Honolulu Condos

Just For Fun:  New "Hawaii Five-O" begins filming pilot episode today on Oahu

"Book 'em Dano"!

Last night, the Hawaii International Film Festival threw its annual gala Oscar Night America Party at Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

There, amid all the folks dressed in their Oscar best, we ran into Lost actor Daniel Dae Kim. Kim introduced us to Peter Lenkov, executive producer of CSI: New York, who is now also executive producer of Hawaii Five-O, the CBS revival of the classic Hawaii-based TV series.

As we reported last month, Kim was the first actor cast for the Hawaii Five-O revival, playing Det. Chin Ho Kelly, a role originally played by Kam Fong.

Kim and Lenkov left last night's party early. Why?  Because filming started on the pilot for the new Five-O early this morning, at Barbers Point on O‘ahu.

Kim will be doing double duty for a couple months, since Lost continues filming its sixth and final season into April.

"It's too early to talk about the show," said Lenkov, but he promised he'd talk to us sometime in the next few months, so we could let our readers know how Five-O was progressing. 

Then he went off to bid on a handcrafted ukulele at the HIFF gala's silent auction. "I play guitar, but since I'm here, I thought I'd get a uke to take to the set with me."

Kim was similarly mum. "But I can tell you we're excited," he said. 

"Break a leg," we said.

In addition to Kim, the new Five-O's cast includes Scott Caan as Det. Danny "Danno" Williams (played in the classic series by James MacArthur) and Alex O'Loughlin as Det. Steve McGarrett (played to iconic perfection in the classic series by Jack Lord).

In case you didn't know it, the opening scene of both the old "Hawaii Five-O" and the new, shows the infamous "Ilikai Apartment Building", located in Waikiki, which by the way are not really apartments, but are condos (often referred to as apartments in Hawaii).  A small pool of condos are also operated in a hotel rental pool.

For details about Ilikai Apartment Building, including floor plans, photos, map and current listings of condos for sale, please visit our website at www.HNLCondos.com

Waipuna Condos #2706, $549,000 in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

Waipuna Condos, West Waikiki, Honolulu

469 Ena Rd 2706
Honolulu, HI 96815


Price: $549,000

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
1071 Square Ft

Listing # 2913922

Amazing Ocean and Diamond Head Views!

Enjoy the views of ocean, Diamond Head and city, also, Friday fireworks from large balcony. Beautifully upgraded unit with oak cabinets & custom-built wall in living area. Well maintained and secure bldg in convenient Waikiki with a low maintenance fee and great amenities. Many guest parking. Pet friendly bldg.

Basic Features:

Acres: 2.46
Region: Metro
City Name: Honolulu
County Name:
Neighborhood: WAIKIKI
Schools: Jefferson
State: HI
Sub Area:
Subdivision:
Type:
Zip: 96815
Bathrooms: 2
Bedrooms: 2
Partial Baths:
Square Ft: 1071

Additional Features:

Additional Rooms: Dining Area,Open Lanai
Amenities: BBQ,Exercise Room,Patio/Deck,Pool,Putting Green,Resident Manager,Sauna,Security Guard,Storage,Trash Chute,Whirlpool
Building Name: Waipuna
Building Style: High-Rise 7+ Stories
Floor Covering: Ceramic Tile,W/W Carpet
Interior Living Area: 948
Land Area: 113152
Maintenance Fee Includes: Cable TV,Hot Water,Sewer,Water
Monthly Maintenance Fee: 409
Parking Spaces: 1
Parking: Assigned,Garage,Guest
Prop Condition: Excellent
Security: Key,Security Patrol,Video
Property Type: Condo
Unit Features: Single Level
View: City,Diamond Head,Mountain,Ocean
Year Built: 1971
Land Tenure: Fee Simple

Please Note:  This is not my listing, however, I can show you this property and others, as well as represent you as a buyer.

For More Information about Waipuna Condos for sale, including floor plans, map, current listings and more photos, visit our website for featured information at http://www.HNLCondos.com.

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 - The "Black Pearl" arrives in Honolulu

Here she is, matey! The Black Pearl.

The only lead star in Walt Disney Pictures' fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film likely working without a multi-million-dollar paycheck quietly cruised into Hawaii waters last week to await her next big-screen close-up in 2011.

Think she's looking a bit worse for wear in our photo above? The ship is actually in dry dock at West Oahu's Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, where a multi-million-dollar makeover over the next few months will transform her-with some digital effects assistance-into the Black Pearl known by millions of moviegoers around the world.

