RealTrends Verified 2026: Grateful to Be Recognized Again

Kai Ioh | June, 2026

Every year, RealTrends Verified releases its list of the top-performing real estate agents across the country.

This year, I’m honored to share that I have once again been recognized among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide. This marks my sixth consecutive year being included, from 2020 through 2026.

I’m very grateful.

And honestly, every time I share something like this, I feel a little uncomfortable because real estate is never just about rankings. It is about people. Families. Trust. Timing. Big decisions. Sometimes exciting ones. Sometimes difficult ones.

So before anything else, I want to say thank you.

To my clients who trusted me with the sale of their home.
To the buyers who allowed me to guide them through the Big Island market.
To the families in Hawaii, on the mainland, and in Japan who continue to refer me to people they care about.

This recognition only happens because of you.

Ranked No. 39 in Hawaii, No. 4 on the Big Island

In this year’s RealTrends Verified ranking, I was ranked No. 39 in the State of Hawaii by individual sales volume.

On the Big Island, I was No. 4 by sales volume.

I’m proud of that, but I also know there is always another level.

The No. 1 agent in Hawaii this year, Neal Norman on Kauai, closed $234.40 million in sales volume individually. That is an incredible number. Truly impressive. It reminds me that in this business, there is always someone doing something at a higher level, and that is a good thing. It keeps us humble. It keeps us learning.

For me, the goal has never been to simply chase a ranking. The goal is to keep improving the way I serve my clients.

What the Numbers Do Not Show

Real estate rankings are based on sales volume and transaction numbers.

But the work itself is much more personal than that.

A ranking does not show the late-night conversations with a seller deciding whether it is the right time to move.
It does not show the buyer who has been dreaming about a Big Island home for ten years.
It does not show the careful conversations about pricing, inspections, tax questions, exchange rates, construction costs, or family timing.

Especially here on the Big Island, real estate is nuanced.

A property in Hualalai is very different from a home in Keauhou.
Kukio, Kohanaiki, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Kailua-Kona each have their own rhythm, lifestyle, ownership structure, and buyer profile.

Oceanfront is different from mauka.
Resort property is different from residential.
A beautiful view does not always mean an easy transaction.

That is why local knowledge matters. And that is why trust matters even more.

A Challenging Market Still Creates Opportunity

The past year was not an easy market.

Buyers were more cautious. Interest rates remained a major conversation. Construction costs continued to affect decisions, especially for vacant land and new luxury homes. Sellers had to be more thoughtful with pricing and presentation.

But even in a more selective market, quality still stands out.

Well-prepared listings still attract attention.
Strong locations still matter.
Good storytelling, accurate pricing, and strategic marketing still create results.

That has always been my focus. Not just putting a property online, but helping buyers understand why a home, a neighborhood, and a lifestyle are worth their attention.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I’m thankful for the recognition, but I see it more as a reminder than a finish line.

A reminder to keep learning.
A reminder to keep serving with care.
A reminder to keep showing up for clients with honest advice, clear communication, and thoughtful strategy.

In 2026, I will continue to focus on what matters most: helping clients make confident real estate decisions on the Big Island.

Whether you are selling a luxury home in Kona, exploring resort property along the Kohala Coast, or thinking about making Hawaii a more permanent part of your life, I would be honored to help.

Mahalo nui loa to everyone who has been part of this journey.

I’m grateful, humbled, and motivated for the year ahead.

Warmest aloha,