Hawaii Real Estate Blog

Makena Luxury Home

With multiple islands, each diverse in micro-markets acting independently of each other yet with in some ways in harmony, the Hawaii Real Estate market is among the most simple yet complex in the country. 

So with that, let's take a look at the market is doing across the four major markets, broken down by category. 

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES

Maui - Single-Family Residences on Maui saw marked improvements, broken down by type - Single Family: median $837,500 (+20%), based on 78 sales (-20%) ;   Single Family with Attached Ohana: median $927,500 (+18%), based on 2 closed sales ; Single Family with Detached Ohana: $837,500 (-11%), with 18 sales closed (+125%).
Oahu - The record set last month for Oahu with the $835K median sales price remains safe, as the…

Wailea Kialoa Home

As 2019 quickly moves through the calendar and over half the year is in the books, we think it's a pertinent time to take a look at the Wailea real estate market for a recap of the current position of the market relative to the rest of the Maui market and in a more micro-market level as to how it is performing relative to previous years.

Let's start by looking at how the Wailea market is performing in comparison to all of Maui - keep in mind, we compile our data based on the resort of Wailea only, whereas most others combine Wailea/Makena into one 'area' which skews statistics. Please note that the chart below details year-to-date information. For single-family homes, we can see that there was big increase in median sales price from 2017 to 2018 and that…

Honolulu Vacation Rentals

With support from the Honolulu City Council, Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 89 into law, becoming Ordinance 19-18, to now impose strict enforcement of regulations affecting Vacation Rentals on Oahu. This enforcement affects long-term how and where Transient Vacation Units (TVU's) and Bed & Breakfasts (B&B's) can legally operate. Read Honolulu Ordinance 19-18 in its entirety and Ordinance 19-18 Frequently Asked Questions for a better understanding on how this may potentially affect you, whether as a current owner of Oahu real estate or a prospective Buyer. 

Note: Visit our Oahu Vacation Rentals page to view condos currently for sale and check out a Oahu Map of Properties Eligible for Vacation Rentals for those holding NCU's.

To understand the context, it is…

As one of our favorite properties, our team keeps a close eye on the Honua Kai real estate market in order to best represent our clients. In the past year we have not been posting our market updates but we are getting back on a schedule to do so routinely. So with that, let's start the discussion.


Honua Kai Year to Date

With the introduction of Luana Garden Villas, the expectation was that it would take some of the sales for premium 2 bedroom units and 3 bedroom units while impacting profitability of those mountain-facing units on the Konea tower, thereby lowering the absorption rate at Honua Kai. In 2018, there were 40 sales, resulting in 3.33 sales per month, whereas year-to-date there have been 20 sales, at a rate of approximately 2.6 per month -…



The Hawaii Real Estate market is as diverse as the islands that it consists of - from the paradise of Maui, to the urban tropical setting of Oahu, to the stark contrast of Big Island and the natural untouched beauty of Kauai. With half the year now on the books, let's take a look at the state of the market.

At the top end of the market, we have seen a significant decrease in activity. Thus far, statewide there have been a total of 10 sales over $10M each, whereas a year ago there have been 26 by this time of the year. On Maui last year there have been 2 over $20M each and Kauai saw the record-breaker record at $46.1M. Interestingly enough, of the 10 significant sales so far this year, 6 of them have been on Maui - more specifically, South Maui (Kihei,…

Once in a while, a home comes on the market that is so remarkable and priced at such a point that it is one of the strongest values on the market, such is the case with our new listing of this Makena Beach House on Makena Road. Located atop over an acre in one of the most exclusive areas anywhere in Hawaii, this luxury home offers one of the most private settings anywhere on the coastline, yet has direct access to one of the most pristine beaches in Maui. 

4680 Makena Road Maui

The main home was originally designed by H. Farrington, one of the most renowned architects on Maui, who has a reputation for masterfully envisioning homes that are perfect for living and entertaining while enhancing the natural surrounding beauty, specially so on Makena's tropical yet rugged landscapes.…

Through the years, many prospective Buyers have asked about the differences among the various floor plans at Honua Kai. We have created all floor plans, which can be found at Hokulani Floor Plans and Konea Floor Plans, but it may be helpful to also read descriptions as it includes more textual information. The below is based on the developer's Declaration - although believed accurate at time of writing, NOT guaranteed as previous and/or future Amendments may reflect differently, contact us to confirm.

Honua Kai Real Estate

Hokulani Tower


Condominium Unit Type A1. Each of these Condominium Units in the Hokulani Enclave has an interior net floor area of approximately 583 square feet, and lanai with net floor area of approximately 114 square feet. Each of these Condominium…

Lana’i — an island so stunning that after the billionaire founder of Oracle visited there, he realized he loved it so much that he decided to buy it.

Since 2012, the remote and secluded island has been owned by Larry Ellison, a paradise for its 3,200 residents and visitors that flock to two Four Seasons resorts. But even though it is privately owned; purchased by Ellison for $300 million; there's no reason you can't own a slice of paradise, explore the Lanai real estate market today. 

Maui Lanai Island
Photo Credit: Halibut Thyme, Wikimedia Commons

Lana’i is a hidden gem, the perfect getaway for those who want to leave the hustle and bustle behind on Hawai’i’s more populated islands. Just 9 miles from Maui’s west coast, traveling to Lana’i is like going back in time. Only…

Oahu is famous for its big waves, silky, white-sand beaches, epic hiking trails and colorful sunsets, but it’s also celebrated for its culinary specialities and cutting-edge chefs. Better yet, many of their delicacies can be found across the island in food trucks, which are sure to “broke da mouth”. There are dozens of food trucks scattered across Hawai’i’s most populous island, but some stand out among the rest. These are our five favorite food trucks:

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck 
66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
808.293.1839  
Website: http://giovannisshrimptruck.com Giovanni's Food Truck Oahu
Photo Courtesy: Flickr

The shrimp trucks scattered across Oahu's North Shore are perhaps most popular — and longstanding — mobile food establishments on the island. And Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, which…

The sunrise atop the summit of Haleakala on Maui's Upcountry, visiting the white sands of Lanikai, and partaking on the view of Honolulu from Diamond Head are always going to be must-sees for first time visitors of the Aloha State. But those iconic places only begin to scratch the surface of all the magic and Eden-like settings Hawaii has to offer.&

The islands offer a plethora of lesser known gems worthy of exploration - whether resident, first-time arrival or long-time frequent visitor, blaze your trail. As you start to plan out the year ahead, be sure to add these 10 experiences to your list of ways to explore Hawaii in 2019.

Paddleboarding Under Oahu's Fireworks

Every Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village launches fireworks above Waikiki Beach…