History, Waterfalls and Ocean Views

Ancient land divisions in Hawai’i are called ahupuaʻa, shaped like slices of pie from the mountains to the ocean. Today many of these might be better classified as “districts” of an island when they share a town name but have their own zip code. Kalihi is one such ahupuaʻa situated between Kahauiki and Kapālama in Honolulu. This ahupuaʻa consists of Kalihi Uka (upward), Kalihi Waena (middle), and Kalihi Kai (ocean or sea). Its name translates to “the edge”, thought to have been decided by Prince Lot, later crowned King Kamehameha V. Evidence of which may be the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival in nearby Moanalua Valley.

This is a storied ancestral home of gods and sacred mountains. One such myth is of gods Kane and Kaneloa searching for ‘awa (medicinal kava) when they found many roots in Kalihi Uka, but not water; Kane sensed there was water so he speared the ground to break rocks that finally opened a freshwater spring. Stories have it that new mothers brought their newborn to bathe in warm spring water. Nearby were four 4’ tall stones, or pohaku kupua, believed to be two goddesses. Kalihi was a hopeful passage for early immigrants who came to Hawai’i from the Pacific and Asia, dating back to when the Pacific was the largest cultural diaspora on earth. It is also the birthplace of many prominent businessmen, politicians, musicians and artists known throughout Hawaii and the United States.

This is a large, growing neighborhood with increasing appeal. The business area is dotted with maritime commerce at the coast; light industrial inland; small businesses; a community center, medical clinic; schools and parks. Toward the mountains, commercial merges into residential with homes nestled in Kalihi Valley — most built in the 1950s to 1970s, then remodeled or redeveloped in decades since. It also boasts Hoʻoulu ʻĀina nature preserve, Kamehameha Schools campus and Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Waterfalls stripe mountain crevices after a rain, some flowing under the freeway through concrete culverts to the ocean. Back in the day Kalihi was renown for fishponds along this shoreline, abundantly feeding its people; tales also of ali‘i (royalty) with their summer homes and water sports.

In the valley of Kalihi Uka is where you will find a most unique dwelling built for aesthetics and comfort today, for longevity into the future. Be the first to live in this new home of multi-family options with sweeping ocean and valley views. It was built by sellers to keep and earn revenue, with structural integrity and resilience to climate in mind. Numerous high quality materials coupled with thoughtful measures fortify this solid home:

• Wood & steel beam framing
• Double steel mat foundation
• 4,000psi sustainable concrete 12” walls
• Quiet RockES® drywall
• Hurricane clips; energy-saving heat pump
• Underground electrical
• Sound barrier flooring; double-paned low-E windows

This is a gem of a property perfect for the best in shared living, with possible bonus of rental income. Layout: 1st floor – 2BR / 1BA; 2nd floor – 3BR / 2BA; 3rd floor – 4BR / 2.5BA with makai/ocean-facing lanai & patio off primary en suite. All are situated over a 4-car garage with driveway allowing four tandem parking.

• Interior staircase; three private, secure entries
• Custom Levolor window shades throughout
• Air conditioning and wall-mounted TVs in almost every room
• Living green rock wall surrounding upper patio
• Several enclosed storage areas

Its central location is a quick drive to downtown Honolulu, a bit longer commute to nearby military bases of Pearl Harbor, Hickam Air Force Base and Camp Smith. Three bus routes wind through the neighborhood.