Keauhou Resort Condo Guide 2026: Buying in Kailua-Kona
Your 2026 guide to buying Keauhou resort condos in Kailua-Kona. Compare oceanfront, golf-course & townhome options plus vacation rental rules on the Big…
KE Team Hawaii Real Estate Blog: Kailua-Kona Market Trends & Insights
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20 posts in Buyer
Hawaii Real Estate 101: Fee Simple vs. Leasehold
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 […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101 : Escrow Explained for Mainland & International Buyers
“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 […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101: What Is the Escrow Period in Hawaii?
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 […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Big Island Property Search
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 […]
NEW LISTING: Luxury Oceanfront Living at Ke Alohi Kai
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
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 […]
A Rare Holualoa Estate That Defines Island Living 75-2620 Keopu Lani Rd.
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. […]
Embrace the Kama’aina Luxury at 77-298 Wikolia Street
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 […]
Making Sense of Price Per Square Foot (PPSF) in Kailua-Kona
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 […]
How to Protect your Real Estate Transactions from Escrow Fraud in Hawaii
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 […]