Aloha - moving to the Islands

[Moving to Makaha]

I'm a new member here so let me start by saying aloha and hope all is well with all.

I've been looking in to buying a condo at Makaha Surfside and was wondering if anyone could give me some info - If you live there, been there, know anyone living there? How about the area, the ability to get to the North Shore from there? Anything and all things I might need / want to know. So you know I have yet to visit your island paradise - (plan to soon before I buy) so right now I would say I'm in the "gathering info phase" I'm also looking into the Ko Olina marina but for some reason over the last few months I keep going back to the Surfside - -Mahalo in advance and talk too you soon :D

[anapuni808]

There is a member of HT who lives in Makaha & I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. May I ask - are you looking at a map of the island & thinking Makaha is the closest town to surf spots? because the map may not show you that there is no road around that part of the island. If you live in Makaha, you need to drive all the way back around the leeward side & then take a drive across the center of the island to get to the north shore. or else, have some good hiking boots. :) If you're already aware of that, then excuse me for butting into your search - I'll let others who live out there give you info.

[tutusue]

I'm the member who lives in Makaha...Makaha Surfside, to be exact! I love it but I would not recommend buying anything without first visiting Hawaii. There are several discussions on Hawaii Threads that involve this area and this condo building. Do a 'search' here on the 2 words, Makaha Surfside. Once you read all the info then fire away with any questions that haven't already been answered to your satisfaction.

(Fran? Welcome back!!!)

[anapuni808]

(shhhh, don't tell anyone)

[tikiyaki]

I'm guessing price is a big factor at work here. That, and ocean proximity.
Cheapest Oceanfront property in Hawaii, no doubt.

[tutusue]

I'm guessing price is a big factor at work here.[...]
That's what I was thinking, too, 'til MtM mentioned Ko`olina! :D

[Moving to Makaha]

Aloha and thanks for the answers. :D And of course it’s a price and ocean proximity in choosing Makaha. I would like to live with no mortgage, I’m 33 and single so the size of the unit doesn’t bother me. I was looking at the KO marina for a live aboard situation but that’ll run me about 1000 per month and probably not worth it to me. I am curious as too why the responses would be about money? Is it that bad there? Tutu, I did as you said and have read all the threads about the area and do have more questions.

I’ve been reading all I can for the last 6 months about the Leeward coast. What I like are the beach, seems a more laid back rural area away from all the tourists, which appeals to me. I also read (amazingly) from people who say they have lived on the Island their whole life and are afraid to go to the Leeward coast. I actually don’t believe most of that. I’m definitely a respectful, friendly, and easy to get along with type. I live in Boston now so I’m used to gangs, drive-bys, more people, and crime so I can’t imagine it could be worse and definitely better weather and way of living. So my questions are:

Is it possible to get around the Island by scooter (safety aside) in a day? Do I have to go through Honolulu to get the North Shore? Are there any bars restaurant/lounges close to Makaha? How about part-time work in the area for a hoale? I don’t need to make a lot of money per month. I’m a musician so are there any places to play in the area?
And Tutu about the complex:
I’ve seen the condo fee listed including Water and Sewer and the cable and some without the cable. Which is true. And what does the fee include? Any special assessments now or in the future? Is there a good budget and reserves? The ads all say private beach and swim lagoon. You posted that wasn’t true. Could you explain? How about the pools, exercise equipment and sauna. Are they in good shape? You also said the C bldg was less desirable unfortunately that is what's mostly for sale without spending 300 grand. Is it that bad? How about renters and vacation renters. Do they respect the Bldg? And how is the sand bag work going? Has the tent city made it down to the Surfside?
I know lots of questions. All responses are greatly appreciated. Talk to you soon. Thanks

[Whitepoint3rchum]

Isn't Makaha pretty local? I have a friend from there and I remember it as being populated primarily by long-time locals, same with the N. Shore.

