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| Kona Low | Tequila | Miami | County Property Assessment |
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Aloha Friends and O'hana,
This month, I want to start with a heartfelt mahalo, thank you to everyone who checked in on us during the recent Kona Low storms. Hawaii was hit by two systems back to back, and it was easily the most intense weather I’ve experienced in my 25 years here.
Despite the name, a “Kona” storm doesn’t actually come from Kailua-Kona, which can be a bit confusing. In Hawaiian, the word "KONA" refers to the leeward side of the island. During these winter systems, winds shift and come in from the southwest, the opposite of our usual trade winds. That is where the name “Kona Low” comes from. Here is more about "Kona Low Storm." Oahu and Maui were hit hard, but it was not so bad here on the Big Island. I hope everyone across the islands stayed safe and well. |
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| | | As I did, you may have received your Real Property Assessment Notice for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027). It is not a bill, but it determines how your property taxes are calculated. Your bill comes later, due August 20, while the appeal deadline is April 9 and arrives quickly. It is worth reviewing early. I walk through what to look for and how to interpret it clearly in this blog. |
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A unique Balinese-style oceanfront estate owned by tequila billionaire John Paul DeJoria has come to market at $32.5M with Compass Hawaii. This home has hosted its share of notable guests over the years, adding to its story and character. Kiholo Bay is also known as the longtime home of the late Earl Bakken, a true visionary. It’s one of those properties that invites you to imagine what’s possible in oceanfront living. Property Link |
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| | The World Baseball Classic wrapped up with Venezuela capturing its first title. The U.S. finished second, and Japan exited in the quarterfinals. Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) was named to the All-Tournament Team. On a local note, Shohei’s lawsuit has been settled, and he’s continuing to build a winter home and training facility here on the Big Island. If you’re curious about being his neighbor, lots are currently offered between $5.5M and $6.9M. I’ve included a video from my last WBC trip in 2023—private jet and all. |
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If you’re planning a visit to the Big Island, let’s connect—we’d love to catch up.
As always, I’ve linked the latest Big Island lifestyle video above, along with market insights, local happenings, and a little slice of life from here in Kona. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you, as always, for your trust, support, and referrals.
Mahalo,
Kai |
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Each month we share our Market Update - insights carefully gathered and analyzed to help you stay on top of what really matters. If you’d like to receive these updates directly, let us know and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list. |
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| | | Oahu : $1,157,400 | $517,490 Maui: $1,350,000 | $710,000 Kauai: $1,337,500 | $855,000 Hawaii(Kona): $1,342,000| $635,000
source: Title Guaranty Escrow |
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Miami Branded Residences and Hawaii Luxury Real Estate |
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I missed Miami for the World Baseball Classic - but my clients didn’t. While they were there, we arranged a private showing of the $59M Aston Martin penthouse (Link) with help from Rie Nakai, our friend and colleague in Miami. The 3-floor penthouse comes with a custom Aston Martin!
Branded residences are booming, with projects like Bentley, Aman (sold out), Mandarin Oriental, Nobu, and Dolce & Gabbana, just to mention a few, on the way in Miami. But in Hawai‘i, luxury plays by different rules. In the end, it’s not just about the property - it’s about the lifestyle you choose. |
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| | | We’re fortunate to have colleagues around the world who’ve become true friends. Rie Nakai in Miami is one of them—attentive, knowledgeable, and deeply trusted in the luxury space. We’re lucky to have her as our partner. Contact: Rie Nakai |
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| The Kona Brewers Festival is an annual fundraising event that celebrates the love of craft beer, delicious cuisine, live music, and the unique culture of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Established in 1996, I already have a ticket. You? 20 breweries are participating! |
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| | The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaiʻi each spring, featuring Hawaiian culture and a premier hula competition.
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| | | IN ESCROW IN 13 DAYS: Welcome to 73-4887 Manu Mele, a tropical paradise set at approximately 1,200 feet in elevation, where cooler, floral-scented breezes and sweeping Pacific Ocean views create... |
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| | | IN ESCROW IN 12 DAYS: Welcome to Forever Sunsets - a private island retreat in the coveted gated oceanfront community of Ke Alohi Kai. Thoughtfully crafted for comfort and connection. |
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| | | IN ESCROW IN 5 DAYS: Here is a Pualani Estates dream home. This desirable Pikake model offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,476 sq ft of interior living space, plus expansive covered front and ocean view. |
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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 Resorts, each offering its own slice of paradise. |
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KE TEAM Featured Listings and their Distinctive Lifestyles |
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| | | | 4 BD 4 BA 2728 SF $2,200,000
- Situated on a 1.17-acre lot - 2019 custom-built home - PV 52 panels with 4 Powerwalls - EV charger - Guest quarter |
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| | | | Vacant Lot NEW PRICE $1,149,000 Shovel-ready homesite comes with HOA approval and a building permits |
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| | | | 0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $649,000 An opportunity to build your dream home on a fully-developed homesite |
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| | | | 0 BD 0 BA 0 SF NEW PRICE $499,999 1-acre ocean-view building site. Currently features a mature coffee farm and a permitted storage |
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| Kai and Emil are the best real estate team in Kona. They will help you to find a dream home. They are not ordinary realtors, but they also can be your friends in Kona. If you are looking for honest and dedicated realtors, I truly recommend them to you.
Takeshi Okai |
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| 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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