January 2026 Reveals Diverging Momentum Across Kona, Kohala Coast & East Hawaiʻi

January 2026 didn’t bring volatility to Hawaiʻi Island real estate, it brought contrast.

While overall island metrics suggest stability, a closer look reveals something more nuanced: certain districts are accelerating, while others are moving deliberately. This divergence is shaping what can best be described as a two-speed market.

According to the January 2026 Hawaiʻi Island Market Update:

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

Island-wide numbers appear calm. But district-level trends tell a more layered story.

Speed One: Luxury & Resort Markets Holding Firm

North Kona (Kailua-Kona)

North Kona continues to anchor the island’s premium tier.

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

Fewer transactions, yet higher median pricing. That suggests selective buying, not weakening demand. Luxury inventory is moving, but buyers are prioritizing quality, location, and presentation.

Condominiums in North Kona:

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

The condo segment reflects negotiation sensitivity, particularly in resort-adjacent developments.

South Kohala

South Kohala is one of the clearest examples of upward pricing pressure.

• 25 single-family sales (▲ 39%)
• Median price: $1.5M (▲ 20%)
• Median condo price: $1.1M (▲ 5%)

Here, both volume and pricing increased, a rare combination in the current environment. Resort-driven markets remain attractive for second-home buyers and long-term lifestyle investors.

Speed Two: Value Markets Showing Strategic Shifts

Hilo

Hilo delivered one of the strongest velocity improvements island-wide:

• 16 single-family sales (▲ 60%)
• Median price: $598,500 (stable)
• Median DOM: 22 days (▼ 60%)

Homes are selling faster than last year, suggesting renewed buyer confidence in East Hawaiʻi.

Condominiums in Hilo:

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

Entry-level and workforce housing appear to be gaining traction.

Puna

Puna continues to represent affordability-driven consistency:

• 67 single-family sales
• Median price: $390,000 (▲ 1%)

Transaction volume remains high relative to price point, supporting its role as a steady contributor to island-wide totals.

Areas Defined by Inventory Constraints

North Kohala

• 1 single-family sale (▼ 86%)
• Median price: $825,000 (▼ 22%)

With such limited inventory, small changes in transaction count dramatically impact percentage comparisons. This is less about demand and more about availability.

South Kona

• 3 single-family sales
• Median price: $837,000 (▲ 5%)

South Kona remains a niche market defined by acreage, coastline proximity, and long-term ownership.

What the “Two-Speed” Dynamic Means

The divergence across Hawaiʻi Island can be summarized as follows:

• Luxury & resort districts (North Kona, South Kohala) show pricing durability.
• Value-driven districts (Hilo, Puna) show improved velocity.
• Condo markets reflect negotiation leverage and buyer patience.
• Inventory-sensitive districts (North Kohala) display amplified percentage swings due to low volume.

Rather than contraction, this suggests segmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiʻi Island’s 2026 Market

Is Hawaiʻi Island in a buyer’s or seller’s market?

It depends on location and price tier. Resort and luxury markets remain competitive. Condo and entry-level segments offer more negotiation flexibility.

Why are some areas seeing price increases while others aren’t?

Inventory supply and property type matter. Resort inventory behaves differently than rural acreage or entry-level housing.

Is Kona still considered strong?

Yes. North Kona saw median pricing increase 13% year-over-year despite lower transaction volume.

What is the overall market direction for 2026?

January suggests stability with segmentation rather than broad expansion or contraction.

A Market Defined by Positioning, Not Pace

January 2026 reflects a Hawaiʻi Island real estate market that is not moving uniformly. Instead, it is stratifying by district, price tier, and inventory availability.

Understanding where momentum exists, and where it does not, is critical in a market defined by thoughtful buyers and strategic sellers.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Kona, Kohala Coast, Hilo, or Puna, connect with Marco A. Silva to evaluate opportunities aligned with the current two-speed dynamic of Hawaiʻi Island real estate.