Hawaii Real Estate For Sale

While many people imagine Hawaii as a large island, it is actually a series of islands of varying sizes. The biggest islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, though there are plenty of other smaller ones to choose from. Where you choose to live can influence everything from your lifestyle to the job you have, but it may also mean slight differences in what to expect in the Hawaii real estate market.

In general, Hawaii real estate market has high housing prices, with a median home price of $696,000 across the state, but some areas are much more affordable. The Big Island has the lowest housing costs of the major islands, and there is a growing population in towns near active volcanoes as they tend to be much less costly.

As Hawaii real estate becomes a popular destination for retirees, families, and digital nomads, there has been a concerted effort to increase the number of new construction homes on the island. As you look for homes for sale in Hawaii, don't be surprised if you see a large number of brand new options across all the islands. With an expected growth of about 20% in coming years, it's no wonder contractors are ramping up housing production.

Condos for sale in Hawaii are particularly common. In fact, over half of the residents of Oahu live in a condo rather than a single-family unit. The state is known for luxury condominiums, both along the beach and in live-work-play areas that allow for a convenient lifestyle. This convenience, paired with the lack of home maintenance and lower prices, make this an appealing choice for many interested in Hawaiian real estate. Average home sizes in Hawaii are well below the national average, at 1,309 square feet, so condos can also be a good fit for a smaller property that still offers a good amount of onsite amenities.

Depending on how close your Hawaii real estate is to the coast, it is common to see houses built on stilt-like structures in some areas. This is meant to take advantage of wind currents and keep homes cool during the warmest months and may be helpful in the event of a flood. Central air conditioning is not always available in older homes, so stilts may be especially useful in cooling these units.

Something unique you may hear in the Hawaii real estate market is the term "Ohana Houses." This refers to an Accessory Dwelling Unit, a guest house, or an in-law suite and is the same idea- a separate single-family dwelling on your home's property. As Ohana is the word for family in Hawaii, the term Ohana House is widely used, and you likely won't see anything called an ADU on a property listing.

Under the umbrella of the Hawaii State Department of Education, 283 schools serve around 185,000 students annually. This department functions as both the statewide governing body and the school district itself, rather than smaller districts being appointed throughout the state. The system is then divided into seven large districts. Unlike most other states, the HIDOE uses funds from the state general fund rather than property taxes to fund all public education.

One of the best school districts in the state is Haleiwa, which is located in a small town rather than one of the state's city centers. Haleiwa's elementary school has been named a National Blue Ribbon winner, and it has achieved over 90% proficiency across subjects. Another small community, Mililani, has two high-performing school systems that are top-rated and offer college-preparatory programs with an emphasis on hands-on learning.

It is very common for students in Hawaii to attend private schools, with about 16% of all students attending one. Hawaii's most noteworthy private school is perhaps Punahou School. Though it is a K-12 school, Punahou School is often fondly called Oahu College because of the rigorous academic standards designed to prepare students for the best colleges. The school has an exclusive waitlist and high tuition, making it difficult to get into, but it is among the best in the state.

Hawaii real estate also has access to 16 colleges and universities, including the University of Hawaii system and a campus of Brigham Young University.

Flying to the right area of Hawaii is important, as you cannot always drive to each island. Each of the major islands in Hawaii has an option, with the largest being The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu. There are two other international airports and five other passenger airports throughout the state.

When it comes to Hawaii real estate, there is really no bad choice! But each island does have slight differences in culture and opportunities, so one may be a better fit for your needs. Oahu is the island with the most city-like feel, containing Honolulu's 350,000 residents, while The Big Island has more remote areas and outdoor activities than other islands and the lowest housing prices. Maui is often considered a good mix of the two, with a busy downtown area but many nature-filled attractions on the outskirts. The least developed option would be Kauai, which is full of local businesses and lush landscapes.

The warm weather and relaxed atmosphere in Hawaii real estate make it a great option for retirement. Social Security income is also not taxed, which is a perk for anyone who receives those benefits.

Most people go to Hawaii for the beaches, and nearly any beach on the islands is beautiful. For other scenery, the Diamond Head State Monument offers beautiful hiking trails, and the Hana Highway offers waterfalls and overlooks for miles. You can also visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or get up close and personal by snorkeling and diving with animals like manta rays.

Hawaii's largest economic sector is tourism, with about 10 million visitors each year. The state also relies on agriculture to fuel the economy, supplying pineapple, macadamia nuts, sugar, coffee, and milk to the rest of the country. Other common industries include defense, power, manufacturing, and the fishing industry.

Hawaii has the reputation it does for good reason. The sandy beaches, majestic palm trees, and colorful sunsets make every day feel like a vacation in some aspect, and it can be surreal to have that right outside your own home. As if this wasn't enough, the weather hovers between an average of 78 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year with near constant sunshine. But if you manage to get sick of enjoying a lazy day on the beach, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy as a Hawaii resident.

Hawaii is known for being safe, calm, and simple in the best way. If you've ever heard the phrase "island time," you have a sense of what living in Hawaii is like: slow-paced, simple, and with less outside noise than nearly anywhere else. Hawaii real estate can be great for anyone looking to escape large cities or for families who want a tight-knit community for their children to grow up with.

Any nature fan will love Hawaii if not for the water sports alone. Snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and surfing are all popular on the islands with more than enough ocean to go around. But for those who prefer to spend time on land, there are plenty of hiking trails with lush scenery, and the birdsong in Hawaii has been called "heavenly." Even if you don't make a point to do outdoor activities, it is impossible to live in Hawaii real estate and not take in the state's natural beauty. In addition to the mountains and coral reefs, Hawaii has frequent rainbows.

One thing Hawaiians do take seriously is food. The islands are packed with fresh, sweet fruit different from what you'll get in most grocery stores. Not to mention that the seafood is all fresh and delicious! A specialty in the area is shaved ice, which can come in almost any flavor you can imagine!

Tourism is the main element of the Hawaiian economy, so it is no wonder that most of the job market is in the hospitality industry. Hotels, stores, restaurants, and attractions are all the most likely places to find a job and often don't require a college degree. However, the state is also home to large employers like Panda Express, First Hawaiian Bank, and Island insurance.