ALOHA SEP 2025!

Ironman | World's Largest Canoe Race | Avocados

Aloha Friends and Family,

Summer is still going strong here on the Big Island, and October brings one of our favorite local traditions: the Ironman World Championship. Kona will once again welcome nearly 3,000 of the world’s top women triathletes for this iconic race. As a family, we always enjoy the energy of race day, from the early morning start to the late-night finish.

There are some big changes coming to Ironman next year. I’ve shared more about that below.

The Fed just made its first rate cut of the year. It was modest and widely expected, but 30 YEAR mortgage rates have ticked down to around 6.3%. The move shows the Fed is keeping an eye on signs of a slowing economy. Still, we’re seeing plenty of optimism. With two more cuts projected before the year ends, it’ll be interesting to see how things unfold as we enter the final stretch of 2025.

Can you imagine paddling a canoe for nearly two hours straight? Over Labor Day weekend, women raced 18 miles from Kona to Honaunau and men the other way. Kailua Pier was alive with colorful canoes from around the world, including two teams from my hometown in Japan. Canoe racing takes strength, but also unity and rhythm. Women’s winner: Check out the race results on the Queen Liliuokalani Race website.

At a recent YPN Hawai‘i charity golf tournament, one hole sponsor stood out, Hāmākua Coast Premium (HCP). I sampled their Ube(Taro, purple sweet potato) and Lilikoi syrups and was instantly impressed. Handcrafted in Hilo with Big Island ingredients, their small-batch syrups are full of local flavor. Many are sold out online, but you can still find them at local liquor shops and supermarkets. Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or even pancakes.

We recently gathered for a sweet Hawaiian-style blessing to honor a soon-to-be mom. Using flowers from around the house, we created a simple foot bath ceremony with warm water, sea salt, petals, and plenty of aloha. It’s been 17 years since my youngest daughter was born, and it reminded me how quickly time moves. These little moments matter. Let’s slow down, celebrate more, and cherish the beauty in the everyday.

Every year, the lantern floating ceremony at Fairmont Orchid holds deep meaning for our family. Our daughters have been performing taiko for many years, and it's become a tradition to create a lantern and set it afloat in the ocean. It’s a peaceful, spiritual experience - one that words can’t quite capture. You’ll catch a glimpse of it in this month’s video. Big Mahalo to North Hawaii Hospice for hosting this event every year!

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

SEPTEMBER 2025 Recap

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.

Median Prices by Island

Homes | Condo

Oahu : $1,150,000 | $500,765

Maui: $1,300,050 | $728,500

Kauai: $1,175,000 | $875,000

Hawaii(Kona):$1,255,000|$628,000

source: Title Guaranty Escrow

Lifestyle

Avocado Season Starts amidst of Rate Cut

Avocado has nothing to do with the rate cut, but avocado season has arrived in Hawaii, and it is one of my favorite times of the year. The Hass avocados you see year-round in supermarkets are usually non-local, picked early, and controlled-ripened. In contrast, Hawaii is home to more than 200 varieties that mature naturally on the tree. Each has its own character, texture, and season.

My personal favorites are the rich and nutty Sharwil, the smooth and flavorful Linda, the purple-skinned Malama, and Yamagata. Part of the adventure is knowing when each is ready. Some stay green, others darken, and timing can make all the difference between watery and perfect.

In my latest blog, I share my favorite ways to enjoy avocado, from ahi sushi rolls to avocado toast, along with tips on ripeness. I also feature insights from Ken Love, Hawaii’s tropical fruit expert.

Did you know there’s a simple life hack to keep avocados from browning? If you microwave an avocado for about 20 seconds—just until it’s slightly warm—it slows down the enzymes that cause browning. So, if you’re saving half for the next morning’s breakfast, give this a try!

Big Island

2025 Ironman World Championship

Every October, Kona transforms from a laid-back seaside town into the global capital of endurance. On October 11, 2025, nearly 3,000 of the world’s strongest women will race across our lava fields in the Ironman World Championship, a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon finishing on Ali‘i Drive. For those of us who live here, Ironman is more than a race. It’s tradition, inspiration, and a reminder of the extraordinary lifestyle Kona represents.

And here’s the exciting news: starting in 2026, Kona will once again host both the men’s and women’s championship on a single race day, restoring the magic of the unified event. The date is already set for October 10, 2026.

👉 Read my full blog for the stories, history, and why the best is still ahead.

Mahalo to Title Guaranty Escrow

I had the pleasure of joining the Team Title Guaranty Escrow at a recent charity golf tournament. It was such a great balance of relaxing, networking, and giving back to the community. Our team even made 8 birdies, which was exciting!

And a big Mahalo to the Title Guaranty team on the business side, especially Team Devon, for helping us successfully close a six-month escrow. We encountered an unexpected title issue, but the dedication and expertise of TG—the largest escrow company in Hawaii—were truly outstanding. We could not have done it without the support of such skilled professionals.

Mahalo to Devon, Luana, Jennifer, Rhett, and the entire TG team. We look forward to many more successes together!

Local Events

IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN'S RACE

When: October 11, 2025

Where: Kona/Kohala

One of the world’s most legendary races is here — a 140.6-mile test of endurance starting with a swim at Kailua Pier, a bike ride to Hawi, and a run back into Kona. The island’s west side will be filled with energy, determination, and cheers as athletes push their limits.

BIG ISLAND TAIKO FESTIVAL

When: October 11-12, 2025

Where: Performing Arts Center at UH Hilo

It’s Taiko Time! Big Island Taiko Festival 2025 explodes with powerful drums, fierce energy, and explosive performance. Join us October 11 & 12 at UH Hilo Performing Arts Center for unforgettable rhythm from Taishoji Taiko, Puna Hongwanji Taiko, Kona Daifukuji, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, and more! My daughter will be performing.

TASTE OF HILO 2025

When: October 19, 2025

Where: Sangha Hall

A Taste of Hilo is back! From 1–3 pm at Sangha Hall, enjoy island-inspired dishes, sweet treats, and locally crafted beer, wine, and sake. Don’t miss East Hawaii’s premier culinary event!

KE TEAM

Featured Listings and their Distinctive Lifestyles

Proven Income-Producing Vacation Rental

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• 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.

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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.

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