[tutusue]

Aloha and thanks for the answers. :D And of course it’s a price and ocean proximity in choosing Makaha. I would like to live with no mortgage, I’m 33 and single so the size of the unit doesn’t bother me. I was looking at the KO marina for a live aboard situation but that’ll run me about 1000 per month and probably not worth it to me. I am curious as too why the responses would be about money? Is it that bad there?
It's an economically deprived area and it looks it.
Tutu, I did as you said and have read all the threads about the area and do have more questions.

I’ve been reading all I can for the last 6 months about the Leeward coast. What I like are the beach, seems a more laid back rural area away from all the tourists, which appeals to me.
This is exactly why I live on the Waianae Coast.
I also read (amazingly) from people who say they have lived on the Island their whole life and are afraid to go to the Leeward coast. I actually don’t believe most of that.
It's true! I was one of them for many years. Then I bought an investment property at Makaha Surfside...sight unseen, mind you...with the idea of flipping it within a year. I spent one night in it when I was getting it ready to rent out and...that was it! I stayed up all night listening to the ocean. I fell madly in love with the location and the area.
I’m definitely a respectful, friendly, and easy to get along with type. I live in Boston now so I’m used to gangs, drive-bys, more people, and crime so I can’t imagine it could be worse and definitely better weather and way of living.
The Waianae Coast is, as mentioned above, an economically deprived area. On the mainland a similar area would be considered the "wrong side of the tracks". Unfortunately (as I see it), mainlanders have discovered the relatively inexpensive real estate prices and those prices have escalated because of it. The "discovery" of the Waianae Coast is one of the reasons for the high rate of homelessness.
So my questions are:

Is it possible to get around the Island by scooter (safety aside) in a day?
Yes, if that's your cup 'o tea!
Do I have to go through Honolulu to get the North Shore?
No. But you do have to backtrack somewhat. You can get off the H1 at Waipahu(?) and turn left at the signal. That puts you on Kunia Rd (a 2 lane road) and it ends in Wahiawa...which, with a coupla more turns, will take you to the North Shore. OR...you can backtrack even further on the H1 to the H2. H2 ends not too far from the end of Kunia Rd.
Are there any bars restaurant/lounges close to Makaha?
Yes. We're about 15 or so minutes from Ko`olina and 20 or so minutes from Kapolei. The sidewalks in Waianae/Makaha roll up really early; not much night life at all. The Makaha Resort (http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewSpecificHotelLP?masterId=77946&gcid=S11287x431&keyword=makaha+resort&source=sr&type=k&WT.mc_id=e4523&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.srch=1&DCSext.mc_kw=makaha+resort) has a lounge and restaurant but I'm not familiar with either. Oh wait...I had dinner in the restaurant a few years ago and thought it overly expensive. There's Beaches Restaurant in Maili directly across the street from the beach. Great sunsets most of the year! Definitely a local hang-out, casual, bar, pool table.
How about part-time work in the area for a hoale? I don’t need to make a lot of money per month. I’m a musician so are there any places to play in the area?
Jobs are very difficult to come by in that area and would be mostly in retail and food service. Last I heard, Beaches went karaoke. In all it's various incarnations they always had 2-3 nights/week devoted to Hawaiian music. I loved that. You could check with the Makaha Resort.
