ALOHA JULY 2025!

Lahaina Noon | Condo Insurance Crisis | Longevity

Aloha Friends and Family,

I hope summer is treating you well, wherever you are. This month, I stayed close to home. No travel, just enjoying the daily rhythm of Big Island life.

The 2025 REALM × Altrata(Weatlth X) report was just released, offering a glimpse into how capital is moving around the world. While it focuses on ultra-high-net-worth trends, I believe it sheds light on broader patterns that impact many of us, too. Wealth continues to cluster where certainty and lifestyle meet. New York still holds the world’s largest UHNW population. Aspen now claims the nation’s highest wealth density. And Miami tops the list for second-home demand globally.

These movements matter. When capital concentrates, it tends to grow. Kona’s 20-year run as Hawaii’s luxury market leader reflects that same dynamic. Buyers are drawn here for many of the same reasons: certainty, lifestyle, climate resilience, and geographic benefit. Here’s the link if you’d like to explore the report.

Makana, our eldest, just started medical school at the University of Buffalo. We watched her White Gown Ceremony on YouTube Live since our younger daughter’s schedule made the trip tricky; it would have left us only a day and a half in Buffalo. Born and raised in Kona and after two years in D.C., we’re curious how she’ll handle a full-on Buffalo winter. We hope to visit next summer.

July 24th marks Lahaina Noon in Kona, when the sun is directly overhead and shadows vanish. It’s a subtle but fascinating phenomenon that only happens in Hawaii—nowhere else in the U.S.

This year, it peaks at 12:30 PM, so if you're on the island, take a moment to experience it. We’ve written a short blog about it too. Just one of those uniquely Hawaiian things worth sharing and talking about.

Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water has become a favorite in our family and among friends. It’s a versatile, spicy staple in local cuisine—perfect on plate lunches, poke, soups, etc. We especially enjoy the one from Da Big Island Burn, and Mango Pepper Water by Ka‘awaloa adds a great kick to salads. There are many varieties, but these two are our go-tos for adding flavor with a touch of heat. Highly recommended.

Yes, it’s that time of year. Real property taxes are due. The first half of the 2025–2026 Real Property Tax is due August 20th, and the second half on February 20th. The tax year runs from July 1st to June 30th, with the option to pay in full or in two installments.

For details or to pay online, visit Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office website.

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

Real Estate Market

JULY 2025 Recap

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.

Big Island

Hawaii Condo Insurance Crisis: New Law Brings Relief—But Not a Miracle Cure

It’s been a year since Hawaii’s condo insurance crisis began. We’ve seen premiums skyrocket, insurers exit the market, and AOAO fees spike—just to keep basic coverage. Single-family homeowners aren’t immune either; tougher inspections and even policy denials are on the rise.

The good news? Act 296 is now law. It brings back the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) for AOAOs who’ve been denied by at least two insurers—and expands the state’s safety net. Some associations have already reported up to 70% savings.

But it’s not a miracle cure. Smaller and older buildings may not qualify. Owners and buyers still need to ask questions, review documents, and stay proactive about maintenance and coverage.

Lifestyle

More Than Neighbors: How Community, Culture, and Connection Shape Longevity

Hawaii consistently ranks among the top states for longevity. The reasons are deeper than just climate or healthy food. Research like the Blue Zones studies shows that strong social ties, a sense of belonging, and purpose are just as important as diet or exercise. In places where people live longest, you find vibrant, connected communities at the heart of it all. From Daifukuji Temple’s century-old role as a gathering place to the 26 Bon dances planned this summer, the Big Island thrives on connection. My family’s journey—embracing taiko, organizing Bon dances, and receiving deep support after loss of family member—shows how community, or ohana, turns strangers into lifelines. On an island where neighbors may be part-time, you sometimes have to reach beyond your street to find belonging. Yet once you do, you discover the true secret to a longer, happier life: looking after one another, with aloha.

Local Events

Floating Lantern Festival

When: August 20, 2025 

Where: Fairmont Orchid

5:00-7:00 pm

The public is invited to participate in the Floating Lantern Festival. will include live music, hula, taiko drummers, Hawaiian chanting and a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay. Our daughter will perform Taiko. This is one of the best festivals on the island.

40th Annual Orchid Show & Sale

When: AUG 17, 2025 

Where: Kona Daifukuji Temple

Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club's 40th annual Orchid Show and Sale will be happening on August 17, 2025. Orchid demonstrations will begin at 9:00 a.m. Bring your cameras to take pictures of the spectacular orchids! We go every year to see exotic orchids.

Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race

When: August 28 - Sept 1, 2025

Where: Kona

The World's Largest Long Distance Canoe Race started in 1972 simply to fulfill a need. The race really began as a way to train for the grueling Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Women) and the Molokai Hoe (Men) long distance canoe races from the island of Molokai to the island of Oahu. It is simply an amazing sight to see so many canoes in Kailua Bay! Highly recommend to go watch in the morning.

KE TEAM

Featured Listings and their Distinctive Lifestyles

Proven Income-Producing Vacation Rental

77-212 Ke Alohi Kai Place

4 BD 7 BA 4,035 SF $3,995,000

Proven Income-Producing Vacation Rental House in Kona's Oceanfront Resort Zone Gated Community – No STVR Restrictions

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.

NEW PRICE

HoLUALOA ESTATE

75-2620 Keopu Lani Road

7 BD 6 BA 4,399 SF $3,400,000

The serene Holualoa estate

ready to build in resort

68-1304 Lot 15 Akea Place

0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $1,275,000

Opportunity to develop

Your Canvas for Kona Luxury Living

72-4027 Ke Ana Wai Street

0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $799,000

Fresh on the Market: Latest Listings from the Past 30 Days

Ready to explore your next dream property? Here are the newest listings in Kona and across the Big Island, each offering its own slice of paradise.

Daisuke 'Kai' Ioh

REALTOR® | RB-19352

Mobile 808.936.6148

kai.ioh@compass.com

www.KETeamHawaii.com

www.KonaFudosan.com

REALM Founding Member

Top 1.5% of US Real Estate Professional 2020-2025