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Ultimate Hawaiian beachfront home on island loved by the Obamas hits market for a staggering sum

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Ultimate Hawaiian beachfront home on island loved by the Obamas hits market for a staggering sum


A breathtaking oceanfront retreat on Oahu’s North Shore has just hit the market for almost $10million.

The rare listing is the ultimate Hawaiian retreat for beachfront living, offering buyers the opportunity to own a slice of tropical paradise.

The fully renovated property on Crozier Drive in Waialua, Oahu – the island to where the Obamas have a home – combines luxury living and pristine natural beauty, all for a staggering $9.738million.

Listing agent Noel Shaw of Hawaii Life described the rare piece of untouched beauty a rare gem as they are increasingly difficult to find in the Aloha State.

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‘There are very few spaces in Hawaii that still feel undiscovered,’ Shaw told Mansion Global.

‘You can walk that beach and still feel like it was 100 years ago, yet you are just 40 to 45 minutes from Honolulu. Hawaii has so much been discovered, but not here.’

The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2020 and 2021 that transformed it into what Shaw describes as essentially ‘a brand-new house.’

The home was ‘renovated down to the studs.’ Aside from the roof and the deck, everything is new, Shaw revealed.

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The sprawling home sits right on the beach lined with palm trees and clear waters

A breathtaking oceanfront retreat on Oahu's North Shore has just hit the market for nearly an eye-watering $10 million

A breathtaking oceanfront retreat on Oahu’s North Shore has just hit the market for nearly an eye-watering $10 million

The rare listing is the ultimate Hawaiian retreat for beachfront living, offering buyers the rare opportunity to own a slice of tropical paradise

The rare listing is the ultimate Hawaiian retreat for beachfront living, offering buyers the rare opportunity to own a slice of tropical paradise

The fully renovated property on Crozier Drive in Waialua combines luxury living and pristine natural beauty, all for a staggering $9.738

The fully renovated property on Crozier Drive in Waialua combines luxury living and pristine natural beauty, all for a staggering $9.738

‘It’s so rare for Hawaii to get this level of quality. It’s like a brand-new house,’ she said. 

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Upon entering through elegant double front doors, visitors are immediately greeted by an open-plan living area featuring soaring ceilings and enormous windows with picture-perfect views of the lush lawn, pristine white-sand beach, and the Pacific Ocean.

There is impeccable attention to detail throughout the property, with European cabinetry, luxurious hardwood floors, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.

The kitchen area features a spacious island, premium stone countertops, and top-tier appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Thermador, plus a 100-bottle wine refrigerator for the oenophile, according to the listing.

For those who love to entertain, there’s even a second fully-equipped kitchen located in the one-bedroom guesthouse.

The main residence offers two bedrooms on the ground floor, while the primary suite occupies the entire upper level.

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This property also includes not one but two private decks offering breathtaking panoramic views of both the mountains and ocean – perfect for watching Hawaii’s legendary sunrises and sunsets.

The stunning beachfront property boasts the ultimate luxury of privacy, with a secluded stretch of white sand beach that remains uncrowded throughout the year.

Listing agent Noel Shaw of Hawaii Life described the rare piece of untouched a beauty a rare gem as they are increasingly difficult to find in the Aloha State

Listing agent Noel Shaw of Hawaii Life described the rare piece of untouched a beauty a rare gem as they are increasingly difficult to find in the Aloha State

The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2020 and 2021 that transformed it into what Shaw describes as essentially 'a brand-new house'

The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2020 and 2021 that transformed it into what Shaw describes as essentially ‘a brand-new house’

Upon entering through elegant double front doors, visitors are immediately greeted by an open-plan living area featuring soaring ceilings

Upon entering through elegant double front doors, visitors are immediately greeted by an open-plan living area featuring soaring ceilings 

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The enormous windows offer picture-perfect views of the lush lawn, pristine white-sand beach, and the Pacific Ocean

The enormous windows offer picture-perfect views of the lush lawn, pristine white-sand beach, and the Pacific Ocean

There is impeccable attention to detail throughout the property, with European cabinetry, luxurious hardwood floors, and a state-of-the-art kitchen

There is impeccable attention to detail throughout the property, with European cabinetry, luxurious hardwood floors, and a state-of-the-art kitchen

‘The beach is not near a public right-of-way, and it’s not busy nor noisy,’ Shaw explained. ‘You can swim and snorkel right in front of the house. You see sea turtles there all the time.’

