I am happy to share the successful sale of a special property in one of the Big Island’s most cherished coastal communities—Puako. This licensed vacation rental is on the quiet south end of Puako Beach Drive. It has a full-size lot just feet from the beach, wonderful views of Mauna Kea, and a serene neighborhood setting surrounded by nature. This combination is becoming less common on the Kohala Coast.

As we close the books on 2025, the latest quarterly data gives us a clear picture of where our island real estate market stands. The report released by Hawaii Life confirms what many of us working in the field have been feeling throughout the year: the market has shifted from the frenzied pace of the post-pandemic years into something far more measured and balanced.

The New Year is off to a strong start, and I am excited to share two recently closed sales that highlight the diversity and continued strength of the Big Island real estate market. From luxury resort living to a rare opportunity in a beloved beach community, these two properties each tell a unique story.

As we enter 2026, many buyers and investors are asking the same question: “What is really worth owning in Hawaii right now?” The answer is becoming clearer and clearer: grandfathered residential Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) are worth a lot and will be for a long time. This is due to changing rules, rising ownership costs, and strong demand for high-quality vacation rentals.

The holiday season is a great time to stop, think, and give thanks as the year comes to an end. This time of year usually makes me think about how lucky I am, both personally and professionally, and how important the people in my life are to me.

If you’ve ever gone with me to look at homes in Puako, you’ve probably heard me use the words “mauka” and “makai” without thinking about it. People who have lived on the island for a long time know these lines by heart. For people who are new to the area, they often make them stop and ask a question.

If you’ve ever longed for the days when neighborhoods felt like real communities—where people knew one another, helped each other, and cared about the place they lived—then Puako will feel like coming home. This small oceanfront neighborhood on the Kohala Coast has always been special, but in a world where rules, regulations, and HOA mandates seem to govern every detail of daily life, Puako stands out as the last bastion of freedom between Kona and Kawaihae.

The holiday season is a special time to share aloha and make a real difference in the lives of others—especially for the over 600 homeless keiki on the Big Island. Each year, Project Hawaii’s Secret Santa program gives these children a Christmas to remember, and this year, you can be a part of it!

I'm happy to say the exquisite Holualoa hideaway has sold in just 96 days on the market. Congratulations to my great sellers on a great result and a successful closing!