Quick Answer: Luxury real estate in the Big Island’s premier resort areas along the Kona-Kohala Coast saw robust performance in 2024. Single-family homes averaged $9.07 million in Kohanaiki, $13.77 million in Kukio, $11.94 million in Hualalai, $5.66 million in Mauna Lani, and $7.21 million in Mauna Kea. Lots also commanded significant prices, demonstrating sustained demand across these exclusive communities.
Key Takeaways: 2024 Kona-Kohala Coast Luxury Market Performance
- Strong Demand: Resort-area single-family homes and lots consistently sold near or above asking price, with several communities averaging more than 95 percent of sale-to-list price.
- Premium Pricing: Kukio led the market with the highest average single-family home sale price at nearly $13.8 million and the highest average lot price per square foot.
- Swift Sales: Kohanaiki single-family homes demonstrated exceptional velocity, averaging just 9 days on market.
- Distinct Market Dynamics: Metrics such as days on market and price per square foot varied by community, reflecting different buyer profiles and property characteristics.
- Long-Term Value: Consistent performance across all major resorts underscores the enduring investment strength of the Kona-Kohala Coast luxury market.
Over nearly two decades selling luxury homes on the Kona-Kohala Coast, I have worked with hundreds of discerning buyers and sellers. One of the most common questions I hear is, “What does the market data really mean for my decision to buy or sell?”
Interpreting market statistics requires more than reviewing averages. It requires context, strategy, and experience translating data into actionable insight. Below are answers to the most common questions clients asked about 2024 luxury market performance.
How Did Luxury Single-Family Homes Perform in Kohanaiki and Kukio in 2024?
Quick Answer: Kohanaiki homes sold rapidly and often above asking price, while Kukio achieved the highest overall average sale prices.
In 2024, Kohanaiki recorded 11 single-family home sales ranging from $4.95 million to $14.5 million. The average sale price was approximately $9,071,544, with homes selling at an average of 100.18 percent of current list price. The average days on market was just 9 days, reflecting intense buyer demand and precise pricing strategies.
Kukio recorded 10 single-family home sales ranging from $7.9 million to $25.5 million. The average sale price reached $13,767,500, with homes selling at 97.43 percent of current list price. The average days on market was 102 days, reflecting the bespoke nature and ultra-luxury positioning of many Kukio properties. The average price per square foot was $2,427, reinforcing Kukio’s position at the top of the market.
Example: A Kohanaiki property listed at $8.5 million sold in 7 days for $8.6 million, illustrating the competitive environment for prime inventory.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Luxury Lot in Hualalai or Mauna Lani?
Quick Answer: 2024 data reflects a stable and active lot market in both Hualalai and Mauna Lani, with consistent pricing and strong long-term positioning.
Hualalai recorded 11 lot sales ranging from $2.15 million to $12.5 million. The average sale price was approximately $5,130,909, with lots selling at 95.84 percent of list price and averaging 150 days on market. The average land price per square foot was $83.65.
Mauna Lani recorded 8 lot sales ranging from $1.2 million to $6.5 million. The average sale price was approximately $2,787,500, with lots selling at 95.42 percent of list price and averaging 144 days on market. The average land price per square foot was $40.85.
These figures indicate a steady environment where buyers are deliberate but committed, and sellers who price strategically are rewarded.
Example: A 30,000-square-foot lot in Hualalai listed at $4.5 million closed at $4.3 million after 160 days, demonstrating price stability within a measured sales cycle.
How Did Mauna Kea Perform in 2024, and What Does It Mean for Sellers?
Quick Answer: Mauna Kea showed consistent performance in both homes and lots, with properties selling near asking price within a reasonable timeframe.
Seven single-family homes sold in Mauna Kea in 2024, ranging from $3.9 million to $12.5 million. The average sale price was approximately $7,207,143, achieving 96.65 percent of list price with an average of 121 days on market. The average price per square foot for homes was $1,809.
Six lot sales closed in 2024, ranging from $1.5 million to $6.5 million. The average sale price was approximately $3,050,000, achieving 95.69 percent of list price with an average of 133 days on market. The average land price per square foot was $57.07.
For sellers, this data indicates that properly prepared and priced properties can expect strong buyer interest and stable value retention.
Example: A Mauna Kea home listed at $8.5 million sold for $8.2 million in 110 days, reflecting steady demand for quality inventory.
What Do These 2024 Statistics Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
Quick Answer: Buyers must understand each resort’s pace and pricing dynamics, while sellers must focus on strategic pricing and presentation to maximize results.
For buyers, communities such as Kohanaiki require decisiveness due to rapid sales cycles. Kukio and Hualalai may involve longer timelines but offer ultra-luxury positioning and long-term prestige value. Each resort operates with its own market personality.
For sellers, sale-to-list ratios consistently above 95 percent demonstrate strong value retention. However, days on market figures confirm that pricing and marketing execution remain critical to achieving optimal outcomes.
Example: A Mauna Lani seller who invested in staging and pre-listing preparation sold at 98 percent of asking price in 90 days, while a comparable but less-prepared property remained on the market more than 200 days and sold at 92 percent of its original list price.
The Bottom Line: Kona-Kohala Coast Luxury Real Estate
The 2024 year-end data reflects a resilient and high-performing luxury real estate market across the Kona-Kohala Coast. From the rapid sales of Kohanaiki to the ultra-luxury positioning of Kukio and the established strength of Hualalai, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea, each community continues to demonstrate sustained demand and long-term value.
With limited inventory and continued interest from high-net-worth buyers, these resort markets remain among the most desirable in Hawaiʻi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do these statistics mean for buyers?
Buyers should be prepared for competitive conditions in certain communities, particularly Kohanaiki. Strong pricing trends indicate that luxury properties continue to hold value, supporting long-term investment potential.
How does 2024 compare to previous years?
The 2024 data reflects continued strong demand and stable pricing consistent with recent luxury market performance across the Kona-Kohala Coast.
Which resort showed the strongest performance?
Kohanaiki demonstrated exceptional speed and above-asking-price sales, while Kukio achieved the highest overall average sale prices for single-family homes.
How long does it typically take to sell a luxury home?
In 2024, average days on market ranged from 9 days in Kohanaiki to approximately 102 to 137 days in other luxury resort communities, depending on pricing and property characteristics.
What were average price per square foot benchmarks?
For single-family homes in 2024, average price per square foot was approximately $2,345 in Kohanaiki, $2,427 in Kukio, $2,084 in Hualalai, $1,348 in Mauna Lani, and $1,809 in Mauna Kea. For lots, averages ranged from approximately $40.85 to $102.76 per square foot, depending on the resort community.