KE Team Hawaii Real Estate Blog: Kailua-Kona Market Trends & Insights
REALM: A Brand-Agnostic Luxury Real Estate Network Changing the Game
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 […]
The Coconut Surprise: What I Didn’t Know Living 25 Years in Hawaii
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 […]
Crafted by Hand, Preserved by Heart: Kona Coffee’s Japanese Legacy
Kai Ioh | November 2025 What does a cup of Kona coffee mean to you? For many, it’s a taste of Hawaii, smooth, rich, and world-renowned. But for those of us who call the Big Island home, it’s more than just a luxury brand. It’s a living tribute to the Japanese immigrant families who transformed […]
Dodger Dogs, 18 Innings, and One Unforgettable World Series
Kai Ioh | November 2025 This update is a little late, but for good reason. I spent the end of October in Los Angeles, soaking in the magic of the World Series. I had the privilege of attending Games 3 through 5 at Dodger Stadium, and what a ride it was. A Wild Month: From […]
November 2025 Market Update
As we head into the final stretch of 2025, we’re seeing clearer signs that the Big Island’s real estate market – especially here in Kona and our resort communities – is beginning to find its rhythm again. From single-family homes to resort condos, buyer interest is picking up just as national trends hint at easing […]
What Is Luxury? A Big Island Perspective
Luxury.It’s a word we use often, especially in real estate. But what does it actually mean? Is it about price? Square footage? The number of infinity pools? Sure, those are easy to measure. But real luxury, true luxury, is harder to define. It’s not just about what a home has. It’s about what it gives […]
The Historic Thurston Estate in Kona
Kai Ioh | NOV 2025 Some homes tell stories. This one tells the story of Hawaiʻi itself. Perched along the rugged coastline of Kailua-Kona is a remarkable property known as the Thurston Estate, or by its older name, Laniākea—“immense heaven.” With roots tracing back over two centuries, this estate is more than just a beautiful […]
What You Need to Know About Hawaii’s Real Estate Withholding Tax When Selling
Kai Ioh | November 2025 If you’re a non-resident of Hawaii, or a foreign national planning to sell property here, there’s an important tax-related detail you’ll want to understand upfront: There is no special tax for non-residents. But Hawaii, along with the U.S. federal government, requires certain sellers to prepay taxes through withholding at the […]
Big Island: Decades of Leadership in Hawaii’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Kai Ioh | Updated Oct 2025 For more than a decade, the Big Island has been the benchmark for Hawaii’s luxury real estate market. While the pandemic brought new urgency to high-net-worth buyers seeking privacy, space, and exclusivity, the Big Island’s west side, particularly Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast, was already a well-established leader in […]
Big Island Price Reductions: What They Really Mean Right Now
By Kai Ioh | October 2025 The Big Island market is showing mixed signals as we close out October.Condos are tightening, with inventory shrinking and balance returning after last year’s turbulence.Single-family homes are shifting into neutral territory as supply builds and pricing adjusts.Meanwhile, resort communities—especially at the high end—continue to move, supported by limited inventory […]
Kailua Kona Real Estate Market Update – October 2025
Kai Ioh | Oct 2025 The Kona real estate market continues to evolve as we move into the final quarter of 2025. Inventory patterns, buyer demand, and pricing trends are shifting, creating different dynamics for single-family homes and condominiums. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in the market right now. Kona Condominium Market Condo […]