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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Kai Ioh | Oct 2025 The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is more than just an annual event—it’s a deeply cherished tradition celebrating one of Kona’s most iconic crops, Kona coffee. For me, it holds even deeper meaning, as it provided the foundation for my Kona life when I moved here 24 years ago. This year […]
By Kai Ioh | October 2025 The 2025 IRONMAN World Championship has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments here on the Big Island. Mahalo to every athlete, volunteer, and supporter who made it a success. If you’ve followed my blog or newsletter, you’ve likely seen the thatched-roofed temple and stone altar […]
