10 Celebrities Living the Hawaii Life 20 Photos
Drawn to the world-famous beaches and secluded hideaways, these VIPs — including Obama, Oprah, and Rihanna — love to escape the red carpet for Hawaii’s island paradise. Take a look inside these exclusive residences with million-dollar ocean views, sprawling beachfront grounds and floor-to-ceiling star appeal.
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About the Show
Most people only dream of living in Hawaii, but the real estate brokers at Hawaii Life can make that dream a reality for anyone. From Oahu to Kauai, to Maui and The Big Island, there are properties to suit any lifestyle from ultra-affordable, to totally outrageous. We follow everyday families as they turn their fantasy of a Hawaii Life into real life.
Episodes
See Episode GuideA View From the Big Island
Chris and Annette Hodges live a comfortable life in Atlanta with their three children. They are a very active family and have always dreamed about moving closer to the ocean so they could enjoy snorkeling and sailing all year round. They have finally taken the plunge, and with the help of Hawaii Life broker Beth Robinson, they are looking for a house on the Big Island. For the Hodges, location is key - they must have a beautiful view of the ocean. And with three kids, they also need plenty of room to spread out. With a budget in the million-dollar range, the Hodges have their choice of houses or plots of land where they can build a home of their dreams.
Surf Legend Moves Family Back To The Beach
Eliza and Keoni are searching for a home on Oahu to grow in with their teenage children. Keoni is a former pro-surfer and for him close access to the beach is a must. After seeing a mixture of properties with Hawaii Life realtor David Buck, Eliza and Keoni must decide what they'll sacrifice to land at the perfect spot near the ocean.
Hula Dancer Wants Family Home in Upcountry Maui
Tiare Lawrence and her two children are seeking a plantation-style Maui home that they can make their own, that's not too far from Taire's clothing store. Realtor Tobi Fisher takes Tiare to three properties that show off what Maui has to offer. With some homes needing more work than others, Tiare must decide how much effort she wants to put in to making the home fit her family.
Rambler From All Over Settles Down on Big Island
Felipe and Akiko Martin and their two daughters need to expand out of their one bedroom condo into a Big Island house that can accommodate their growing needs. Felipe has lived everywhere on the mainland and has pretty high expectations for their property in Hawaii. Hoping to find a place with a yard for their children, the Martin's must figure out what's important when looking for a Big Island home.
Moving From Japan to Hawaii to Start a Tiki Torches Biz
Kai and Coralie Ohuchi are looking to move their family of four from a tiny apartment in Tokyo, Japan to a spacious home on the Big Island. With realtor Annie Mendoza, the Ohuchis tour three properties that show off spectacular Big Island views. The Ohuchis are impressed by the close beach access and views of Mauna Kea, but it will be a tough decision to figure out which home is right for them.
Family Moves from California to the Big Island
Ken and Sandi Twist and their two children are relocating from the California coast to the Big Island. With realtor Jan Nores, the Twists tour three unique properties showing off the potential of outdoor living on Puako Beach Drive, a small community they've fallen in love with on their frequent visits. The Twists must decide which home will best fit their family as they grow and get the most out of their new lifestyle.
Upsize and upgrade from Washington to the Big Island
Kristen and Tony Arrindell moved from the beautiful but wet state of Washington taking jobs at a hospital on the Big Island because they realized how much better they feel in the sun and warmth. Now they are looking for a home to accommodate their twin toddlers. Realtor Jene Green shows them three homes near Kona that also keeps them close to to their favorite hobby: motorcycling the coast. The Arrindells must pick a home that will give their family the room to grow as well as fit in their budget.
Married in Maui and Moving There From Washington
Russ and Lauren Gibbs currently live in rainy Washington state but have been in love with Maui ever since they were married there. Realtor Kevin Spaise will help their dreams come true, showing them three amazing one-of-a-kind Maui properties. Russ is a kitesurfer looking for a home next to some great windy spots. With their standards set high, the Gibbs hope to find a property that matches their Hawaiian dreams.
Alaska Family Moves to Kauai
Amy and Erik Paul are relocating their family of eight from a large house in Alaska for Erik's new job in Kauai. Realtor Tiffany Spencer shows them three properties including a vacant property where they can imagine the home they want to build for their six children. Realizing there is less space available than up north, the Pauls must decide if they can see a fit for their large family in Kauai.
