Mauna Lani Cape – The Ultimate in Exclusive Property For Sale?

Yesterday, I took advantage of an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often—the chance to see a luxury estate for sale at The Cape at the Mauna Lani Resort.

(MLS# 240030) asking $7,295,000

The Cape at Mauna Lani is an exclusive oceanfront gated community of only 14 estate sites, and properties here simply don’t come on the market for sale very often. This home is stunning, with all the bells and whistles, including a hot tub sunk in the middle of the koi pond!

Despite its large size (4 bedrooms, 4,000+ sq. feet), it feels incredibly laid-back and “live-able”—hallmarks of the Lucky Bennett architecture style. The views are captivating, and these 14 owners have their own private walking path to the Mauna Lani Beach Club that doesn’t require access through the gates.

The Mauna Lani Beach Club is private for owners and their guests

When comparing this home to a similarly-priced estate at Hualalai or Kukio, the biggest difference is in proximity to the ocean and the beach. Take, for example, this property offered on Laueki Street in Hualalai Resort.

Look at how far back (up mauka) this estate home in Hualalai is from the ocean

Asking $7,750,000, this 4 bedroom estate is 1,000 sq. ft. (approx.) larger than the Mauna Lani Cape estate. However, it is at least a 7-minute drive, 15-minute golf cart ride, or 40 min+ walk to the beach and the ocean, neither of which are “private.”

Not to mention, there are at least 14 home sites on Laueki Street itself, and although the street does have a gate, it’s currently open most of the time due to construction. Private and exclusive, Laueki Street is not (despite its brief moment of fame when Cher sold the house she built on Laueki Street at auction in January, 2010)—in comparison to the Mauna Lani Cape.

Kuki’o, on the other hand, prides itself on its exclusivity and privacy.

This estate (MLS# 239627) priced at $7,500,000 overlooks Kua Bay.

Located near a pu’u (cinder cone)—a smooth round hill naturally formed behind the home—this estate home has “natural privacy” that goes above and beyond the normal privacy and exclusivity of Kuki’o. Built in 2008 by Atelier of the Pacific Rim, this estate is slightly smaller than the Cape Estate, and is located a bit further back from the ocean, but not as far back as Laueki Street in Hualalai.

The beach at Kua Bay is spectacular, and certainly comparable to the Beach Club at the Mauna Lani. However, the negatives to this home are proximity to the Queen K. highway, and to the public access road to Kua Bay.

Here’s the real kicker: The Cape at Mauna Lani estate costs under $500/month for HOA/resort/maintenance fees. Nope, I didn’t forget a zero on that figure—that’s $500/month. There is also no “membership fee” to play golf on the world-renowned Mauna Lani golf courses.

Compare that to the golf, resort, and HOA fees at Hualalai and Kuki’o, and I’m guessing there are a few smart buyers out there who “get” that exclusivity doesn’t necessarily equate to gigantic ongoing monthly resort fees.