Walt Disney Pictures and Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle announced last month that the latest film in the Pirates of the Caribbean adventure-comedy franchise, On Stranger Tides, would film on Kauai and Oahu this summer. Despite a lack of sails, Jolly Roger skull-and-crossbones flag or Johnny Depp in the guise of Captain Jack Sparrow on board, the ship's presence at Kalaeloa has proven as tempting as buried treasure for excited Pirates fans. Dozens of fans have flocked to the harbor each day since the Black Pearl's Feb. 14 arrival to try to see the ship up close.

This would be all well and good if the Black Pearl were on public display. It's not. Its location is actually a very private dry dock protected by around-the-clock security personnel who even warned our intrepid photographer David Croxford against getting too close for this photo. He snapped the photo through a chain-link fence.

But how do you hide a 200-ton, 130-foot, tri-mast pirate ship that, when actually docked in Kalaeloa Harbor, is clearly visible from neighboring Ko Olina Resort & Marina-also the site of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts' under-construction Aulani Resort & Spa? The answer: You don't. And you can't, really. 

The Black Pearl that's here for On Stranger Tides isn't actually a real sailing ship. It's a tall ship set constructed over the hull of another vessel, the Sunset, which once earned its keep as a service ship for Gulf of Mexico oil platforms. Fully motorized-and obviously able to handle its recent journey across the Pacific from California to Hawaii like a champ-the ship set was also used in the second and third Pirates flicks Dead Man's Chest and At World's End.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in total spending while filming in Hawaii.

On board again are Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, Geoffrey Rush as Sparrow nemesis Captain Hector Barbossa, blockbuster producer Jerry Bruckheimer and screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. New to the Pirates cast and crew for On Stranger Tides are director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine) and actors Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane (Deadwood).

On Stranger Tides has been slated for a May 20, 2011, release. Kauai and Oahu filming locations have not been announced.

Wailana at Waikiki Condos #708 - Waikiki, Honolulu Listed for $515,000

 
Wailana at Waikiki #708

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

1860 Ala Moana Blvd 708
Honolulu, HI 96815


Price: $515,000

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
1304 Square Ft

Listing # 2903355

Great location right across from the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Beautiful, Fee Simple Waikiki apartment located across from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Newly painted with attractive laminate flooring. Close proximity to the beach, parks and shopping.

Basic Features:

Acres: 0.938
Region: Metro
City Name: Honolulu
County Name:
Neighborhood: WAIKIKI
Schools: Jefferson
State: HI
Sub Area:
Subdivision:
Type:
Zip: 96815
Bathrooms: 2
Bedrooms: 2
Partial Baths:
Square Ft: 1304

Additional Features:

Additional Rooms: Open Lanai
Amenities: BBQ,Patio/Deck,Pool,Restaurant,Security Guard,Storage,Trash Chute
Building Name: Wailana At Waikiki
Building Style: High-Rise 7+ Stories
Floor Covering: Ceramic Tile,Laminate
Furnished: N
Interior Living Area: 1180
Land Area: 43127
Maintenance Fee Includes: AC Central,Cable TV,Electricity,Sewer,Water
Monthly Maintenance Fee: 821
Parking Spaces: 1
Parking: Covered1,SecuredEnt
Prop Condition: Average
Remodel Year: 2008
Security: Card,Keyed Elevator,Security Patrol,Video
Property Type: Condo
Unit Features: Central AC,Even# Unit,Single Level,Storage
View: City,Diamond Head
Year Built: 1970
Land Tenure: Fee Simple

Please Note:  This is not my listing, however, I can show you this property and others, as well as represent you as a buyer.

For More Information about Wailana at Waikiki Condos for sale, including floor plans, map, current listings and more photos, visit our website for featured information at http://www.HNLCondos.com.

Ilikai Marina Condos #1494, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii - Listed for $435,000

Ilikai Marina Condos #1494 

1765 Ala Moana Blvd 1494
Honolulu, HI 96815


Price: $435,000

1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms

651 Square Ft

Listing # 2916133

Amazing View of Pacific Ocean, Hilton Lagoon, Waikiki Beach and more!

Completely renovated to capture 'the Sand and Sea', this meticulously appointed unit with DIRECT OCEAN VIEW, includes 40' flat screen TV with DVD and all new appliances. Currently rented at $3000 per mo. until March. Great investment opportunity Or vacation home/residence. Located at gateway to Waikiki. Walking distance to Ala moana beach and shopping center.