While the North Shore is world-famous for its massive waves that attract professional surfers from around the globe, this particular property offers the best of both worlds thanks to its unique location.

‘The North Shore of Oahu has the biggest waves in the world,’ but because of a barrier reef near the house, ‘you can swim and snorkel 12 months of the year,’ Shaw said. ‘You get to be near the action but still swim safely.’

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It’s also surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife.

‘You see sea turtles there all the time.’

‘Stroll beachfront with your morning coffee from the covered lanai of this turn-key oceanfront estate and onto a lush lawn, dotted with palm trees and framed by the Pacific stretching out before you,’ the Compass listing writes. 

The sprawling property encompasses 4,730 square feet of exquisitely designed living space, with a total of four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one partial bathroom.

The estate sits on a 0.43-acre lot that extends right to the ocean’s edge.

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The main residence offers two bedrooms on the ground floor, while the primary suite occupies the entire upper level

The main residence offers two bedrooms on the ground floor, while the primary suite occupies the entire upper level

On top of this, the property comes fully furnished, as the new owners can arrive and immediately begin living their Hawaiian dream

On top of this, the property comes fully furnished, as the new owners can arrive and immediately begin living their Hawaiian dream

The sprawling property encompasses 4,730 square feet of exquisitely designed living space, with a total of four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one partial bathroom

One of the bedrooms in the property offers views of lush palm trees

One of the bedrooms in the property offers views of lush palm trees

While the North Shore is world-famous for its massive waves that attract professional surfers from around the globe, this particular property offers the best of both worlds thanks to its unique location

While the North Shore is world-famous for its massive waves that attract professional surfers from around the globe, this particular property offers the best of both worlds thanks to its unique location

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It also includes a guest apartment situated above the four-car garage.

On top of this, the property comes fully furnished, as the new owners can arrive and immediately begin living their Hawaiian dream.

‘This is a rare find in Hawaii, satisfying those desiring a fresh, barefoot luxury, resort-style home,’ the listing states. 

‘The vaulted plantation-style ceilings, hardwood floors, & neutral colors throughout lend an air of laid-back glamor to this North Shore property.

The charming town of Haleiwa, renowned for its shopping and dining opportunities, is just ‘six or seven minutes away,’ while the vibrant city of Honolulu and its international airport can be reached in 40 to 45 minutes.

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‘All the famed activities of Oahu’s North Shore are right out your backdoor including vibrant reefs for snorkeling, Silva’s Channels and Glass Doors surf spots, and miles of white sandy beach for beach walks, snorkeling, kayaking & paddle boarding,’ the listing writes. 

The Obama home butts directly onto Waim¿nalo Beach in Oahu and overlooks the ancient P¿honu Pond - an enclosure that juts 500ft out into the Pacific and was used by native Hawaiian chieftains to raise turtles for their meat

The Obama home butts directly onto Waimānalo Beach in Oahu and overlooks the ancient Pāhonu Pond – an enclosure that juts 500ft out into the Pacific and was used by native Hawaiian chieftains to raise turtles for their meat

The former president and first lady are said to be headed towards divorce which now raises questions as to whether their marriage will survive until moving day

The former president and first lady are said to be headed towards divorce which now raises questions as to whether their marriage will survive until moving day

Last month exclusive Daily Mail aerial photos revealed the lavish three-acre estate of the Obamas on Oahu.

It is valued by the local tax assessor at over $18million, comprising three properties with a combined 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, two pools and two Jacuzzis. 

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Daily Mail’s exclusive photos show the finished, wood-paneled and white-roofed exterior, manicured yard lined with palm trees, and private access to a stunning beach in Waimānalo – a striking difference from previous photos of the construction site taken in February 2022. 



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Episode 36 of Kilauea’s eruption ends with fountains reaching up to 1,000 feet

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Episode 36 of Kilauea’s eruption ends with fountains reaching up to 1,000 feet


HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (HawaiiNewsNow) – After just over five hours, the latest episode of Kilauea’s eruption began and ended Sunday.

The U.S. Geological Survey said episode 36 began at around 11:15 a.m. with fountains from the north vent that reached about 500 feet high, while fountains from the south vent were about one-third as high.

At around 3:35 p.m., USGS said the south vent remained up to 1,000 feet high, but began dropping at around 3:48 p.m.

The eruption ended at around 4:16 p.m., and USGS said it 10-11 cubic yards of lava that covered over half of the crater.

