#2 of My Top 3 Homes In My 20+ Years In Real Estate

2115 Haena Dr. in Manoa was one of my all-time favorite sales in all my years as a realtor.

After two decades in this business, there are certain homes—and clients—that truly stand out. Alan and Sandra’s property at 2115 Haena Dr. is one I’ll never forget: not just for its design or location, but for the way it reflected the lives of its owners. Tucked away in Manoa, it was one of those rare, unforgettable listings that felt like a work of art. My clients were downsizing and they trusted me with their home after seeing how I handled their son's property sale while he was living internationally.

From the moment you arrive at the property, there’s a sense of wonder. The centerpiece is an incredible 100-year-old monkeypod tree . The house was actually built around this tree, and it feels like a guardian of the property, with branches that have witnessed generations and seasons, offering shade and serenity to everything beneath them. The pool was flanked by this tree and the shade from its leaves, which made it look even more stunning. 

The home itself was a masterpiece of architecture, earning two prestigious AIA Honolulu awards in 2002:

• Award of Excellence for its outstanding overall design

• Sustainable Design Award, the first-ever presented by AIA Honolulu in this category 

Its thoughtful design and integration with nature was remarkable. Every line, window, and material choice felt intentional. This home told a story of a life richly and artfully lived.

What made the design even more special was how it reflected the owners' love of travel and craftsmanship. The home was infused with hand-selected materials and design elements from Mexico, Spain, Bali, and beyond—a curated global aesthetic woven seamlessly into a Hawaiian setting. Tilework, wood, fixtures, and architectural accents all held stories, each one chosen with care and purpose.

This was a home that didn’t just look beautiful; it felt beautiful. Every corner invited you to slow down and appreciate the textures, light, and calm that surrounded you. It was a space that balanced elegance with warmth, art with comfort.

Representing 2115 Haena Drive was an absolute honor. It wasn’t just about marketing a property—it was about honoring a life and a legacy. I knew we needed to find buyers who wouldn’t just see the value of the home, but who would feel it—who would understand what made it special and continue its story with the same love and care.

Some listings are transactions. Others are transformations. 2115 Haena Drive was the latter—and I will always consider it one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. It felt good to find the right buyers for the home, so my clients could know that it was in good hands. 

Mahalo, Alan and Sandra, for your trust in me.