Mauna Kea Resort 2025 Year-End Market Recap and 2026 Outlook

As we welcome 2026, it is the ideal opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the 2025 real estate market at Mauna Kea Resort.

In 2025, Mauna Kea Resort saw 30 closed sales totaling just over $159 million in sales volume. While there were slightly fewer transactions than in 2024 (33 sales), overall sales volume increased by 11% from the $143 million recorded the prior year.

Record-Setting Sales and Rising Average Prices

Average sale prices within Mauna Kea Resort increased 57% in 2025 compared to the prior year. This rise was bolstered by four sales above $9 million, including three record-setting transactions: a four-bedroom Villa that closed at $9.3 million in December 2025, a newly constructed home in Fairways South that sold for $10.25 million in September, and a ground-floor four-bedroom Hapuna Beach Residences condominium with a private pool that closed at $11 million in May.

Beyond these record sales, 2025 was also influenced by what has become known locally as the “Shohei Ohtani Effect“. Mr. Ohtani is currently building a home in The Vista, a gated enclave of 14 homesites within Hapuna Estates in the Uplands at Mauna Kea Resort. Following this, last year two neighboring homesites were purchased by ultra-high-net-worth buyers from Japan for $5.1 million and $7.5 million. While these buyers are widely believed to be either devoted fans or individuals motivated by proximity to Mr. Ohtani, their purchases underscore the global visibility and prestige his presence brings to the resort. The $7.5 million lot transaction is tied for the highest-priced single-lot sale in the history of the resort, despite the homesite being located approximately one mile from the ocean.

The data below reveals both Mauna Kea Resort and the broader Kohala Coast have transitioned out of the 2021–2022 surge into a more selective, price-sensitive market. Transaction counts are down meaningfully from peak years, but pricing, particularly at the top end, has proven resilient and continues to support relatively stable total dollar volume.

A Shifting Market Cycle

Sales activity at Mauna Kea Resort has fallen sharply from the 2021–2022 highs and is modestly lower year-over-year in 2025. However, as mentioned above, the average sales price jumped 57% in 2025, signaling that active buyers are concentrating on higher-quality, higher-priced properties. Even with fewer transactions, total sales volume increased year-over-year, underscoring that Mauna Kea Resort remains a trophy-asset market, driven by wealth concentration rather than broad demand. Liquidity exists, but it is focused on best-in-class properties, while anything mispriced or non-premium/less desirable is taking longer to transact.

On the broader South Kohala Coast, sales activity is down, but the market is holding steady. Sales above $1M and $3M were slightly lower year-over-year in 2025, reflecting cautious buyer behavior rather than a decline in interest. Ultra-luxury sales above $10M are sporadic and highly sensitive to individual listings, making year-over-year comparisons volatile rather than trend-defining. Despite this, average sales price and total sales volume were both slightly higher in 2025, indicating a market that is stabilizing rather than declining.

This is no longer a momentum-driven market. Buyers are deliberate, selective, and focused on value. Well-positioned, high-quality properties can still command strong pricing, but they must meet buyer expectations from day one. Accurate pricing is more important than ever, and meaningful price adjustments, when necessary, are what restore activity rather than small incremental changes.

Please find below a summary of the sales data for your reference:

Mauna Kea Resort Sales

• 2025: 30 Sales    (9% Decrease Year-Over-Year)
• 2024: 33 Sales   
• 2023: 20 Sales
• 2022: 65 Sales
• 2021:  72 Sales
• 2020: 59 Sales

Mauna Kea Resort Average Sales Price

• 2025: $6.81M       (57% Increase Year-Over-Year)
• 2024: $4.33M     
• 2023:  $4.33M
• 2022:  $3.97M
• 2021:   $3.10M
• 2020:  $3.06M

Mauna Kea Resort Total Sales Volume

• 2025: $159M         (11% Increase Year-Over-Year)
• 2024: $143M     
• 2023:  $87M
• 2022:  $258M
• 2021:   $226M
• 2020:  $180M

Kohala Coast Sales Above $1M (District of South Kohala)

• 2025:  196 Sales    (5% Decrease Year-Over-Year)   
• 2024:  207 Sales                  
• 2023:   160 Sales     
• 2022:   239 Sales   
• 2021:    291 Sales
• 2020:   145 Sales

Kohala Coast Sales Above $3M (District of South Kohala)

• 2025:  42 Sales      (7% Decrease Year-Over-Year)
• 2024:  45 Sales    
• 2023:   27 Sales        
• 2022:   62 Sales   
• 2021:    69 Sales
• 2020:   45 Sales

Kohala Coast Sales Above $10M (District of South Kohala)

• 2025:  3 Sales        (200% Increase Year-Over-Year)
• 2024:   1 Sales    
• 2023:   1 Sales        
• 2022:   3 Sales   
• 2021:    8 Sales
• 2020:   0 Sales

Kohala Coast Average Sales Price (District of South Kohala)

• 2025:  $1.62M         (3% Increase Year-Over-Year)
• 2024:  $1.58M      
• 2023:   $1.21M     
• 2022:   $1.48M             
• 2021:    $1.27M
• 2020:   $997K

Kohala Coast Total Sales Volume (District of South Kohala)

• 2025:  $634M         (1% Increase Year-Over-Year)
• 2024:  $630M     
• 2023:   $506M         
• 2022:   $796M     
• 2021:    $1.1B
• 2020:   $643M

Looking Ahead – 2026 Market Outlook

Over the past decade, Hawai‘i Island real estate has demonstrated remarkable resilience and long-term appreciation. Median home prices are significantly higher than ten years ago, reflecting strong demand, limited inventory, and the enduring appeal of the island’s lifestyle and amenities. While sales activity has slowed from the peak years of 2020–2022 due to higher interest rates and inflationary pressures, the long-term perspective remains positive, particularly for well-located, high-quality properties.