And Tutu about the complex:
I’ve seen the condo fee listed including Water and Sewer and the cable and some without the cable. Which is true.
Basic cable is included in the maintenance fee. AFAIK, all units are wired for it. Don't know why anyone would remove it.
And what does the fee include?
It includes everything you listed above and 24/7 security, grounds maintenance...the usual condo inclusions.
Any special assessments now or in the future?
None now and, so far, I've not heard anything about one in the future. The monthly maint. fee has risen steadily during the time I've owned. So far, there has not been an assessment. However, the building is extremely vulnerable to hurricane and extreme surf damage.
Is there a good budget and reserves?
Keeping the reserves at where they should be is the reason the maint. fee continues to rise. During the past 3 years or so, the complex has been painted and all the spallings repaired.
The ads all say private beach and swim lagoon. You posted that wasn’t true. Could you explain?
All beaches in Hawaii are public. Access to the beach thru Makaha Surfside property is private however there is public access at the end of the complex. It's not a true lagoon but there is a nice little swimming beach out front that enjoys some protection from a breakwater. The breakwater was built in 2003 to help protect the MS property from further erosion. It was poorly engineered and has only shifted the erosion, not solved the problem. Another breakwater will be built within the next couple of years.
How about the pools, exercise equipment and sauna. Are they in good shape?
The pools seem to be fine. Both have been resurfaced within the past few years. I don't think I've ever been inside the exercise room or sauna. Come to think of it, I wasn't aware of a sauna! :o
You also said the C bldg was less desirable unfortunately that is what's mostly for sale without spending 300 grand.
Not true. The only units over 300k are the 2 bedroom units. I noticed last week in a real estate newsletter I received that units like mine...1/1...are starting to drop, are staying on the market longer and the latest sold in the 175K-200K range. No 1/1 has ever gone for 300K...that I'm aware of and I think that would make huge news for the MS coconut wireless!
Is it that bad?
C building is almost entirely studio units and that building runs perpendicular to the ocean so the views overlook Waianae High School. It's also the building that tends to have the majority of the problem residents.
How about renters and vacation renters. Do they respect the Bldg?
Vacation rentals under 30 days are not allowed. I used to rent to snowbirds for 5 months a year and they took wonderful care of my place. By and large, long term tenants tend to beat up the units. Keep in mind it's a Section 8 approved complex and the complex tends to reflect that.
And how is the sand bag work going?
The sand bags are temporary, awaiting the 2nd breakwater.
Has the tent city made it down to the Surfside?
Yes. There are several tents on the beach at the far end of the property.
I know lots of questions. All responses are greatly appreciated. Talk to you soon. Thanks
It's always good to ask questions but the answers can't take the place of an actual visit. Maybe even spend some vacation time in Makaha to get a feel for the area. I'm almost twice your age so my reasons for loving Makaha may be entirely different from your experience. I'll add that I've never felt unsafe there, ever. Most of the problems within MS are domestic related. You probably read my post about the stabbing outside my bedroom window early New Year's morning. HTH...

