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| Best Golf Courses In Hawaii | Compass Retreat | Bon Dance |
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Aloha Friends and Family,
With graduation season and Father’s Day behind us, summer is now in full swing. On the Big Island, the semi-peak travel season begins in mid-June and often brings a bump in real estate activity. While uncertainties remain, consumer sentiment improved for the first time in six months. It rose 16% from May, although it is still down 11% compared to last year. A possible interest rate cut by the Fed in September is on the horizon. The global market is also watching the July 9 tariff deadline closely.
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After Palm Beach, I headed to Denver for a Compass RETreat, annual network and learning event. Emil joined me this time, and we even squeezed in some fun—yes, including karaoke. Check out this month’s video above for a glimpse, and read Emil’s blog for highlights from our three-day trip. We returned energized and inspired, ready to serve you with fresh ideas and renewed focus. |
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| | Honored to be recognized for the sixth year in a row as part of the Top 1.5% of Real Estate Professionals in the U.S., and featured again on Hawaii Business Magazine’s Top Agent list. I’m deeply grateful to my clients, family, friends, colleagues, and Compass for their continued trust and support. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but that’s what makes it meaningful. My focus now is to build even better systems, fully leverage Compass technology, and above all, deliver unreasonable hospitality every step of the way. |
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| Summer in Hawai‘i brings Bon Dance season, a cherished tradition with deep Japanese roots. This year, 26 Bon Dances are scheduled across the Big Island. I’m co-chairing once again at Daifukuji Temple on Saturday, July 12. It’s a family-friendly event, open to all. No experience needed—just follow the person in front. Each dance lasts about three minutes, and you'll be amazed how quickly you catch on. Hope to see you there! Here is full list of 2025 Bon Dances. |
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| | | The Alii Drive pilot program ended after just 45 days, following resident feedback. Parking was scarce and traffic backed up daily. The county is now exploring other options to improve parking. Also on the radar: the Kona Open Space Network Conceptual Plan will be shared with the public on June 28 at the West Hawaii Civic Center, part of ongoing efforts tied to the Kona Community Development Plan. |
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If you’re planning a visit to the Big Island, let’s connect—we’d love to catch up. Thank you, as always, for your trust, support, and referrals.
Mahalo,
Kai |
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We send out our E-Market Update at the start of each month—insights thoughtfully gathered and analyzed to keep you informed on what truly matters. If you’d like to be added to our growing mailing list, just let us know. We’d be happy to include you. |
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Baseball Superstar meets Big Island |
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When Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani chose the Big Island to build his custom estate, complete with a private training facility, the world took notice. His decision underscores what high-net-worth buyers have quietly known for years: the Big Island offers unmatched privacy, natural beauty, and refined architectural living. Now, with eight homesites still available in his exclusive Mauna Kea neighborhood (priced from $5.5M–$6.9M), this is a rare opportunity to live next to excellence, and become part of Hawaii’s elite resort community. |
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Hawaii’s Best Golf Course? It’s Right Here on the Big Island |
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Golf Digest just released its 2025 rankings of the Top Golf Courses in Hawaii- and the Big Island dominates with 8 courses on the list, including 5 in the top 10. At the top? Nanea Golf Club, ranked #1 in Hawaii and #59 in the U.S. I recently had the chance to play Nanea, an ultra-private, caddie-only club set on the slopes of Hualālai. With no homes or distractions, it’s a pure golf experience. Designed by David McLay Kidd for Charles Schwab and George Roberts, it blends UK links-style strategy with sweeping ocean views, black lava, and pristine fairways. Notably, 4 of the top 5 Big Island courses are private (Kukio, Hokuli‘a, Kohanaiki, and Nanea). Only Mauna Kea is public. Thinking about golf course living? The Big Island isn’t just beautiful—it’s built for a unique luxury lifestyle. Please read on to see the top 20 golf courses in Hawaii. |
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| Gates open at 7:30am. Rodeo takes place from 9am-1pm at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea. Limited seating, on a first come, first served basis, so get there early to ger a good spot! Tickets are on sale online. Children 12 and under are free |
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| | Kona Parade starts from 6:00pm then followed by firewoks at 8:00pm at the Kailua Bay. At Hilo, the Hawai'i County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Mo'oheau Park bandstand.The Hilo Bay Blast fireworks also begins at 8:00 pm. |
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| | This annual Japanese cultural event will take place from 3:00 - 6:30pm at the historic Daifukuji Soto Mission in Honalo. I am a co-chair of the event so please come join. There will be taiko performances, Japanese shave ice and more. |
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KE TEAM Featured Listings and their Distinctive Lifestyles |
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| | NEW LISTING
Proven Income-Producing Vacation Rental |
| 77-212 Ke Alohi Kai Place |
| 4 BD 7 BA 4,035 SF $3,995,000 |
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| Proven Income-Producing Vacation Rental House in Kona's Oceanfront Resort Zone Gated Community – No STVR Restrictions
Maximize your return with this luxury investment property in Kailua Kona’s exclusive ocean-front, gated resort-zoned enclave of Ke Alohi Kai—where short-term vacation rentals are fully permitted and protected, with no risk of future regulation changes or permit loss.
This high-performing asset has consistently delivered strong financials:
2022: $295,342 gross revenue → NOI: $205,071 | CAP Rate: ~5% 2023: $336,045 gross revenue → NOI: $245,774 | CAP Rate: ~6% 2024: $275,422 gross revenue → NOI: $185,151 | CAP Rate: ~4.6% 2025 (Q1 only): $100,000 gross — a record-breaking start, signaling potential for the highest revenue year yet.
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| | | | 7 BD 6 BA 4,399 SF $3,400,000
The serene Holualoa estate |
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| Cooler air, more space, and rich volcanic soil - Holualoa has its own rhythm. Why do so many dream of owning in Kona coffee country? Find out on the blog. |
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| | | 68-1304 Lot 15 Akea Place |
| 0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $1,275,000
Opportunity to develop |
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| This private, shovel-ready homesite includes HOA approval and a ready-to-pull building permit, saving you time and money. Approved plans feature 5 beds, 5.5 baths, a flex room/home theater, 4,606 SF interior (5,746 SF under roof), 3-car garage, pool, and spa. |
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| | Your Canvas for Kona Luxury Living |
| 72-4027 Ke Ana Wai Street |
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| Lot 24 in Makalei Estates is more than vacant land, it’s a 3-acre blank canvas with the perfect elevation, peaceful privacy, and potential to craft your dream estate among the island’s most coveted gated enclaves. |
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| "We had interviewed half a dozen agents before selecting Kai and Emil. My sister and I couldn’t imagine working with someone who might bring their own emotional stress into the process—especially when we already felt like we were navigating the wilderness ourselves. What we needed most was assurance and stability, and with Kai and Emil, we felt both. They were steady, well-prepared, and strong. We knew we made the right decision when the stock market crashed the very week we listed our home and the real estate market briefly froze. Kai and Emil stayed calm and confident. We simply stayed the course and did all the right things until the sale closed—despite the turbulence. When Kai and Emil called to congratulate us on the successful sale, I could hardly believe it. And the best part? They delivered our beloved home to the most deserving couple who will be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood." May Ng and Gi Gi Fenster
By the way, We never too busy for any of your referrals. |
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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. |
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