Communities

In addition to Kauai, we offer real estate services across the state. Each island offers unique flavors when it comes to physical beauty as well as the range of activities that may be available, from dining experiences, to nightlife and shopping.

The Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian islands so the land formation is very different from Kauai and Oahu which are far older (and therefore, more eroded and weathered over long time frames). Where you will fund carved mountains on Kauai, many areas of the Big Island entail large lava fields gently sloping skyward. The Kona side of the Big Island is known for its dry and stable weather. There are some developments north of Kona that feature some of the state’s most desirable real estate and an area famous for its great golf, diving and fishing. Though there are not many beaches compared to Kauai, the beaches on the Big Island are spectacularly beautiful. Though you will find a few fine restaurants, the Big Island (much like Kauai) does not offer much in the way of night life or shopping. The Hilo side of the Big Island is much greener with prevailing weather bringing in far more rain. Due to the rain exposure, this side of the island also features some areas with more dramatic topography.

Generalizing, as of course there are exceptions, the most desirable and higher end properties on the Big Island are located in the Kona area.

Second to Oahu, Maui offers the most action in the way of nightlife, dining and people. The South and West areas of Maui are where most of the higher end homes are located and also where you will find drier weather than other parts of Maui. Again, across much of Maui, you experience a different landscape than you do on Oahu and Kauai. I like to describe Maui as offering the a balanced palette for those looking for “Hawaii life” activities as well as ample options for social activities, dining and shopping.

Oahu is home to Honolulu and Waikiki and is the economic, social and cultural epicenter of the islands. If you want nightclubs and expansive options for finer dining, Oahu is your island. Because of the sheer number of people on Oahu, there are higher end areas throughout the island, but all areas experience the urban impacts such as traffic congestion and bigger crowds at beaches. Oahu, nonetheless, offers spectacular beaches and all the ocean activities you can find anywhere else. If easily accessible nightlife and social/cultural activities are important, then Oahu will score extra points for you. In my opinion, Kauai fits the “quintessential” appearance that people think of when they consider Hawaii. The state’s best white sand beaches are found on Kauai, particularly on the North Shore of the island where they are quite literally one after another. The island also features green, dramatic carved mountain ranges that can be seen throughout residential areas of the island, but once again are most profound from Kauai’s North Shore.

While a matter of personal taste, Kauai has perhaps garnered a reputation as the most physically beautiful island and has attracted creative types with many writers, musicians and artists drawn to Kauai. Kauai is “quieter” than the other islands, but still offers a handful of fine dining options no matter where you reside, as well as nice shopping areas. Nightlife however is generally non-existent. Kauai also offers several great golf courses. Like all the islands, weather is very localized and varies depending where you are on the island. Generally speaking, and especially so on Kauai, the south and west sides are quite dry, and the east and north shores see more rain making them especially lush. Historically, the North Shore has been the most desired area and real estate values reflect this.

While Kauai as a whole is the least commercialized island of the major islands, the South and East sides are the most developed with the East side representing the commercial and residential “centers” for the island, and the South shore catering to hotel and condominium development more than anywhere else on the island. You won’t find any big box stores or fast food options anywhere near the North Shore and the deep North Shore can be described as a mix of bohemian, surfers, equestrian, icons of industry/global business leaders and celebrities.