Stability Across Hawaiʻi Island with Strategic Shifts in Key Districts
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:
- 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 (homes), 52 (condos)
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 (Kailua-Kona)
North Kona continues to represent the island’s premium residential corridor.
- 24 single-family home sales (▼ 38% YoY)
- Median price: $1.45M (▲ 13% YoY)
- Median days on market: 28
Fewer transactions combined with higher median pricing suggest selective buyers competing for well-located and well-presented properties.
Condominiums in North Kona showed:
- 22 condo sales (▼ 12%)
- Median condo price: $570,000 (▼ 14%)
- Median DOM: 50 days
The condo segment reflects negotiation leverage and buyer patience, particularly in resort-adjacent inventory.
South Kona
- 3 single-family sales (▼ 63%)
- Median price: $837,000 (▲ 5%)
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.
- 25 single-family home sales (▲ 39%)
- Median price: $1.5M (▲ 20%)
- 12 condo sales
- Median condo price: $1.1M (▲ 5%)
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
- 1 single-family sale (▼ 86%)
- Median price: $825,000 (▼ 22%)
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
Hilo delivered one of the strongest performance improvements island-wide:
- 16 single-family sales (▲ 60%)
- Median price: $598,500 (flat YoY)
- Median DOM: 22 days (▼ 60%)
Homes are selling faster than last year, signaling healthy buyer demand and improved listing absorption.
Condominiums in Hilo also saw notable gains:
- 6 condo sales (▲ 200%)
- Median price: $347,500 (▲ 67%)
This suggests renewed activity in the entry-level and workforce housing segments.
Puna
Puna remains transaction-heavy and affordability-driven.
- 67 single-family sales (▼ 3%)
- Median price: $390,000 (▲ 1%)
Volume remains consistent, and pricing stability supports ongoing demand from local buyers and investors.
Island-Wide Market Interpretation | January 2026
The data points toward three clear themes:
1. Pricing Stability
Island-wide median home prices moved just 1% year-over-year, a signal of resilience rather than volatility.
2. Luxury Market Strength
North Kona and South Kohala continue to demonstrate pricing durability, particularly in resort-oriented inventory.
3. Measured Buyer Behavior
Median days on market increased compared to last year, indicating buyers are evaluating options carefully rather than rushing into transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kona & Hawaiʻi Island Real Estate
Is Kona’s real estate market slowing down?
Transaction volume is lower than last year, but median pricing is up 13% in North Kona. Demand remains strong for well-positioned homes.
Where is pricing increasing the most?
South Kohala showed a 20% rise in median home pricing year-over-year, reinforcing its strength in the resort and luxury segments.
Are condos a buyer’s market right now?
Condo pricing declined 9% island-wide, suggesting increased negotiation opportunities for buyers.
Is 2026 shaping up to be a stable year?
January reflects stability rather than acceleration, indicating balanced fundamentals heading into the year.
A Balanced Hawaiʻi Island Market Moving Into 2026
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.