Affordability continues to be a challenge in Hawai‘i, especially along the Kona-Kohala Coast and in resort communities. At the same time, wealth accumulation through stocks, alternative investments, and other assets provides a pool of buyers capable of participating in the high-end market. Buyers who can adjust to current mortgage rates are still active, and the limited supply of resort and luxury properties continues to support pricing. In several key resort nodes, high-quality listings are still moving quickly, highlighting the persistent strength of strategically located properties.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect transaction activity to remain measured but steady, as buyers continue to navigate higher prices and interest rates. Any reduction in rates could spur additional activity, while newly built homes will continue to help ease inventory constraints in certain segments. Average sales prices are expected to hold firm or see modest gains, particularly in trophy markets such as Mauna Kea Resort, where buyers remain concentrated on best-in-class properties. Overall, the market is likely to favor accurately priced, high-quality listings, and meaningful pricing decisions will be critical for sellers seeking timely transactions.

In summary, 2026 is shaping up as a selective, resilient market. While volume may not return to the peak years of 2020–2022, properties that meet buyer expectations in terms of location, quality, and value will continue to transact successfully, maintaining the long-term strength and appeal of Hawai‘i Island real estate.

Below please find a breakdown of the 2025 sales categorized by community or sub areas within the Mauna Kea Resort.  

2025 Sales Breakdown

(Click Here) to view the locations of the respective communities below.

Fairways South: In September, I represented the Seller in the record-setting $10.25M sale of Hale Kea Koa (Fairways South #32) — the highest recorded sale in the history of the Fairways North and South communities. Furthermore, Fairways South #1 sold for $6.2M in December. (Click Here) to view the sales information.

Fairways North: No sales in 2025. 

The Villas: In 2025, four Villas sold, with prices ranging from $5.8M for an original two-bedroom unit to $9.3M for a fully upgraded four-bedroom residence. For details on these Villa sales (Click Here).

Kauna’oa: Last year, Kaunaʻoa recorded a total of four (4) sales: two Halia Hale townhomes, one vacant lot, and one single-family home. In April, a newly constructed residence on Lot 22 sold for $9.95M. Within the vacant land category, Lot 13 closed at $6.4M, also in April. The two Halia Hale townhome sales included Residence 4A, which sold for $6.35M in September, and Residence 2A, which closed at $6M in December. For more details on these Kaunaʻoa sales (Click Here).

The Bluffs: No sales in 2025. 

High Bluffs: Homesite #3 in the High Bluffs sold in April for $1.885M. (Click Here) to view the sales information.

Wai’ula’ula: There were a total of eight (8) sales. Three (3) four-plex units sold, three (3) duplex Villas sold, and two (2) stand alone estate home sold. For a detailed list of 2025 sales within Wai’ula’ula (Click Here).

Kumulani: Unit H4 sold in January of 2025 for $2M. (Click Here) to view the sales information.

Moani Heights: A home in Moani Heights sold in April for $3.6M (Click Here) to view the sales information.

Apa’apa’a Heights: No sales in 2025.

Hapuna Beach Residences: There were a total of two (2) sales. For the detailed list of the Hapuna condominium sales (Click Here).

Hapuna Estates in the Uplands: Seven (7) properties sold in the Hapuna Estates at the Uplands, including three (3) condominiums, three (3) vacant lots, and one (1) single-family home. (Click Here) for detailed information on all the Hapuna Estates sales in the Uplands at Mauna Kea Resort. 

For a Complete List of Condominiums and Residential Properties Currently Available at the Mauna Kea Resort (Click Here).

For a Complete List of Vacant Land Properties Currently Available at the Mauna Kea Resort (Click Here).

Team Track Record & Success Stories

Our team proudly serves all of the Kona-Kohala Coast. Since the start of 2020, our team has represented Sellers & Buyers in over 135 total sides of business within Mauna Kea Resort, accounting for approximately $525M in sales volume, which is more than any competing brokerage. 

Over the same period of time, our team has achieved over $1.5 billion in sales volume across the Kohala Coast—outpacing the nearest competing brokerage by an impressive 55%. 

A Reputation Built On Results.

Being born and raised in Waimea, I am proud to call the Kohala Coast my home. This is where I live, work, play, raise my family and serve my clients. Having a unique knowledge and a lifetime of first-hand experience with this special area, I understand every feature, benefit and offering in each community along the coast.

My area knowledge and long-term perspective is enhanced by the unrivaled statewide network, global affiliations, brand recognition, and digital platforms of Hawai‘i Life, making us the brokerage firm for all your Kona-Kohala Coast needs. With 350+ agents and now 24 offices statewide, Hawai’i Life is the exclusive statewide affiliate of Forbes Global Properties and an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International®. Both networks serve top-tier markets around the world, adding tremendous reach and exposure for our clients. We invite you to consult our team of highly talented professionals, who service all sectors of the real estate market, including oceanfront, resort, ranch, single-family, condominium and vacant land properties.

(Click Here) to read my “Success Stories” testimonials. If you have specific needs with which I might be able to assist you, please do not hesitate to call or email.