Kauai Real Estate Update- Real Estate activity has picked up this last week, especially on the South Shore. Of the 17 properties that received accepted offers last week 6 of them were here on the south shore and these properties have larger price tags too; ranging from $1.295 to $3.2 Million.
Could this be a turning point? It feels to me that things are loosening up a bit. The stock market has improved which is one of the things that Buyers have been concerned about and there has been some other positive news in the headlines. It’s a trend to watch.
For last week’s real estate activity on the island of Kauai click here; Kauai Real Estate Update May 5 to 11, 2025.
Poipu Beach Real Estate Update- As stated in the Kauai Real Estate update most of the activity that happened last week was on the South Shore. To see what has been happening in the fee simple market since the beginning of the year click here; Poipu Beach Fee Simple Current Market Analysis
Kiahuna Plantation Real Estate Update- Big mahalo to Dr. John A. who told me about the stairs that are being put in near the beach hut at the Kiahuna Plantation. I had been in that exact area on Tuesday and they weren’t there but by Thursday they were. I took a little video of them for you but you can thank Dr. John for giving me the heads up!
For a complete list of all the real estate activity at the Kiahuna since the beginning of the year click here; Kiahuna Plantation Current Market Analysis
Poipu Road Plan Update
I remember well the “South Kauai Community” meeting at a building in the Kukui’ula Shopping Village in 2013. Pretty exciting plans to reduce traffic and beautify Poipu Road were shown and input was given by the attendees. The project moved forth at a glacial pace and now, with some luck, it will start happening this year.
Here is where things are at;
✅ Kauai received $25 Million Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2022. Back in 2013 this grant was “in the works”.
✅ The South Kauai Community Plan includes sidewalks, roundabouts, bicycle lanes, bus shelters, additional parking etc. Some of the items on the plan have been done.
✅ Given the construction that has been happening in Poipu of great interest has been the two new roundabouts; located at the intersection of Poipu Road /Kiahuna Plantation Drive and Poipu Road/Pe’e Road. A third roundabout is going to be put in at Poipu and Koloa Road.
✅ The project, they say, will take two years and is to start in July. I called the Kauai Roads Division and am waiting to hear back on that projected July start date.
To see more click here (you might have to enable cookies on your browser); Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project
Dinner at Isola Cucina: A Welcome Addition to Poipu
Isola Cucina is one of Poipu’s newer restaurants, it’s located in the Poipu Shopping Village where Roy’s used to be. We made reservations online and we seated right one time. Our Server was Meredith who was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu.
We started with the Artisanal Breads—simple, well-executed, and served with olive oil, balsamic, and whole roasted garlic that was done just right. I ordered the lasagna, which was rich without being too heavy. My husband had the lamb chops, and they were perfectly cooked—tender and flavorful.
There was live music, the atmosphere was relaxed, and everything about the experience felt thoughtful without trying too hard. Locally owned and delivering quality across the board—Isola Cucina is worth a visit, and we’ll definitely be going back.
Qantas To Launch Melbourne To Honolulu Route
Last Thursday Qantas started their nonstop Melbourne, Australia to Honolulu route. This route had been one that was used by Jetstar. Qantas is using an Airbus A330 and will have three flights a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight is 10 hours and 20 minutes.
Jetstar is a subsidiary of Qantas and they ended their Melbourne to Honolulu route last Wednesday. My husband and I flew Jetstar in 2005 when the airline first started coming to Hawaii, the experience was not the best.
Qantas CEO Cam Wallace said; “Hawaii is one of our most popular leisure destinations and our Sydney-to-Honolulu flights are a favorite with customers year-round." said Wallace.
States Unemployment Rate Drops
While still behind the 2019 pre-pandemic numbers, our states unemployment rate continues to improve and is now at 2.9%. That rate tied for the fifth lowest in the nation. The lowest is South Dakota at 1.8%.
On a national level the unemployment rate went up to 4.2% in March from 4.1% in February. Most of the jobs added in Hawaii were from tourism. Federal civilian jobs went down by 300 after going down 300 in February however; state government job count in March was 74,700 which is the highest it’s been since January 2019.
Here are the Unemployment Rates by islands;
🏝️ Kauai- 2.3% from 2.6%
🏝️ Oahu- 2.3% from 2.7%
🏝️ Big Island- 2.7% from 3.2%
🏝️ Maui- 3.0% from 3.4%
🏝️ Molokai- 2.1% from 2.6%
🏝️ Lanai- 3.5% from 3.7%