Goodbye Snowy Canada, Hello Sunny Big Island
Nancy and Vrejj Biegler along with their two children have moved from snowy Calgary to the Big Island and are now looking for their dream home. They're looking at three properties: two in the dry area of Waikoloa and one in the wetter tropical climate of Waimea. They'll have to decide which version of the Big Island is right for them. With all the opportunities for snorkeling and diving available to them, the Bieglers know they're not in Canada anymore!
A Family Moves From Pittsburgh to Princeville in Search of a Laid-Back Lifestyle
JT and Doreen are leaving Pittsburgh for a more laidback lifestyle in Princeville, Kauai and turn to Hawaii Life broker Roni Marley to help them find their piece of paradise. Their main requirements are privacy and a good kitchen, as Doreen would like to bring her cupcake business right along with them. Will any of the houses Roni shows them provide the perfect combo of a baker's dream kitchen and the level of seclusion they're looking for?
Young Couple Leaves the Hustle and Bustle of Honolulu to Seek the Quieter Parts of Oahu
Gilbert and Sheila live in Honolulu but are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city. They want to move somewhere more peaceful and start looking for a plantation-style house in Oahu that's close to the beach with enough storage for Gilbert's fishing and kayaking equipment and a yard for their dog. Hawaii Life Broker Sandra Sagisi is on the case, but in Oahu's competitive market, Gilbert and Sheila's $400-600,000 budget is a challenge for Sandra to overcome as they look in the areas of Waipahu and Ewa Beach.
Baltimore Couple Moves to Hawaii to Start Exciting New Careers on the Big Island
Chris and Nina Lambert are moving from Baltimore with their two dogs to begin a new life on the Big Island. Nina was offered a position as a director of Marine Life, while Chris is taking the opportunity to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a pilot. Their biggest requirements are ample yard space for their four-legged family members and a two-car garage to protect their four-wheeled possessions. With a budget of just $375,000, finding both of those items will be a challenge for Hawaii Life agent Kristi Cotton.
Hula Dancer Wants Family Home in Upcountry Maui
Tiare Lawrence and her two children are seeking a plantation-style Maui home that they can make their own, that's not too far from Taire's clothing store. Realtor Tobi Fisher takes Tiare to three properties that show off what Maui has to offer. With some homes needing more work than others, Tiare must decide how much effort she wants to put in to making the home fit her family.
Big Move to the Big Island
Sam and Kathryn Schartz love being active with their 4 kids and really enjoy outdoor living, even in the cold weather of their hometown of Pleasantville, Oregon. They have visited Hawaii many times and it was on one of their trips that the couple realized that instead of vacationing on the Big Island, they could make this paradise a permanent home. The Schartz's are working with Hawaii Life agent Adam Veloria to help them find a home so that they can transition from dark days and cold winters to a lifetime of beach living on the Big Island. For Sam and Kathryn being able to provide their children with a lifestyle that connects them to family and nature is the true meaning of living the Hawaii Life.
Indianapolis Couple Drops Everything and Moves to Kauai
When Jennifer Beyers got a job offer at a hospital on Kauai, she and her husband Brady packed up their large home in Indianapolis to live their dreams in Hawaii. They know they'll have to downsize from their 3500 square foot mainland for something half the size, but Brady and Jen are happy to trade the space for their new island life. Jennifer must be less than thirty minutes from the hospital in Lihue, which could be a challenge for broker Miriam Perlmutter.
Navy Family Moves to Oahu
Donald and Dorothy Merrill both grew up in the warm temperatures of the Southeast, so when Donald was up for his next rotation in the Navy and Hawaii came up as an option, the young couple jumped at the opportunity to raise their 2-year-old daughter Amelia in paradise. With the help of their Hawaii Life agent Alison Wisnom, the Merrills hope to find a home where their daughter can play outside, they can grow their family and comfortably accommodate their soon-to-be many visitors on the beautiful island of Oahu.
A Family Moves From Pittsburgh to Princeville in Search of a Laid-Back Lifestyle
JT and Doreen are leaving Pittsburgh for a more laidback lifestyle in Princeville, Kauai and turn to Hawaii Life broker Roni Marley to help them find their piece of paradise. Their main requirements are privacy and a good kitchen, as Doreen would like to bring her cupcake business right along with them. Will any of the houses Roni shows them provide the perfect combo of a baker's dream kitchen and the level of seclusion they're looking for?
