On December 14, 2009, the stage was set for 2010, when an ocean front property at Hualalai Resort sold for

$26,250,000. Since then others have fallen in line, two homes on Waiulu Street in the Hualalai Resort are now 

in escrow. An ocean front listed at $17,500,000 and a near ocean front listed for $15,250,000 are both due to

record sometime in March. Once these properties trade, only two truly ocean front homes will remain available

on the island at the high-end luxury level. Both are located in the private ocean front community of 49 Black

Sand Beach. One, listed at $17,900,000 and the other, $19,995,000 respectively.

Nearby, the Kukio developer’s ocean front lots at KD (just north of the Kona Village), originally listed in the $11M

range, have been moving as well, with significant reductions. Since January, lots 6,8,9,17,18,13 and 15 have all

sold or are under contract for $4,000,000 each. This ocean front address will join rank with the likes of ocean front

property at Kukio proper, Hualalai Resort, 49 Black Sand Beach, and the Bluffs at Mauna Kea Resort.

It’s refreshing to see buyers coming off the fence at the high end, kicking tires and pulling the trigger to take full

advantage of sellers who have ridden through the dark ages of 2008 & 2009 and are flexible - ready to move on.

In the trade we call these buyers “Smart Money” because of their impeccable market timing.

So when the “Smart Money” guys come out to play, as they have, it’s time to sit up and take notice….

I turn off the Queen K highway and drive down to Puako. I roll down my windows and immediately relax as I breathe in the soft, salty, plumeria infused air. I hear the busy chatter of birds. I see skateboarders scooting along, and the occasional bike with a basketful of groceries from M’s Puako General Store.

I pass by the houses for probably the millionth time, but I still smile at the old shacks and admire some of the new, finely appointed homes, on both the mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) sides of the street. I love Puako’s unique character, that it’s not your typical resort community: it’s not gated; no required association fees; and it’s enjoyed by vacation home renters and part and full-time residents alike. I love that you can feel the seasons change at Puako; not by leaves changing of course, but by winter’s cooler days and nights, the louder, bigger surf that lures surfers to Paniau at the end of the road; by the whales breaching and tail-slapping right at the edge of the reef drop off. Then summer brings calm waters, warmer days, and plenty of mangoes!

I drive by the home where I spent the happiest memories of my childhood, #78 Puako Beach Drive. Back in the old days, long-term leases were common. My grandmother held a 40-year lease on this 1.6-acre ocean front lot with beautiful brackish ponds, upon which she built a simple vacation home in the old plantation style, and two small guest houses. This property saw me (and my siblings, cousins and friends) through many summers of fishing in the ponds, tide pooling, snorkeling, spear fishing, and devouring mangoes from my grandmother’s beloved tree.

My wife and I knew each other as kids and grew up playing together on this property. Our 1997 wedding was the last celebration our family enjoyed before the lease was up and the property reverted to its original owners (my family tried to purchase it several times over the years, but the owners understandably did not want to sell). With heavy hearts, we had to let it go.

After a time, the original owners did decide to sell (wisely, at the peak of the market, but at a price my family could not afford at that point), and now this remarkable Puako gem, steeped in rich history and happy, loving memories, is for sale again. Though the vintage Puako homes on the lot will most likely be torn down making way for updated tropical dwellings, in my humble opinion, with or without the homes, this is the most spectacular parcel in all of Puako. But I am a little biased.

Lucky are the folks who’ll move in next and start creating their own traditions and memories in unique and magical Puako. 

If you’d like to learn more about #78 Puako or other Puako properties and opportunities, please contact me at 808-987-4218 or email me at brodie@macarthurhawaii.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

The "PINEAPPLE HALE" is an estate residence with excellent architecture and fine features throughout, including granite, marble, travertine floors, cherry cabinets, mahogany doors and pretty pineapple lighting fixtures at every turn!

This residence contains two master suites, each with its own private lanai and beautifully appointed master bathrooms. One is equipped with an outdoor shower. There are two additional bedrooms and/or caretaker quarters, also with their own private entrances, baths and lanais!

This property is located in "Ke Alohi Kai", a prominent oceanfront gated community in Kailua-Kona just minutes from resorts, golf, surfing, sport fishing and more. 

This is a noteworthy property on its own, but given the price of just $899,900. makes this one of the best deals on the island.  This island home is a foreclosure property and the bank has taken title which means it can close escrow quickly and easily. What makes this an additional steal is the neighborhood, located on the makai (ocean) side of world famous Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona, HI. (A local developer has his new construction currently listed at $4.7 million!) 

Located near Kamoa Point, the same spot King Kamehameha loved to relax and surf with his warriors and attendants to revitalize in the warm ocean waters and magnificent shores! This home exudes relaxed, easy island living. 

Begin your daily island adventures here and end the day relaxing here just like Kamehameha did.

Click here to view more information on: Ke Alohi Kai 

Some of my close friends helped me to celebrate my Birthday not too long ago at the Historic Kona Inn

here in Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Still a favorite hangout since its opening in 1928, the Kona 

Inn and its shops, along with my favorite, the Kona Inn Restaurant, have been attracting fisherman, tourist

and the locals for decades as it truly captures the true essence of Old Hawaii.

With the sun beaming, perfect weather and the sounds of the surf rolling in, we had a wonderful afternoon 

relaxing and catching up on old times. It's easy to lose track of time with a staff that treats you like family

and dear friends ~ I couldn't have asked for a better day! Just down the street from the Kona Inn, there is 

a fabulous Ocean Front Home ~ Unbelievable setting!