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 First-Time Homebuyer Searches for a Condo on Oahu
Helicopter pilot Julie Fung's high-flying job has taken her all over the US for work, but she's always wanted to fly the friendly skies above Hawaii. When a job opened up with a helicopter company on Oahu, she immediately applied and made the big move. Now she's finally ready to put down some roots on Oahu and buy her first condo with the help of Hawaii Life Agent Alison Wisnom. Julie's hopes are sky-high though and her lengthy wishlist does not match her tiny budget for a place in Honolulu, one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Young Family Looks to Make Roots in Waikiki
Sick of indoor-life in the land-locked state of Kansas, Zach and Amy Riehemann were motivated to change their life and relocate to sunny Oahu with their two young sons, Jax and Brody. Seeking a condo that will work as their children grow up, they work with Hawaii Life broker Cathy Possedi to find them a spacious unit with family-friendly amenities, while still being close to one of the most desired spots on Oahu; Waikiki Beach.
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 Couple is Moving to Oahu to Continue Their Photography Business
Lucie and Sam Silveira have always been hard workers and after years of developing their photography company in California, they are extremely excited to start things up in Hawaii, fully aware that the work pace will be a lot slower. They look forward to working on island time and having more time to explore the island of Oahu where they'll be able to relax on the beach and enjoy fun nights out on the town. The Silveiras are working with Hawaii Life Broker David Buck to help them find a place where they can set up their photography studio but also a place that they can call home.
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.
Island Hopping and House Hunting
Veronica and Scott Rahn have always been big travelers. They've visited most of the 50 states, but nothing ever compared to Hawaii and it wasn't long before they decided to make it their permanent home. Although the Rahns know what they want from their home - open floor plan and lots of outdoor space - it's the location that they're not settled on. So they turn to Hawaii Life agent Jene Green to show them around the Big Island and broker Monica Hayward to help them explore Kauai to ultimately decide which island suits them best and begin living their 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.
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.
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.
Maui Native Moves Back Home After Spending a few Years on the Mainland
Peter Niess was born and raised on Maui and loved growing up on an island where he could live a life that most people only experience while on vacation. Peter went to college on the mainland but couldn't stay away from Maui's picturesque scenery and year-round outdoor living. Peter is now back on Maui pursuing his career as an architect and working with Hawaii Life agent, and childhood friend, Tony Sayles to purchase the home of his dreams that can comfortably accommodate his bulldog, 3 cats, 3 chickens, and tortoise. Because of the low inventory of homes on Maui, Peter's open to putting his architectural design skills to good use and possibly constructing his dream home.
A Young, Active Couple House Hunts in Oahu for a Home Where They Can Start a Family
Shavonne and Thi Truong dreamed of honeymooning in Hawaii, but disappointingly the newlyweds never made it. A few years later, the couple received amazing news that the Army stationed them in Oahu. Having never even been to Hawaii, Shavonne and Thi packed their bags and reported for duty. The Truongs immediately fell in love with Oahu's sunshine, but ultimately it was the active and healthy lifestyle that sold them. Now, the couple is working with Hawaii Life broker Erik Hinshaw to help them find a home that will keep them close to the beach where they can enjoy fishing and swimming with turtles as well as be a great place to start a family.
Former US Air Force Physician Relocates his Family to Kauai for a Laid-Back Lifestyle
After serving seven years in the US Air Force as a physician, Chris Black and his wife Sharon decided to make their dream of living on Kauai come true. After landing a job at a clinic in Kapaa, looking for a house was the next natural step. The Blacks love the laidback, hang-at-the-beach lifestyle and want their kids to be able to experience all of the outdoor fun that the tropical climate of Kauai has to offer. With a healthy budget of $600-800,000 they have their pick of a house, a condo or a plot of land on which they can build their dream home.
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.
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.
Empty Nesters Search for a House in Oahu to Start a New Chapter of Their Lives
Now that Jerry and Gail Rustin's six children are grown and scattered around the country, these empty nesters are ready to put the focus back on themselves and start a new chapter of their lives in Hawaii, a place that feeds their imaginations as they try to pursue their interests of writing and music. They are working with Hawaii Life agent Sandra Sagisi Moser as they search for a house with space for writing, a man cave, and close proximity to Honolulu and its bustling nightlife.
A Couple is Moving to Oahu to Continue Their Photography Business
Lucie and Sam Silveira have always been hard workers and after years of developing their photography company in California, they are extremely excited to start things up in Hawaii, fully aware that the work pace will be a lot slower. They look forward to working on island time and having more time to explore the island of Oahu where they'll be able to relax on the beach and enjoy fun nights out on the town. The Silveiras are working with Hawaii Life Broker David Buck to help them find a place where they can set up their photography studio but also a place that they can call home.
