Sony Open in Hawaii and the Luxury Neighborhoods that Surround the Waialae Country Club

The 2024 PGA Tour season is officially underway, as the first tournament, the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Maui at Kapalua's Plantation Course, concludes. Up next, the tour heads to the vibrant island of Oahu for the Sony Open in Hawaii, the first full-field event of the season. Running from January 11 to January 14, 2024, this year's tournament not only showcases world-class golf, but also celebrates Hawaii's unique heritage and commitment to sustainability and community.

The Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Golf Course

History of the Sony Open in Hawaii

Nestled in the heart of the luxury Honolulu neighborhood of Kahala, the Waialae Country Club stands as a premier world-wide destination for golf enthusiasts. This par 70, 7044-yard masterpiece, originally designed by Seth Raynor, is more than just a golf course; it's a slice of paradise, or hell…depending on the trade winds. Since 1965, it has proudly hosted the PGA Tour's Sony Open, attracting golfers and fans from around the world. In 2017, the course underwent a significant restoration by Tim Doak, further enhancing its allure and challenge.

Situated between the breathtaking Pacific Ocean and the majestic Koolau mountain range, Waialae offers a golfing experience like no other—where fickle trade winds can affect even the pros. Here, players are treated to meticulously maintained greens set against a backdrop of towering mountains and serene sea waters, making every round at the Sony Open venue an unforgettable experience. This year's event is particularly special, as it marks a groundbreaking moment with the PGA and LIV tours joining forces. This collaboration is poised to elevate the excitement and competition, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

About the Course

At the Waialae Country Club, the primary challenge for golfers isn't found in towering bunkers or treacherous water hazards. Instead, it's the wind that poses the most significant test on this flat, coastal course. This natural obstacle is formidable, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the game. Over the past ten editions of the event, the average winning score has been a remarkable 19-under. A testament to the skill required to master these windy conditions is evident in the record-breaking achievements of Justin Thomas. In 2017, Thomas set both the 18-hole and 72-hole records at this venue, scoring an astounding 59 and 253, respectively. These records underscore the unique challenges and the high level of play that the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club consistently demands from the world's best golfers.

Charitable Giving

The Sony Open is the largest charity golf event in Hawaii. With an intial donation of $256,000 to 43 charities in 1999, tournament charity proceeds today top $1.2 million annually and benefit more than 100 not-for-profit organizations. The event is the principal fundraising activity of Friends of Hawaii Charities. Formed in 1998 as a result of the shared vision and collaboration of a group of Hawaii business and community leaders to generate needed funding for Hawaii’s charitable organizations that benefit women, children, youth, and needy, the Friends of Hawaii Charities have generated $24 million since 1999, benefiting over 350 Hawaii Charities.

Economic Impact

The 2024 Sony Open is expected to be a major economic boon for Hawaii. With top golfers from both PGA and LIV tours, the event is set to attract a global audience, generating substantial revenue and spotlighting Hawaii on the world stage. The prize money for the first place alone stands at a staggering $1,422,000, out of a total purse of $7,900,000.

Exploring Kahala and Waialae Iki

In addition to showcasing the world's best golfers, the Sony Open also brings attention to the beautiful Oahu neighborhoods of Kahala and Waialae Iki, areas known for luxurious homes and a thriving real estate market.

Kahala: The Beverly Hills of Honolulu

Homes and Development: Kahala is often compared to Beverly Hills due to its luxurious and expensive real estate. The neighborhood consists of approximately 1,200 homes. Real estate development in Kahala began in the 1920s, with a more extensive build-out during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Kahala is a mix of charming older ranch-style homes and newer, larger two-story luxury estates.

Lot Sizes and Values: Most lot sizes in Kahala are around 10,000 square feet, with a few lots exceeding one acre. Home values in Kahala vary significantly, starting at around $1.5 million for just the land, and reaching over $20 million for the most luxurious oceanfront estates.

Location and Features: Kahala is located between Diamond Head to the west and the Waialae Golf Course to the east. This sought-after beachfront neighborhood offers limited ocean views, unless you are on the oceanfront (about 40 properties on the one-mile stretch of Kahala Avenue). Oceanfront homes east of Hunakai Street are on white sandy beaches, while those west of Hunakai Street have the privacy of a sea wall.

Community and Lifestyle: The neighborhood is known for its low density, spacious roads and luxurious homes on generous level lots. It offers a quiet, prestigious residential environment with a strong community association that maintains the neighborhood's single-family residential character. Locations agent Stephanie Chan (who was voted Hawaii’s Best Realtor in 2023) has sold many Kahala properties and has a current luxury listing at 4126 Papu Circle in Kahala, says, "As someone who is deeply immersed in the Kahala and Diamond Head real estate market, I've seen firsthand what sets these neighborhoods apart. Kahala's exceptional location, combined with its generously sized lots, provides a living experience that's unmatched anywhere else on Oahu. It's not just about the luxury of space; it's about the quality of life that comes with being part of this unique community.”

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Waialae Iki, the Original Luxury View Ridge

Homes and Lot Sizes: Waialae Iki is known as the original luxury view ridge in Honolulu's real estate market. It consists of a little more than 600 homes and is located above the Waialae Golf Course and Wailupe Beach. Homes in Waialae Iki are typically priced between $1 million to $3 million, with most lots ranging from 7,500 to 15,000 square feet. There are also unique oversized estate lots, around one acre in size, located in the gated community of Waialae Iki V at the top of the hill.

Views and Features: Homes in Waialae Iki offer spectacular views of the Waialae Golf Course, Diamond Head and the ocean. The neighborhood features developments that started in the early 1960s and progressed over five phases. The final phase, Waialae Iki V, is a gated community with custom homes, a 24-hour manned security gate, a private recreation club and tennis courts.

Unique Estates: Waialae Iki V includes approximately a dozen oversized one-acre estate lots with cooler mountain climates and distant ocean views. Some of these mountain-top estate lots have not yet been developed, offering potential for custom luxury homes.

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Whether you enjoy the Sony Open in person or watch it on TV, we hope you'll enjoy this special event, full of history, excellence and, of course, aloha!