[Moving to Makaha]

Thanks for all the great answers TUTU. You're the best! :D What's AFAIK by the way. The cable co? I do plan on going out there soon - would like to stay at MS but don't know if I can take a whole month so well see. My reasons for the move are simply that I've been working 24/7 as a real estate broker in Boston for the past 12 years, I'm burnt out and will shoot my self soon if I don't get out of it. lol. That and I don't have any immediate family left, nothing to keep me here now, and I need a less stressful life. Whatever that means. I figure if I really hate it I can always rent it out and move to another part of town. I threw out the 300 just as a number. And I’ve noticed prices dropping too. I've seen studios right now starting at 104 and up to the high of 289 or so for I guess the two bedrooms. So I should try for an A or B bldg. Lots to think about. Not planning on going for at least a year. And if you don't mind me asking what brought you to the Island? Thanks again and have a good holiday.

[tutusue]

Thanks for all the great answers TUTU. You're the best! :D What's AFAIK by the way.
As Far As I Know!
The cable co?
Oceanic
I do plan on going out there soon - would like to stay at MS but don't know if I can take a whole month so well see.
Some owners filed for an exemption (shoot...can't remember the right word) when the law changed and are allowed to rent their units for less than 30 days. You might check with a couple of realtors in the area to see if they manage any of those units:
Hawaii Hatfield
Sugar Kane Realty
Inga's Realty
My reasons for the move are simply that I've been working 24/7 as a real estate broker in Boston for the past 12 years, I'm burnt out and will shoot my self soon if I don't get out of it. lol. That and I don't have any immediate family left, nothing to keep me here now, and I need a less stressful life. Whatever that means.
During your research I'm sure you've learned that the cost of living in Hawaii can be a major stress all by itself!
I figure if I really hate it I can always rent it out and move to another part of town. I threw out the 300 just as a number. And I’ve noticed prices dropping too. I've seen studios right now starting at 104 and up to the high of 289 or so for I guess the two bedrooms. So I should try for an A or B bldg.
Personally, I'd stick with A building. B building backs up to the parking structure. Bedroom windows open up to that structure. You'll hear cars pulling in and out during the night.
Lots to think about. Not planning on going for at least a year. And if you don't mind me asking what brought you to the Island?
Martin Denny (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Denny)! I was in high school when my parents bought one of his albums. I heard 'Quiet Village' and that was all it took for the yearning to set in! I knew as soon as the plane's door opened to reveal my first sight of Hawaii and the warm, flower scented air enveloped me that, eventually, I HAD to move to Hawaii. I did...18 years later! And, I got to tell Marty my story. We ended up living in the same condo building and running with the same crowd. I'm still amazed by that synchronicity!
Thanks again and have a good holiday.
Mele Kalikimaka!

[tikiyaki]

Martin Denny (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Denny)! I was in high school when my parents bought one of his albums. I heard 'Quiet Village' and that was all it took for the yearning to set in! I knew as soon as the plane's door opened to reveal my first sight of Hawaii and the warm, flower scented air enveloped me that, eventually, I HAD to move to Hawaii. I did...18 years later! And, I got to tell Marty my story. We ended up living in the same condo building and running with the same crowd. I'm still amazed by that synchronicity!

Mele Kalikimaka!

No WAY ! Martin Denny ? Awesome. It's amazing what that Quiet Village album can do to ya huh?

Him and Arthur Lyman...amazing.

[Moving to Makaha]

That's awesome that you got to hang with him. Did he still have the Moog?

[tutusue]

No WAY ! Martin Denny ? Awesome. It's amazing what that Quiet Village album can do to ya huh?

Him and Arthur Lyman...amazing.
I've been a Martin Denny fan since the 1950s! His music always touches my soul. I love Arthur Lyman's music, too, but don't have the same connection to it as I do Marty's.
That's awesome that you got to hang with him. Did he still have the Moog?
Hmmm...I googled Moog. So, I really can't answer that question as all I saw in his condo was a grand piano which he used to play every day. I wished I coulda been his condo neighbor in a building with thin walls! :D

[Moving to Makaha]

a moog was one of the first types of electric pianos and he was one of the first users.

[Leo Lakio]

a moog was one of the first types of electric pianos and he was one of the first users.Synthesizer, to be accurate - not an electric piano. Robert Moog developed the first commercially-successful synth, because it could be manufactured in a modular fashion, making them both cheaper and quicker to build. The name "Moog" became synonymous with synthesizers beginning in the late '60s, due to the runaway success of the album "Switched-On Bach."

[Moving to Makaha]

I knew someone would correct me - I wrote that for ease not accuracy but thanks

[Leo Lakio]

I knew someone would correct me - I wrote that for ease not accuracy but thanksUh-huh. Yeah, "electric piano" is easier than "synth," I guess...

Just teasing, MtM! :p

[tikiyaki]

and the first pop record recording that featured a MOOG synth....

"Daily Nightly" by the Monkees. Mickey Dolenz had one of the early Moogs and used it on this song and "Star Collector" on the album "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones ltd". You could hear how he was very excited by all the goofy space sounds he could produce, he went overboard on "Daily Nightly"...funny.

Arthur Lyman was Denny's vibes player, and then Lyman went out on his own. I would love to have seen them both playing in the 50's at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki back then.

