Trip to Hawaii

[Pahonu]

The sea wall to the left was indeed the location of the main house. In the photo, the house appears to have large stacks of construction materials stored on top. I would venture to guess it is roofing material.

[Styles Bitchley]

Great photos. Thanks very much for sharing. Too bad you didn't have Robin's telephoto lens for getting some detail from out there on the rock wall.

[Pahonu]

Great photos. Thanks very much for sharing. Too bad you didn't have Robin's telephoto lens for getting some detail from out there on the rock wall.

That’s a great photo. I haven’t paid very close attention to the cameras on the series. I had a friend in high school who became a newspaper photographer in the early 90’s. He had all kinds of equipment in college and even made a dark room in a corner of his family’s garage while were still in high school! I learned a lot, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him as he left the area. I forgot about the auto winder attachments at the bottom that they used to use on manual SLR’s. He had one.

[robicurp]

Probably are AC units. So far the homes are not very attractive. It'll be interesting to see what the finished product looks like. Though I doubt much will be visible from either the road of the beach. Since they appear to be preserving the Boat house and guard house, It make me wonder whether Mr Obama is a bit of a Magnum PI fan. He's only a year younger than me, so he was in his twenties during the Magnum series run.

[Styles Bitchley]

Probably are AC units. So far the homes are not very attractive. It'll be interesting to see what the finished product looks like. Though I doubt much will be visible from either the road of the beach. Since they appear to be preserving the Boat house and guard house, It make me wonder whether Mr Obama is a bit of a Magnum PI fan. He's only a year younger than me, so he was in his twenties during the Magnum series run.

Good question, but isn’t it just speculation that Obama has an interest in the estate? We know that Nesbit is involved but did I miss something directly linking him?

[308GUY]

Thank you Robicurp for the follow up, the pics and shedding new light on an old topic.

Your pictures are "just great"! Will be adding them to my collection in the Pahonu folder on my hard drive.

The tidal pool looks glorious, and I did see a few pics during the refurbishing of the perimeter wall by locals....it also looks fantastic and like it will serve its purpose well for many years.

The new sea wall is somewhat of a disappointment, but I do understand the reason it was done....probably two fold the secondary reason being an attempt at additional privacy...but pure speculation on my part. I especially react negatively to the original gate/steps no longer being accessible...at least that's the impression I get from the pics. The whole thing just sort of "wrecks" the image of what the tidal pool is in my mind.

So happy to see/hear that it looks like the boat house will be retained and restored....would have been stupid, (and in MY mind..) criminal for it to be torn down, as has been pointed out, it can not be replaced with "new" because of its proximity to the ocean.

Some of the motivation for me to do an in person visit has now been removed, like the original main house...just gone forever. I'd much rather watch the series on my DVD's and remember how it was and again in my opinion, should still be. Progress does not stop or stand still...I only wish the estate had been retained as it was no matter what it took, but obviously, that was not meant to be, and does not co-align with "progress".

I again thank you for the updated pics and new perspective, but it sort of helps me to remove visiting off my "bucket list"...or at least moves it down priority wise. I would still like to see what is visible of the boat house up close and personal, and it would still be a thrill for me to mount that mystery protrusion, which appears to still be there....but if it never happens, I won't feel near as bad now, knowing that everything's changed.

I do hope the new owners/occupants enjoy the property and especially strolling the grounds (or what's left of them) as JQH used to be seen doing on occasion....just taking in the serenity and ambience of his surroundings.

Thanks again, for the great pics! You're a stand up guy.

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

I especially react negatively to the original gate/steps no longer being accessible...at least that's the impression I get from the pics. The whole thing just sort of "wrecks" the image of what the tidal pool is in my mind.

Yep, that's the worst part of the whole thing. Can no longer recreate Magnum's swim-and-sneak-up-to-gate from the pilot. I imagine those steps and gate will be removed completely as it serves no purpose with a seawall in front of it. But then it raises the question of how the new occupants plan to access the beach (non-existent, I know) and tidal pool. What they did with the new seawall doesn't seem practical, unless I'm missing something.

