A nearly century-old Nu‘uanu estate has recently hit the market with a $22 million asking price.
Located above Honolulu in upper Nu‘uanu Valley, you'll find Lihiwai on 1.81 acres at 51 Kepola Place. The estate offers a total of six bedrooms and nine baths; it spans 24,899 square feet across a four-bed, seven-bath main residence and two guest homes, the listing notes. The property also features a natural ‘auwai, stream, waterfall, and heated saltwater pool and spa.
An aerial view of the Lihiwai property, a historic estate in Nu‘uanu. (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The front entrance (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The courtyard (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The stairway (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
A lāna‘i (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The atrium. (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The dining room (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The living room (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The kitchen (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The primary bedroom (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The primary lāna‘i (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
The courtyard (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC) 
Lihiwai was commissioned in the early 1920s by Territorial Governor George Robert Carter and completed in 1929. (Malia Peer | Peer Films LLC)
Hawai‘i Life's Jovanna Giannasio-Fern is the listing agent.
"Lihiwai stands in a class of its own and is a once-in-a-generation opportunity," Giannasio-Fern told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "I’ve never known a home of this scale and scope to come to market in our state. It’s historic yet fully restored with modern sensibilities."
Its history dates back nearly a century.
The estate was commissioned by Territorial Governor George Robert Carter in the early 1920s and finished in 1929, according to information provided by representatives of Hawai‘i Life. It was designed by Hardie Phillip of Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue & Associates.
Carter, who was appointed the second governor of Hawai‘i by President Theodore Roosevelt and served in that role from 1903 to 1907, died in 1933. Carter's wife, Helen Strong Carter, was the daughter of Henry Strong, the founding president of Eastman Kodak, the provided information noted.
Today, the property is owned by Honolulu-based builder Richard Ethington, owner of RJE Construction Services, and his wife Brendan, who purchased Lihiwai in 2010. The homeowners spent roughly four years on a $13 million renovation of the home, which was completed in 2014, Giannasio-Fern says.
The Ethingtons worked closely with Victor Weeks, principal designer at Welch & Weeks, on the restoration, she noted.
"Now that Richard and Brendan Ethington’s children are grown and out of the home, they are looking for another historic property to enjoy and potentially restore," Giannasio-Fern says. "As a Hawai‘i homebuilder, Rich brings a unique skill set and loves collaborating with his wife Brendan. Design and history are truly their love language."
For Giannasio-Fern, the property's connection to water is a favorite feature.
"I love how water is the soul of this special property, from the active ‘auwai to the majestic Nu'uanu Stream waterfall and the multiple fountains throughout the estate, seamlessly blending the indoors and outdoors," she says. "Perhaps the cherry on top is the grand marble fountain in the dining room, which was historically used for champagne at parties."
As for the ideal buyer, Giannasio-Fern says a range of potential buyers are envisioned, "someone with a deep appreciation for a one-of-a-kind historic treasure and a desire to steward and celebrate it for years to come. It could appeal to an art collection, as I believe the best way to activate a home is through art. It may also resonate with a family, or multi-generational household, given its main residence and two guest homes. Above all, it’s ideal for someone seeking privacy, legacy and a truly singular living experience."
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
