Single Family Homes – Kohala Coast Resort Picks Under $4 Million: Part 1 Mauna Lani

In my June post about price reductions on Kohala Coast oceanfront homes, I wrote that my pick for 49 Black Sand Beach at Mauna Lani Resort was the home on Lot 29 (MLS# 273195), then listed for almost $4.2 million. Since then the price was reduced $200,000 to $3,998,500 and after viewing it again, I like it even more

View of ocean from home on Lot 29 at 49 Black Sand Beach, now asking $3,998,500 (MLS# 273195)

The Amenities of 49 Black Sand Beach at Mauna Lani Resort

It is always best to start at the wide end of the funnel, so before telling you what’s special about the home that’s my top pick, let’s figure out whether this is the right location for you. I will assume that you already know how Mauna Lani Resort compares with the Kohala Coast alternatives (Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Resort)…and you prefer the Kohala Coast to the communities closer to Kailua Kona (Hualalai, Kukio, and Kohanaiki).

You want a single family home. You want ocean view. In fact, you want direct beach access. That narrows your choices to 49 Black Sand Beach and Pauoa Beach. (If you need an overview of Mauna Lani, first read this Mauna Lani Resort Residential Guide written by my partner, Pam Deery.) Whereas all owners at Mauna Lani Resort can frequent the Beach Club, these two gated communities have their own private beachfront amenities, complete with concierge service. And when I say “gated,” for these two communities that means a security guard in a gatehouse.

49 Black Sand Beach owner’s pool within steps to the beach, exercise room, or tennis courts

Of course there is no such thing as a private beach in Hawai’i, but right next to this secluded black sand beach owners have a club with kayak storage, lap pool, workout room, sauna, tennis court…and wine storage for when you’re finished getting your exercise.

Things to Like About My 49 Black Sand Beach Home Pick

One of the great things about my job is I get to spend time in exquisite homes in fabulous settings. On the other hand, the more time one spends in these exclusive resorts, the more one realizes that perhaps the majority of homes are built on spec – or commissioned by an owner, but built around some accepted common denominator of currently fashionable floor plan and finishes.

The formula isn’t a bad thing. It fits the sunny weather ocean view indoor-outdoor lifestyle and the accepted vocabulary of “Hawaiian resort style” design and decor, which in many ways is smart for resale. The relatively rarer homes that were thoughtfully designed to meet a specific family’s needs, or that reflect a unique vision, are the ones that catch my attention.

That’s the case with my current pick at 49 Black Sand Beach. Before you even get into the home, you notice the very large garage. I’m stealing this idea some day. Part of the garage is built with doors on either end, so you can drive through and unhitch your boat without having to back it in. (Above the garage is a separate living quarters for the nanny or bodyguard).

Drive through boat garage makes parking easy

The indoor area is designed to create living spaces that balance separation of activities with a visual flow. Rooms are also oriented in a way to capture outdoor views from each without sacrificing privacy. I also like the extended lawn beyond the pool, enough for children’s games or bocce.

Looking back from pool at first lanai, living room, dining room, and kitchen – multiple seating areas

What some buyers will object to in this home is the second-floor master suite, which includes bedroom, bath, and office. Single-story living is a necessity for some buyers and a strong preference for many more.

For the owner of this home, the choice was made for privacy and even better ocean views. There is a junior master suite on one side of the main level, well separated from the other two bedrooms, that may make this home work especially well for extended families who travel together.

Pricing is attractive at just under $4 million, whether your metric is $/sq. ft., or just looking at the prices of the homes on either side, both of which sold in the past four years for over $5 million.

If Mauna Lani Resort is Not Your Choice…

I realize this blog post is getting a bit lengthy and I still have a lot to say about Mauna Kea Resort. So I’ll leave that for a “Part 2” on Kohala Coast Resort single family homes under $4 million.

A hui hou,

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Direct: 808.443.4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com