Hawaii has long been a celebrity magnet. Famous personalities from Oprah to Julia Roberts to Obama have all bought or rented homes on our star-studded archipelago. Here are some of the most notable residences:
- Oprah’s Farmhouse
Perched high in Upcountry Maui, Oprah’s farmhouse sits on 163 acres, nestled among mossy rock outcroppings that face the Pacific. Once a small ranch house, it’s been redesigned by architect Jeff Wooleyinto a classic American farmhouse.
Wooley adjusted the floor plan in order to create less angular rooms andhad craftsmen from T.M.C. General Contracting Inc. raise the ceiling, move the staircase, install French doors, and construct a wraparound veranda.
The finished product is a tropical farmhouse with a rustic but elegant feel inside and out. Interiors were done by interior designer Ellie Cullman, and one of the highlights is the main living area, which has a 19th-century weathervane as a centerpiece and is decorated with refurbished furniture and custom-made curtains embroidered in India.
- Barack Obama’s Vacation Rental
At 7,000 square feet, the former US president’s favored Hawaiian retreat issituated along a scenic stretch of Kailua Bay. The home features a stunning tide pool, waterfall, and spa. The pool is lined with real lava rocks, while the bottom has been decorated to look like coral reefs.
Other highlights include the master bedroom with tray ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors and a rain shower that overlooks the yard and commands fantastic views of the beach and the water.
The luxury vacation rental home in the Plantation Estate at Paradise Point Estates is privately owned by Glenn Weinber. The Obamas stayed in the home in late 2016, and have been visiting the locale since 2008. The home gives tenants direct access to the beach.
- Emma Stone’s Villa
The actress stayed in a multi-million-dollar villa at Diamond Head while filming “Aloha” in 2015.
The villa features the latest in smart home technology, with iPads mounted on the walls, making it easy to control indoor lighting, temperature, and more. It also boasts a private theater, making it the perfect getaway for film buffs.
Rent starts at $4,000 a night. Diamond Head is located along the Waikiki coastline’s eastern edge and is prized for its scenic hiking trails and coastal views.
- Julia Roberts’ Kauai Estate
Also called “The Faye Estate,” actress Julia Roberts’ Hawaii home boasts over 200 feet of beachfront property – a rarity in any real estate market.
Named for Hans Peter Faye, the previous owner, this beachfront home has beamed ceilings, a galley-shaped kitchen, and a screened porch with sweeping views of the ocean.
Built in 1915, the Plantation-style home is situated along Hanalei Bay and has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. With over 3,800 square feet of living space, there’s more than enough room for a large family.
The property changed hands in 2016, when “The Bachelor” producer Mike Fleiss purchased the home for a whopping $16.2 million.
- Beyoncé’s Hawaiian Haven
This sprawling estate sits on 1.5 acres and offers 10,000 square feet of living space. And that’s not all – the property also boasts 600 feet of white sand beach. With eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the home provides plenty of space for a large family or a sizeable entourage. Apart fromBeyoncé and her husband Jay-Z, other celebrity guests have included Jessica Simpson of “Newlyweds” fame.
The home’s indoor and outdoor living areas flow seamlessly into one another, thanks to the glass walls that act as transparent partitions. The patio and cabana command stunning views of the ocean and lets you take full advantage of Kailua’s breathtaking scenery.
Ready to take the plunge into Hawaii’s real estate market? Call me, celebrity and luxury real estate expert Greg Burns, at 808-214-0302. You can also send email to Greg(at)IsleLuxury(dotted)com or visit my Rental page.