An Outdoorsy Couple from Pennsylvania Looks to Enjoy the Outdoors in Oahu All year Long
Ever since visiting Oahu, The Camachos have been trying to epitomize the Hawaii lifestyle in Pennsylvania but it is just not working out. Whether it is going for a jog, jet skiing or long walks with their dogs the couple knows they will find the best views in Oahu to do all of these things. So with the help of Hawaii Life broker, Ron Hamic, Kim and Martin Camacho search for their perfect piece of paradise.
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 Fire Twirler and His Family Find a Home on the Big Island
William Demaso, a Polynesian Lua Dancer, his girlfriend, Bryanna Pasco and their 2 children are ready buy their first home on the Big Island. Born and raised in Waikoloa Village on the Big Island, William and Bryanna have more than just family ties to the area, their heart and soul belong here. They are finally able to purchase a property on the home island of their ancestors and with the help of Hawaii Life Broker, Karen Bail, William and Bryanna will hopefully find a place where their 2 boys can run free and enjoy their surrounding ohana or family.
Young Family Looks to Make Roots in Waikiki
Sick of indoor-life in the land-locked state of Kansas, Zach and Amy Riehemann were motivated to change their life and relocate to sunny Oahu with their two young sons, Jax and Brody. Seeking a condo that will work as their children grow up, they work with Hawaii Life broker Cathy Possedi to find them a spacious unit with family-friendly amenities, while still being close to one of the most desired spots on Oahu; Waikiki Beach.
Oklahoma Minister Moves his Wife and Five Daughters to a Family-Friendly Home on Oahu
Jon Elliff is a Baptist minister who, after being inspired by a vacation in Hawaii, decided with his wife Becky to move his family to Oahu. With their five daughters, Jon and Becky are working with Hawaii Life broker Kelly Lee to find a house that gives them space for their family as well as a short commute to the beach and Jon's church. With big demands in their tight price range, Kelly shows the Elliffs several different Oahu neighborhoods to give them a sense for the value of their dollar.
A First-Time Homebuyer Searches for a Condo on Oahu
Helicopter pilot Julie Fung's high-flying job has taken her all over the US for work, but she's always wanted to fly the friendly skies above Hawaii. When a job opened up with a helicopter company on Oahu, she immediately applied and made the big move. Now she's finally ready to put down some roots on Oahu and buy her first condo with the help of Hawaii Life Agent Alison Wisnom. Julie's hopes are sky-high though and her lengthy wishlist does not match her tiny budget for a place in Honolulu, one of the most expensive cities in the world.
A Military Family Searches for Their First Home on Oahu
Air Force Intelligence Officer Clint Kinchen and his wife Kallie have been lucky enough to have moved from their hometown in Louisiana to Okinawa and now to Oahu on orders form the military. But now that they have two young kids, they're ready to find a place to settle down. With the help of Hawaii Life agent Amie Bennis, the Kinchen's are hoping to find a home in a family friendly area with space for Clint's retired mom, who has moved in with them, to help raise their young family in paradise.
A Busy Business Traveler Searches for a Home Base on Maui
Texas native, Beth Cantor has an exciting job as a roving human resources director that requires her to travel all over the western hemisphere. After a recent three-month stint on Maui, Beth instantly knew it was the place where she wanted to call home. She fell in love with the culture, the aloha spirit, and the relaxed lifestyle that she needs after her business travels. With the help of Hawaii Life agent, Amanda Kittle, Beth is looking for a condo in Kihei, close to her friends, and hopes to find a killer view that she can enjoy during her rare days off.
Soon-to-be-Wed Couple Looks for a Place to Call Home in South Maui
Recently engaged Wayne Westcott and Sue Nuckols have lived most of their lives in the South and are proud of their Southern roots, but when they came to Maui for the first time, they knew it was where they wanted to start their new life together. With the help of broker JB Guard, they're searching for a house they can make their own and where they can have their grown children come to stay in their own piece of paradise.
Longtime Partners Leave Busy Honolulu Life Behind to Find Space on the Big Island
Michael Anderson and Louis Garcia are longtime partners who recently moved to Honolulu with their four dogs after years of living in Los Angeles. Tired with the city life, Michael and Louis are looking for a new home that will help them reconnect with the reason they moved to Hawaii in the first placetheir love of the outdoors. With the help of Hawaii Life agent Annie Mendoza, Michael and Louis look at a variety of properties that show them the best examples of Big Island country living.
