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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CAPT A. says
Sorry to sound even 10% “political” on this great website — even tho’ it’s happened w/ others comments all too many times …
I have “personal knowledge” of this property. I seriously considered buying it in the early 2000’s. Some of my “inside” information comes from the MAGNUM PI TV series and the folks involved … and some comes from other, local sources.
This would be a sorry, sorry development were it to become a reality.
Just one 1950s-present day Kamaʻāina’s appreciation of the Aloha State.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Capt. A.
Thanks.
Aloha.
GaryB says
IMO Rebecca I would more be concerned with the legions of secret service, staff, airport disruption, traffic and other issues that follow an ex-president and family. I’m sure local police protection would also pose an additional cost to the residents. He grew up in, and vacationed for several years near Honolulu and probably has as much right to live or vacation where ever he chooses.
Mary S. says
This story has just ruined it for me. we will not be back.
Tami F says
Good‼️
Tami F says
Good‼️ So happy that President Obama will be returning home.
Dave R says
Ruined what? The Magnum PI house? Waimanalo? (Be sure to listen to Waimanalo Blues, written by Arlo Guthrie.) O’ahu? The Hawaiian Islands?
We all hate to see historic buildings demolished, but let’s face it – before that one was built there was something else there. At some point it was unspoiled nature.
Mike G says
There is only one true Magnum P.I.
Andy M says
The nepotism of DC and people of power is truly saddening and the real story. It’s too bad that a “regular joe” would never be afforded the opportunity.
Dave R says
Where’s the nepotism? Obama didn’t inherit the house. He didn’t get his office – or the house – due to family connections. He didn’t/doesn’t have any high-level family connections. There is absolutely no nepotism involved.
Robert F. says
Aloha!
Having grown up on Oahu during the filming of both Hawaii Five-O and Magnum (got to meet Jack Lord near the Ilikai), I much prefer HFO. Jack Lord insisted on using as many locals as possible (in front of and behind the cameras), while Magnum’s production was the exact opposite. HFO did more for tourism to Hawaii than anything else in history, and Jack Lord is still revered and beloved to this day by the locals. He was the first haole to be given the honor of being named grand marshal of the Pa’u Riders in the Aloha Day Parade, and he gave millions to worthy local causes (his entire sizeable estate went to various Hawaiian charities after his wife Marie passed away). Have you seen his statue at the Kahala Mall? People still come from around the world to take pictures with it.
Regarding your article, do you know if the neighbors who signed NDAs were compensated in any way?
I did enjoy the camaraderie and humor of the original Magnum, and have not seen the new one – the previews did not appeal to me.
Mahalo.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Robert.
Thanks. No we don’t know if there was any compensation.
Aloha.
mary m says
very interesting. I heard about it about the time the transaction took place and I cannot remember who told me but I knew where. this is so cool. yay for him ad his family. ps. keep up the good work with all hat you do.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mary.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Jim A. says
Aloha, old/new, evolution of time, while stationed at FOCCPAC, KUNIA/WHEELER,HAWAII, 1971-73. I enjoyed the original cast and their acting swagger. The new cast has a high quality of talent also. Love & Miss the Islands, I want to return to my new season of HAWAII/JIM. HAWAII IS #1. Mahalo, Jim Amell
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Edgardo L says
I hope God does not let him have this property.
Tami F says
He was born and raised in Hawaii therefore I am sure that God’s gonna approve and grant him that property! Welcome Back Home President Obama & family!
Aliamanu A. says
I wish you would have hoped ‘God’ used his powers to eradicate this rather than allow you to use this forum as a vehicle for your asinine political views.
Scott says
There goes the neighborhood! 🙁
Tami F says
If anything, for the better!
Aunty H says
I think it’s great that our local boy (born and raised here) gets to live in one of the most beautiful spots on our island. He came from humble beginnings, made us all proud, and deserves to come home to a dream spot that he probably watched as a young boy.
Karen L. says
I was such a fan of the original Magnum PI with Tom Selleck and the rest of the cast. I lived in Hawaii during that time and really loved seeing the filming at different times and even running into different cast members occasionally. I’m not a fan of the new Magnum PI… I just can’t wrap my mind around Higgins being a female. I’m also not as warm and fuzzy with the new other cast members. I just wish they would have called it something else, then maybe I could’ve warmed up to it more. But always like watching most anything that’s filmed in Hawaii anyway.
