ALOHA MAR 2025!

MLB Tokyo Series | HULA | US #3 Hotel

Aloha, Friends and Family,

Spring is in the air—and while much of the mainland is just starting to warm up, here on the Big Island, the perfect season rolls on. Crisp mornings in the 60s, sunny afternoons in the mid-70s... and yes, no need for AC or heaters.March also brings a local favorite: the blooming of the purple Jacaranda trees. Their soft lavender petals remind Japan’s cherry blossoms—so much so that longtime Japanese-American locals lovingly call them “Hawaiian Sakura.”

Nationally, the median home price is up 3.8% from a year ago. Locally, both home and condo median prices continue to climb compared to last year. The stock market may be adjusting, but according to the NAR’s chief economist, a 1% increase in home values adds around $350 billion in housing equity nationwide—that’s nearly $1.3 trillion in appreciation over the past year.

It’s been a full and exciting March for Emil and me! From visiting the newly reimagined Kona Village (ranked #3 hotel in the U.S.) to catching a Dodgers game in Tokyo, and enjoying the Kona Brewer’s Fest and the Jacaranda bloom—there’s a lot to share in the video above.

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, let’s connect. I’d love to catch up.

Thank you, as always, for your trust, support, and referrals.

Mahalo,

Kai

Just a month after my last visit, I was back in Tokyo—part work, part unforgettable experience. After client meetings in Tokyo, I had the rare chance to attend the Major League Baseball Opener… and even more surreal, share a private dinner with Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers. Humble, gracious, and every bit the star—I'm officially a fan.

At KE Team, we believe that stepping out into the world helps us better serve our clients back home. This month, we took turns gathering inspiration. While Kai headed to Japan, Tasha and I flew to Las Vegas for IBC—one of the largest builder conventions in the country. It was a full-circle moment having my two brothers from Washington join us with their families. Though just two days, we made the most of every minute.

The 30th Annual Kona Brewer’s Festival was a hit—especially compared to last year’s venue change. Held oceanside at the King Kamehameha Hotel, the event featured 30 craft breweries, a delicious spread from local restaurants, and a strong zero-waste effort. We were told this might be the final year… let’s hope it’s not.

Mauna Kea Observatory Tours for Kamaʻāina Are Back! Hawaiʻi residents can now explore the summit telescopes(13,803 ft) through the free Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience. Held monthly, the tour includes summit access, cultural insights, and meals—all guided with aloha. Reservations are limited. I sure will make reservations. You need a valid Hawaii Driver's License. Here is the link.

Real Estate Market

2025 March Recap!

March 2025 highlights a contrast between single-family homes and condos. While single-family home inventory remains stable at 4 months' supply, the condo market is oversupplied with 8+ months' worth of inventory. Higher maintenance costs and insurance uncertainties are weighing on condo buyers. Mortgage rates remain at 6.5%. Sellers, especially in the condo market, should strategize pricing carefully as market conditions continue to shift.

We are observing a good trend in March 2025 for the Condo Market. The number of active listings(Supply) is down, and Pending Sales(Demand) is up significantly, +30.8%. The single-family home market is stable.

Our insights are carefully gathered and analyzed by us to ensure they are relevant and meaningful to you.

Big Island

How to Experience the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival Without a Ticket: (And Why You Should)

The quiet town of Hilo transforms into the epicenter of Hawaiian culture as it welcomes the 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s most prestigious hula competition. From April 20–26, the island’s reverence for tradition takes center stage, drawing hālau (hula schools), artisans, and admirers from across the islands—and across the globe.

And yet, for many of us, getting a seat inside the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium remains a distant dream. Tickets have to be requested by mail well in advance, with only a slim chance of securing a coveted spot. Like most locals and longtime residents, I didn’t get a ticket this year—but that doesn’t mean we won’t be part of it.

In fact, the real beauty of the Merrie Monarch Festival lies not only in the competition but in the way it ripples through the entire Big Island. Whether you live in Kailua-Kona, or staying at Hualalai, or you’re visiting during this special week, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the Big Island lifestyle and the rich cultural roots that define it.

Read on to learn how to enjoy without tickets.

Lifestyle

Does Kona Village Rosewood Resort Deserve the Hype?

When I heard that Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, was named the #3 Best Hotel in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, I knew I had to experience it for myself. It’s less than 30-minute drive from our house! My wife and I immediately grabbed our suitcases and took a wonderful two-night vacation.

The oldest resort on the island, which opened in 1965, was only accessible by Jeep or boat until Highway 11 opened in the 1970s. Can you imagine?? After a decade-long shutdown due to damage from the 2011 tsunami, the resort reopened in 2023 under Steve Jobs’s wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, along with Beverly Hills-based Kennedy Wilson.

My initial impression was mixed when I first previewed the resort in 2023 during construction. But, when I had dinner last year, I realized that at night, the place transformed into something truly magical.

The thing is, this time, I wasn’t just visiting for dinner—I was staying. And what a difference that made.

Please read on to see a glimpse of the US #3 hotel experience.

Local Events

BIG ISLAND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

When: April 10-12, 2025 

Where: Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Step into a fantastical world where the magic of the circus meets the indulgence of chocolate! Delight your palate with 15-18 unlimited tastings of decadent sweet and savory creations. https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com/

2025 Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair

When: April 23-26 2025

Where: Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium & Butler Buildings in Hilo

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts & Crafts Fair returns this year! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM

Supporting over 150 of Hawaiʻi’s best artisans and crafters. We look forward to seeing you there!

👉 Learn more here

KE TEAM

Three New Kona Listings, Three Distincive Lifestyles

Iolani - The Panorama

76-881 North Pueo Place

3 BD 4 BA 2,700 SF $3,200,000

The essence of modern Kona living

HoLUALOA ESTATE

75-2620 Keopu Lani Road

7 BD 6 BA 4,399 SF $3,600,000

The serene Holualoa estate

KAMA'AINA LUXURY

77-298 Wikolia Street

4 BD 3 BA 2,816 SF $1,590,000

The timeless property

CAPTAIN COOK: ACTIVE

82-6115 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

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

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 Professional 2020-2024