Kahala

Kahala has always had the distinction of an ideal location for fine living. It is flat land fronting a beautiful beach with easy access to all that Honolulu has to offer. The architecture of the Kahala homes closer to Waialae Avenue are a mixture of early bungalows and ranch style homes built in the1900’s. As the streets move closer to the ocean there is clearly a transition to some of the finest and most opulent homes on Oahu. This transformation has a rich and complicated history.

The fortunate people with the means to purchase or build a beach home in Kahala were living large when the Waialae golf course opened in 1927. It was a shining jewel with an exquisite layout developed by Seth Raynor. In the early 1960’s, these residents protested the rezoning that allowed the construction of the Kahala Hotel and Spa (known then as the Kahala Hilton). The Waialae golf course lost some of those pristine water views and this chipped away at hearts of many Kahala residents. As years passed, entertainers and dignitaries from around the world filled the rooms at the Kahala Hilton. Money poured into Kahala and the construction of homes with unparalleled beauty on the shores of Oahu began. Premier architects including, Vladimir Ossipoff, Ernie Hara and Frank Hanes had never been busier. They constructed Mid- Century Modern homes, fused with the Frank Lloyd Wright use of space and Ranch style homes with modern elements. Other architects added more elaborate and massive mansions in the Italian-Mediterranean, Contemporary, Colonial, and Cottage styles. Many of these masterpieces still line the streets of Kahala. People with money wanted to invest in this rich neighborhood. Unfortunately, one of those buyers was Genshiro Kawamoto, a Japanese businessman. Residents were horrified when he purchased thirty one exclusive homes and then demolished some and invited homeless people to live in those left standing. This disaster wasn’t resolved for thirty three years. In 2013, Kawamoto was jailed in Hawaii for tax-evasion. The properties were sold and his passport was revoked.

For many of those who lived through those awful years in Kahala, an exclusive gated community seemed to be a better location for a precious home. Some Kahala residents moved to Waialae Iki or Hawaii Loa Ridge. People with vision knew that with change comes opportunity. In the past ten years, the construction has resumed in Kahala with impressive homes and tasteful renovations. After all, the beach is exceptionally beautiful. Every January the televised Sony Open is played at the Waialae Golf Course. The prestigious Waialae Country Club amenities and the convenience of accommodations at the Kahala Hotel and Spa next door make this the event a blissful retreat from the winter chill in other locations. A drive down Kahala Avenue leads to Diamond Head and Waikiki, where residents and tourist can enjoy entertainment at the Waikiki Shell Amphitheater in Kapiolani Park as well as the activities and the many dining options in Waikiki. Just off Waialae Avenue, the bustling Kahala Mall has an assortment of boutiques, restaurants, specialty shops, services and entertainment, including the Consolidated Kahala Theatre and the Whole Foods is located there as well. Kahala is a fine place to purchase a home on Oahu. This is a town a with history and the residents there are extremely grateful to call Kahala home.