On the market for the first time in nearly 55 years, Ainahau of Nuuanu is a rare offering—a grand two-story New England country-colonial residence, masterfully adapted for tropical living and set on 1.46 lush, private acres behind mature hedges. Built in 1922, this historic estate includes a stately main home plus a detached two-bedroom cottage, offering flexibility for multi-generational living, guests, or creative use. Designed by Catherine Jones Richards and later renovated in 1948 by Mark Potter, the home carries additional architectural significance. It embodies kamaaina elegance with broad verandas, French doors, and abundant windows welcoming in cooling trade winds and garden views.
Designed for gracious entertaining, it features an expansive kitchen, butler’s pantry, and classic bar. Fir floors, a porte cochère, and large-scale rooms offer the perfect canvas for art and collections. Flanked by Nuuanu Stream and landscaped with a historic auwai, the setting is serene and storied. An extraordinary opportunity to own a legacy property—rich in provenance, and deeply rooted in Hawaii’s architectural history.
Closed
$6,300,000
247 Dowsett Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
5beds
5,152sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1922
-- sqft lot
$6,279,500 Zestimate®
$1,223/sqft
$8,087 Estimated rent
Owner options
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: August 25, 2025 at 12:53pm
Listed by:
Jovanna Giannasio Fern 808-469-2289,
Compass
Bought with:
Suzanne Hee Chen, RB-23703
SHC Real Estate
Source: HiCentral MLS,MLS#: 202512710

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 2
Features
- Flooring: Hardwood, Other
Interior area
- Total structure area: 5,818
- Total interior livable area: 5,152 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 6
- Parking features: Boat, Carport, Driveway, Garage, Three or more Spaces
- Has garage: Yes
- Has carport: Yes
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Pool features: None
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Garden, Mountain(s), Other
- Frontage type: Canal
Lot
- Features: Interior Lot, Other, Level
- Topography: Level
Details
- Parcel number: 1220450050000
- Zoning description: 03 - R10 - Residential District
- Special conditions: None
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Multiplex
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Double Wall, Wood Frame
Condition
- Good Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1922
- Major remodel year: 1948
Utilities & green energy
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: Above Ground Utilities, Electricity Available, Natural Gas Available, High Speed Internet Available, Other, Phone Available, Water Available
Community & neighborhood
Security
- Security features: Key Card Entry
Location
- Region: Honolulu
- Subdivision: Dowsett
HOA & financial
HOA
- Services included: None
Services availability
Sell for more on Zillow
Get a Zillow Showcase℠ listing at no additional cost and you could sell for .
$6,279,500
2% more+$125K
With Zillow Showcase(estimated)$6,405,090