Waianae questions (Makaha, Makaha Valley: transplants, 2013, rentals)

[Kayekaye]

85-175 Farrington A210, Waianae, HI 96792
$80,000 FS 1b/1b, 415 square feet.

This look like such a good deal, oceanside, nice clean condo. What am I missing? This could be doable for us. What is the area like for new transplants retiring?

Been to the island many times over the decades but I haven't spent much time in Waianae, just driving around and back to the other side of the island. I was caught in a terrible storm up there on Farrington highway and the waves just swamped the whole road there and had a hard time getting out of it. I am a bit scared of living so close to the ocean and it's waves. It's the drier side of the island, right?

[WaikikiBoy]

Yes, it's on the drier side. There was a recent thread about Waianae that you might want to review.

If that is the price range that is doable for you, and if you are a bit nervous about being down on the water, you might want to consider Makaha Valley Plantation as an alternative. It's about 3 miles away from the place you're talking about. It's up on the hillside high above the water.

It will cost only a little bit more. Right now there is one at $100,000, one at $107,000 and one at $109,000. For that small bump in price/payment, you'll get double the square footage (815 sq ft -vs- 400 sq ft), a gated complex, pool. picnic area's and you'll be high above the waves and tsunami's.

Via this link you can see some pictures of one of the listing and compare: Makaha Valley Pltn 84-718 Ala Mahiku Street Unit 79C Waianae HI 96792 - Condo listed on 01-22-2013

Or the Makaha Valley Tower, 515 sq ft vs and a little higher in price. But still much nicer units and a nice view and high above the waves. MAKAHA VALLEY TOWERS 84-710 Kili Drive Unit 1312 Waianae HI 96792 - Condo listed on 07-02-2013

Anyway, just a couple other options to peak your interest if that's your price range and you're concerned about the waves.

But read up on the area in the other thread and consider your options.

[Kayekaye]

Nice leads, thanks. I'm not seeing HOA, homeowners association, monthly costs, are they called something else?

[WaikikiBoy]

HOA for the place you originally mentioned is $456. The places I link are in the listing but I think it was a little more at about $515.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Kayekaye

Been to the island many times over the decades but I haven't spent much time in Waianae

The issue of not having spent much in Waianae is easily solved - see if any vacations rentals are available in the area and spend some time there. I'd recommend that before even looking at any specific property.

[Kayekaye]

Yes, definitely need to stay there or near and see what it's like. Have read some threads and it is divided between liking it and not liking it. So...

[ScottStielow]

I Personally, would not live in Waianae there is only one road into Waianae, Farrington hwy. If there is a car accident or a weather incident, Farrington hwy gets backed up for miles, in both directions. I have a friend who lives in Waianae and it takes him one to two hours to get home, without a accident, we work together at Pearl Harbor. He has to leave home by 5 am to beat the traffic to the H1/H2 Merge, in the morning. He always is saying he should not have bought a home out there. A lot of people leave earlier than that time who live in Waianae. Being you are retiring, the traffic may not be a issue for you. As was mentioned earlier in the thread. Plan to visit, rent a vacation rental and try to believe you are retired and try it out first. Just some information for you hope it helps out.
Best of luck in your search,
Scott

[Kayekaye]

Thanks Scott. I have often thought of being stuck in traffic for up to two hours on the island, but right now we are stuck in traffic for two hours in the snow...I think I'd rather be looking at stunning ocean and/or mountain views over the cars than blinding snow.

[ScottStielow]

Originally Posted by Kayekaye

Thanks Scott. I have often thought of being stuck in traffic for up to two hours on the island, but right now we are stuck in traffic for two hours in the snow...I think I'd rather be looking at stunning ocean and/or mountain views over the cars than blinding snow.

LOL. Yes I can see your point. There was a recent article on the worst traffic in the US. Can't recall the name of the study. But we ranked next to Los Angeles with the worst traffic congestion on Oahu.
Of course the the rail system being built out here, they claim it will reduce the traffic. Its supposed to start in Kapolei and go past Pearl Harbor, to downtown with branch offs, in town. I guess will just have wait and see, a few years down the road.
Scott

[Kayekaye]

We've been putting in Light Rails here and so far it hasn't lightened any traffic problems, just our wallets. One more opening up next year. Hope it works better there.