I turn off the Queen K highway and drive down to Puako. I roll down my windows and immediately relax as I breathe in the soft, salty, plumeria infused air. I hear the busy chatter of birds. I see skateboarders scooting along, and the occasional bike with a basketful of groceries from M’s Puako General Store.

I pass by the houses for probably the millionth time, but I still smile at the old shacks and admire some of the new, finely appointed homes, on both the mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) sides of the street. I love Puako’s unique character, that it’s not your typical resort community: it’s not gated; no required association fees; and it’s enjoyed by vacation home renters and part and full-time residents alike. I love that you can feel the seasons change at Puako; not by leaves changing of course, but by winter’s cooler days and nights, the louder, bigger surf that lures surfers to Paniau at the end of the road; by the whales breaching and tail-slapping right at the edge of the reef drop off. Then summer brings calm waters, warmer days, and plenty of mangoes!

I drive by the home where I spent the happiest memories of my childhood, #78 Puako Beach Drive. Back in the old days, long-term leases were common. My grandmother held a 40-year lease on this 1.6-acre ocean front lot with beautiful brackish ponds, upon which she built a simple vacation home in the old plantation style, and two small guest houses. This property saw me (and my siblings, cousins and friends) through many summers of fishing in the ponds, tide pooling, snorkeling, spear fishing, and devouring mangoes from my grandmother’s beloved tree.

My wife and I knew each other as kids and grew up playing together on this property. Our 1997 wedding was the last celebration our family enjoyed before the lease was up and the property reverted to its original owners (my family tried to purchase it several times over the years, but the owners understandably did not want to sell). With heavy hearts, we had to let it go.

After a time, the original owners did decide to sell (wisely, at the peak of the market, but at a price my family could not afford at that point), and now this remarkable Puako gem, steeped in rich history and happy, loving memories, is for sale again. Though the vintage Puako homes on the lot will most likely be torn down making way for updated tropical dwellings, in my humble opinion, with or without the homes, this is the most spectacular parcel in all of Puako. But I am a little biased.

Lucky are the folks who’ll move in next and start creating their own traditions and memories in unique and magical Puako. 

If you’d like to learn more about #78 Puako or other Puako properties and opportunities, please contact me at 808-987-4218 or email me at brodie@macarthurhawaii.com. I look forward to hearing from you.