If you’re looking for a small-town atmosphere and a laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle, consider purchasing real estate in South Kona. Rich in Hawaiian history, you’ll feel as if you’re walking in the footsteps of royalty.
While there are many areas to purchase a home in South Kona, Kealakekua and Captain Cook are among the most popular. In Kealakekua you can purchase a $4 million dollar estate perched on what feels like the top of the world, in the Hokulia development, or vacant land in a subdivision for $199,000.
If you prefer the Captain Cook area you’ll also discover a range of home styles and prices. Vacant 1-acre parcels in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates start at $9,900 and existing home prices run the gamut from a 2 bedroom bank-owned home for $117,293 to an estate, steps from Kealakekua Bay for $3,495,000.
Perhaps you’re interested in trying your hand at farming, Hawaiian-style. South Kona is world-famous for its coffee production and many opportunities exist to purchase coffee farms. A 5-acre lot -- with an ocean view to admire as you pick coffee -- lists for $199,000. Much of the vacant land in South Kona is leasehold but if you look hard enough you’ll be able to locate fee-simple parcels for sale.
If you have a tight budget, you’ll find lower priced homes in Milolii and Honaunau. For mid-priced homes – from the upper $300,000s to mid-$400,000s -- look in Kealakekua village and Keei. Luxury home shoppers might enjoy the homes in Kaoha Ranch Estates and McCoy Plantation.
The median sales price for a home in South Kona has actually increased from last year’s $249,500 and now sits at $297,000, so if you’re in the market to buy you should do so quickly, before prices rise again.
While many parts of South Kona feel remote, there are schools, shopping and a hospital.
The history buff can revel in the many cultural sites in the area. The granddaddy of them all is Pu`uhonua o`Honaunau, the City of Refuge. It was here that the kapu (law) breaker was absolved of his crimes and lived, protected by the area’s alii. Now a National Park, touring the site is a step back in history. View the great wall and heiau, the Royal Pond, and watch reenactments of various Hawaiian crafts and building techniques.
Kealakekua Bay, the site of Captain Cook’s first Hawaiian landing and his ultimate death, is now a protected underwater National Park with some of the most amazing snorkeling in the state.
Residents of South Kona love the simplicity of life in the area and hope that you will too.