Every now and then, a property comes along that reminds me why Hawaiʻi Island real estate is so special. I am so happy to share that our 5-acre Hāmākua Coast hideaway in Honokaʻa has sold. Even better, it sold in under 40 days and for $51,000 over the listing price.

Every time Hawai‘i Life releases a new luxury market report, I look beyond the headline numbers. Prices matter, of course. So do sales volume and inventory. But what interests me most is what those numbers tell us about the people who are actually buying and selling real estate here. The 2026 Midyear Luxury Market Report tells a particularly interesting story.

Many people dream of retiring in Hawaii. They picture peaceful mornings, ocean views, fresh fruit growing in the backyard, and more time to enjoy life. Then the practical questions begin. Will the tropical heat be too much? What if I am not interested in surfing, diving, and spending every day at the beach? What if I simply want a comfortable climate, friendly neighbors, a garden, a little privacy, and a peaceful place to enjoy my retirement?

There is something very special about arriving at a home and immediately feeling the outside world slow down. This pristine Hawi home for sale offers that rare feeling of calm, along with gorgeous ocean and Maui views across open pastureland. The setting feels expansive and private, almost as though you are surrounded by hundreds of acres, yet the property is still manageable and easy to enjoy.

People often ask me where they should go for a memorable meal, good coffee, or local fun. They expect me to name a luxury resort. Instead, I mention a bakery in North Kohala, a relaxed lanai in Kapaʻau, an extraordinary kitchen in Kawaihae, or the general store in Puako. The reply is often the same: “Where is that?” That is exactly the point. Some of the best experiences on the Big Island are not widely advertised. They sit quietly off the beaten path, waiting for someo

Your Hawaiʻi paradise hideaway is waiting on Kula Kahiko Road in Honokaʻa. This beautiful 5-acre property offers sweeping ocean views, gently rolling pastureland, privacy, and the peaceful country feeling that makes the Hāmākua Coast so special. Listed at $399,000, this is ocean-view acreage for less than $100,000 per acre.

There are very few places on the Big Island that still feel like old Hawaii, and Puako is one of them. Quiet, friendly, ocean-loving, and full of Aloha, this coastal neighborhood has a feeling that is hard to describe until you spend time here. People know each other. Neighbors wave to you. The shoreline becomes part of your daily rhythm. That is why opportunities like Puako Beach Condo #208 are so rare.

Vacation rental rules on Hawaii Island are changing again, and if you own a short-term rental in West Hawaii, this is something to pay attention to. Bill 147 is the latest proposed legislation affecting transient vacation rentals, including both hosted and unhosted short-term vacation rentals. It is not final law yet, but it could bring meaningful changes to how vacation rentals are defined, permitted, operated, and enforced throughout Hawaii County.

There are many things we take for granted. After living in Puakō for decades, I am used to waking up to the sound of the waves, seeing the ocean every day, and feeling a quiet gratitude that comes with being so close to one of Hawaii's most beautiful coastlines. When something is part of your daily life, it is easy to assume it will always be there. We turn on the faucet, and the water runs clear. We look out at the ocean, and it still sparkles. We see people snorkelin

One of the most important questions a seller can ask a listing agent is, “How are you going to market my property?” This question gets right to the heart of what matters. Getting a listing is one thing. Selling it well, at the best possible price, is something else. An MLS entry may put a property on the market, but that does not mean the property is truly being marketed.

There are moments when Hawaii reminds us that we are all connected. Our islands may be separated by the ocean, but in times of need, the people of Hawaii come together with heart, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another. That is one of the things I love most about living and working here. Community is not just a word. It is something we practice.

There is something truly special about Hokuli‘a. It feels peaceful, private, and beautifully connected to the land and ocean, while still offering the comfort and ease of a world-class private club lifestyle. I am excited to share a new listing at 81-566 Kaiue Street in Kealakekua, also known as Lot 56 at Hokuli‘a. This 1.752-acre ocean-view homesite is located on the desirable north end of the community and offers sweeping views of the coastline, ocean, sunset, city, and