Karen says
I was such a fan of the original Magnum PI with Tom Selleck and the rest of the cast. I lived in Hawaii during that time and really loved seeing the filming at different times and even running into different cast members occasionally. I’m not a fan of the new Magnum PI… I just can’t wrap my mind around Higgins being a female. I’m also not as warm and fuzzy with the new other cast members. I just wish they would have called it something else, then maybe I could’ve warmed up to it more. But always like watching most anything that’s filmed in Hawaii anyway.
Tom K says
OK, I’m a Mainlander (until next year when we move to Kauai), but I am curious to know what has President Obama ever done for Hawaii in general, or specifically, Oahu? Maybe I just don’t know. It seems to me he’s more tourist now than Kamaaina. Aloha
Tami F says
He was born and raised in Oahu. He’s moving Back home. Welcome Present Obama and Family.
Jeff says
The new program has much greater use of new technology. The production values are night and day.
Rich says
If he has the money, as long as they do try to obstruct access to the ocean why not. The reboot of Magum PI I have more problems with. Any TV shows shot in Hawaii is good for Hawaii but unlike the H5O reboot I find no charisma in the relationships, characters I am not interested in and really a wasted opportunity. I guess Hawaiian Eye is next or maybe Gilligan’s Island with more location shooting.
KevinC says
So sad that another beautiful home had to be completely destroyed and could not at least be partially preserved. My childhood home in Waialae suffered the same fate. Beautiful old-Hawaii home on the golf course. On the other hand, it’s belongs to the owner, but sad that outsiders don’t have any sensitivity to the history and the past.
In the 70’s that house belonged to a friend of mine’s aunt. We were teenagers and were always thrilled if we got a chance to spend part of a day there. We didn’t get to go out there much, but it was fun knowing that we had a connection to such an iconic part of what people remember about Hawaii.
Dave R says
Obama is hardly an “outsider” – he was born there.
Deedee N. says
I remember the days when the original Magnum was shooting..I was “lucky” enough to have a small bit part in a few episodes & got to meet the “Man” himself in his trailer! He was a hunk back then ..but he is still in the game!
On another notes a long time Kauai resident ,I was hoping to see if I could visit family in Phoenix this summer, but am not sure which airline has a better chance of me getting there? I have points & cards with both Hawaiian and American Airlines.Your thoughts on logistics would be appreciated…dates are flexible!
Mahalo from Puhi!
DD
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi DeeDee.
Suggest you wait a few weeks until we get clarity on the ending of the 14-day isolation, then hear from the airlines. You’ll get there with either one, we just don’t have any clarity yet on routing and schedules.
Aloha.
Rebecca F. says
I think Obama getting this as a residence would be just disgraceful…
Lanell says
I don’t think we need any negativity here.
I actually love all the information Beat of Hawaii provides, plus all the fun articles like this.
Aloha
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lanell.
Thanks very much!
Aloha.
Nick D says
C’mon, Rebecca, did you have your eyes on it for some use yourself?
Eric F says
It’s amazing that a community organizer and public servant can afford such a property. I need to start working in the nonprofit and government sector so I can afford multimillion dollar properties.
Edgardo L says
You an me couldn’t agree more. I’ll be praying he doesn’t get it.
Jonathon C. says
What’s disgraceful is your comment
Andy M says
Why would it be disgraceful? Is it because you don’t agree with his political views? This isn’t a forum for politics.
Mike G says
I agree. As if he couldn’t find somewhere else
Tami F says
He’s moving BACK home!
Tami F says
He loves Hawaii. He was born and raised here.
JoAnn says
Just asking…is it the fact that the Obama family would reside there or are you against any family residing there? Someone is going to live there, since it is owned privately.
Gary G says
Agreed!
Aliamanu A. says
Why?
mack says
I totally agree! It would be disgraceful!
Tami F says
President Obama is respected & loved around the world. He is not scandalous or an embarrassment. He is Moving Back home where he was born and raised. His Star has not been tarnished.
Dave R says
Why? (25 words or less.) Who would you prefer should have this property?
Martha S. says
Just curious if the historical review change in 2015 was modified behind the scenes to allow the rich/famous to modify or demolish what they want.
Edgardo L says
I wish they had left it the way it was.
Kathy J says
Yes, it’s very interesting that the house was sold the same year the rule was changed. Martha, I think you are right!