those that want to visit a landmark while in Waikiki, then south of the city is the Diamond Head Crater that is a volcano crater that everyone will see when they are located in Waikiki. Those that decide to go here usually make sure that they take a stroll around the observation deck and will find that they can get some great views of Oahu, that are picture perfect. And for those that want to be a bit more adventurous, then they are going to want to go on the hiking trial that takes them to the rim of the crater, and it is not too hard for those that want to do this.

There is also the third oldest aquarium in all of the United States that are located in Waikiki, which means that it must go on any tourists list of things to do while in Hawaii. There are over one hundred species that are found throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean that are housed in the aquarium. For example, there are octopi, jellyfish, sharks and reef fish. And popular the reason that most people stop in is the exhibit that has Hawaiian monk seals. And for those that visit the aquarium, they cannot live out the Honolulu Zoo that is also located in Waikiki. There are over a thousand animals that call this zoo home and the person that comes here has around forty-two acres to venture through that is home to zebras, lions, rhinos, and so forth.

Those that decide to visit Waikiki are going to find that there are tons of things that they can do and enjoy. They are going to find that they can enjoy the beaches, shop at the International Market Place, which is a great place to find souvenirs to give to others or to remember their trip by, and basically enjoy their time in Hawaii. And for those that are looking to make their stay even better they should make sure that they stay at one of the prestigious hotels in town, such as the Waikiki Banyan.

Honolulu Real Estate - How To Prepare A Move To Hawaii

If you are planning on moving to Hawaii there are some things that you are going to need to consider. The first thing you should think about is your reason for moving to Hawaii. Are you moving simply because the idea of living on one of these beautiful Islands is appealing? Do you have relatives there you want to be closer to? Or are you moving there because of a job?

Regardless of your reason for moving to Hawaii you should try and visit the island you will be living on prior to the move. Get an idea of the lifestyle of the island, cost of living and if you don't already have a job, what job opportunities are available. 

Keep in mind that even though the cost of living in Hawaii is higher than in the continental United States, the wages are lower. In fact, it is difficult to rent even a small efficiency apartment on what you can earn from a job. So be aware that you may need to have some sort of nest egg built up before moving to the island and that you may also need to work more than one job if you want to be able to afford housing and food.

If you are moving because of a job that has been offered to you. Check and see if the wages are high enough for you to afford a place to live. However, keep in mind that the housing you can afford may not be what you are used to. It will most likely be much smaller. 

When making the actual move to Hawaii, packing won't be much of a problem. Most homes for rent there come completely furnished right down to the plates, silverware, pots and pans. Just pack your clothing and personal items and important papers.

If you are planning on moving to Hawaii with a pet, you need to know that Hawaii has strict rules and regulations for bringing pets on the Island. You need to contact the Animal Guarantee section 4-6 months before your move and find out what you need to do in order for your pet to move with you. 

The best times to move to the Islands is between January and May and September and November as there are fewer tourists traveling at these times and air fare and short-term accommodations are cheaper than during the summer months.

Keep in mind that although Hawaii in some ways is a paradise in other ways living on one of these Islands can be as challenging as living anywhere else and in some ways more so. By being prepared for the cost of living, the lower income standard, and the opportunities that may or may not be available will make your adjustment to living on the Island much easier for you.

Why Should you Move to Hawaii

There are many reasons to make the move to Hawaii. One good reason is that the temperatures there are ideal because it is never too hot or too cold. It never gets colder than what is needed to have you see your breath when you blow air out nor is it over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. There are also the fresh air that is constantly blowing across the islands called trade winds that help to get rid of whatever pollution that might come from the vehicles there.

And if those reasons are not enough how about being surrounded by the beautiful deep blue ocean where the color is unlike any seen anywhere else with what seems to be in constant movement, On the weekends and after work you will always be able to find something to do. There are so many places to go shopping plus things to do for family time like taking walks along the beach watching the sun rise or set, going on picnics, swimming, visiting the various attractions there like the volcanoes or Pearl Harbor.

Living in Hawaii there are so many water sports to hold your attention. You can go sailing, snorkeling, diving, parasurfing or parasailing, windsurfing, and so many other water sports plus you can just relax on the beach taking in the sites and the sun.

When you get bored with the beach life you can go hiking on one of the twelve mountain ridge hikes that you can find on Oahu alone with peaks over four thousand feet high. If you really want to take a hike you can go to Maui and climb over ten thousand feet up the Haleakala volcano. Hawaii is such a diverse state with so many things to try, see, and do, including the different types of food, the people, the cultures, the whole way of life and the whole atmosphere of Hawaii.

If you have ten thousand dollars and some type of working skills you can move to Hawaii immediately because the unemployment rate there is low and there are always some type of jobs to be found. One of the reasons that jobs are so plentiful is that there is a lot of tourism in which you can find a job working in sales, work in the hotel industry, answer the phones, and more. If you really have the knack of selling, there are always a job selling time shares and condominiums.

You can even find jobs in healthcare and construction. As you can see, there are many reasons to make the move to Hawaii or one of the other outlying islands.

Making the Move to Hawaii

Moving to an island of fun in the sun, playing on the beach and swimming in the ocean is the dream of some people, but before you make the leap to move to Hawaii there are some things that you need to consider before you do. One of the first things that you need to remember is that when you find that special house you are going to have to do some major shipping of your furniture, household goods, personal items, and your car, all of which can become quite expensive. The best piece of advice is to sell everything except for your personal belongings and things that mean something to you. The furniture you can buy on the island along with various household goods. This will save you some big money.

When you do get ready to ship your personal items and whatever you decide to keep use Parcel Post because it is the cheapest way to ship, but there is one drawback. It also takes the longest to get there which can be four to six weeks. One way to get around this long wait time is to see about getting a post office box and start shipping your boxes to your new home. The post office will hold your boxes for a few weeks so you should not start sending boxes longer than two months before you get ready to leave for your new home.

But before you can even think about packing up your belongings you need to find a home to move into. It is a good idea to contact a real estate agent that lives on the island and let them know what you are looking for including the price range, how many square feet, number of bedrooms, and whatever else you want her to know. Set up a date that you and the family can take a trip to Hawaii and use that week to go house hunting with your agent. There are also many online real estate websites that you can also visit to see what houses are available. You could also find a home to rent until you find the home that you want to buy.

When you ship your car you can figure that it will cost around a thousand dollars and take about three weeks for it to arrive. To find a carrier to ship your car you can check online. 

There are just some of the things that you should do when you make the move to Hawaii.