[Leo Lakio]

and the first pop record recording that featured a MOOG synth....
"Daily Nightly" by the Monkees. Mickey Dolenz had one of the early Moogs and used it on this song and "Star Collector" on the album "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones ltd". You could hear how he was very excited by all the goofy space sounds he could produce, he went overboard on "Daily Nightly"...funny.Though, in reality, Micky couldn't play fer crap (hardly anybody without an engineering degree could, in those days!); it was programmer Paul Beaver who got most of the sounds out of the Moog for that record.

Actor James Coburn was also an early Moog owner. Which has nothing to do with Arthur Lyman. Or Martin Denny. Or Makaha. Unless tutusue can find a way to bring it all together...but it is a severe case of thread drift, and those early Moogs suffered from severe pitch drift.

[tutusue]

[...]Actor James Coburn was also an early Moog owner. Which has nothing to do with Arthur Lyman. Or Martin Denny. Or Makaha. Unless tutusue can find a way to bring it all together...[...]
Let's see...I live in Makaha and I used to work with celebrities. That said, I never worked with James Coburn. Hmmm...a pretty weak attempt at getting back on topic! :D

[Moving to Makaha]

Well I asked the original question about Makaha and I have Moog module that I use, not very much though. So that kind of ties it together. And actually the first record recorded with one was by a band called the Zodiac.

[tikiyaki]

Well I asked the original question about Makaha and I have Moog module that I use, not very much though. So that kind of ties it together. And actually the first record recorded with one was by a band called the Zodiac.

Zodiac huh ? Well, I did say "pop" record, so we're probably both right :-)

Pitch drift ? for sure...thread drift...definitely :-)

That being said, those tracks were my least favorite on that otherwise brilliant record.

[Leo Lakio]

Well I asked the original question about Makaha and I have Moog module that I use, not very much though. So that kind of ties it together. And actually the first record recorded with one was by a band called the Zodiac.Thanks for bringing it back around, MtM.
The Zodiac's "Cosmic Sounds" was long thought to be the first, but that is in dispute (see http://www.richieunterberger.com/zodiac.html for additional discussion.) It's another album that featured Paul Beaver, btw, working along with Mort Garson - who also did a synth LP called "Black Mass" under the name Lucifer. I still have both of these on vinyl.That being said, those tracks were my least favorite on that otherwise brilliant record.Man, the more I learn about you, tikiyaki, the more I like you. "Daily Nightly" was one of the most nonsensical things ever to come out of Nesmith's pen.

[Moving to Makaha]

I agree you did say pop and you are right about the Monkeys. :D

[Moving to Makaha]

Where did you find that - Good Find:D And I spelled the Monkees wrong:o Ok but can I use my keyboard with the moog module at Makaha Surfside or is it against the condo regs? I think we can talk about both now and stay on topic.:cool:

[Leo Lakio]

Tutusue did talk about Hawaiian music options in the area - MtM, would you care to describe your musical style here? (I know, can of worms and all that, but I'm curious.)

[tikiyaki]

Thanks for bringing it back around, MtM.
The Zodiac's "Cosmic Sounds" was long thought to be the first, but that is in dispute (see http://www.richieunterberger.com/zodiac.html for additional discussion.) It's another album that featured Paul Beaver, btw, working along with Mort Garson - who also did a synth LP called "Black Mass" under the name Lucifer. I still have both of these on vinyl.Man, the more I learn about you, tikiyaki, the more I like you. "Daily Nightly" was one of the most nonsensical things ever to come out of Nesmith's pen.

Right back atcha Leo, you are a Banana Splits fan, so I know you have good taste...You're obviously are a serious record geek. next time I need to know something obscure, expect a email from me :-)

And yes, "Daily Nightly" is almost unlistenable consdering Nesmith wrote songs like "Papa Gene's Blues" and "Listen to the Band"...then again, it WAS the 60's. Beside, I think it was just a stupid vehicle for thier new toy (and almost getting back to the thread) ...The MOOG.

