KE Team Hawaii Real Estate Blog: Kailua-Kona Market Trends & Insights
Build Your Dream at Nohea
Build Your Dream at Nohea: A Rare Permitted Homesite in Mauna Lani Resort There are few opportunities on the Big Island that offer the luxury of time—and space. At 68-1304 Akea Place, within the coveted gated community of Nohea at Mauna Lani, you’ll find a rare gem: a shovel-ready homesite with fully approved house plans, allowing you to […]
Why Travel & Networking Matters in Hawaii Luxury Real Estate
In Hawaii real estate, staying relevant means staying connected. We’ve got to go far beyond the beach and the island. Now that everyone is so intertwined, the world seems so much smaller than 22 years ago, which was when I started my career here in Kona. Hawaii is not so isolated anymore—we are certainly affected […]
Is a One-Way Ali‘i Drive the Right Move? Let’s Talk Parking, Community & Kona’s Heartbeat
Kona’s Ali‘i Drive is an important place: it’s a gathering place, celebration space, and a vibrant heartbeat of our West Hawai‘i lifestyle. From parades and fireworks to beach volleyball and family strolls, this coastal stretch with marvelous scenery has held memories for generations of kama‘āina (locals) and visitors alike. An Unwanted Change to Ali’i Drive […]
How to Experience the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival Without a Ticket (And Why You Should)
Each spring, the quiet town of Hilo transforms into the epicenter of Hawaiian culture as it welcomes the 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s most prestigious hula competition. From April 20–26, the island’s reverence for tradition takes center stage, drawing hālau (hula schools), artisans, and admirers from across the islands and the globe. And […]
Hawaii Leads the Nation in Life Expectancy—and What It Says About the Way We Live
According to the latest data from the World Population Review, Hawai‘i ranks #1 in the United States for life expectancy, with residents living an average of 80.7 years! This is well above the national average of 76.4. For those of us lucky enough to call these islands home, that statistic feels less like a surprise […]
Kona Onenalo #1: A Rare Oceanfront Gem, Affectionately Called “Ocean’s Embrace”
In the heart of Kailua-Kona, perched along the dramatic coastline, lies a hidden treasure: Kona Onenalo #1. It’s an exclusive oceanfront villa that embodies the essence of island luxury. We call it “Ocean’s Embrace” for obvious reasons—every inch of this stunning residence is designed to immerse you in the breathtaking beauty and rhythm of the Pacific. A Private […]
My First Vegas Trip & A Deep Dive into Innovation at IBS 2025
My recent trip to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2025 was one for the books! This was my first time in Vegas—I’m not a gambler, so it was never really on my list—but I have to admit, the city is beyond impressive. Tasha and I were completely blown away by the sheer […]
Kailua Kona Real Estate Update Q1 2025: What the Numbers Really Mean
At first glance, Kailua-Kona’s Q1 2025 numbers appear impressive—particularly in the condo market. Double-digit growth in closed sales and pricing might suggest a market heating up. But as any seasoned market watcher knows, superficial statistics can be misleading without proper context. This is a complex market—polarized and layered. Sellers and buyers alike need more than […]
What NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy Changes Mean for Big Island Home Sellers
Discretion, strategy, and flexibility are vital components of how homes should be marketed. This is especially true for luxury properties. So when industry-wide policies restrict how sellers can bring their homes to the market, it raises a key question: Is this really in the client’s best interest? Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) introduced […]
How Hawaii’s Economy & Real Estate Market Have Changed Since the Pandemic
It’s been five years since Hawaii’s economy was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis tested the very fabric of island life and reshaped everything from tourism to home prices. Recent data shows that the state has technically recovered, but the on-the-ground reality tells a much more nuanced story. As someone who’s lived and worked […]