February 20, 2024 - Haleiwa

Aloha, Friend!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a festive New Year celebration filled with food, family, and sweet memories. Welcome to the first Honolulu Highlights newsletter of 2024. Where did January go? And we are almost through with February! Thank you for being here.

This week, we explore the North Shore, specifically Haleiwa. Here are the highlights:

• Design in the Islands: Celebrate the unique beauty of Hawaii's coastline.

• Vibrant Lifestyle: Winter surf on the North Shore.

• Oahu Neighborhoods: Haleiwa, what’s not to love?

• Real Estate in Honolulu: Let’s look at Haleiwa.

Design in the Islands: North Shore Coastal

North Shore coastal design is characterized by its fusion of natural elements, traditional Hawaiian architecture, and contemporary design principles. This style embraces the laid-back, outdoor-oriented lifestyle of the North Shore while incorporating sustainable practices and a deep respect for the surrounding environment.

Here are some key elements and examples of North Shore coastal design in Haleiwa:

Open-Air Living Spaces: Designers often prioritize open-air living spaces that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. Large sliding glass doors, lanais, and expansive windows maximize natural light and allow a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Natural Materials: Local, natural materials such as lava rock, coral, reclaimed wood, and bamboo are commonly used in construction and interior design. These materials reflect the island's natural beauty and promote sustainability and connection to the land.

Modern Hawaiian Aesthetics: While honoring traditional Hawaiian architectural elements such as sloping roofs, broad eaves, and open-sided pavilions, contemporary designers also infuse modern touches to create a fresh, updated look. Clean lines, minimalist decor, and high-quality craftsmanship are hallmarks of this approach.

Integration with Nature: North Shore coastal design often emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings. Designers prioritize ocean, mountains, and lush tropical foliage views and incorporate landscaping elements that blend seamlessly with the environment.

Surf Culture Influences: Given the North Shore's status as a world-renowned surfing destination, surf culture often influences the design aesthetic in Haleiwa. Artwork, decor, and architectural elements inspired by surfing and beach culture add a playful and relaxed vibe to coastal homes.

North Shore coastal design in Haleiwa embraces the spirit of aloha and celebrates the unique beauty of Hawaii's coastline.

Vibrant Lifestyles: Surfs up!

Eddie Would Go….the legendary Hawaiian surfer whose actions coined the phrase was the first lifeguard of Waimea Bay, the first on the North Shore, and behind the premiere surfing event, The Eddie Big Wave Invitational.

Viewed as the biggest surfing event in the world, The Eddie will run if wave face heights consistently reach 40 feet between 12/14/2023 and 3/12/2024. The Eddie invites surfers, alternates, and legends to showcase their high-performance surfing at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu.

I attended The Eddie once, and it was an experience. I woke early in the morning, headed to Waimea Bay, found parking and an excellent spot to watch the surfers, and sat with thousands as we all awaited the event's start. The sun is awakening, the energy is high, the excitement overwhelming, and the surf…the surf is ENORMOUS! The thought that someone would surf those waves was nuts. Then we watched as these brave surfers, with an immense respect for the ocean, took the plunge and sought their waves. It was a memorable event. Local surfer John John Florence won the event I attended on February 25, 2016

Let’s see if 2024 is the 11th time since 1984 that The Eddie is on!

Click to learn about the Eddie Aikau Foundation and The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

Oahu Neighborhoods: Explore Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley, located near Haleiwa, is an ahupua’a, a division of land stretching from the mountains to the sea. If you imagine the island like a pie, each slice is an ahupua’a. The land was divided this way to ensure each community within the ahupua’a had the resources they needed to survive - access to forest land, fresh water from the mauka region, various ecologies for planting different crops, and a path to the ocean for fishing and travel.

Waimea Valley is a sacred historical site and a place to share Hawaiian culture and history.

Hiking Trails: Waimea Valley offers several scenic hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. These trails meander through the lush tropical forest, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, botanical gardens, and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites. Choose from short, leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, such as the trail leading to the majestic Waimea Falls.

Swimming at Waimea Falls: One of the highlights of Waimea Valley is the opportunity to swim in the pristine waters of Waimea Falls. After a picturesque hike through the valley, visitors can cool off by taking a refreshing dip in the natural pool formed by the waterfall.

Botanical Gardens: Waimea Valley is home to diverse tropical flora, including rare and endangered plant species native to Hawaii. The valley features meticulously curated botanical gardens where visitors can admire exotic flowers, towering trees, and vibrant foliage. Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the rich botanical heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.

Waimea Valley Cultural Center: At the heart of Waimea Valley lies the Cultural Center, where visitors can delve into the history, traditions, and customs of the Hawaiian people. The center offers educational exhibits, interactive displays, and cultural demonstrations that provide insight into the unique heritage of the islands. You can participate in lei-making, hula dancing, and traditional Hawaiian crafts.

Overall, exploring Waimea Valley offers a multifaceted experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Haleiwa.

Real Estate in Honolulu: What’s happening on the North Shore of Oahu?

The real estate market in Haleiwa continues to strengthen with a steady demand for residential properties. Prices have remained relatively stable, with slight increases in certain areas due to high demand and limited inventory.

As of February 2024, there are two active listings for single-family residences for $1.7M and $2.9M and two active under contract at $960K and $1.7M. Home sizes range from 1,000 SF to 2,492 SF, with land at 5,120 SF to 70,371 SF.