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USGS said episode 36 was preceded by over 180 lava overflow-drainback events at the north vent on Nov. 3, with the south vent following the next day.

According to the National Weather Service, winds are blowing from the northeast, and the USGS believes volcanic gas emissions and material may be distributed to the southwest of the summit of Kilauea.

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said ashfall and tephra are likely to affect the Kau district.

Officials recommend that those with respiratory sensitivities take extra precautions to minimize exposure.

CDA advises drivers to be cautious on the road as visibility may be reduced.

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Watch episode 36 here:



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Missing Kapolei man found in Waipio, attorney says

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Missing Kapolei man found in Waipio, attorney says


HONOLULU (KHON2) — Around 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, Honolulu Police announced 55-year-old Jonnaven Monalim was missing, and was last seen on Wednesday night, Nov. 5, leaving his home in Kapolei.

But just seven hours after they announced he was missing, HPD was investigating a body that was found off a dirt road in Waipahu (near the Waipio Soccer Complex).

Police said officers had located the body of a man with apparent gunshot wounds.

Michael Green, a long-time family attorney for Monalim, told KHON2 that fingerprints taken from the scene where the body was found confirmed it was him.

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“They took fingerprints of the body, and they’ve identified it as Jonnaven,” attorney Michael Green said.

“When I hear about bodies being found where they’re doing fingerprint identification, instead of photograph or in-person identification, it’s a rage issue or a payback issue,” explained Green.

Green says the family was not asked to identify Monalim in person or with a photo.

“When they decide not to photograph the face, for identification it shows rage or payback, and I’m not saying who they’re paying back for, and I’m not saying what people were raged about – whether it’s a money debt or something else, or I pay you back for something they think you did in the past – I can’t answer that, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen fingerprint identification where they could not take pictures of the face,” Green said.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, there was heavy police presence in the Pearl City industrial area where Monalim’s girlfriend told Green that Monalim’s hearing aid was found with a bullet casing and a pool of blood.

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Monalim has a criminal record dating back to the 1980s. He was the key witness in the high-profile 2004 Pali golf course shooting trial after he wore an FBI wire that secretly recorded a conversation. That recording ultimately led to his cousin Rodney Joseph Jr. and Ethan “Malu” Motta to being sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Green said Monalim had disagreements with other individuals over the years.

“He was a street guy, and he would have been smart enough not to meet a particular person without protecting himself,” Green said. “My guy was not the kind of guy that would just walk around and meet people in the middle of the night; he had to trust the person and feel that he was safe.”

“He never would have gone to meet anybody if he had the slightest concern about his safety, but he certainly, if it was a one-on-one, he trusted the person with his life and he made a mistake apparently,” he added.

Green believes police finding the body in the middle of nowhere means one thing.

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“They [police] knew where they were going, so somebody gave up somebody,” he added.

Police have not confirmed any arrests and are deferring identification of the body to the medical examiner. Police will also not say if Monalim’s missing persons case is still active.



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With new ranch, mysterious Hawaii landowner now has 15,000 acres

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With new ranch, mysterious Hawaii landowner now has 15,000 acres


On the island of Hawaii, a relatively unknown buyer is purchasing large portions of land, rapidly becoming one of Hawaii’s largest landowners, while also stirring controversy with a Burning Man-inspired annual festival he is trying to cultivate.

Since 2021, Pennsylvania native Andrew Tepper has bought over 14,000 acres in Papaikou near Hilo, according to public records, under his company Teppy Mountain LLC. Tepper held a festival, called Falls on Fire, on his agriculturally zoned property in 2023 and 2024. The events were unpermitted, sparking backlash among his neighbors and government agencies, who have hit him with violations. 

Entrance to Indian Tree Road in Papaikou on the island of Hawaii.

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Screenshot via Google Street View

Hawaii County spokesperson Tom Callis told SFGATE that Teppy Mountain has been fined $34,000 so far. “As this is a private event that involves many people that exceeds the customary use of the agricultural property, it requires a Special Permit,” Callis said.

To comply, Tepper submitted a Special Use Permit with the Windward Planning Commission in September 2024 for the annual event, which calls for a four-day-long festival with overnight camping and commercial vehicle storage on approximately 14.7 acres of the Papaikou land, with a maximum attendance of 500. As at Burning Man, a burning ceremony of an effigy is lit on fire to close the event.

