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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. Executive Summary Fee simple means you own the land and the improvements (home/condo) with no expiration date. Leasehold means you lease the land for a fixed […]
“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 […]
There are a few essential details to understand about the Big Island of Hawai‘i if you want to do a smarter property search. It’s important that you know these before the showing requests, Zoom consults, and even before you bookmark your first oceanfront listing. The KE Team is here to make sure that you’re prepared […]
Luxury Living Meets Unmatched Investment Opportunity at Ke Alohi Kai We’re excited to share more about our newest listing in Ke Alohi Kai, an exclusive oceanfront community in Kailua-Kona! Imagine waking up in a private, gated enclave where the sound of waves sets the rhythm of your days, and the ocean is just steps away. With […]
Hawaii’s TMK Numbers Explained — A Simple Guide for Big Island Property Owners If you’ve ever looked at a Hawaii property listing or tax record, you’ve probably seen a string of numbers called a Tax Map Key (TMK). To many, it looks like a random code. In reality, it’s a precise and practical way Hawaii […]
This stunning estate, tucked into the lush hillsides of Holualoa, is a rare gem in Big Island real estate. The air is cool, the pace is slower, and the scent of coffee blossoms lingers. Built in 2022 and perched at the ideal elevation of 1,200 feet, this property captures the very essence of island living. […]
What does it mean to be Kamaʻāina? If you’ve visited Hawaiʻi more than once—or are lucky enough to call it home—you’ve probably come across the word Kamaʻāina. Hotels offer a “Kamaʻāina rate.” Golf courses have “Kamaʻāina discounts.” But it does not mean “DISCOUNTS”! In Hawaiian, Kamaʻāina (“child of the land”) refers to someone with a […]
Price per square foot (PPSF) is often the first metric buyers and sellers look at when evaluating a home’s value. When used correctly, PPSF can provide valuable insights but relying on it too heavily can be misleading. So what else should you focus on when there are so many other factors that can impact a […]
Recent Trends in Real Estate Escrow Fraud Real estate transactions have always been a prime target for fraudsters, but the sophistication of their schemes has reached alarming levels. Earlier this year, we encountered a fraudulent seller situation—our first involving impersonation. Thanks to the vigilance of our team and escrow company, the scheme was detected and […]
The question about how to hold title comes up often when purchasing property in Hawaii. It’s essential to understand the various ways to hold title, as this decision affects ownership rights, transferability, and estate planning. Here are the common methods: Tenancy in Severalty: This is sole ownership by one individual or entity. The owner has […]
