Kauai Real Estate Update- $18 Million Dollar price reduction. If you’ve had to do a price reduction recently don’t feel bad and you are certainly not alone. A luxury property in Kilauea was listed in May of 2025, just a month ago, at $19.995 million. The property went up for auction and was reduced on June 18 to $12 Million, a $7.995 reduction, and it went under contract that same day. For a complete list of all the properties that Sold, were Just Listed or went Under Contract this last week on Kauai click here; Kauai Real Estate Update June 16 to 22, 2025
Poipu Beach Real Estate Update- For a real estate update in Poipu Beach since the beginning of this year click here; Poipu Beach Current Market Analysis
Kiahuna Plantation #2: Sold Story Real estate doesn’t always follow a straight line—and sometimes, that’s where the best stories come from.
I listed Unit #2 at Kiahuna Plantation as a full ownership leasehold property, priced at $595,000 (LH). Shortly after, the situation shifted. The buyer who ultimately closed on the unit had been vacationing in it since 1972. After 43 years of memories in the same space, the chance to secure a 50% interest—at $306,230.36 (LH)—was more than a real estate opportunity. It was personal.
This was never just about price. It was about lifestyle, legacy, and keeping something meaningful within reach. We found a path that worked for all parties, and the result was a true win-win.
Congratulations to both the buyer and one of the sellers. It was a privilege to be part of such a grounded, heartfelt transaction.
For a complete list of the real estate activity at the Kiahuna Plantation click here; Kiahuna Plantation Current Market Analysis
Is That Vacation Rental Legal? Oahu Launches Site
I would love nothing more than to see this for Kauai, it would be a great tool for those looking at vacation rental property. Our island does really well at being able to track down people that are illegally vacation renting, I’d say our island is the best in the state at doing that.
In Oahu they started just several years ago cracking down on illegal vacation rentals (compared to Kauai starting in 2007). They have a tool now to check if the rental you have is legal.
This came from their Planning and Permitting Department acting off of Ordinance 22-7 which states a property cannot be advertised for less than a 30 consecutive day rental unless it’s legally registered (grandfathered in) or in the STR (Short Term Rental) zone.
To see that map click here; STR Compliance Map you can also email the city a link to the ad that you are looking at, for that click here; Email the City
Scotty Browns Restaurant Review
We gave Scotty Browns at the Kukui‘ula Shopping Village a try this past Saturday night, and I’m happy to report: it’s a welcome new addition to the Poipu dining scene.
This is the spot where Tortilla Republic used to be, which has sat vacant for about five years. After hearing a few good things, we decided to check it out for ourselves—and I’m glad we did. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating; we chose to sit outside. Our server, Presley, was a highlight—warm, attentive, and on top of it.
My friend ordered the Oh Mi Guava mocktail, made with pineapple juice, fresh-pressed lime, orgeat, and guava foam. I was tempted to swipe a bit of that foam—it looked that good but I behaved myself (she did say it was delicious).
My husband and I both ordered the Blackened Chicken Alfredo ($24 for half, $30 for full), which includes bacon and just the right amount of spice. I thought it was perfect; he said it had a kick but was still manageable. Valerie had the Macadamia Mahi Mahi ($51) and said it was one of the best-prepared mahi dishes she’s ever had. Her husband opted for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($24) with fries—solid all around.
The vibe is fun, the food was great, and the pricing is reasonable for what you’re getting. We’ll definitely be back.
Currently, they’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 9 PM. We got there at 5 p.m. with no reservation and got right in. On their website you can make a reservation and check out the menu too, enjoy! Click here; Scotty Browns
Cause Of July 2024 Kauai Helicopter Crash Released
On July 11, 2024, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter operated by Aloha Helicopter Tours broke in half and plummeted into the ocean killing the Pilot and two passengers. Hikers on the Napali Coast said there was a “huge, huge gust of wind” that was strong enough to blow a “50-pound backpack off a rock” they then heard a “loud bang” and turning towards the ocean they saw the helicopter falling in two separate pieces.
The investigation has been concluded and it was determined that the cause of the accident was “Mast Bumping” which happens when the helicopter hits high turbulence and the main rotor blades on top of the helicopter oscillate up and down which can lead to them striking the tail of the aircraft, the only correction possible is the pilot reducing airspeed or “overcorrecting the flying controls”.
