The Omaopio Ridge Community

Summary of the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions

Text Summary of Bylaws

Turning Dreams Into Reality at Oma’opio Ridge

By Lily Whitehawk

[Reprinted by permission from Real Estate Maui Style, February, 2004]

An upcountry development that will afford its residents plentiful water year round, 15- to 20-minute drives to shopping, schools, the airport and medical services, 30-minute journeys to Kihei or Paia beaches, spectacular bi-coastal views and 5- to 8-acre lots? Impossible, I thought, until I saw Oma’opio Ridge.

The sun was glistening off the new green mantle that upcountry dons after a rain the day I made the 10-minute drive from Kahului up Oma’opio road to meet Phil Christopher at Oma’opio Ridge, the development he represents in lower Kula.

After passing the Surfing Goat Dairy Ranch, I turned right on to Ikena Kai Place and navigated the short distance to a tastefully unassuming security gate. Warm brown rock forms a low wall on either side of the entrance to a tree-lined lane. Yellow-orange bougainvillea take it from there, creating an unobtrusive yet effective barrier that, as it grows, will eventually embrace the entire development in billowing golden arms.

I was enjoying a mighty concert performed by the feathered musicians of this area when Phil Christopher pulled up. (Later he would remind me that in the Hawaiian language "oma’opio" means "whistling thrush.") As project manager and exclusive realtor for Oma’opio Ridge, he has been deeply involved in every aspect of the development from the beginning.

"This was pasture for many years," Phil explained. "I was aware of the special beauty of the area, and was able to facilitate procurement of the site for the present owners in the mid-nineties. Even though the county code at that time permitted much higher density, the developers decided against that. Their goal was to create an upcountry neighborhood that preserves the beauty of the land and affords the residents a sense of privacy without feeling isolated," he told me. "This was assured starting with large lot sizes and protective covenants and design controls.

"Oma’opio Ridge consists of 112 acres that will be divided into a maximum of 15 lots, which makes the average lot size around seven acres. That is space enough to have a horse or to plant a small orchard or herb farm. Each lot is designated for single family use only. Rentals or subdivision of the lots is not allowed."

Phil then told me about the installation of a state-of-the-art private water system with on-site well and tanks. "This insures the water supply will not be affected by routine upcountry droughts with attendant restrictions placed on residents," Phil told me.

The designer for the development is Hawaii-born Hunton Conrad. After studying the unique aspects of each lot, Hunton is designing the house and landscaping for every estate to exist in harmony with its surroundings. Hunton began his career as a landscape architect, later adding interior design and architecture to his arsenal of talents. He has won praise for his innovative work on such projects as the Coconut Plaza Hotel in Honolulu, the Hotel Hana-Maui, and numerous private estates throughout the islands. If buyers so desire, this gifted designer will work with them to implement changes to an existing design or to create a custom plan of their own.

We walked through the two finished homes, both of which have been purchased. The "Hawaiana Hale" was inspired by the designs of C.W.Dickey, a well-known architect of the early 1900’s here in Hawaii. You can see this era reflected in the two-foot thick plaster interior walls, the stained concrete floors, and the stone water fountain in the courtyard. The magnificent view takes center stage here, making itself known through expansive windows and doors opening out onto covered and columned stone-floored lanais.

As we drive up the road to the "Moon Gate" house, we hear the busy-bee sounds of craftsmen at work. This rambling Chinese-influenced villa is graced by a moon gate entrance, a large library, a master bath shower that projects into the outdoor walled garden, and a blue tiled infinity-edged pool that is out of this world. The house is built so that its angles capture the fabulous view from Ma‘alaea Bay to the north shore. Phil tells me about ancient petroglyphs somewhere on the property. There is something magical about this spot, something the new owners also apparently felt. They purchased the house before it was halfway completed and added their own vision to the design. The result is a true masterpiece. Finally we head toward the site of the future "Orchid Waterfall House," reminiscent of designs by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. I stand at the edge of a deep gulch filled with rounded black stones from Pele’s jewel box and the green of trees and plants native to this place. I can see the future walls of a two story atrium with its indoor orchid waterfall rising up from rugged stone outcroppings. There will be an indoor-outdoor pond, and an infinity pool projecting out over the gulch. Artfully designed stairs as well as an elevator will provide easy access between the first floor with its covered lanais and the lower level with its pool deck. This dream of a home is destined to embody that unique combination of modernity and timelessness.

There are also plans for a "Plantation" ranch house set on the gentle slope of a savanna surrounded by venerable kiawes, inspired by Old World sprawling compounds found in the European countryside. There will be a viewing tower, wide-planked floors and open-beamed ceilings in the living area, and an enormous lanai. A swimming pool, an in-ground spa and a Mediterranean-style courtyard will complete this magnificent compound.

The Hawaiian Regional Villa, the home currently in the designing phase, is a tribute to island architecture of the twenties and thirties. The prosperity and optimism of those times is reflected in these plans, which include columned arcades and arches spaced to block the sun and encourage cool breezes. There will be stone and hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings. A uniquely designed fountain will spill out into the large swimming pool.

All this peace and quiet and beauty, just waiting for those who dare to dream. Take the drive to Oma’opio Ridge. Talk to Phil. Work with Hunton to create your very own piece of Shangri-La.

For more information on Oma’opio Ridge, contact Phil Christopher at Phil Christopher Realty, 808-874-0106. www.OmaopioRidge.com

Maui News, Saturday Homes: Phase II offers spacious lots, scenic vistas and tranquility