A Measured Start to 2026 Across Kona, Kohala Coast, Hilo & Puna
Hawaiʻi Island’s real estate market entered 2026 with stability rather than acceleration. January reflected consistency across most regions, with no single district dramatically skewing island-wide performance.
According to the Hawaiʻi Island Market Update (January 2026):
- 152 single-family home sales (▼ 12% year-over-year)
- Median single-family price: $582,000 (▼ 1% YoY)
- 40 condominium sales (▲ 3% YoY)
- Median condo price: $616,500 (▼ 9% YoY)
- Median days on market: 48 for homes, 52 for condos
The takeaway: demand remains present, but buyers are moving with intention.
Kona Real Estate Market Trends | January 2026
North Kona (Kailua-Kona)
North Kona continues to anchor the island’s higher price points.
- 24 single-family sales (▼ 38% YoY)
- Median price: $1.45M (▲ 13% YoY)
- Median DOM: 28 days
Despite fewer transactions compared to last January, pricing strength signals resilience in the Kona luxury and resort-adjacent segments. Well-positioned properties are still commanding premium values.
Condo activity in North Kona showed:
- 22 condo sales (▼ 12% YoY)
- Median condo price: $570,000 (▼ 14% YoY)
- Median DOM: 50 days
Buyers appear selective, but inventory is still moving when priced appropriately.
South Kona
- 3 single-family sales (▼ 63% YoY)
- Median price: $837,000 (▲ 5% YoY)
Lower volume here reflects a thinner market overall rather than weakened demand. South Kona continues to appeal to buyers seeking privacy, acreage, and coastline proximity outside core resort corridors.
Kohala Coast Market Overview | Luxury vs. Limited Inventory
South Kohala Coast (Waikoloa & Resort Areas)
South Kohala Coast remains one of the island’s strongest price tiers.
- 25 single-family sales (▲ 39% YoY)
- Median price: $1.5M (▲ 20% YoY)
- 12 condo sales
- Median condo price: $1.1M (▲ 5% YoY)
The combination of increased transaction count and rising median pricing reinforces sustained interest in resort communities and turnkey properties.
North Kohala Coast (Hawi & Kapaʻau)
- 1 single-family sale (▼ 86% YoY)
- Median price: $825,000 (▼ 22% YoY)
North Kohala Coast’s numbers reflect extremely limited inventory rather than broad-based market contraction. With so few transactions, percentage swings are exaggerated month to month.
Hilo & East Hawaiʻi Market Activity
Hilo
Hilo demonstrated strong momentum:
- 16 single-family sales (▲ 60% YoY)
- Median price: $598,500 (essentially flat)
- Median DOM: 22 days (▼ 60%)
Homes are selling faster than last year, indicating healthy demand in the East Hawaiʻi market.
Condo activity in Hilo also increased significantly:
- 6 condo sales (▲ 200% YoY)
- Median condo price: $347,500 (▲ 67%)
Puna
Puna continues to see steady transaction volume:
- 67 single-family sales (▼ 3% YoY)
- Median price: $390,000 (▲ 1% YoY)
Affordability relative to Kona and Kohala Coast keeps this district active, especially among local buyers and value-focused investors.
Hawaiʻi Island Condo Market | Deliberate Pace
Island-wide condo activity increased modestly:
- 40 total condo transactions (▲ 3%)
- Median price down 9% year-over-year
- Median DOM increased to 52 days
The condo market reflects negotiation and buyer caution more than price collapse. This is consistent with higher interest rate sensitivity in attached housing segments.
What January 2026 Signals for Buyers & Sellers
The broader narrative across Hawaiʻi Island real estate:
- Pricing remains largely stable island-wide
- Luxury markets (Kona & South Kohala) show pricing strength
- East Hawaiʻi markets demonstrate improved velocity
- Inventory constraints continue influencing transaction totals
Rather than a cooling market, January suggests recalibration. Buyers are evaluating value carefully. Sellers who price strategically are still achieving strong outcomes, particularly in well-located properties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiʻi Island Real Estate
Is the Hawaiʻi Island housing market declining in 2026?
No. Median home prices are down just 1% year-over-year island-wide. The market is stable, not contracting.
Where are the strongest price points right now?
North Kona and South Kohala continue to lead in median pricing, particularly in resort and luxury segments.
Are homes taking longer to sell?
Single-family homes are averaging 48 days on market, up from last year’s 32. Condos are averaging 52 days. This reflects more measured buyer behavior rather than weak demand.
Is Kona still a strong investment market?
Yes. While total sales volume dipped in North Kona, median pricing increased 13%, indicating continued demand for well-positioned properties.
A Consistent Start to 2026 Across Hawaiʻi Island
January 2026 reflects a market grounded in stability, with regional nuances rather than island-wide volatility. Kona luxury remains resilient. Kohala Coast continues to command premium pricing in key corridors. Hilo and Puna demonstrate dependable transactional strength.
If you’re considering buying or selling property in Kona, Kohala Coast, or anywhere on Hawaiʻi Island, strategic positioning matters more than ever.
To discuss your goals or review property opportunities tailored to current market conditions, contact Marco A. Silva and gain insight into Hawaiʻi Island real estate with clarity and confidence.