“Hawaiian culture and Burning Man culture share so many principals… decommodification, communal effort, gifting, participation, ‘leave no trace’ – those are all things I keep noticing in Hawaiian culture, and they are stated principles of Burning Man culture. Falls on Fire is such a wonderful blending of those cultures,” Tepper told SFGATE in an email.

“If any readers are Burning Man participants, come visit my camp, Habitat for Insanity, and I will serve you the fanciest, most delicious shave ice on the playa,” he continued.

Tepper is now awaiting a contested case hearing on Nov. 13, 2025, before a decision is made about whether to approve or deny the permit. But until the permit is approved, the event is not authorized to be held.

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The Papaikou lands, outlined in the map, amount to over 14,000 acres near the town of Hilo, Hawaii.

The Papaikou lands, outlined in the map, amount to over 14,000 acres near the town of Hilo, Hawaii.

County of Hawaii

A private gathering

Despite repeated warnings by the Hawaii Planning Department not to hold the event, it took place last year from Nov. 8 to 11, with over 200 attendees. 

No event has been publicized this year, but details were sent out to an email listserv from an email address associated with Falls on Fire stating that an event would take place Nov. 7 to 9, 2025, referring to it as a “private gathering” with no charge and advising participants to “keep it off all public pages” so it can avoid a “$500 per day fine.”

SFGATE obtained a copy of the email, dated Oct. 8, and it links to a new website with private access and a “bible for everything FoF” that details rules, fire safety, sound policy, theme camps and volunteer information. Tepper confirmed that it was from an email address that he and other organizers are using, but also added that “it is not the email that invitations were sent from.”

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Tepper also told SFGATE that he is “having a smaller private gathering while the permit is pending. I hope to have the permit next year, and if I do, I will again welcome members of the public to experience this incredible property.” 

Hawaii County would not comment on whether it is aware of another event happening this year, but did tell SFGATE that “the Planning Department will issue another notice” if an unpermitted event is held. 

A waterfall in Papaikou on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 14, 2018.

A waterfall in Papaikou on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 14, 2018.

Michael Leggero/Getty Images

Asked whether or not it is something that would get shut down, Hawaii County Police Department told SFGATE it “does not necessarily enforce permit violations, however if we received noise and/or other complaints then police would respond.”

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Hawaii County said more or less the same: “Reports of illegal or unsafe activities can be made to the Police or Fire departments, and they will respond based on the complaint.”

More land acquisitions

Earlier this year, Tepper purchased additional properties in the towns of Keaau and North Kona, according to public records. Then in October, he made another large acquisition when he bought the 792-acre Kupaianaha Ranch for $10.59 million. The ranch, near Hilo Forest Reserve, has waterfalls, orchards, pastureland and a two-story, 8,542-square-foot log cabin.

Tepper told SFGATE he purchased the property because he likes agricultural land. “The new property has a large lychee orchard that had been neglected, and I’ve already started tending the trees. I’m hoping that by next year we’ll be producing a small crop, and then be back to full production the following year or so,” Tepper told SFGATE in an email.

The purchase of Kupaianaha Ranch brings his total landholdings to over 15,000 acres on Hawaii Island. By comparison, Hilo, the largest town on the island, is approximately 35,000 acres, while the second-largest, Kailua-Kona, is 8,832 acres.

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Andrew Tepper in a 1995 article in the Press Enterprise in Pennsylvania.

Andrew Tepper in a 1995 article in the Press Enterprise in Pennsylvania.

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It’s a sizable sum that puts Tepper among the top wealthy Hawaii landowners, somewhere between Larry Ellison’s 87,810 acres on Lanai and Mark Zuckerberg’s 2,300 acres on Kauai. Others, like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Dell and Jeff Bezos, fall below.

Tepper is the founder and president of game development studio eGenesis, which started in 1998. He is best known for his work on “A Tale in the Desert,” a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, launching it in 2003. Then in 2013, eGenesis created Dragon’s Tale, an MMORPG casino that uses cryptocurrency. Tepper graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and ran a software company before starting eGenesis.

Aside from the Falls on Fire festival, it’s unclear what Tepper plans to do with the combined 15,000 acres, but he has a history of purchasing large properties in other states, including the 1,143-acre Dream Mountain Ranch in West Virginia in 2018. He opened it to guided trophy deer and elk hunts the following year. 

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Editor’s note: SFGATE recognizes the importance of diacritical marks in the Hawaiian language. We are unable to use them due to the limitations of our publishing platform.

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