Basic Features:

Acres: 1.196
Region: Metro
City Name: Honolulu
County Name:
Neighborhood: WAIKIKI
Schools: Ala Wai
State: HI
Sub Area:
Subdivision:
Type:
Zip: 96815
Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms: 1
Partial Baths:
Square Ft: 651

Additional Features:

Amenities: Community Laundry,Resident Manager,Security Guard,Trash Chute
Building Name: Ilikai Marina
Building Style: Condotel
Floor Covering: Ceramic Tile,W/W Carpet
Furnished: F
Interior Living Area: 651
Land Area: 55025
Maintenance Fee Includes: AC Central,Cable TV,Electricity,Hot Water,Sewer,Water
Monthly Maintenance Fee: 639

Please Note:  This is not my listing, however, I can show you this property and others, as well as represent you as a buyer.

For More Information about Ilikai Marina Condos for sale, including floor plans, map, current listings and more photos, visit our website for featured information at http://www.HNLCondos.com.

Home Affordabiltiy Cycles in Oahu, Hawaii

Recent low mortgage rates and lower median home prices have made homes in Oahu more affordable than they've been in 5 years since sales peaked in 2004.  The home affordability is the percentage of median family income required to purchase a median-priced home.  Let's take a look at the Oahu Home Affordability.

The best years of home affordability were in 1977, 1998 through 2003, when the affordability rate was between 28% and 30%.  2009 was considered a good year based on affordability that is 37.17%, the best affordability since 2005.  This year, some economists predict the affordability level may increase mainly due to increasing mortgage rates.  The interest rate has gone up a little already, and if it rises to 6%, the affordability level could increase to 41%. 

If you are looking for a property and if you plan to finance, take advantage of this market while the mortgage rate is still low.  If you are a first home buyer, you should consider taking advantage of the federal tax credit for the first home buyers.

Please feel free to contact me for more information on Oahu real estate market!

Please see current Honolulu Condo Listings on our website, www.HNLCondos.com, as well as detailed information and floor plans on Featured Honolulu Condos.

Villa On Eaton Square #2715, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii - Listed for $439,000

Villa On Eaton Square, Waikiki, Honolulu Condo

400 Hobron Ln 2715
Honolulu, HI 96815


Price: $439,000

1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms
748 Square Ft

Listing # 1001422

Excellent Views of Diamond Head, Ocean, Waikiki

HIGHLY Highly UPGRADED UNIT. Owner spent over $100,000 for fully renovation and furnished. This easy-to-use wide floor plan corner unit with beautiful views of the ocean, Al Wai canal, mountains & city Lights from lanai and windows. Excellent location to Ala Moana Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, shopping, dining and basline.Popular well maintained and secured bldg.also Pet friendly Bldg.

Basic Features:

Acres: 2.276
Region: Metro
City Name: Honolulu
County Name:
Neighborhood: WAIKIKI
Schools: Ala Wai
State: HI
Sub Area:
Subdivision:
Type:
Zip: 96815
Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms: 1
Partial Baths:
Square Ft: 748

Additional Features:

Additional Rooms: Open Lanai
Amenities: BBQ,Exercise Room,Meeting Room,Pool,Recreation Area,Recreation Room,Resident Manager,Sauna,Security Guard,Storage,Trash Chute,Whirlpool
Building Name: Villa On Eaton Square
Building Style: High-Rise 7+ Stories
Floor Covering: Hardwood,Other
Furnished: F
Interior Living Area: 694
Land Area: 104710
Maintenance Fee Includes: AC Central,Cable TV,Electricity,Hot Water,Sewer,Water
Monthly Maintenance Fee: 569
Parking Spaces: 1
Parking: Garage,SecuredEnt
Prop Condition: Excellent
Remodel Year: 2007
Security: Card,Key,Security Patrol,Video
Property Type: Condo
Unit Features: Central AC,Corner/End,Storage
View: City,Marina/Canal,Mountain,Ocean
Year Built: 1974
Land Tenure: Fee Simple

Please Note:  This is not my listing, however, I can show you this property and others, as well as represent you as a buyer.

For More Information about Villa On Eaton Square Condos for sale, including floor plans, map, current listings and more photos, visit our website for featured information at http://www.HNLCondos.com.

