Mango dreams in Kahala

December 13, 2012

Melissa Chang,

All photos courtesy of Prudential Locations

Even if the real-estate market were not so tight right now, I’m sure this home would still draw a lot of interest from buyers looking to live in the Puu Panini area. It was listed last Friday and hosted more than 80 groups at an open house on Sunday; yesterday at broker’s open, more than 100 realtors came through.

Although it was built in 1962, the single-story home is still in nice condition—it’s only had a little bit of renovation work done, so the mid-century ambience remains intact. It currently offers a glimpse of Diamond Head, but, if you build up, (you’re allowed up to 25 feet), you’ll get a more dramatic view.

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms in this 2,420-square-foot-residence, with a breezy, open floor plan that leads to a large, covered lanai. (Click here for details.)

The huge yard is the main attraction here, though. The lot is 12,214 square feet, and is level—which is rare for the area, and for a property of its size. Behind it is a national guard facility that is never used, so it’s as if there are no back neighbors.

There is a lemon tree, but the focal point is a 60-year-old Hayden mango tree, which is still fruiting. Hopefully the new owners keep this tree; according to Candy Suiso of Makaha Mangoes, it’s rare to find such majestic mango trees in metro Honolulu.

Another thing to note is that this is a very established neighborhood: According to realtor Donna Yamagishi, many of the neighbors are original residents who have known each other for 30 to 40 years.

“A lot of them have pets—I’ve never seen so many dog walkers in one neighborhood! It’s so sweet to see them,” Yamagishi says.