Extraordinary Hawaii Compound Next to Barack and Michelle Obama’s Beach Sanctuary Is Listed for $25 Million

A rare oceanfront property just a few doors down from the opulent Hawaii estate owned by former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, has returned to the market along one of Oahu's most renowned stretches of coastline. 

The enormous Waimanalo compound, which is on the market for $24.9 million, blends Hollywood history, local craftsmanship, and a level of privacy rarely found within 30 minutes of Honolulu—a unique combination that has long drawn high-profile residents to the area.

“Obama owns an incredible compound a few doors down,” says listing agent Caron Davis, with Caron B Realty, referring to a development just one minute's drive from the home—where the Obamas are understood to have been building their dream beach sanctuary for years.

But long before the Obamas moved in, the area was already steeped in celebrity history, thanks to the iconic Robin's Nest estate from "Magnum P.I.," whose lead character, Thomas Magnum, was portrayed by acting legend Tom Selleck.

That estate was razed to make way for a trio of luxury properties developed by Marty Nesbitt, a close friend of the Obamas—who are said to have snapped up one of the mansions being built there.

But even against that backdrop, this property is very much its own story.

The two-lot gated compound spans nearly an acre, featuring 152 linear feet of Pacific shoreline and more than 8,600 square feet of living space. It includes a main house, guesthouse, two-bedroom cottage, and studio, for a total of 10 bedrooms and 8.5 baths.

That collection of properties, which now makes up the listing at 41-471 Kalanianaole Highway, is a new-to-the-market offering. The current owner purchased the properties in two separate transactions, then combined them.

The property at “41-471 was purchased in 2015 and included a total rebuild with construction finished in 2022. This is the main house,” Davis explains. The adjacent lot, 41-473, which contained the cottage, studio, and two-car garage, was purchased in 2019 and remodeled.

The craftsmanship is meticulous and deeply personal, as it was designed as a permanent sanctuary—not a faceless investment property.

“The home was built for the owner, not for resale,” Davis says. “You could never afford to build this house again, and you just won’t find a home with this level of detail anywhere else on the island.”

Partnering with the locally renowned Sutton Construction, the owner filled the home with custom features designed for oceanfront living. The chef’s kitchen combines Bosch, Thermador, and Miele appliances, and the custom walnut cabinetry conceals a pantry.

An Elan smart home system controls electric privacy screens and blackout shades, while thoughtful upgrades like towel warmers and Toto washlets can be found in every bathroom.

Fleetwood doors, a laundry chute, an 11-zone AC system, and a whole-home water filtration add to daily comforts.

The property includes 28 solar panels, three Tesla batteries with a backup generator, a new septic system, and a security system with cameras and a video intercom at the gated entrance.

The lot itself is unusually generous for this coastline. At 152 linear feet along the Pacific, Davis says, it offers “about double linear ocean square feet” compared to typical Waimanalo lots.

Still, the estate’s defining feature may be its sense of retreat.

“It’s extremely private and feels like enjoying pure Hawaii. When people come here, it’s a sanctuary,” Davis adds. “It’s like the ideal Kauai property everyone dreams about, but you get the best of Oahu just minutes away.”

Outdoor living is equally central. Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and snorkeling are right outside the door, with views stretching to Manana (Rabbit) Island and the Koolau Mountains. It's this scenery that makes this stretch of coastline one of the most coveted in all of Hawaii.

Of course, Nesbitt's luxury development is expected to add even more allure to the area, particularly after reports emerged in 2020 that the Obamas were eyeing one of his residences.

Nesbitt purchased the prime waterfront land for $8.1 million in 2015 and began building a luxury compound of homes, which the Obamas have been seen visiting on multiple occasions to check on the progress.

They may soon be visiting a completed dwelling, however, with local news outlet KHON2 reporting in the summer that work on the luxurious residence was nearing an end.