Trophy Properties: The Big Island and Kamuela

Classically-styled architecture coupled with top-of-the-line accoutrements and exotic locations make these homes some of the most beautiful and unique in the world.

By Benjamin Minkus

$24 million- Kamuela
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There is nothing quite like this most treasured property of the Pacific.

Overlooking Honoka’ope Bay’s glorious, 800-year-old black-sand beaches, this sprawling beauty sits on more than 2.2 acres (originally three oceanfront lots-the largest property at 49 Black Sands) of unobstructed oceanfront property on the historic Kohala Coast. In a beautiful setting of swaying palm trees and lush greenery, this home brings its buyer the privacy and seclusion that one would expect from the most sought-after homes in this Pacific paradise.

This 6,557-square-foot home of decadence, designed by locally renowned architect Lucky Bennett, features two grand suites, the true stars among the estate’s six spacious bedrooms. A gourmet kitchen, which can accommodate personal chefs, is one of several luxury appointments throughout the home’s interior. Others include: entertainment rooms; a pool room; a private gym; and a state-of-the-art, smart home system.

But it is once you leave the house that you truly see the beauty this property holds. Starting with 200 feet of unobstructed coastline, you immediately find yourself immersed in the tranquility of The Big Island. A 1,200-square-foot covered lanai and outdoor barbecue area add to the atmosphere, and are also an excellent touch for outdoor entertaining-something you’re sure to do once you purchase this perfect property. The home’s stunning infinity pool is another unique touch, with the indigenous lava rock that the home is built on used as a seamless transition from home to water.

A true sight to behold, there is nothing quite like this most treasured property of the Pacific.

Price: $24,000,000
Realtor: Brodie Callender
Location: Mauna Lani Resort, Kamuela, Hawaii
Phone: 808.885.8885
Realty: Sotheby’s International Realty
Website: www.sothebysrealty.com

$24 million Kohala Coast
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If you’re one for ocean views, it gets no better than this: Located at 49 Black Sand Beach, this estate literally is nestled on a gentle cliff top, with views unparalleled the world-round.

Let us take you one step further: You can take a gander at these same amazing views from your pool and spa, both of which overlook the mighty Pacific,

With sapphire-blue waters as your constant background music, it is easy to relax at this 8,987-square-foot luxury palace, which sits on 1.19 acres of some of the world’s most sought-after land.

The home has plenty of space for visitors, and given the location, the owner of this beautiful mansion can expect several. Six full suites are just the start, as this home also features a media room, workout room with sauna, tennis court, and an office-all of which are equipped only with the newest technology available. Additionally, residents of 49 Black Sand Beach become members of the Mauna Lani Club and its world-famous golf courses.

The home, fully furnished, features local Hawaiian art by Darrell Hill, Woodward Payne, and Tom Adolph, while the interior is designed by Werner Design Associated of Redwood City, California. The resulting atmosphere is one that emphasizes island culture, and an overriding luxury despite its simplicity.

The architect, David Bogstad (of Loving & Campos Architects Inc.), called the home an “earthly paradise,” where privacy is maximized thanks to an ingenious floor plan and setup.

Price: $24,000,000
Realtor: Brodie Callender
Location: Kohala Coast, The Big Island
Phone: 808.885.8885
Realty: Sotheby’s International Realty
Website: www.sothebysrealty.com

$17 million Honomakau
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The opportunity to own 21 acres of heavenly Hawaii oceanfront property only comes along once in a while, and this gem of the Pacific is exactly that-plus an elegant mansion to mirror the beauty of the surrounding nature. This home is “an ultimate private residence that culminates artistry and perfection,” according to Tobi Fisher. “Dramatic ocean and mountain views dominate this irreplaceable piece of Hawaii.”

With approximately 15,000 square feet of living space, this spacious, European-styled estate, perched on the cliffs of Pahoa Kahei just outside the historic town of Hawi, features a red granite exterior, six bedrooms, and six and one half bathrooms, with wall-to-wall, clear-grade Brazilian Cherry hardwood throughout. The kitchen features American Cherry cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, plus custom European granite countertops throughout.

The home is lit elegantly, thanks to 30 custom-designed, gold-plated Venetian crystal chandeliers.  It also features some not-so-common additions, such as a custom commercial-grade elevator that supports two floors, GE Smart House Technology, and seven security cameras stationed throughout the home’s exterior and interior, with multiple viewing stations.  This home certainly has the technology to satisfy anyone’s needs.

Yet, in a setting of diamond-like ocean sparkle and vast mountain terrain, the home is equipped to truly enjoy the outdoors, with an eight-person spa perched strategically for dramatic white-water views below. The vision of the designers is truly captured by the balance between natural beauty and customized luxury; this property is unsurprassed in every way.

Price: $17,000,000
Realtor: Tobi Fisher
Location: Honomakau, The Big Island
Phone: 808.885.8885
Realty: Sotheby’s International Realty
Website: www.sothebysrealty.com