[Moving to Makaha]

Let me see... I'm a singer songwriter I play guitar, piano, keys, drums, trumpet... I guess it be called pop/rock type of stuff I write and play for myself. I usually try to stay away from the whole labeling of music though. I like to let the song dictate the direction, style, and instruments for the music. I have a degree in Music, jazz and classical performance and I've been a back up singer for Kenny Rogers, lived in Nashville, and toured with some classical vocal groups. My biggest influences would be Bob Dylan and the Beatles / John Lennon. What about you Leo? And Tiki, you must play as well. We should get together and let Tutu do our publicity.:D

[Leo Lakio]

I'm not in Hawai`i (yet - many, many years in the future; until then, just the occasional visits to family on O`ahu); I play mostly Hawaiian tunes, on `ukulele & bass, for a hula halau in Seattle. But I am a music geek - my career has always been in the business (radio production and hosting, music programming, audio engineering, album production, etc.), and my home library is too damn large for any "normal" human being.

[Moving to Makaha]

Nice - you do engineering, must have good ears. Do you work for a radio station? I've never tried to play ukulele. Tried slack guitar a few times. I haven't gotten to Hawaii yet either, still braving the cold north east weather. Might be going out to Portland soon though.

[Moving to Makaha]

I just check your profile - Ok, I know who you are, I read some of your other posts and saw some of your pics with the super Uke / bass. Good luck and have fun playing.

[tikiyaki]

Let me see... I'm a singer songwriter I play guitar, piano, keys, drums, trumpet... I guess it be called pop/rock type of stuff I write and play for myself. I usually try to stay away from the whole labeling of music though. I like to let the song dictate the direction, style, and instruments for the music. I have a degree in Music, jazz and classical performance and I've been a back up singer for Kenny Rogers, lived in Nashville, and toured with some classical vocal groups. My biggest influences would be Bob Dylan and the Beatles / John Lennon. What about you Leo? And Tiki, you must play as well. We should get together and let Tutu do our publicity.:D

If you follow the cuefactory and tikiyaki orchestra links at the bottom of my posts, that will lead to to some of what i do. I've done my share of stuff in the music business(Google "Fuzzbubble") Right now I'm really most concerned with getting commercial work.

My main instrument is guitar, tho I dabble in lots of other stuff, and do mastering, producing, engineering etc...You have to wear many hats these days to make a living doing music.


back on thread (for a second here anyway:-)
Makaha is a cool place. I stayed there for 10 days, and looked at Condos at the Surfside. Couldn't tell you more than tutusue already has, but the Oceanfront units were truly that...the Ocean out of your living room window. I know the breakwater construction is going on, so it's not the prettiest waterfront view on the island, but that's not to say it's ugly. It's just not the super manicured resort waterfront property in postcards. Still nice tho'

I think my biggest issue with Makaha was the traffic getting to and from town and other parts of the island. I went to the local food stores and got no stink eye from anyone. It was pretty mellow. No Starbux, Chili's, Zippy's or "hip" restaurants up there..mostly fast food as I remember. It IS beautiful up there tho', just a little remote.

You can find some decent in the 300's in Kailua which is an area I love. Just stayed 2 weeks ago. Have you looked into Kailua yet ?

[Moving to Makaha]

Thanks for the info on Makaha, thats what I wanted to hear - and I was amazed by tutu's answers. Nice of her to take all that time. I've looked into other areas but I really don't want to have a mortgage.
Now back to the important stuff.
So are you in fuzzbubble? It said they signed with Sean Combs. If you did and are, Hells yeah kid - good job. I'll look into the tikiyaki orchestra. And "making a living doing music" - Huh, That's why I've been selling real estate. lol
Good luck with the commercial projects.

[tikiyaki]

Thanks for the info on Makaha, thats what I wanted to hear - and I was amazed by tutu's answers. Nice of her to take all that time. I've looked into other areas but I really don't want to have a mortgage.
Now back to the important stuff.
So are you in fuzzbubble? It said they signed with Sean Combs. If you did and are, Hells yeah kid - good job. I'll look into the tikiyaki orchestra. And "making a living doing music" - Huh, That's why I've been selling real estate. lol
Good luck with the commercial projects.

