Big Island

Who Are the Buyers at Kohanaiki on the Kona Coast?

I recently stopped by to view progress at Kohanaiki, the new residential community and private club just south of the Kona airport. At the time of my previous blog post, only vacant lots were available for sale. I’d just learned that a third client was in escrow on a property there (good news for the Beth and Pam team as an owner trading up gives us a great listing), and the latest was in escrow on one of the Hale Mai’a townhomes.

Kohanaiki Experience

Kohanaiki – oceanfront private membership community under construction just south of the Kona airport

One of my takeaway lines from last year’s Hawaii Life Worthshop was, “Realtors, like philosophers, get paid to think.” I love that sentence because the most value I can add to a buyer’s equation is not to give them the facts and figures about a property (they have a hundred ways to research that for themselves). The question they want me to help them answer is, “Which of the communities is the best fit for my lifestyle and objectives?”

With 23 lots sold (closed or in escrow), ten town homes sold pre-construction, and four of the twelve Zak-designed custom homes currently being built already spoken for, the character of the community is becoming clearer. So who are the buyers at Kohanaiki on the Kona Coast?

Do You Read Dwell Magazine or Use the Word “Epic?”

When I wrote about Kohanaiki versus Hualalai Resort or Kukio a year ago, I made some predictions. The development and sales team at Kohanaiki told me they were targeting the demographic that Dwell Media Group calls “the new face of affluence.” That has turned out to be a good generalization. Buyers at Kohanaiki tend to be young (often with a pack of young children) or at least young at heart, active, independent. They are buying on the basis of what they see as much as who they know (whereas the typical Hualalai or Kukio buyer already has friends who are members).

Let me throw out some other phrases that Michela O’Connor Abrams, CEO of Dwell Media, uses. If this characterization fits you, my guess is you would feel right at home at Kohanaiki.

They don’t vacation, they are cultural explorers.”

Kohanaiki Pool

Appreciation of diversity is part of what drives a family to want a home in Hawai’i, with its cultural richness. The sales staff at Kohanaiki is versed on the historical context of the land being developed and the developers strive to maintain a sense of place. Activities available to Kohanaiki Club members include surfing, outrigger canoeing, and deep sea fishing…provided by the “Adventure Team.” The members calendar notes Big Island cultural events such as the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Canoe races.

“They care about good design: WOW factor, enduring, pleasing to the senses, functional, authentic, quality of life.”

Upstairs at Hale Mai'a Kohanaiki

Kohanaiki’s Hale Mai’a Town Homes have living areas and master on the second floor for the views (MLS# 272995)

The developer-built options at Kohanaiki address this definition of good design. The town homes are designed to be functional for their owner’s lifestyle. We talk about indoor-outdoor living as part of the resort lifestyle: these lanai spaces are 50% as big as the indoor space of the home. Some town homes come with a separate 500 sq. ft. guest house. Built with the main daytime living spaces and the master suite on the second floor, in order to enjoy those epic ocean views.

Notice the subdued, modern interior design by Claire Ownby, who makes her second home in Hawai’i. Honolulu-based architect Warren Sunnland, no stranger to Kona-Kohala Coast resort communities, considers these homes his updated version of the Hawaiian beach house. Who needs more, when the entire Kohanaiki community is your playground?

“They are informed, independent thinkers, design savvy, discerning consumers. Social status is unimportant; their affluence is understated.”

Zak Custom Hale at Kohanaiki

The first single family home collection at Kohanaiki – a modern interpretation of the original “hale”

The first of the Custom Hales will be complete by end-2014. These are single level homes with the interior contained under a steeply pitched roof to allude to the traditional Hawaiian “hale.” The Shay Zak designs are modest in their size (1,966 sq. ft. for the three-bedroom and 2,392 sq. ft. for the four-bedroom) but with attention to detail and materials for buyers who care more about quality and authenticity than display. Prices start at $3.6 million (MLS# 273002), competitive with single family homes at any of the Kohala Coast resorts.

What’s Next at Kohanaiki?

Members are looking forward to completion of the 70,000 sq. ft. permanent Club House, which in addition to super fitness facilities will include areas for bowling, movies, member wine lockers, and even a poker-and-cigar lounge. Several members who have bought already are pro athletes who will be sharing their talents at special events.

