Market Overview

The 2026 Hawaii Island market is active and finding its footing after a few years of unusual volatility.

In Kona, buyers finally have room to breathe. The frantic pace of recent years has eased, inventory has improved, and there are opportunities to negotiate and take the time needed to find the right property.

Hilo remains steady, with consistent demand particularly for well-located neighborhood homes.

Up in North Kohala, the space, beauty, and slower pace of life continue to attract serious buyers, and spring has brought renewed interest.

Here in Waimea, well-priced, well-presented homes are moving — sometimes quickly. Properties that linger tend to do so for a reason, whether price, location, or condition.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Waimea, Hamakua, or North Kohala, now is a good time to have an honest conversation about what the data actually shows. I have current, detailed knowledge of this market and I’m happy to share. Reach out anytime.

The Best Time to List Your House

Timing matters. A recent Redfin analysis found that late April hits a sweet spot for sellers — buyers are active, but the market isn’t yet flooded with competing listings. There are typically about 8% fewer homes for sale at the end of April than at the summer peak, meaning less competition for sellers.

Data also shows that May and April have historically had the lowest share of price cuts — in six of the past ten years, May was the month sellers were least likely to have to reduce their asking price.

For buyers, the best deals tend to emerge in late summer and early fall, when discounts off original asking prices peak — that’s the window when both selection and negotiating leverage are working in a buyer’s favor.

Here in Waimea, seasonal trends are less dramatic than on the mainland, but the same principle applies — well-priced homes listed now, before summer inventory builds, have the best chance of attracting serious buyers quickly.

Read the full Redfin analysis here

What’s Happening Around the Island

I’m late posting this, so many of the events have come and gone. But the IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii (Honu) takes place May 30th starting at 6:30am along the Kohala Coast. Whether competing or spectating, the energy along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway is electric.

Featured Listing

64-5252 Hohola Drive, Kamuela — $970,000 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,348 sq ft. Peace and quiet on a quarter-acre lot with amazing views of Mauna Kea, just minutes from the center of Waimea.

Judy S. Howard, Esq. is a Realtor Broker with COMPASS in Waimea, Hawaii, and a licensed Hawaii attorney with over 30 years of experience. She can be reached at judy@livinginwaimea.com or 808-885-5588.