[robicurp]

Thanks for the compliments. I remember how surprisingly sad I was when I read about the estate house being demolished. I'm still sad about it. The tidal pool is still great to visit, but it can never be the same without Robins Nest visible. I will add that the Beaches on this side of the island are many times nicer than Waikiki. The water is so clear, the surf is gentle and Waimanolo beach stretches continuously for 5 miles. Next time I visit Oahu, I will be staying on this side of the island. Now that I've visited, I have to break out my Mag PI DVDs and relive it all again. One other note it was great to See TC's Helicopter flying around daily while we were there. Every time I saw it was a flash of nostalgia.

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

Thanks for the compliments. I remember how surprisingly sad I was when I read about the estate house being demolished. I'm still sad about it. The tidal pool is still great to visit, but it can never be the same without Robins Nest visible. I will add that the Beaches on this side of the island are many times nicer than Waikiki. The water is so clear, the surf is gentle and Waimanolo beach stretches continuously for 5 miles. Next time I visit Oahu, I will be staying on this side of the island. Now that I've visited, I have to break out my Mag PI DVDs and relive it all again. One other note it was great to See TC's Helicopter flying around daily while we were there. Every time I saw it was a flash of nostalgia.

Did you do the Magnum PI helicopter tour in TC's chopper? I did it in 2018 (with the doors off) and it was totally worth it!

[Pahonu]

I especially react negatively to the original gate/steps no longer being accessible...at least that's the impression I get from the pics. The whole thing just sort of "wrecks" the image of what the tidal pool is in my mind.

Yep, that's the worst part of the whole thing. Can no longer recreate Magnum's swim-and-sneak-up-to-gate from the pilot. I imagine those steps and gate will be removed completely as it serves no purpose with a seawall in front of it. But then it raises the question of how the new occupants plan to access the beach (non-existent, I know) and tidal pool. What they did with the new seawall doesn't seem practical, unless I'm missing something.

Those new sea walls serve the purpose of keeping the property from flooding in the coming decades. The sea level rise has already diminished the beach to nearly nothing in the last 85 years or so since Pahonu was built. The lowest parts of the property near the beach gate are just a couple of feet above the current high tide line. The sea walls continued existence will eventually erode the beach entirely at any tidal level exposing the property if the gate access remains. So the choice became protect the property and lose the beach or lose significant parts of the property eventually. That’s why Eve Anderson applied for an extension to allow the sea walls to remain for several more decades. Otherwise, who would invest in a property that would be flooded and lost in the coming decades? Getting those sea wall permits kept the value of the property for her to be able to sell it. I don’t blame her, but the decision meant the total loss of the beach in the near future. Her financial decision was sound, and our sentimentality about losing the beach access is meaningless given the realities of the situation.

[Jelly Doughnut]

Thank you for sharing. I am going to Hawaii first time ever this September. Should have done this sooner, it hurts to see the Robin's Nest so changed. Oh well, story of my life. I grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and all that is gone too, the homes, the bases, etc. I'm used to it. At least the pond area looks pristine and the view of the mountains is impressive. Can't wait.

So I have an important question. Where do I park my rental car? I understand there is a club or park just a couple of lots over?

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

I especially react negatively to the original gate/steps no longer being accessible...at least that's the impression I get from the pics. The whole thing just sort of "wrecks" the image of what the tidal pool is in my mind.

Yep, that's the worst part of the whole thing. Can no longer recreate Magnum's swim-and-sneak-up-to-gate from the pilot. I imagine those steps and gate will be removed completely as it serves no purpose with a seawall in front of it. But then it raises the question of how the new occupants plan to access the beach (non-existent, I know) and tidal pool. What they did with the new seawall doesn't seem practical, unless I'm missing something.

Those new sea walls serve the purpose of keeping the property from flooding in the coming decades. The sea level rise has already diminished the beach to nearly nothing in the last 85 years or so since Pahonu was built. The lowest parts of the property near the beach gate are just a couple of feet above the current high tide line. The sea walls continued existence will eventually erode the beach entirely at any tidal level exposing the property if the gate access remains. So the choice became protect the property and lose the beach or lose significant parts of the property eventually. That’s why Eve Anderson applied for an extension to allow the sea walls to remain for several more decades. Otherwise, who would invest in a property that would be flooded and lost in the coming decades? Getting those sea wall permits kept the value of the property for her to be able to sell it. I don’t blame her, but the decision meant the total loss of the beach in the near future. Her financial decision was sound, and our sentimentality about losing the beach access is meaningless given the realities of the situation.