So long Florida, Aloha Maui
Linda Lindsay has traveled all over the world, but the moment she got off the plane in Maui, she felt that she belonged there. So she packed up her mom and her two boys and made the move from Florida to Hawaii. With the boys spending too much time playing video games, it's important to Linda that the house they find is close to the beach, so they have more reasons to get outside and be active. With the help of Hawaii Life agent Tobi Fisher, Linda and her mom Jeannine set out on a search for their dream home.
Single Mother of Three Looks for a Smaller Condo on Oahu as her Grown Kids go off to College
Kailani Taylor, a single mother of three, has lived the majority of her life on Oahu. Now that her children are getting older and her twins are going off to college, Kailani wants to downsize to a new home that can better serve her as she enters a new chapter in her life. She also wants a place that will keep her and her son close to the beach. With the help of Hawaii Life agent Amie Bennis, Kailani looks at condos in the heart of Honolulu and a home in a quieter town of Makakilo.
Young Couple Trades in Madison, WI, for Killer Views in Kauai
Kristopher and Shannon Breyer packed up and moved to Hawaii with their baby girl, Eloise, not knowing what to expect. They've been renting on Kauai but are now ready to make the leap to home owners. With the help of Ron Margolis, a Hawaii Life broker, The Breyers are looking for a small family home that allows them access to all the outdoor activities they enjoy, like bike riding, hiking and the beach- a perfect place for their 2-year old daughter to play in the sun soaked sand.
A View From the Big Island
Chris and Annette Hodges live a comfortable life in Atlanta with their three children. They are a very active family and have always dreamed about moving closer to the ocean so they could enjoy snorkeling and sailing all year round. They have finally taken the plunge, and with the help of Hawaii Life broker Beth Robinson, they are looking for a house on the Big Island. For the Hodges, location is key - they must have a beautiful view of the ocean. And with three kids, they also need plenty of room to spread out. With a budget in the million-dollar range, the Hodges have their choice of houses or plots of land where they can build a home of their dreams.
Shipping Out to Oahu
David and Valori Lundstrom and their two teenage sons have been living in Colorado since 2005 all the while trying to find a way to make Oahu their home. The Lundstrom family has spent lots of time exploring the different islands of Hawaii but feel particularly drawn to the lifestyle and pace of Oahu. David and Valori own and operate three shipping stores in Colorado, and when they were presented with an opportunity to open a store in Hawaii, they knew it was a sign for them to make their dream of living in Oahu a reality. David and Valori and their boys are ready to leave behind the cold Colorado winters for a life of beautiful sunsets and whale watching.
Big Move to the Big Island
Sam and Kathryn Schartz love being active with their 4 kids and really enjoy outdoor living, even in the cold weather of their hometown of Pleasantville, Oregon. They have visited Hawaii many times and it was on one of their trips that the couple realized that instead of vacationing on the Big Island, they could make this paradise a permanent home. The Schartz's are working with Hawaii Life agent Adam Veloria to help them find a home so that they can transition from dark days and cold winters to a lifetime of beach living on the Big Island. For Sam and Kathryn being able to provide their children with a lifestyle that connects them to family and nature is the true meaning of living the Hawaii Life.
A Home with a View on Hawaii's Big Island
Lewis and Kirsten Paragona have lived their whole lives braving the cold New England winters in the suburbs of Massachusetts. They lived a hectic life of caring for their two daughters and managing their high stress careers. Retiring to Hawaii is something Lewis and Kirsten always planned on, but they've decided that waiting for retirement is too long. With their oldest daughter going off to college next year, no time seemed better to start making their Hawaii living dreams come true, so the Paragonas set out on a search for a home with a view on the Big Island. The slower pace of life on the Big Island and the commitment to family is something that the Paragonas crave, and they're ready to make the sacrifices in their career and give up the harsh northeast winters for days of constant summers.
A Home with Character on the Big Island
Living an active lifestyle is somewhat of an understatement for partners John and Jason. John is a triathlete and Jason is an avid surfer. When John and Jason met four years ago, they both already had a connection to Hawaii and could've only dreamed of one day living and working on the island that they both loved. Recently they decided that their lives had reached a point where they could make a full-time move to Hawaii and the Big Island fit all their wants and needs. John, who is a physician was recently offered a job on the Big Island, and Jason, who is an artist, can work from anywhere and hopes to open an art gallery on the Big Island. With their careers in place, John and Jason are looking for a home with outdoor space and character and are ready to make the transition into living a life full of sunshine and surf on an island that has everything their hearts desire.
