Cool bargain homes under $500,000

Summer may still be a couple of weeks away, but it feels like the summer weather has already arrived.

According to an article by Associated Press reporter Audrey McAvoy, the warmer weather might be attributed to slackening trade winds.

A drop in the cool, northeasterly trade winds means the Islands are warmer, muggier and more often plagued by vog.

After spending yesterday afternoon driving around urban Honolulu in high-80s temperatures, I started wondering what it takes to move into slightly cooler, and somewhat wetter, Oahu neighborhoods such as Nuuanu, Kaneohe and my hometown, Kailua.

Here’s a sampling of homes available for $500,000 or less:
 

• Nuuanu: A three-bedroom, one-bath home at 308 Auwaiolimu St. sits on a 7,471-square-foot lot. Bonus: Fruit trees in the yard offer lots of shade.

Money Talk: $470,000
Contact: Cbpacific.com
MLS: 1209664
 

• Kaneohe: A three-bedroom, two-bath townhome in Poha Kea Point 3 offers views of Kaneohe Bay and the Koolau Mountains. Shared amenities include pools, tennis courts and walking paths.

Money Talk: $500,000
Contact: Adrhi.com
MLS: 201325095
 

• Kailua: A two-bedroom condo in the low-rise Koolau Vista puts you near the heart of Kailua town and a short distance from the beach.Enjoy the trades, when they’re around, from your private yard or the shared barbecue area.

Money Talk: $337,000
Contact: Cbpacific.com
MLS: 201325147