Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s former home lists for sale in Hawaii

A Hawaiian retreat built for Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has come to market at $5.9 million.

The legendary basketball center commissioned Gus Duffy to design a small island getaway on the property above Secret Beach in Kilauea. The original home, with vaulted interiors and 8-foot doorways to accommodate Abdul Jabbar’s 7-foot-2 frame, measured just 1,400 square feet upon completion in 1980, according to listing agent Moksha McClure of Sleeping Giant Sotheby’s International Realty.

At the request of Abdul-Jabbar, Duffy returned to the property a decade later to oversee an expansion of the home. Drawing inspiration from a basketball court, a two-story addition, which included a master den and bedroom, was built adjacent to the original bungalow, with an expansive deck installed between the two structures. A tennis court, said to be a gift from the Lakers after the center’s retirement in 1989, was also added to the property at that time.

In 1992, after the destruction of Hurricane Iniki, Abdul-Jabbar sold the residence. The home was sold again a short time later, but not before the property was split into two parcels -- an oceanfront section that now moonlights as an A-list rental and the estate that currently lists for sale.

The gated retreat, set among tall palms and fruit trees, includes a main residence, a carriage house, a tennis court, a pool and an outdoor pavilion on 3.4 acres.

Clad in exotic wood accents, the main home features lava rock fireplaces, a formal dining room, an updated kitchen, three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The carriage house adds an additional bedroom suite, a sitting area and a covered lanai. In keeping with the original design, the lofted spaces and tall doorways designed for Abdul-Jabbar have been preserved.

Outdoors, the tropical setting centers on the 50-foot lagoon-style pool and spa. Set adjacent is the pavilion complete with a restroom, outdoor shower and wet bar. A private trail leading to Secret Beach and its waterfall sits nearby.

One of the greatest to ever play the game, Abdul-Jabbar notched 19 All-Star appearances, six MVP awards and six titles across 20 seasons with Milwaukee and Los Angeles. The 1995 Hall of Fame inductee is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 career points.

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