Oh, the P Diddy / Bad Boy thing has been over for a long time...it was a horrible experience peppered with some really great things. Probably one of the most bizarre music bizness experiences ever.

[tutusue]

[...] back on thread (for a second here anyway:-)
Makaha is a cool place. I stayed there for 10 days, and looked at Condos at the Surfside. Couldn't tell you more than tutusue already has, but the Oceanfront units were truly that...the Ocean out of your living room window. I know the breakwater construction is going on, so it's not the prettiest waterfront view on the island, but that's not to say it's ugly. It's just not the super manicured resort waterfront property in postcards. Still nice tho'
Actually, it kind of is! If you check out the lagoons at Ko`olina you'll see that each lagoon has a breakwater! And, now, so does Makaha Surfside!
I think my biggest issue with Makaha was the traffic getting to and from town and other parts of the island.
One definitely doesn't want to HAVE to commute to town and back in rush hour traffic.
I went to the local food stores and got no stink eye from anyone.
Tamura's market has got to be one of the most competitively priced grocery stores on the island. And, very friendly.
It was pretty mellow. No Starbux, Chili's, Zippy's or "hip" restaurants up there..mostly fast food as I remember.
Yep. Fast food is everywhere. However, due to the economic demographics, it's understandable. Chili's and Starbucks are down the road in Kapolei.
It IS beautiful up there tho', just a little remote.
Very rural...with beautiful beaches and a little less than an hour from town.

Here is a photo of the breakwater from my living room...the day that new Pella wall was installed!

[tikiyaki]

Nice view sue !

Definitely nicer than any of the units I saw there..., and I guess what i was referring to was the last time I was there, there were orange construction fences everywhere....obviously that has changed. I think that comlex is a gem.
Like I said, people at the markets were nice, and yes, much cheaper than the rest of the islands.

Maybe I should buy one ?

Actually, it kind of is! If you check out the lagoons at Ko`olina you'll see that each lagoon has a breakwater! And, now, so does Makaha Surfside!

One definitely doesn't want to HAVE to commute to town and back in rush hour traffic.

Tamura's market has got to be one of the most competitively priced grocery stores on the island. And, very friendly.

Yep. Fast food is everywhere. However, due to the economic demographics, it's understandable. Chili's and Starbucks are down the road in Kapolei.

Very rural...with beautiful beaches and a little less than an hour from town.

Here is a photo of the breakwater from my living room...the day that new Pella wall was installed!

[tutusue]

Nice view sue !

Definitely nicer than any of the units I saw there..., and I guess what i was referring to was the last time I was there, there were orange construction fences everywhere....obviously that has changed.
Were you there during the actual construction of the breakwater (fascinating, btw!) or during the subsequent sand bag installation? Floors 2 and 3 in the A3 building (where I live) have the best view. That building is closest to the water. All the other buildings have more land fronting the makai side of the property.

When seated in the living room of a 4th floor unit, the view is mostly sky. Views from the ground floor units are mostly obstructed by the flora covered fence.
I think that comlex is a gem.
Like I said, people at the markets were nice, and yes, much cheaper than the rest of the islands.

Maybe I should buy one ?
MS will be a good buy again, I'm sure! I agree...it's a gem!

[tikiyaki]

Yea, I think the 2nd floor ones had the best view as I remember.
Sue, please post photos of your "little grass shack" remodel when it's done.
martin Denny would be proud I'm sure. :)

[tutusue]

[...]Sue, please post photos of your "little grass shack" remodel when it's done.
martin Denny would be proud I'm sure. :)
I'm beginning to think that digital camera technology will be replaced by something as yet uninvented by the time my little grass shack is finished! I NEED NATE BERKUS!!!!!!!!! I already have a playlist in iTunes for 'exotica' type music that will be used as background music for the condo! The music of Martin Denny and Don Tiki is at the forefront. :D