ALOHA NOV 2024!

Hawaii Luxury Market | Best Kona Coffee | Hawaiian Sake

Aloha Friends and Family,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, offering a perfect moment to pause and reflect on gratitude before the busy holiday season begins. I feel deeply thankful for my family, friends, clients, and colleagues—your support has made 2024 an incredible year. Mahalo!

Hawaii faced significant challenges with overcrowded voting sites for 2024 election. Despite moving to a mail-in ballot system, many voters showed up physically to vote. This sparked discussions about adding more polling stations, but the root cause might lie in issues with the mailing system or voter registration. A puzzling situation, indeed. It was a quick ballot drop for me, but those who did not have a ballot had to wait at least 45 minutes in line to vote. This happened throughout all islands.

On the economic front, post-election data reflects a generally healthy U.S. economy. However, inflation concerns are rising. According to a Wall Street Journal survey, 68% of economists predict inflation will increase due to policies likely to pass with a united Congress, Senate, and White House. Just months ago, experts anticipated lower inflation and a 5% interest rate by year’s end—predicting the economy remains challenging!

In Kona’s real estate market, condo sales have slowed this month, but that’s typical for this time of year. Activity usually picks up after Thanksgiving as we head into the busy winter season.

If you're thinking about selling your home or starting a new real estate journey, now is a great time to connect—I’d love to start the conversation.

Mahalo,

Kai

Mahalo to First American Title for hosting Emil and me at a luncheon at Four Seasons Hualalai this month. We had the pleasure of dining at Miller and Lux, the island’s newest—and only—steakhouse. The food was good, and the location, overlooking the 18th green, was simply exceptional. Please read our dinner experience at Miller and Lux. Highly recommended!

How about the Best of the Best? This year’s Kona Coffee Festival celebrated its Cupping Contest winners:.

Top Honors were:

1st: Ohana Martin Farm

2nd: Cancino Family Farm

3rd: Apapane Coffee Farm

Read about this years Festival experience and all the winners here.

Good news for locals!

Hawaiian Airlines has launched the Huaka‘i program, a free membership exclusively for Hawaii residents. This program offers great perks for interisland flights, including one free checked bag per flight, quarterly discount codes, and access to monthly fare sales. Joining is easy—just have a HawaiianMiles account with a Hawaii mailing address to enjoy these benefits!

Real Estate Market

In Kona this month, Single-family homes are experiencing a balanced inventory increase yet maintain a 3-month supply, keeping it within seller's market conditions. Condos, however, face an oversupply with an 8.1-month supply, indicating a clear buyer’s market, potentially driven by policy and economic uncertainties surrounding Hawaii’s condo insurance landscape and high mortgage rates.

Both markets reveal stable days on the market, reflecting that properties continue to sell steadily when priced right, despite some demand softening.

Last Three Weeks (11/1 to 11/21)

Single Family Home Supply: -6.5%

Single Family Home Demand: +23.8%

Condo Supply: No Change

Condo Demand: -5.9%

Big Island

Decades of Leadership in Hawaii's Luxury Market

For decades, the Big Island has set the standard for Hawaii’s luxury real estate market, with Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast leading the way.

The pandemic amplified this dominance, attracting affluent buyers seeking privacy, space, and remote work options. From 2020–2024, Big Island's Kona recorded 325 sales in the $3M–$10M range and 67 sales in the $10M+ bracket, outpacing Maui and Oahu's top luxury areas according to Title Guaranty Escrow's report.

85-acre Kona Coffee farm is on the market for $8.1M with 48,000 coffee trees. The farm comes with a processing facility and house pads. Four separate TMKs.

Hawaii Electric Efforts and Maui Fire

It has been over a year since Maui's devastating wildfire.

Maui’s recovery is a testament to the strength of its people and the power of collective effort. Hawaiian Electric’s initiatives, such as the new PSPS (Public Saftey Power Shutoff) Program, provide a sense of security for the future, while personal stories of perseverance remind us of the need for compassion and preparedness. The tragedy of the wildfires underscores the importance of planning for the unexpected while rallying around the shared goal of rebuilding a stronger Maui.

As we look ahead, the combination of community resilience, strategic infrastructure upgrades, and personal determination promises a brighter path forward. Together, Maui is finding its footing, one step at a time.

Islander Sake Brewery

Islander Sake Brewery, Hawaii’s only sake brewery, celebrates its third holiday season at the historic Mauna Kea Resort. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, a symbol of renewal and positive change.

As a friend and part investor, I’m proud to support master brewer Chiaki’s innovative craft, producing unique and high-quality sake varieties. This year’s Holiday Mini Bottle Set features Lilikoi (local passion fruit), Kona Coffee Sake, and premium Junmai Daiginjo for $43 +tax. Stop by for tastings or dinner (Tuesday–Friday) or find their fresh brews at Kona Wine Market and Westside Wine.

Our 15% OFF special sale is live until the end of the month! - I can offer you the 15% discount even after end of the month. Just reach out to me!

🎄 Holiday Mini Bottles are the Perfect Gift!

Spread some holiday cheer with these delightful mini bottles—ideal for gifting!!

Local Events

Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade

When: December 7, 6:00 PM  Where: Waimea Town 

Kick off the holiday season with the island’s longest-running Christmas parade. Watch as festive floats, marching bands, and community groups light up the streets of Waimea. After the parade, explore the holiday village filled with local food vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities. 

👉 Learn more here

Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival

When: December 7, 5:30–8:30 PM 

Where: Holualoa Village

This charming upcountry village transforms into a holiday wonderland with the lighting of the village Christmas tree, live music, and open galleries showcasing local art. Santa himself makes an appearance, spreading cheer among attendees. 

👉 Learn more here

Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade

When: December 14, 5:00 PM  Where: Kailua-Kona 

The festive energy continues with the Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade, showcasing floats, local performers, and a celebration of the season’s aloha spirit. Gather along Aliʻi Drive for this beloved community tradition. 

👉 Learn more here

Lighted Boat Parade

When: December 8, 6:00–8:00 PM 

Where: Kailua Pier 

Experience a unique Hawaiian holiday tradition with the 9th Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Decorated boats sail through Kailua Bay, creating a dazzling display of lights visible from the Kailua Pier area. 

👉 Learn more here

Listings

CAPTAIN COOK

82-6115 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $1,995,000

Emil and Kai,

I'd like to extend our gratitude to both of you for your invaluable assistance in the purchase of our new home in Hawaii. From the very beginning, we were incredibly impressed by your speed and efficiency in moving things forward towards closing. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to ensuring everything went smoothly were truly remarkable. We genuinely believe that we could not have achieved this without your expert guidance, thoughtful advice, and constant support throughout the entire process. Your dedication made what could have been a daunting experience much more manageable and enjoyable, and for that, we are deeply thankful.

Weiran

By the way, We never too busy for any of your referrals.

井尾 大介

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 Professiona 2020-2024