HONOLULU (KHON2) — Former President Barak Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, bought a home in Waimānalo which is on Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi.
The home has been under construction for nearly 10 years, and reports indicate that it is nearly finished and ready for the Obama clan to move in.
Here’s what we know about the palatial estate:
1. There are sea walls
Sea walls a really big controversial issue here in Hawaiʻi. They contribute heavily to beach erosion which causes a great deal of damage to properties long-term. While sea walls heavily restricted and monitored by County governments, there are no outright laws in the state against them. So, the Obamas’ applied for an exemption to maintain and repair their sea wall. It’s caused a good of controversy.
2. It’s located at “Robin’s Nest”
In the 1980s, the original Magnum P.I. television series used that site as Robin’s Nest. Robin, who’s voice was given by Orsen Wells, was Magnum’s benefactor and lived in the beachfront property in the show. Robin was never seen much like Charlie in Charlie’s Angels from the same time period.
3. It’s near Native Hawaiian sacred sites
Waimānalo is quite possibly Hawaiʻi’s earliest Polynesian landing site. The area contains burials, artifacts and remains that date back to 1040-1219. Archeological discoveries made in Waimānalo include trade beads from early European contact and reburied ancestral remains. These finds near the area of the Obama compound reinforces Waimānalo’s deep cultural and historical significance.
4. It’s actually 3X3
The property actually is the consolidation of three properties on three acres of beachfront land.
5. Lots and lots of bathrooms
There are 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.
6. Lots of water recreation
It has two pools and two Jacuzzis spread out over the three acres.
7. The Obamas have private beach access
Although it is illegal to make beaches private in Hawaiʻi due to their cultural and historical connections to Native Hawaiian peoples, the Waimānalo home is afforded private beach access for security reasons.
8. Jim Nabors owned it
Nabors was famous for his role as Gomer Pyle in The Andy Griffith Show and the spin off, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. Nabors owned the home prior to the Obama’s LLC purchasing it. He died in Honolulu in 2018.
9. Originally purchased at a much lower value
The home was originally purchased for $8.4 million. The Obamas have spent the last several years since its purchase remodeling and repairing the estate.
10. It has a white roof
The property boasts a white roof. White roofs are used to lower power consumption and to cool off the home. It’s an innovative way to deal with Hawaiʻi’s heat.
So, as you drive up Kalanianaʻole Highway, take a peek at the gorgeous ocean views and you might catch a glimpse of Obama’s compound.
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