So basically there's no rear access to the tidal pool from the property now, correct? Climbing over the seawall seems like the only option. Not practical, that's for sure.

[Styles Bitchley]

So I have an important question. Where do I park my rental car? I understand there is a club or park just a couple of lots over?

Assuming you're driving from Honolulu, you'll pass the Estate gate on your right and immediately pass the Shriner's Beach Club property. Just after that there will be an entry point into a public parking lot at Kaiona Beach Park (on your right). That's the one you want.

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

So I have an important question. Where do I park my rental car? I understand there is a club or park just a couple of lots over?

Assuming you're driving from Honolulu, you'll pass the Estate gate on your right and immediately pass the Shriner's Beach Club property. Just after that there will be an entry point into a public parking lot at Kaiona Beach Park (on your right). That's the one you want.

Yep, that's where I parked. You'll pass like 2 or 3 properties (one of them the Shriner's Beach Club) after the Estate and turn into the parking lot on your right. Then you wade into the water, turn right, and mosey on back to where the rear of the Estate is.

[Pahonu]

I especially react negatively to the original gate/steps no longer being accessible...at least that's the impression I get from the pics. The whole thing just sort of "wrecks" the image of what the tidal pool is in my mind.

Yep, that's the worst part of the whole thing. Can no longer recreate Magnum's swim-and-sneak-up-to-gate from the pilot. I imagine those steps and gate will be removed completely as it serves no purpose with a seawall in front of it. But then it raises the question of how the new occupants plan to access the beach (non-existent, I know) and tidal pool. What they did with the new seawall doesn't seem practical, unless I'm missing something.

Those new sea walls serve the purpose of keeping the property from flooding in the coming decades. The sea level rise has already diminished the beach to nearly nothing in the last 85 years or so since Pahonu was built. The lowest parts of the property near the beach gate are just a couple of feet above the current high tide line. The sea walls continued existence will eventually erode the beach entirely at any tidal level exposing the property if the gate access remains. So the choice became protect the property and lose the beach or lose significant parts of the property eventually. That’s why Eve Anderson applied for an extension to allow the sea walls to remain for several more decades. Otherwise, who would invest in a property that would be flooded and lost in the coming decades? Getting those sea wall permits kept the value of the property for her to be able to sell it. I don’t blame her, but the decision meant the total loss of the beach in the near future. Her financial decision was sound, and our sentimentality about losing the beach access is meaningless given the realities of the situation.

So basically there's no rear access to the tidal pool from the property now, correct? Climbing over the seawall seems like the only option. Not practical, that's for sure.

There are other options, but it won’t be accessible in the same way. They’re likely to build some kind of stairs down to the water. Many homes on the coast of SoCal have steps down from terraces or decks to the sand. At high tides, the bottom of the steps may be underwater and at low tides have dry sand. It’s very common. Unfortunately, as sea level keeps rising there will eventually be no sand even at low tide.

I believe the Shriners next door has steps of some kind. That’s the nature of these sea walls. They eventually destroy the beach to save the structures on the land. The properties next to Pahonu opposite the Shriners don’t have sea walls and allowed the natural interface to remain. Of course, those houses are set much farther back to protect them. It’s a very dynamic environment along the coast.

I think we Maniacs usually picture the beach on MPI as the way it always was. I’ve seen maps of the property showing the mean high tide line back in the 30’s and it was much further out. The box structure near the boathouse would have been on dry sand at low tide levels and the beach much wider. I believe there’s an image from early H5-O that shows the box at least partly on dry sand. Also, the tidal pool stone walls have needs to be raised more than once. They were actually rebuilt at one point having been neglected and in ruin. They are not the same walls from when the alii kept turtles in them for meat. Our image of the beach from MPI is just a snapshot in time of what the coast there has looked like over the decades.