The Salt Lake & Moanalua neighborhoods took shape initially in the late 1950's once the Damon family sold their vast land holdings in this area, property they inherited from
Princess Bernice Puahi Bishop herself. The developers who bought the land only divided the land into lots, selling those primarily to individual buyers to build houses. It didn't take long for condos to move in as well.
The population growth and the housing demand it powered surged beyond expectations beginning in the 1960's and extending well into the 1970's before some slowing finally took place. One of the main areas of Honolulu that saw numerous condos spring up during that time was Salt Lake. Specifically from Puuloa Rd to the
Salt Lake Shopping Center, Salt Lake Blvd was covered in multi-story residences from the mauka side of the boulevard northward.
Since that time, Salt Lake condos have remained consistently desirable for the excellent location alone. Close to both the highway as well as most of the major military bases – Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB and Fort Shafter – the commute time is kept to a minimum for many. The presence of a surprising amount of parkland is another benefit that makes it very attractive, most prominently Salt Lake District Park, which has everything from hiking trails to tennis courts, multi-purpose buildings, a gymnasium and a pool.
You'll find a wide variety of properties here, from the basic condominium buildings of the initial build-up, with their exposed hallways, to more recent additions that have numerous amenities to offer those who enjoy having on-site extras to use.
Neighboring Moanalua doesn't have the high-rise condos of Salt Lake, or even many of the low-rise kind either. This is probably due to the fact that these lots were sold to the individual owners first, so most of that property was claimed once the boom really hit. Those that are there, though, provide a more intimate experience due to the smaller number of units and lower profile.
Moanalua Village is a perfect example, with 25 separate buildings of just 3 floors each. The remarkable thing is that, with just those 3 floors, some units can still see out to the ocean due to the high perch the community sits upon. Where Salt Lake's condos dwell mostly in the area that dips below the boulevard it's named after, Moanalua has high ground throughout that can give you an incredible outlook that's unexpected until seen for yourself.
The condos of both Salt Lake and Moanalua have remained in-demand properties from their first openings five decades ago. You can't argue with great central locations, low commute times and beautiful green surroundings and vistas that can startle those unacquainted with these communities. Maybe it's time for you to meet them.
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