Lihiwai Estate in Honolulu's Nuʻuanu Valley Lists for $22 Million
The historic estate Lihiwai, located in Honolulu's Nuʻuanu Valley, is now on the market for $22 million. Constructed in 1929 for George Robert Carter, a former territorial governor, and his wife Helen Strong Carter—whose family has connections to Eastman Kodak—the property spans 1.8 acres. This nearly 25,000-square-foot compound features a main house and two guesthouses, comprising six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, it is considered possibly the largest and most exquisite private home ever built in Hawaiʻi. Richard Ethington acquired the estate in 2010 for approximately $3.5 million and invested around $13 million in a four-year restoration. The listing is managed by Jovanna Giannasio-Fern of Hawai‘i Life.
Key facts
- Lihiwai estate in Nuʻuanu Valley, Honolulu, listed for $22 million.
- Built in 1929 for George Robert Carter and Helen Strong Carter.
- Helen Strong Carter's family tied to founding of Eastman Kodak.
- Compound spans 1.8 acres with main residence and two guesthouses, nearly 25,000 square feet.
- Six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
- Described by National Register of Historic Places as likely largest and finest private residence ever constructed in Hawaiʻi.
- Construction uses steel-reinforced stone walls and locally sourced blue-gray volcanic rock.
- Historic ʻauwai irrigation channels feed reflecting pools to Nuʻuanu Stream.
- Richard Ethington purchased in 2010 for about $3.5 million.
- Restoration lasted four years and cost about $13 million.
- Added to National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s.
- Listing agent: Jovanna Giannasio-Fern of Hawai‘i Life.
Entities
Artists
- George Robert Carter
- Helen Strong Carter
- Richard Ethington
- Jovanna Giannasio-Fern
Institutions
- Eastman Kodak
- National Register of Historic Places
- Wall Street Journal
- Robb Report
- Hawai‘i Life
Locations
- Honolulu
- Nuʻuanu Valley
- Hawaiʻi
- Nuʻuanu Stream