The Hawaii Team Real Estate Blog
Where are the best luxury neighborhoods for a second home on Hawaii’s Big Island?
Quick answer: The premier luxury neighborhoods on the Big Island’s Kona–Kohala Coast, ideal for second homes and investment, include Kukio, Hualālai (Four Seasons), Kohanaiki, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea. Each offers distinct amenities and lifestyle options, with price...
For Hawaii High-Net-Worth Investors: Is a Single-Family Home or Raw Land a Better Investment on the Kona-Kohala Coast?
Quick answer: For high-net-worth investors on the Kona–Kohala Coast, a single-family home—particularly within established luxury resorts—tends to be a more appealing, usable, and consistently appreciating investment than raw land. This is largely due to the...
Why do Hawaii Team clients sell their luxury homes 5% higher and faster than the market average?
Quick answer: The Hawaii Team consistently outperforms the broader Kona–Kohala Coast market by selling luxury homes at 98–99% of list price, compared to the market average of 93–94%, and in a fraction of the time. This success stems from three core pillars: precise...
What Happens If I Don’t Vet Rental Income for My Big Island Vacation Rental?
Quick answer: Failing to properly vet rental revenue expectations for a short-term vacation rental on the Kona–Kohala Coast can create serious financial strain and turn a dream investment into a burden. Without accurate, expert-interpreted projections, you may...
How much should I budget annually for a second home in Hualalai or Mauna Kea, and what are the hidden costs of owning a luxury oceanfront home on Hawaii’s Kona-Kohala Coast?
Quick Answer: For a luxury oceanfront estate on the Kona–Kohala Coast, you should budget a minimum of $5 million for the purchase, with prices routinely reaching $40–$50 million or more. Additionally, plan for annual carrying costs of approximately 2% to 5% of the...
What Defines True Luxury Real Estate on the Big Island of Hawaii’s Kona-Kohala Coast?
Quick Answer: On the Big Island of Hawaiʻi’s Kona–Kohala Coast, true luxury real estate typically begins around the $2 million to $2.5 million mark, significantly higher than many mainland markets. Ultra-luxury properties—often within exclusive resort communities like...
Is buying a luxury vacation rental on the Kona-Kohala Coast a good investment right now?
Quick Answer: Luxury investment properties on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona–Kohala Coast have demonstrated strong appreciation, averaging about 47% over the last five years. Premier resort areas such as Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Resort have often achieved even higher...
Why isn’t my luxury Hawaii home selling, and what should I do about it?
Quick answer: Most of the time, a luxury home on the Kona–Kohala Coast that isn’t selling comes down to an unrealistic price, followed by poor presentation and ineffective marketing from the listing agent. Addressing these three issues is critical to a successful...
What’s the Difference Between West Hawaii and East Hawaii for My Luxury Second Home?
Quick answer: The primary distinction lies in climate, lifestyle, and price point. West Hawaii (the Kona–Kohala Coast) is predominantly sunny, resort-centric, and typically commands luxury pricing, making it well-suited for vacation homes and higher-end investments....
What’s the Number One Mistake Luxury Home Buyers Make on the Kona-Kohala Coast?
Quick answer: The single biggest mistake luxury home buyers make on the Kona–Kohala Coast is underestimating the true cost and effort required for property maintenance and remodeling. Because of limited labor availability and higher operating costs, these expenses can...
What’s the Number One Mistake Luxury Sellers Make on the Big Island of Hawaii When Selling Their Home?
Quick answer: The number one mistake luxury sellers make on the Big Island’s Kona–Kohala Coast is ignoring the market’s signals—especially failing to adjust pricing or presentation after 30–45 days with little to no activity. This can lead to longer listing times and...
How do HOA fees and property taxes impact my luxury second home on the Kona-Kohala Coast?
Quick answer: While Hawaiʻi is known for low property tax rates for full-time residents who qualify for homeowner exemptions, second homes and investment properties on the Kona–Kohala Coast are often taxed at higher rates—commonly around $11–$13 per $1,000 of assessed...