ALOHA OCT 2024!

Ironman | D.C. | Kona Coffee Festival | Election

Halloween 2024 is just around the corner!

While Hawaii may not have autumn leaves or brisk weather, here in Kona, we know it’s October when World Championship triathletes fill the roads—running and biking their way through town. While not every athlete is mindful, we happily share the ‘āina (land) with aloha. A little extra patience behind the wheel goes a long way— we’re in Hawaii, after all!

As the Big Island moves through its quieter season, from September to November, there are plenty of exciting events. The Ironman World Championship is just days away, and the Kona Coffee Festival isn’t far behind. Visitor traffic typically peaks in December to March, making this the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the local vibe.

In the real estate market, October remains steady. Single-family home inventory has tightened slightly while condo availability has increased—offering new opportunities and dynamics for buyers and sellers alike.

And, of course, we’re in for an interesting close to the year with the election coming up.

As we move into fall, now is an ideal time to prepare for the busy winter season. If you're considering listing your home or a new purchase, please reach out—I’d love to start the conversation.

Mahalo,

Kai

We visited Washington, D.C., amid heightened election security to see my eldest daughter. The city's rich history and iconic architecture left a lasting impression. I admired the thoughtful design inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision of an "American Paris," with its low-rise buildings and open, bright streets.

We took a quick train ride from D.C. to New York. Manhattan was buzzing with tourists and locals, creating a vibrant atmosphere. We caught Hamilton, the musical, to tie together our experiences, and for the first time, I visited the Statue of Liberty—something I never did in my eight years living in NYC. Check out this month’s video (above) for highlights of the trip!

The 2024 Ironman World Championship Triathlon will take place on the 26th, showcasing over 2,000 male athletes, including 56 pros. France leads with the most pros, followed by the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Denmark. While the MLB playoffs heat up in the U.S., Kona will match the intensity with its own thrilling race day. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Kona Ironman event.

I always find time to catch up with colleagues when I travel, seeing a different side of them in new settings. Bahar Tavakolian from Compass NY gifted me a beautiful Persian cookbook I can’t wait to try. Connie Carter, Compass invited me to Sulgrave Club in D.C. What a treat. I also reunited with my high school best friend in D.C. for the first time since college. Now an attorney for a major title company, we had much to share. Life is short—so grateful for the time together.

Real Estate Market

In Kona this month, Single-family home inventory has tightened slightly while condo availability has increased. I release the local market updates at the beginning of every month. Please follow me on Instagram or visit www.KETeamHawaii.com

The hot topic this month is, of course, the Presidential ELECTION. 

While presidential elections can influence the housing market, the impact is typically minor and short-lived. That said, this year's election feels different from past ones.

Historical data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals some interesting trends. Home sales increased the year following nine out of the last eleven presidential elections. Additionally, NAR reports that home prices rose in the year following seven of the last eight elections.

Read More about the Presidential Election and Market

Nortable Market Trend

Is Price Reduction New normal?

This summer, we’ve seen noticeable shifts in both national and local market trends.

Nationally, active listings have surged by 23% since August 2023, reaching the highest levels since fall 2020. Additionally, price reductions on active listings have risen by 37% year-over-year, signaling heightened competition among sellers.

In Hawaii, the condo market is particularly feeling the strain from the ongoing insurance crisis, adding to existing challenges.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival 2024

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is a deeply cherished tradition celebrating one of Kona’s most iconic crops, Kona coffee. For me, it holds even deeper meaning, as it provided the foundation for my Kona life when I moved here 24 years ago.

Local Events

November 1st

Kona Coffee Festival, Parade

Kailua-Kona 6:00- 7:00 pm

Walking parade from Kailua Pier to Hale Halawai featuring colorful lanterns and authentic cultural costumes honoring Hawai’i’s rich history and multicultural diversity.

Opening Ceremony and concerts to follow.

November 2nd

The Holualoa Art and Coffe Stroll

Holualoa Village 9:00- 2:00 pm

Take a casual stroll along Holualoa Village, talk with farmers about their passions and visit the shops and galleries, each featuring coffee themed art and merchandise. There will be food vendors stationed throughout the Village as well.

November 6th & 10th

Kona Coffee: Over 100 Years and Growing

Aloha Theater | 7:00 pm | $15

learn how Kona coffee farming came to be and where it is now.

Featured artists: Kaleo Lindsey, Natie Adarme Whitlock and a few more surprises.

November 9th

Hoolaulea

Old Airport Pavillion | 9:00-3:00 pm

The Ho’olaule’a, closing party, signature artisans market features goods Made in Hawaii and Kona coffee farmers sampling and selling their coffee. Also music and hula. A great way to experience the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival! Festival.

Iconic Buildings

The Sydney Opera House opened 51 years ago this October, demonstrating how a single building can define a city—like the Empire State Building in NYC, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, or Tokyo Tower.

Seeing the Empire State Building from new Summit One Vanderbilt was breathtaking. I've been inside it, but it’s truly meant to be admired from afar. Amazingly, it was built in just 1 year and 45 days—faster than building a home in Kona!

In Kona, our iconic landmark is Mokuaikaua Church, the first and oldest church in the Hawaiian Islands. Like how D.C.’s Cairo Building set height limits, Kailua Village restricts buildings from exceeding the church’s height. Its steeple defines the view of Kailua Bay, making it unmistakably Kona.

Listings

CAPTAIN COOK

82-6115 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

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

Another Successful Closing:

"They facilitated the entire process of buying our vacation home with top-notch customer service. Emil and Kai kept us on track with a very organized approach to all of the myriad details involved in an out-of-state purchase. They went above-and-beyond for us by facilitating inspections and arranging for necessary services.  They accompanied us throughout the process and, at closing, personally greeted us at our new vacation beach home! We have conducted many real estate transactions over the years but the quality of the KE Team is unmatched.  We highly recommend Emil and Kai for all of your real estate needs in Hawaii."

Christa and Norm

By the way, I’m 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