Ilikai Apartment Building #2130, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii - listed for $305,100

Ilikai Apartment Buidling #2130 - Waikiki Condo

1777 Ala Moana Blvd 2130
Honolulu, HI 96813


Price: $305,100

1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms
620 Square Ft

Listing # 1001415

Absolutely Stunning Views!

PANORAMIC OCEAN AND LAGOON VIEWS. JUST STEPS TO OCEAN BEACHES, HILTON LAGOON, MARINA, RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL GALORE. HIGH END REMODEL. FULLY FURNISHED, TURNKEY WITH THE VERSATILITY OF PERSONAL USE AND/OR RENTAL INCOME.

Basic Features:

Acres: 2.724
Region: Metro
City Name: Honolulu
County Name:
Neighborhood: WAIKIKI
Schools: Ala Wai
State: HI
Sub Area:
Subdivision:
Type:
Zip: 96813
Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms: 1
Partial Baths:
Square Ft: 620

Additional Features:

Additional Rooms: Open Lanai
Amenities: Community Laundry,Patio/Deck,Pool,Security Guard
Building Name: Ilikai Apt Bldg
Building Style: High-Rise 7+ Stories
Floor Covering: Marble/Granite,W/W Carpet
Frontage: Marina,Ocean
Furnished: F
Interior Living Area: 500
Land Area: 125296
Maintenance Fee Includes: Cable TV,Electricity,Hot Water,Sewer,Water
Monthly Maintenance Fee: 498
Parking: None
Prop Condition: Excellent
Remodel Year: 2008
Security: Card,Security Patrol
Property Type: Condo
Unit Features: Even# Unit,Single Level
View: Coastline,Ocean
Year Built: 1965
Land Tenure: Fee Simple

Please Note:  This is not my listing, however, I can show you this property and others, as well as represent you as a buyer.

For More Information about Ilikai Condos for sale, including floor plans, map, current listings and more photos, visit our website for featured information at http://www.HNLCondos.com.

Honolulu Condos and Homes - Listing Alerts 2/24/10

Aloha!

Please view the links below for this week's Listing Alerts.

Don't miss the HOT LINKS at the bottom of this newsletter for such distressed property listings as:  Lender Owned Condo Listings

• Lender Owned Single Family Home Listings*
• Lender Owned Condo Listings
• Foreclosure Condo Listings
• Short Sale Condo Listings 

*NEWLY ADDED

Also, please feel free to visit our website, one of the most complete Honolulu Condominium Directories available online at www.HNLCondos.com.

NEW CONDO LISTINGS

These condo listings are new listings that have come on the market for sale, since last week's newsletter.

MLS Search page on our Website or set up your own Listing Manager Account.

ALA MOANA NEW CONDO LISTINGS

DIAMOND HEAD NEW CONDO LISTINGS - No New Listings This Week

DOWNTOWN/CHINATOWN NEW CONDO LISTINGS

KAKAAKO NEW CONDO LISTINGS

KAPIOLANI NEW CONDO LISTINGS

MAKIKI NEW CONDO LISTINGS

WAIKIKI NEW CONDO LISTINGS

To view all Honolulu condo listings please visit the MLS Search page on our Website or set up your own Listing Manager Account.

DISTRESSED CONDO AND HOME LISTINGS - HOT LINKS

Distressed Bargain Properties for February 24th, 2010

These distressed Condo and Single Family Home listings include REO, or lender owned properties, foreclosures and short sales. All the distressed Condo listings are for Metro Honolulu only, while the Lender Owned Single Family Home Listings are for Metro Honolulu as well as the entire island of Oahu. New Listings are new this week, since last week's newsletter.

Please click here to read a complete definition or description of Lender Owned, Foreclosure and Short Sale Properties .

Properties .

Great West Waikiki High-Rise Condo Building - 1717 Ala Wai

Description: 1717 Ala Wai is a Fee Simple condominium located on the Ala Wai Canal across from the Hawaii Convention Center.  The building is built to a V-shape, and as a result, most units enjoy a view of the canal heading out to the Pacific Ocean.  And, you're about a 15-minute walk from the beach.

The building is 31 stories, with 283 units, mostly configured as two bedroom/bath and 3 bedroom/two bath. All units are good sized and include an 8-foot deep lanai. Preferred units are those facing the Ala Wai Canal.  Amenities include a swimming pool, recreation area and a sauna.

Land Tenure:  Fee Simple.

Building Details: