Hawaiʻi Island began 2026 with measured activity and stable pricing fundamentals. January did not signal acceleration or contraction; instead, it reflected disciplined buyers and steady seller positioning across the island.
According to the January 2026 Hawaiʻi Island Market Update:
The data reflects balance. Transaction volume eased slightly, but pricing held firm in most key areas.
Kailua-Kona Real Estate | Luxury Holding Strong
North Kona continues to represent the island’s premium residential corridor.
Fewer transactions combined with higher median pricing suggest selective buyers competing for well-located and well-presented properties.
Condominiums in North Kona showed:
The condo segment reflects negotiation leverage and buyer patience, particularly in resort-adjacent inventory.
South Kona
Lower volume in South Kona underscores the district’s smaller inventory pool rather than a fundamental demand shift. Properties offering acreage, privacy, or ocean proximity continue to attract long-term ownership buyers.
South Kohala | Resort & Investment Appeal
South Kohala remains one of the most dynamic districts on Hawaiʻi Island.
Increased transaction volume alongside rising pricing reinforces strong buyer interest in resort communities such as Waikoloa and Mauna Lani. Inventory turnover here suggests continued appeal among second-home and lifestyle-driven purchasers.
North Kohala | Limited Supply, Volatile Percentages
North Kohala’s numbers are influenced by extremely limited inventory. With so few transactions, percentage changes appear dramatic but reflect small-sample movement rather than broad market shifts.
Hilo & East Hawaiʻi | Accelerating Activity
Hilo delivered one of the strongest performance improvements island-wide:
Homes are selling faster than last year, signaling healthy buyer demand and improved listing absorption.
Condominiums in Hilo also saw notable gains:
This suggests renewed activity in the entry-level and workforce housing segments.
Puna
Puna remains transaction-heavy and affordability-driven.
Volume remains consistent, and pricing stability supports ongoing demand from local buyers and investors.
The data points toward three clear themes:
Island-wide median home prices moved just 1% year-over-year, a signal of resilience rather than volatility.
North Kona and South Kohala continue to demonstrate pricing durability, particularly in resort-oriented inventory.
Median days on market increased compared to last year, indicating buyers are evaluating options carefully rather than rushing into transactions.
Transaction volume is lower than last year, but median pricing is up 13% in North Kona. Demand remains strong for well-positioned homes.
South Kohala showed a 20% rise in median home pricing year-over-year, reinforcing its strength in the resort and luxury segments.
Condo pricing declined 9% island-wide, suggesting increased negotiation opportunities for buyers.
January reflects stability rather than acceleration, indicating balanced fundamentals heading into the year.
January did not produce dramatic swings, but it reinforced the island’s underlying strength. Kona luxury remains durable. Kohala Coast shows continued resort-driven appeal. Hilo and Puna maintain steady absorption.
Strategic pricing and presentation remain critical in a market defined by thoughtful buyers and stable supply.
For guidance tailored to Kona, Kohala Coast, or anywhere on Hawaiʻi Island, connect with Marco A. Silva to review opportunities aligned with today’s market conditions.