Kauai Real Estate Update- What Sold, went Under Contract and was Just Listed on the island of Kauai last week? Click here to find out; Kauai Real Estate Update August 18 to 24, 2025
Poipu Beach Real Estate Update- More news below on Poipu Beach real estate activity and here is a current market analysis for the fee simple real estate market since the beginning of January 1, 2025; Poipu Beach Fee Simple Current Market Analysis
For the leasehold Kiahuna Plantation click here; Kiahuna Plantation Current Market Analysis
Kuhio Shores #212 Sold Before Listed
Sometimes the right property never makes it to the open market. That was the case with Kuhio Shores #212. Positioned on the ocean side of the complex, this residence had been thoughtfully remodeled and outfitted with air conditioning in both the living room and bedroom. We closed at $1.255 million.
For my buyers, it was the ideal fit — and finding it came down to relationships I’ve built over more than two decades in this business. By going directly to owners, I was able to secure the opportunity before it ever became available to the public.
It’s also a reminder of the reality of our market. Inventory may appear tight, but demand is still very present — strong enough that sometimes you have to go knock on doors to uncover the right match.
That said, this kind of result doesn’t happen by accident. My clients were prepared — they were in the middle of a 1031 exchange, we had worked together before, and they were decisive. It takes a lot for an owner to even consider selling when they’re not actively in the market, and buyers need to respect that process. If you’re ready and committed, I can put in the same level of work for you too.
Federal Reserve Chair Indicates Conditions “May Warrant” Rate Cut
Stocks soared and there were two interest “rate improvements” on Friday following the much-anticipated speech given by Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole. The Federal Reserve Chair said that the sweeping changes happening in taxes, trade and immigration policies could cause a “balance of risk” against full employment and stable prices.
It's not a given that a rate cut will happen, this could go either way. Rates could continue to have some downward improvements along the way to the next meeting which is September 16th and 17th. It’s taken a full year for the interest rate to drop one percentage point from Powell’s speech last year.
I saw a social media video from a Real Estate Coach who told agents to tell their Buyers to buy now. While I don’t know the markets in every area of the U.S. I can tell you my thoughts on the Kauai market and you can decide when, or if, to jump in.
Our inventory is at 2019 levels and in some price points it’s a buyer’s market. I see price reductions and not a lot of price increases, days on market are longer as well. In many ways our market is a normal one but it doesn’t feel like it after the run we’ve had. Sellers are in a good position, many of them are sitting on 2 and 3 percent interest rates, not a lot of motivation to fire sale their properties. Most Sellers and Buyers are not fear driven and reactionary at this time.
If you are a buyer my advice is get prequalified. Paying with cash or getting a loan, doesn’t matter, get ahead of this. The market is good now for buyers but with an interest rate drop things will start happening faster. By the time the herd starts moving you're already behind if you are just getting started.
Thursday’s Kukui’ula Parade of Homes
Last Thursday, loan officer extraordinaire Valerie Harjo and I spent the afternoon touring the Parade of Homes at Kukuiʻula. Price points ran from $5M to over $10M, with properties in the Kaulu, Kainani, Kahalwai, Kaimalino, and Aepo Nei neighborhoods.
At most of the homes a representative from Wilcox Hospital was there and a chance to enter a raffle where the proceeds went to the Malama Fund at Wilcox. We got to meet Star the emotional support dog at Wilcox too. There was great food at the homes along the way and at the last house was the “Little Luna” ice cream truck! Free ice cream that we could customize and served up by the owners Titus and Alex.
One standout: a brand-new 5 bedroom, 6 bath residence on a 26,397 sq ft lot, listed at $8.499M. It went under contract the day it hit the market—and for good reason. You simply couldn’t buy the land and build this home for that price.
My personal favorite was also the most unique. Originally two separate homes, each with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, its own pool, and garage, the owner received approval in 2020 to consolidate them into one property. That means one Kukui’ula membership fee, one monthly HOA & Club fee, and the option for vacation renting (with some restrictions). For a closer look at this unique offering, click here: 5033 Lau Nahele Street.
Visitor Dies After Jumping Off Shipwrecks
A 39-year-old tourist from North Carolina died Thursday after he jumped off the cliff at Shipwrecks Beach which fronts the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. Around 6:30 p.m. he jumped but had trouble right after he hit the water. Bystanders pulled him to shore and administered CPR until the paramedics arrived, he was taken to Wilcox Hospital where he later died.
