Aloha from the Big Island, and happy holidays. As we wrap up 2025, this month’s update brings together island life, family, community, and the real estate trends shaping Hawai‘i as we head into a new year. Christmas in the islands may look different without snow, but the spirit is unmistakable, from festive gatherings to the […]
By Kai Ioh and KE Team Hawaii. Kai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Key Takeaways Hawai‘i County uses a mass appraisal system, not individual appraisals, to assess over 141,000 parcels each year. Assessed values reflect market conditions as of January […]
By Kai Ioh | December 2025 After years of pandemic-fueled disruption, the U.S. housing market is entering a new phase. According to the 2026 Compass Housing Market Outlook, we are finally seeing the start of a “rebalancing” moment, one defined by stabilizing prices, improving affordability, and shifting regional momentum. The report itself is 66 pages, […]
Kai Ioh | December, 2025 I hated golf until I moved to Hawai‘i and had no intention of playing the sport. But Hawai‘i’s golf environment changed me. Maybe it’s the views, or maybe, as I’ve seasoned and matured, I’ve come to appreciate the unpredictable, humbling, and occasionally brilliant nature of this game. There’s something about […]
Kai and Emil | Updated Dec 21, 2025 Hawaii County has taken a decisive step in reshaping the rules for short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). With Bill 47 signed into law on June 23, 2025, homeowners across the Big Island need to prepare for a major shift that takes effect December 20, 2025. This law governs […]
National Real Estate — Kailua-Kona — Big Island Resorts — Private Clubs As we wrap up 2025, we’re seeing something we haven’t seen in a while: a market that feels… somewhat balanced. After three years of volatility, we now have more inventory, fewer bidding wars, and more realistic pricing in many regions. Demand picked up […]
50-Year Mortgages: What Hawai‘i Buyers & Investors Need to Know Emil Knysh | Dec 2025 A practical and balanced breakdown for first-time buyers, second-home owners, and investors. As affordability continues to challenge homebuyers nationwide – and especially in Hawai‘i – the idea of a 50-year mortgage has re-emerged in policy discussions and media outlets. Supporters […]
“What’s Escrow?” A Must-Know for Buyers & Sellers from Non-Escrow States and outside the US. If you’re from New York, Texas, Illinois, or overseas, like Japan, you may be surprised by how real estate transactions work in Hawaii. That’s because Hawaii is what’s called an “Escrow State.” Unlike states where attorneys handle closings, Hawaii uses […]
Kai Ioh | Nov 2025 If you’re buying or selling real estate in Hawaii for the first time, you might be wondering: “What happens between offer acceptance and closing?”Or: “What exactly is the escrow period?” In Hawaii (an escrow state), we don’t use attorneys to close real estate deals. Instead, a licensed escrow company acts […]
By Kai Ioh | November 2025 In luxury real estate, reputation is everything. But in today’s world, even the best name in your local market isn’t enough. You need a network that transcends brands. One that opens doors worldwide. That’s why I’m proud to be a founding member of REALM. REALM isn’t just another referral […]
By Kai Ioh | November 2025 During my recent trip to Maui for REALM ELEVATE, I had a surprisingly unique experience: learning about coconuts.Yes, coconuts! You’d think that after nearly 25 years of living in Hawaii, I’d be an expert on them. I see them every day. They grow in many backyards. From a real […]
