See our
video of Wilhelmina Rise, another
video of Maunalani Heights and finally our
video of Nohona at Kahala.
Wilhelmina Rise is a quiet established hillside community of about 500 modest older
homes in Honolulu north of
Kaimuki, bordered by
Palolo to the west and
Waialae Nui to the east. Extending beyond the Wilhelmina Rise neighborhood, taking up the top one-third of the ridge above Hilo Pl and Iwi Way, is the wonderful Maunalani Heights mountain top community consisting of about 350 homes. Most Wilhelmina Rise homes for sale are valued between $700K to $1.3M, often with lot sizes between 3,000 to 10,000 sq ft and Maunalani Heights homes for sale are typically valued in the $800K to $2.5M range, generally on larger lots, often between 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft.
The Homes Wilhelmina Rise and Maunalani Heights homes feature fabulous ocean,
Waikiki and
Diamond Head views, with homes in Maunalani Heights enjoying a slightly cooler climate due to the higher elevation.
The first Wilhelmina Rise homes were built at the bottom of the hill over 100 years ago, just off Waialae Ave, which over time has developed into Kaimuki’s business district. Among the mostly older homes in Wilhelmina Rise, 2 small newer gated communities were developed in 1991:
Maunalanikai Pl located just above the middle of the ridge, close to Sierra Dr and Iwi Way, consisting of about a dozen newer homes offering great views from steep slope lots. Maunalanikai Pl homes are typically valued in the $700K to $1.1M range,
Nohona Kahala located at the very easterly bottom section of Wilhelmina Rise, accessible from Hunakai St and close to Kahala Mall. This community of about 50 highly desirable newer homes, featuring cathedral ceilings, central AC, stucco exteriors, tile roofs and level green yards has a private playground. Homes at Nohona Kahala tend to sell in the $1M to $1.3M range.
Several of the Maunalani Heights homes are architecturally charming, built during the 1940’s and 1950’s, sitting on generous lots with mature green landscaping and gorgeous views. Some of the more desirable streets in Maunalani Heights include, Matsonia Dr, Lurline Dr, Monterey Dr and Maunalani Circle, all with utility lines hidden underground.
The Neighborhood Wilhelmina’s narrow but defining main road, Wilhelmina Rise, goes up in a straight line to the very top with remarkable steepness, while being criss crossed multiple times by Sierra Dr, which winds up the hill in wide switchbacks gaining steady elevation.
Halfway up the hill in the middle of Wilhelmina Rise, surrounded by homes on all sides, the huge Mauumae Nature Park features a little known hiking trail loop ascending from Koko Dr and offering great views. More daring is the
Mauumae ridge trail, better known as the Lanipo hike, starting from the top of Maunalani Circle ascending even higher to the summit of the Koolau mountain ridge at almost 2,400 ft elevation. For the less adventurous there is the newly upgraded Maunalani Community Park in the 4600 block of Sierra Dr, serving residents with playground, lit basketball and tennis courts and a large level grassy field overlooking Honolulu.
Hungry after a hike or game of tennis, residents have easy access to a number of excellent restaurants along Waialae Ave at the base of the hill. No wonder many residents feel fortunate to live here.
History of Wilhelmina Rise Wilhelmina Rise is the prime example of a neighborhood that couldn't exist until the 20th Century. Up until the early decades of the 1900's transportation was dependent on the horse. There was no way anyone could get their daily business done living up there. The commute just wasn't possible on that incline.
That changed when automobile use became widespread, allowing people to live on these heights. Surprisingly it was the Matson Company who seized the opportunity to develop this area in the 1920's, carving out the notorious mile long road that goes up the hillside. The new Wilhelmina Rise homes were placed on a steep slope, but they enjoyed an outlook over the city that was difficult to beat.
Though they didn't stay long in the building business, Matson did leave a legacy behind. Many of the streets are named for their famous ships, such as Lurline, Mariposa and Monterey. Most importantly, that main road, and the neighborhood, got its name from yet another Matson ship, the Wilhelmina.
Wilhelmina Rise has only gained notoriety since it was first paved, attracting people who drive up the steep road, just for the experience. Extreme athletes are even known to challenge themselves, and each other, to walk or even run up the entire mile. Little did Matson know, they were building not only a neighborhood, but a fitness course.
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