Seller's Highlights

About the location - The Upper Waianae Valley:

The upper valley is in many ways distinctly different from the well known Waianae Valley below. Waianae Valley (below) is the home to several small farms, with interspersed residential developments; it is warmer and drier, and therefore hosts little natural vegetation; Waianae Valley Road is the singular artery that connects the valley to the coast, and is also designated as a highway. The upper portion of Waianae Valley Road abruptly bears off of the main highway, and becomes a (paved) service road owned by the Board of Water Supply (BWS); BWS operates systems that draw from the abundant mountain water, far in the upper valley; they also share the road with residents, other land management agencies, as well as hikers and hunters. This section of the road sees little traffic, as it is lesser known, and ends at a BWS gate about 100 yards past the property.

The upper valley is almost entirely surrounded by mountains, but the ocean below, to the west, can still be seen from much of it. The most prominent of those mountains is the highest mountain on the island, Mt. Ka'ala. Waialua and the North Shore are only a few miles away, just on the other side of that mountain; consequently, the weather and climate of the upper valley seems to be more related to that of Wailua rather than that of Waianae. During rainy periods, Mt Ka'ala sometimes presents multiple water falls which can be seen (and sometimes heard) from the property! The upper valley is historically significant, in that it was once a thriving Native Hawaiian agricultural center; to this day ancient stone walls are commonplace and can be found nearly everywhere! Later, the valley became home to an extensive cattle ranch, and today remnants of fences, chutes and pens can still be discovered.

A prominent landholder in the upper valley is Ka'ala Farm Inc. (find them on the web). Their mission is to preserve and promote the Native Hawaiian agricultural practices that once thrived here; To that end, they work closely with several agencies, as a guardian, to ensure the valley will remain preserved for future generations to enjoy! They also have educational and participation programs that encourage hands-on learning. Recently they have been making preparations upon hundreds of acres of the old cattle ranch to host sheep; The new sheep ranch will be just across the road from the property!

A recent proclamation by the State has deemed the upper valley to be "Important Agricultural Land". This means that Ag parcels here can no longer be chopped up and turned into housing developments (as what happened to upper Makaha Valley)! The designation also provides grants and incentives to promote agriculture, which may be enjoyed by the owner of this land. Being zoned as AG2, combined with that designation, likely also means continued amazingly low property taxes!

ABOUT THIS PROPERTY...

This parcel is one of a two-parcel Condominium Property Regime (CPR). A CPR is a mechanism whereby a single parcel can be divided without as much red tape as is otherwise required with subdividing; As such, the two parcels (A and B) share the same driveway entry easement, main water meter, and power pole. One residential dwelling can be built on each parcel; The neighbor (A) has built, and fully developed a beautiful property - their house can be seen tastefully tucked within the trees, when driving up the valley. The CPR (A and B) is surrounded entirely by government owned land, and as such, there is only one adjacent residence to this property! Besides the one residence allowance (per parcel), the AG2 zoning provides for the construction of other agricultural buildings through HRS 46-88. This parcel (B) holds four such already approved permits; one for the barn, and three for future use. The shared water meter is charged at AG rates, so even though we receive the same water as residences, the rates are substantially lower.

Recently constructed, the barn is traditionally inspired, following timber-frame design and farm function. With 1,000 sq. ft. on the ground, two lofts totaling 560 sq. ft., and a 1,000 sq. ft. attached covered shed, it will provide ample space for almost any purpose! Each loft even has a functional gable outrigger for hoisting hay bails or other cumbersome loads. One loft was designed and built to be closed in as a studio or office, as an option. Constructed as a shell, the barn remains an open slate, ready for the new owner to finish according to their own purpose and liking.

The Gazebo is likewise a recent addition to the land. At over 150 sq. ft., it is very comfortable, and able to accommodate large gatherings. It sits at the upper end of the property, overlooking ideal growing fields and dramatic mountain backdrops! With a developed vineyard or coffee plantation view, it would make a spectacular venue site!

The shape of the parcel is rectangular, gently sloping downhill toward the stream, with the driveway entering the upper potion. The upper half is mostly open space, while the lower half becomes perpetually green with dense vegetation; The green forested area corresponds to the year-round stream that bounders the eastern lower half. There is another seasonal stream that bounders the eastern upper half, and then connects to the year-round stream at about the center of the boundary. The stream can be heard from almost anywhere on the property, 24/7! Adjacent to the property, or hiking upstream, small swimming holes, fishponds, and waterfalls are abundant and undisturbed!

The campsite and proposed home site sit where the forest begins, where the streams join, under the shade trees. From this location there is an incredible vista looking upstream; the pools, falls, boulders and wildlife are breathtaking! At the campsite, under the shade of a large Monkey Pod tree, there is a fire pit, storage shed, and 30' travel trailer RV; A small solar system provides the RV with power for lights, entertainment, and refrigeration. The RV will be made available for purchase at closing.

Central in the lower forest is a giant Monkey Pod tree and a pastoral meadow; an ideal location for a corral and stable, as equestrian opportunities seem nearly limitless - miles of trails for horseback, hiking, and hunting begin only steps from the top of the driveway! Plant life across the land and adjacent forest is abundant, varied, and seasonal - wildflowers, aloes, cactus, vines, banyan, rubber, mountain plum, passion fruit, coffee, taro, banana, mango, jackfruit, tamarind, lime, soursop, starfruit, avocado, and orange are just a few to be named.

Comparable properties:

No truly comparable properties can be found anywhere on the island! The nearest statistical comparisons are mostly located in the lower Waianae Valley. Those properties are generally barren, surrounded by activity and noise, with little or no improvements, and sometimes encumbered with tear-down structures, etc.; No place to build a legacy home or idyllic mini-farm, they still sell for around $700,000. The contrast is stark, and positions this property to be quickly recognized and appreciated by the most discriminating pool of buyers.