Before Rob moved to Hawaii, his weekly dose of Aloha in the 1980’s was watching Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I. Rob wanted that life here in the islands, wearing the famous Aloha Shirt like Magnum did, and living in that oceanfront home. When Rob drove by its location at Waimanalo, he would always try to take a peek. Now the home that served as the fictional “Robin’s Nest,” is back in the news and may be getting a presidential makeover.
It’s being rumored that the property will be a retreat for President Barack Obama who grew up here and his family. The current neighbors know what is going on and have signed an agreement to stay quiet. We’ll pretend to be private investigators like Magnum today, and present the facts, and only the facts. But we do think we are on to something here.
After the property sold a few years ago, the registered owner became Waimanalo Paradise.
What’s newsworthy here it that behind the name is longtime Obama friend Martin Nesbitt. If that name is familiar to you, it’s because Nesbitt served as the treasurer for two Obama presidential campaigns and is on the former president’s foundation board. Another name listed in state records for Waimanalo Paradise is Kevin Poorman, who also has an Obama connection. He is president of the Obama Foundation Board.
So why would these two men need confidentiality agreements signed by neighbors? Unless of course, the whole idea for Waimanalo Paradise was to be a part-time residence for President Obama. It makes sense that is what is happening and the secrecy behind it. What better outcome for the property to replace its former cool Magnum with one cool former president, who probably never dreamed when he was growing up in Hawaii, that famous residence would be his.
Former Robin’s Nest, however, will have a whole new look.
Most of it has been leveled for a new future here in the islands. The original 8,500 square foot home on three acres of oceanfront land, was built in 1933, and sold for $8.7 million in 2015 to Waimanalo Paradise. Up until 2015, any residence over 50 years old needed a historical review before it could be demolished. That’s no longer the case unless it is on the national historical register or in a historic district.
A new generation, and some of us oldies, now have a brand new Magnum, P.I. to watch on television.
That show was recently renewed a third season and is filmed in Hawaii. If you’ve seen both the old and new, which is your favorite? I think any show filmed in the islands is a good thing for all.
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P.K. says
I think Barack needs to pay for a restoration of the historic site he just demolished, kick his friends out, and make a public apology to the state of Hawaii. How dare he demolish Robin’s Nest. Man, I’ve loved him for years, but I’m done now. Whoa.
Richard S says
As they say, there goes the neighborhood…..
Bob J says
what about the public beach right next to it? That’s one of the most popular local beaches along with the lagoon?
Nancy L. says
Why not refurbish property to former grandeur? What a shame.
AMelia A says
Thanks for the info!
Leigh Anne W. says
I have been driving past this property a handful of times every week, for years. I believe most everyone knew this was happening when former President Obama’s close connection was said to be the new owner, in 2015. Doesn’t look like anything from the original Magnum PI estate is left. Pillars for the foundation are poured and it looks like it will be a very large beachfront estate, and I am happy for them. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, IMO.
marge s. says
we come to hawaii every year and ride by this place just to see a glimpse of magnums house went by in feb of this year and saw it was leveled wont bother to waste the gas to go by anymore should have been left as a tribute to magnums show
Dave R says
Nice for Obama. Sadly, he turned out to be just another aloof, out-of-touch politician who got elected on promises, kept very few of them, and rode off into the sunset to enjoy his millions of $$. Basically a decent guy? Probably. But still another member of the entitled elite.
Nancy M says
Thank you for the update.
You said much of it has been leveled. Does that mean all the main house or just the outbuildings? Is a new home being built yet?
I hope you will keep us posted.
Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Nancy.
That’s all we know at the moment. We’ll get over there and let you know more as soon as we can travel. 🙂
Aloha.
Leigh Anne W. says
I don’t believe anything is left from the original estate, except maybe the entrance area?
Carolyn G says
I guess I can still be surprised…it makes me sad that even in these times when we can see how fragile life is and the importance of kindness to one another, that some feel compelled to put such negativity and hate out into the world.
This family has deep ties to and love for Hawaii (and definitely vice versa.) I think that if they have as much right as any of us to the Aloha and joy and especially the community that Barack’s grandparents raised him in. I know personally that when you are born and raised in the islands, no matter where you may end up living and working Hawaii is always the home of your heart, and you pass that love and respect on to your kids as well.
Rich says
As a Kama’aina I can see no reason to say Obama should not come back to Hawaii. Ignoring the politics, I would have seen more merit to this if he had given Honolulu the benefit of a Presidential Library but I guess Chicago is where his real heart lies.
Erin G says
I agree with everything you said, Carolyn!
I can’t imagine that the Obamas would not be wonderful stewards to the property and a great asset to the community!
Michael M. says
I think I’m going to be sick!
Carol says
Never missed the old Magnum. Tried watching the new, but it does not capture my interest like the original. Maybe if I wasn’t such a fan, it would .
Now Hawaii 50, because it’s the next generation, I enjoy watching it.
Erin G says
I think that is awesome that President Obama May be moving there. I would love to have him and his family live in my community.
Thanks for this interesting article. I hope you can update us!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Erin.
Thanks.
Aloha.