Tropical bliss in Kaneohe

I sometimes forget how lush the windward side of Oahu is, until I see a home like this on on Aina Moi Pl. in Kaneohe that reminds me. Indoor plants help give rooms extra "pop," but the landscaping on this one makes the whole house stand out. (Click here for details.)

The 10,668-square-foot lot is on a cul-de-sac, and the owner has filled the yard with colorful tropical plants to ensure it feels like a slice of Hawaii. The custom home is two stories, comprising four bedrooms and three bathrooms in its 3,455 square feet of living area.

The master bedroom, in fact, has its own private lanai, spa-style bath with dual vanities, separate shower and Jacuzzi tub, and a huge walk-in closet. Just the master bedroom and bath alone is bigger than some people's apartments.

The owner built the home to be ideal for entertaining: The showplace kitchen features a Viking range and double oven, Subzero refrigerator/freezer, and a wine fridge. You normally see granite counters in such homes, which this has, but there are custom wood counters, as well, which is unusual but matches the cabinets.

The living room has vaulted ceilings, which makes it look even larger, and the picture windows offer an amazing view of the yard. (With landscaping like that, you'll want to gaze at it all the time.)

If you want to actually sit in the yard, there's a private lanai in the back and a hot tub so you can relax with a view.