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50 Top Luxury Real Estate Markets in the USA: Hawaii - Part 2

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Napa Consultants DRE00893924

THE BIG ISLAND

On the West Coast you have the Beverly Hills “Golden Triangle” with Rodeo Drive running through it. Across the Pacific Ocean, on Hawaii’s largest and geologically youngest island, you can find the Kohala Coast, also known as the “Gold Coast”.  You may not find extensive high-end shopping here, but you can find an active, luxurious lifestyle that is defined first and foremost by its sun-drenched climate, tempered by soothing tranquil trade winds. With temperatures that vary only slightly between 70-85 degrees the Gold Coast has only 8 inches of rain all year, on average.  

The ideal climate here has inspired international developers and architects to design homes and planned resort communities that fully integrate indoor and outdoor living.  Often, interior design and lush landscape design become an uninterrupted continuum.  With its controlled growth and low density, it may be said that wide open space itself, is a major part of the luxury lifestyle on the Big Island’s Gold Coast. 

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                     Hawaii big island

Variety Is the Hallmark of the Big Island

In addition to perfect weather and wide open spaces variety is the hallmark of the Big Island.  According to Rebecca Kelilhoomalu, “there are palm tree lined sandy beaches that run up the coast, while massive mountains with cascading waterfalls sprout from the interior. Traditions and local customs make for a strong culture and community. Who wouldn’t want to leave behind the worry and stress of the mainland and come live in paradise?”

Variety also means choices for vacation home buyers. Each of the major resort communities on the Kohala Coast represents distinct lifestyle options.  For example,Kukio is the only private equity Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii's Big Island. Carrie Nicholson says, “Members rave about Kukio's signature Outdoor Pursuits program and the two Tom Fazio designed golf courses (10 hole and 18 hole)”. Rob Kildow, who represents Hualalai Resort properties (located adjacent to Kukio), notes that, “the club not only has extensive lifestyle amenities, it also has a AAA Five Diamond hotel, run by the Four Seasons”.  

Playing golf and tennis is not the only way to stay active here “Surfing, stand-up paddling, zip lining, motor cycling, hiking in the rain forests, studying volcanoes and even snow boarding at 14,000 feet elevation are all close by”, states Brodie Callender.  “Diving and snorkeling in warm water among the pristine coral reef of Kohala’s costal coves is an amazing experience”, says Yvonne Knouri-Morgan.  “Because there is so little rain here there is less soil run-off which means the underwater views are crystal clear and the coral is untarnished”.

Some homeowners who live in the Kohala Coast planned communities never feel the need to leave because their every need is attended to right there.  “The amenities are plentiful in the major resort communities and the service is impeccable. People feel safe there. Venturing out is really a matter of preference, says Brandon Wood.  

In the same way that open architecture erases the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors, “the friendly Hawaiian people welcome part-time residents to participate in local community activities and embrace the way of Kamaaima, meaning long term resident or “child of the land”, according to Anne Rediske.  Community life and business life are seamless as well. For example, Ed Rapoza explains, “What better way to give back to the community than to support a beach park for kids”. It is all about the kids”

For those who seek more privacy or “climate control” Kohala Ranch, further up the coast, may just be the ticket. “This gated community on more than 3500 acres, has a range of elevations between 120 to 3000 feet above sea level. It has varied climates and terrain.  Although, there are no oceanfront properties here, all homes in Kohala Ranch have panoramic mountain and Pacific Ocean views”, says Harold Clark.

Steve Hurwitz adds, “Kohala Ranch affords its home owners more privacy.  The amenities of the resorts are not typically a priority for these residents, who tend to live there year-round”.

Jim Allison summed up his experience of the Big Island when he said, “It is completely different here from the other Hawaiian Islands. It does not feel too busy, too small or too wet. It’s just right!” 

When you can say that your environment and your lifestyle are "just right" that is true luxury.

See Part 1

Photos Courtesy of the Agents & Brokers Interviewed Here

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Comments (4)

Dave Roberts
Healdsburg Sotheby's International Realty - Healdsburg, CA

The Kohala coast is my favorite vacation destination. You can count on superb weather most of the year and the beaches, snorkeling, and surfing are fantastic. The resort developments have all taken a hit during the housing retrenchment and some great properties are available. That said, prices are cheaper in Kona, so if you're looking for a low priced Hawaiian bargain, that's a better place to start. I miss the A'bay.

Sep 30, 2011 05:16 AM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Oh, this sounds heavenly and indoor/outdoor living is something I would so enjoy. The weather sounds just about perfect too. A very nice post, Alexandra.

Oct 01, 2011 06:54 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dave,

Thanks for you lenghty and thoughtful comment.  And thank you for sharing your knowledge about the big island.  We love it there too.  The best part about Hawaii is that it is part of the USA.  We are looking forward to going back there. A

Oct 01, 2011 07:47 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Toni,

Those two pictures blew us away, and we love the whole feeling there.  Thanks for commenting, we appreciate it. A

Oct 01, 2011 07:48 AM