Home Buying FAQ's

Why should I buy a house/property in Hawaii?

We hope this would be obvious, but one of our favorite reasons is simple: This Is Paradise!!! We have plenty of other reasons in case you're not sold there, such as how affordable the price of property and houses are, the diverse and very comfortable climate, and the warm and welcoming people here. If you are new to the Islands, take a look at our Links page to find more information about our wonderful State and all that it has to offer.

What do Leasehold and Fee Simple mean?

This can be a little confusing at first, so here is the explanation. If you purchase a fee simple property, you own the land and the improvements upon it. This is the standard way of owning a property. However, if you purchase a leasehold property, you are buying a lease for the land and, usually, you own the improvements. A residential leasehold might have been set for 55 years but if the ground lease is 30 years old, there would be 25 years left on the lease. Most banks require a minimum number of years remaining on the lease before they will agree to lend on the property. Some require that the lease be renegotiated with the ground lessor, often a family trust or large landholding estate. This can take more time than you expect and, in fact, lessors are not obliged to extend or renegotiate the lease.

With all this, why would anyone buy a leasehold property? Because it is often less expensive to purchase and the lease is depreciable, which may have some tax advantages for you.

As always, before purchasing any property, you should consult with your tax advisor and your attorney about how to protect your tax position and your estate.

How long will it take to buy a house?

This is dependent on quite a few things, so it's not a quick and simple answer. If your lender works quickly and the sellers have already accepted your offer you will generally have a much better idea as to how much longer things will take. In general, one could say that escrows are somewhere between 30-60 days, but realistically as your property and your sale are unique, so will be the timeline. We can assure you that we will do what we can to expedite the transaction however possible, just let us know.

What is the Hawaii Property Tax Rate?

How much does an average house cost on the Big Island?

Housing costs vary greatly from community to community on the Big Island, as they do on the Mainland. The best way to get an idea of current property costs is to browse through the "Property Listings " section of this web site, exploring different locations as you go. You'll be able to see everything that's presently for sale through the Multiple Listing Service because our site links directly to the MLS database.

Once you know the specific area(s) you are interested in, contact us and we will help you find your dream home or property!

Your Hawai'i Home

$25,000,000

652846 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-3010 KAILANI PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$18,500,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 651233 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Luxury Big Island

72-130 Hokuloa Street, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Luxury Big Island.

$10,900,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 653475 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ 72-158 BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

72-158 LIPOA PL, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

$9,500,000

286630 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

Kai Nui Pl;, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$7,995,000

7 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 641836 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Venture Sotheby's International Realty

68-1026 HONOKAOPE PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Venture Sotheby's International Realty.

$7,000,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653429 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Estate Villas At Hualalai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Luxury Real Estate

72-146 WAIULU ST Unit 8, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Luxury Real Estate.

$6,700,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 654012 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Hapuna Realty

62-3760 AMAUI DR, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hapuna Realty.

$5,900,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 645233 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Hapuna Realty

62-3774 AMAUI DR, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hapuna Realty.

$5,800,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 653288 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Hapuna Realty

62-3768 AMAUI DR, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hapuna Realty.

$5,000,000

644733 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Kukio Properties

72-3130 ALAPII KULA DR, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Kukio Properties.

$3,950,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 651837 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of LUVA LLC

73-4550 MAMALAHOA HWY, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of LUVA LLC.

$3,950,000

286626 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-3019 KAILANI PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$3,495,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 649277 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala By The Sea BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Life Mauna Kea LLC

59-114 HOEWAA PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Life Mauna Kea LLC.

$3,450,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 650110 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Luxury Big Island

68-1063 HONOKAOPE PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Luxury Big Island.

$3,299,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 652624 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ The Residences Of Laulea BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui

68-1210 S KANIKU ALANUI Unit 11B1, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui.

$3,200,000

286650 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-1007 KAIHONU PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$3,000,000

654089 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Champion Ridge BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

$2,950,000

274273 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-1006 Kaihonu Place, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$2,925,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 636169 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

68-104 PUKAUA PL Unit CR Lot 35, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

$2,900,000

274267 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-3010 Kailani Place, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$2,599,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 649732 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Paradise Found Realty

69-1537 ANAOLE STREET, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Paradise Found Realty.

$2,500,000

651075 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Kukio Properties

72-3184 ALAPII KULA DR, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Kukio Properties.

$2,500,000

649924 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Compass

72-108 ULUHALA PLACE, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Compass.

$2,275,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 650096 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Cook Walls, Inc.

59-314 OLAPA WY, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Cook Walls, Inc..

$2,250,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653412 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Ranch BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Compass

59-411 KA NANI DRIVE, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Compass.

$2,250,000

274269 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-3011 Kailani Place, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$2,249,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 652891 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Life

59-1185 KOHALA RANCH RD, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Life.

$1,999,990

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653869 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Ka Milo At Mauna Lani BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Premier Island Properties LLC

68-1122 N KANIKU DR Unit 51-2, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Premier Island Properties LLC.

$1,950,000

603567 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Kohala Kai BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC

59-3005 KAILANI PL, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Pacific Brokers, LLC.

$1,925,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 654036 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of NextHome Paradise Realty

59-217 HOKULELE DR, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of NextHome Paradise Realty.

$1,595,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 654095 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Aloha Kona Realty Inc.

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit G1, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Aloha Kona Realty Inc..

$1,595,000

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653604 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Venture Sotheby's International Realty

75-306 PUIA RD, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Venture Sotheby's International Realty.

$1,595,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 652909 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Island Lifestyle

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit I4, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Island Lifestyle.

$1,575,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 653613 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui

75-5610-B HIENALOLI RD, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui.

$1,495,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 653903 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit J22, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

$1,495,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653628 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hawaii Life Mauna Kea LLC

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit N4, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hawaii Life Mauna Kea LLC.

$1,425,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653503 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Compass

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit A4, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Compass.

$1,400,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 652913 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui

73-4492 KOHANAIKI RD Unit 9, KAILUA KONA

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Maui.

$1,395,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 653807 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Golf Villas At Mauna Lani Resort BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Hapuna Realty

68-1122 NA ALA HELE RD Unit E4, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Hapuna Realty.

$1,375,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 649372 MLS ⋅ Fee Simple Tenure ⋅ Mauna Lani Point BLDG. ⋅ Courtesy of Island Boutique Realty Inc.

68-1050 MAUNA LANI POINT DR Unit J203, KAMUELA

Listing courtesy of Island Boutique Realty Inc..