Meanwhile, feel free to head to the over-the-top comfort stations on the golf course. Clearly, Kohanaiki is designed for folks who take quality seriously…but don’t take themselves too seriously.

A hui hou,

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Direct: 808.443.4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com

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michael solarz

October 14, 2014

outstanding…really enjoyed your thoughts and the excellent writing…

michael solarz

October 14, 2014

outstanding…really enjoyed your thoughts and the excellent writing…

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

October 14, 2014

Mahalo, Michael, for your kind words. Let me know if you have any clients who fit the profile and we’ll get them onto the property!

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

October 14, 2014

Mahalo, Michael, for your kind words. Let me know if you have any clients who fit the profile and we’ll get them onto the property!

Pam Deery

October 16, 2014

Great update Beth. I love this community! The organic community gardens provide that farm to table freshness all within steps.. or a golf cart ride, and are professionally maintained for you.

There are on site chefs available for private gatherings at one of the club’s restaurants or in your own home.

Besides the quality homes, spectacular club house, restaurants, pool, fabulous beach and world class golf course; you can’t beat the location for convenience with 10 minutes to the airport or Kona town. Awesome!

Pam Deery

October 16, 2014

Great update Beth. I love this community! The organic community gardens provide that farm to table freshness all within steps.. or a golf cart ride, and are professionally maintained for you.

There are on site chefs available for private gatherings at one of the club’s restaurants or in your own home.

Besides the quality homes, spectacular club house, restaurants, pool, fabulous beach and world class golf course; you can’t beat the location for convenience with 10 minutes to the airport or Kona town. Awesome!

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

October 17, 2014

Pam, I honestly think we could write another three or four posts just to describe the amenities.

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

October 17, 2014

Pam, I honestly think we could write another three or four posts just to describe the amenities.

Derek Snyder

December 16, 2014

As a Kukio fan I was anxious to see how this development progressed. So far I like what I’m seeing. My only concern is the overnight camping and if there will be any noise or issues with enjoying the beach at night.

Beth Thoma Robinson R(B)

December 17, 2014

Hi Derek,
Interesting question and one that had not occurred to me. Have you seen a map of the Kohanaiki development and where the campground is located relative to the golf course and residences? Sounds like I need to write another blog post!

Derek Snyder

December 16, 2014

As a Kukio fan I was anxious to see how this development progressed. So far I like what I’m seeing. My only concern is the overnight camping and if there will be any noise or issues with enjoying the beach at night.

Beth Thoma Robinson R(B)

December 17, 2014

Hi Derek,
Interesting question and one that had not occurred to me. Have you seen a map of the Kohanaiki development and where the campground is located relative to the golf course and residences? Sounds like I need to write another blog post!

Derek

December 17, 2014

Beth, I have seen one and it appears that the part of the Kohanaiki park road runs a good distance in front of the development. The old jeep trail was closed. From the articles that I read they allow 80 campers. The gates to the park are closed from 9PM to 5:30AM. There are also some restrictions on alcohol, smoking, the types of fires and what you use to cook with. Here is a good video of the park road. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss7Rs_pejmE

Derek

December 17, 2014

Beth, I have seen one and it appears that the part of the Kohanaiki park road runs a good distance in front of the development. The old jeep trail was closed. From the articles that I read they allow 80 campers. The gates to the park are closed from 9PM to 5:30AM. There are also some restrictions on alcohol, smoking, the types of fires and what you use to cook with. Here is a good video of the park road. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss7Rs_pejmE

Derek

December 17, 2014

Here is more info on the park including rules, photos and etc.
https://hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,57824.html

Derek

December 17, 2014

Here is more info on the park including rules, photos and etc.
https://hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,57824.html

Kevin

January 13, 2015

Hi Beth, I come over to Kona a couple times a year. Do you know if any owners here rent their homes or condos out?

Kevin

January 13, 2015

Hi Beth, I come over to Kona a couple times a year. Do you know if any owners here rent their homes or condos out?

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

January 14, 2015

Kevin–as the built product is being sold during construction, there is nothing yet to rent. Although rentals are allowed, the buyers I personally know do not intend to do vacation rentals.

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)

January 14, 2015

Kevin–as the built product is being sold during construction, there is nothing yet to rent. Although rentals are allowed, the buyers I personally know do not intend to do vacation rentals.

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