Known by the locals as Kailua Village, this quaint and welcoming town is located on the Kona Coast in the North Kona district of the Big Island. Kailua-Kona is an energetic coastal town filled with lots of history. It has excellent shopping and dining as well as a great Hawaiian night life along the well-known Alii Drive. Because of the laid back feel of the village, close proximity to the coast and the Kona International Airport nearby, Kailua-Kona is a top destination for vacationers to the Big Island as well as all of Hawaii. The Ironman World Championship starts and finishes at Kailua Pier.
This tropical climate is absolutely perfect all year long with average temperatures in January fluctuating from lows in the mid-60s to highs in the low-80s; and in July, lows are in the low to mid-70s with highs averaging in the mid-90s. In addition, the humidity levels are relatively low and the area only gets about 11 inches each year. What more could anyone ask for in a tropical paradise!
Real estate is abundant in Kailua-Kona with a variety of properties available from ready to build vacant land, single family homes and condominium communities. Because this is such a popular vacation destination, many of the Kailua-Kona properties are ideal for vacation homes and investment properties.
Several resort condominiums are situated within walking distance to Kailua Village and have successful rental histories. Buyers can find one-bedroom units in resort communities like Alii Villas, Kailua Bay Resort and Kona Makai starting at about $100K. For two-bedroom homes, list prices typically start in the mid $200s at Kona Sea Ridge, Kona Sea Villas and Kailua Bay Resort. More luxurious condominium communities like the Sea Village Resort and Alii Park Place feature three-bedroom homes from the low-$300s to the mid $400s.
There is a variety of homes in a wide range of list prices making it very affordable to own a second or vacation property in Kailua-Kona. Homes on the lower end of the spectrum start well under $100K in neighborhoods like Kona Plaza, Aloha Kona and Kona Highlands but require work and renovations. Choices are plenty for homes priced from the mid $300s to mid $400s in Kuakini Heights and Kuakini Makai to homes starting in the mid to upper $500s in Kona Heavens and Komohana Kai. Additionally, homes starting in the mid $700s and climbing to well over $1 million are situated in desirable neighborhoods like Puuloa and Kahakai Estates. Several gated communities such as Kona Hills, Hualalai Colony, Alii Point and Makalei Estates showcase homes that are listed at over $1 million.
If building a dream home in a tropical paradise is the ultimate desire, then there are lots of vacant parcels of property in many of the aforementioned neighborhoods varying in size and price. Smaller lots under an acre start just under $100K in Puulani Ranch and climb into the low $300s and mid $400s in neighborhoods like Kona Hills and Keauhou Estates. High-acreage lots in exclusive gate communities start in the low $300s and climb to well over $1 million.
Statistically speaking, the most recent median sale prices are $375K for single family homes; $130K for condominiums; and, $114K for land. As for how long properties remain on the market, the median number of days on the market for homes are 131 days; condominiums, 149 days; and, 251 days for vacant land. When looking at these numbers, those interested in selling property here are at an advantage because of the relatively short life span on the market. For buyers, it is important to be ready to buy when the right property is found.
Kailua-Kona is an area in high demand from tourists and residents alike. Because this is such a popular tourist destination, it is an ideal location for investing in rental properties. For residents of the area, they love the charm and community feel of Kailua-Kona. Kailua-Kona is everything you think of when imagining a perfect tropical beach town in Hawaii.