Hawaiʻi Island Real Estate Is Shifting from Momentum to Intention

The headline numbers for January 2026 appear calm:

• 152 single-family home sales (▼ 12% year-over-year)
• Median home price: $582,000 (▼ 1%)
• 40 condominium sales (▲ 3%)
• Median condo price: $616,500 (▼ 9%)
• Median days on market: 48 (homes), 52 (condos)

But the most important number this month may not be price or volume. It’s 48 days. Because days on market tells us something about buyer psychology.

The Market Has Slowed, But It Hasn’t Softened

Median days on market increased from 32 last year to 48 this January for single-family homes. Condos increased modestly to 52 days.

Buyers are still active. They are simply taking more time to compare inventory, negotiate thoughtfully, and validate value.

Kona: Premium Buyers Are Selective

North Kona (Kailua-Kona)

• 24 home sales (▼ 38%)
• Median price: $1.45M (▲ 13%)
• Median DOM: 28 days

Even with island-wide DOM increasing, North Kona homes are still moving relatively quickly. The pricing increase reinforces that luxury buyers remain confident, but only when the property aligns with expectations.

Condo activity:

• 22 condo sales
• Median price: $570,000 (▼ 14%)
• Median DOM: 50 days

Condo buyers are comparing options more carefully, particularly in resort communities.

South Kohala: Velocity with Value Alignment

South Kohala continues to demonstrate resilience:

• 25 single-family sales (▲ 39%)
• Median price: $1.5M (▲ 20%)

When pricing, location, and presentation align, properties are still moving efficiently, even in a market where overall DOM has increased.

Hilo: Faster Than the Island Average

Hilo tells a different story:

• 16 single-family sales (▲ 60%)
• Median DOM: 22 days

While the island average climbed to 48 days, Hilo homes are moving in less than half that time.

This suggests strong demand in the mid-range and workforce housing segments, where pricing remains accessible relative to Kona and Kohala Coast.

Condo activity in Hilo also surged:

• 6 condo sales (▲ 200%)
• Median price: $347,500 (▲ 67%)

Puna: Steady and Price-Driven

• 67 single-family sales
• Median price: $390,000

Puna remains one of the island’s most transaction-heavy districts, where value continues to drive consistent activity.

Why Days on Market Matters More in 2026

In markets fueled by momentum, speed dominates headlines.

In markets fueled by stability, strategy dominates outcomes.

Longer DOM means:

• Buyers are analyzing comparables more closely
• Pricing precision matters more than ever
• Presentation and condition influence absorption
• Negotiation windows are expanding

This is not a downturn dynamic.

It is a normalization dynamic.

What This Means for Sellers in Kona & Kohala Coast

If you’re selling in 2026:

• Pricing must reflect real-time competition
• Professional marketing is critical
• Strategic timing matters
• Overpricing will extend DOM significantly

Well-positioned homes are still selling, especially in North Kona and South Kohala, but buyers are less reactive and more analytical.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers now have:

• Slightly more negotiation flexibility
• More time to conduct inspections and due diligence
• Greater comparative inventory analysis opportunities

This is a healthier, more balanced environment.

FAQs About Hawaiʻi Island’s 2026 Market

Is the market slowing down?

Transaction pace is more measured, but pricing is largely stable island-wide.

Why are days on market increasing?

Buyers are operating with greater deliberation, not reduced interest.

Is luxury still strong?

Yes. North Kona and South Kohala both demonstrate pricing strength year-over-year.

Is this a good time to enter the market?

Balanced markets often present strategic opportunity for both buyers and sellers.

2026 Is About Strategy, Not Speed

January’s 48-day median is not a warning sign. It’s a signal.

Hawaiʻi Island real estate has shifted from urgency-driven momentum to thoughtful engagement. Sellers who position correctly are succeeding. Buyers who analyze carefully are finding value.

In a market defined by intention, insight matters more than ever. To review opportunities or pricing strategy across Kona, Kohala Coast, Hilo, or Puna, connect with Marco A. Silva for a data-driven approach tailored to Hawaiʻi Island’s evolving 2026 landscape.