Quick Answer: August 2025 saw a slight increase in Big Island resort area sales activity compared to July, with total sales volume reaching $29,705,000 and an average sales price of approximately $4.24 million. While the number of transactions remained modest at seven, the uptick in volume and continued strength in condominium sales across Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea Resorts indicate resilience in the luxury vacation home and second-home market on the Kona-Kohala Coast.
Key Takeaways: Big Island Luxury Real Estate in August 2025
- Modest Growth: Total sales increased from five in July to seven in August, with volume rising from $20.9 million to $29.7 million.
- Condominium Market Strength: Mauna Lani Resort recorded three condo sales, followed by Mauna Kea Resort with two, highlighting sustained demand for resort residences.
- High-Value Transactions: The average sales price reached approximately $4.24 million, reinforcing stability in the luxury segment.
- Kohanaiki Activity: Two custom home sales at $9.5 million each, along with a $5.995 million condominium closing, demonstrate continued strength in the ultra-luxury tier.
- Selective but Resilient Market: Although total sales were lower than August 2024, higher average pricing reflects ongoing demand for premium properties.
Buyers and sellers often ask what the latest numbers truly mean for their individual plans. August 2025 reflects a market that is selective but steady, with strong performance in premier resort communities and continued buyer interest in well-positioned luxury properties.
Is August 2025 a Good Time to Sell a Kohanaiki Home?
Quick Answer: Two custom home sales at $9.5 million each suggest continued demand for high-quality properties in Kohanaiki, making it a potentially favorable time to sell if pricing and presentation align with market expectations.
In August, two 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath custom homes in Kohanaiki, each measuring 4,334 square feet, sold for $9.5 million. Both properties were on the market for 131 days, indicating that while buyers are discerning, they are willing to commit to premium homes that are well positioned.
Additionally, a condominium in Kohanaiki’s Kula Na‘i community closed at $5.995 million, reinforcing demand across both single-family and attached residences within this private club environment.
Luxury Condominium Sales in August 2025
Quick Answer: The overall average sales price across all resort properties in August was approximately $4.24 million, with Mauna Lani Resort leading condominium sales activity.
Mauna Lani Resort recorded three condominium sales, including two 3-bedroom, 3-bath residences in Ka Milo at $2.495 million each and a 3-bedroom, 3-bath unit at The Fairways at Mauna Lani for $1.995 million.
Mauna Kea Resort followed with two condominium sales: a 4-bedroom, 4-bath villa at $4.9 million and a 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence at Kumulani for $2.75 million.
Together, these five condominium transactions totaled $14.635 million, accounting for nearly half of the month’s total resort sales volume.
Year-Over-Year Comparison: August 2025 vs. August 2024
Quick Answer: While sales volume and transaction count declined compared to August 2024, the average sales price increased by approximately 3% year over year.
August 2025 recorded seven total sales and $29.7 million in volume, compared to ten sales and $41.2 million in August 2024. However, the average sales price increased from approximately $4.12 million in 2024 to $4.24 million in 2025. This shift suggests that although fewer properties changed hands, higher-value transactions continued to anchor the market.
Waikoloa Beach Resort Market Activity
Quick Answer: A 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence at Hali‘i Kai sold for $1.075 million after just 25 days on market, indicating continued buyer demand for well-priced properties.
The Hali‘i Kai 14F sale, totaling 1,403 square feet, closed near its list price of $1.099 million. The relatively short marketing period demonstrates that competitively priced properties in Waikoloa Beach Resort can still move quickly.
Understanding the True Cost of Vacation Rental Ownership
Quick Answer: Beyond the purchase price, ownership costs include HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, management fees, utilities, and ongoing maintenance.
Luxury resort condominiums often carry monthly HOA dues ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on amenities and services. Annual property taxes may range from $10,000 to $15,000 for properties in the $2.5 million range. Property management fees typically run between 20% and 35% of gross rental income. Utilities, insurance, maintenance, and periodic upgrades must also be factored into investment calculations.
Careful financial analysis is essential to determine true cash flow and long-term viability.
The Bottom Line: August 2025 Market Perspective
August 2025 presented a measured yet stable picture of the Kona-Kohala Coast luxury market. Although transaction volume was lower than the prior year, rising average prices and strong activity in Kohanaiki, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea reinforce continued demand for high-quality resort properties.
For buyers, well-priced opportunities remain competitive. For sellers, strategic pricing and strong presentation are key to capturing attention in a selective market environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the total sales volume for Big Island resort areas in August 2025?
A: Total sales volume reached $29,705,000, up from $20,900,000 in July.
Q: Which resort had the highest-priced sales?
A: Kohanaiki recorded the highest-priced transactions, with two custom homes each selling for $9.5 million.
Q: How long were condominiums on the market?
A: Days on market ranged from 11 days at The Fairways at Mauna Lani to 134 days for certain Ka Milo residences, with most sales averaging approximately 70 to 80 days.
Q: Where do these statistics come from?
A: Market data is compiled from Multiple Listing Service (MLS) records and reflects closed sales within Big Island resort communities.
Q: Can I receive a personalized market analysis?
A: Yes. A detailed review of your property or target purchase can provide tailored guidance based on current market conditions and your specific goals.
