Why Not a Tiny Home in Waianae? The Affordable Side of Oahu

Hawaii conjures up images of sun, sand, surf, and sky-high real estate prices.  All are pretty true.  But if you’re willing to get off the beaten path, there are, dare I say, reasonably priced options.  Take the Makaha Surfside condos located on the Waianae (why-a-nigh) coast.

The west side of Oahu is more rural, away from the tourist trap of Waikiki and the bustle Honolulu. And so, offers bargains for buyers who believe paradise is about slowing down and getting away, but still like to be driving versus flying distance from a good restaurant.  It’s also where an oceanfront condo is available for $360 per square foot versus $1,600 in Diamond Head.

There are nine units available in this 1974 complex of three low-rise buildings (A, B, C) that range from $65,000 for a 361-square-foot studio ($180 per square foot) to $150,000 for a 412-square-foot one bedroom.  Obviously no mansion these, but then the prices reflect that. Also, not all units face the ocean, so the biggest consideration in price is view.

One of the two communal pools

Oahu’s west side has had its social issues in the past.  It’s been the poor side of the island for years with the US military owning a lot of nearby lands (you can’t throw a stick without hitting military land on Oahu).  However the rise of second city Kapolei and the growth at the planned resort community of Ko Olina have helped raise the profile of the area. The original Marriott resort has spawned the Disney-operated Aulani resort and most recently a Four Seasons opened in the original Ihilani property. Not bad company down the road that should help values in the area … and give you somewhere dressy on a Saturday night. If commuter rail ever gets out this far, prices will surely skyrocket.

A casual look saw the cheapest mountain view room at the Four Seasons for $574 per night.  A monthly mortgage payment for an oceanfront unit Makaha Surfside wouldn’t be much more than that … and you’d own it.

Like I said, $65,000 doesn’t buy a lot.  Unit C248 is a courtyard studio with 361 square feet of space.  It’s listed with Elena Roud with Locations LLC (I’d link to the Realtor’s page, but it requires registration and that’s just dumb). I’d drop another $10-15,000 and have a sweet retreat in Hawaii.

“A” Building Views

Move over to the “A” building and there are two OCEANFRONT one-bedroom, one-bathroom units measuring 412 square feet for $148,000 and $150,000. While both could use a spiff up, the $148,000 unit (A403) seems in better nick.

More Recently Remodeled A403 Kitchen

Unit A403 is listed with Regina Mass of Locations LLC (who again due to a poor website, doesn’t get a link here).  This unit is currently a rental with tenants eager to stay, so it would also easily work as an investment property.

Owners at the complex share two pools plus a kiddie pool, a gym, barbecue areas, and centralized laundry room (at 400 square feet, who has space for a washer/dryer?).  The HOA dues are pretty reasonable with the one-bedroom units costing $390 a month for a gated community on the ocean in Hawaii.  Not bad indeed.

Of course with any condo, you will want to ask your questions, study their finances and the like.  But assuming all works out and you’re ready for beachfront country living in a no-fuss condo, this complex or this area might be worth a look.

All you tiny house lovers, here are all nine current listings.

Remember: When I’m not stirring up trouble in Dallas, Texas or Honolulu, Hawaii for Candysdirt.com and SecondShelters.com, I’m off scouting interesting locations for a second home.  In 2016, my writing was recognized with Bronze and Silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. If you’re a Realtor with second home clients who’d like me to feature their journey, shoot me an email sharewithjon@candysdirt.com