Hawaii Lifestyle: Everything You Should Know About Living in Kailua Kona
Situated in west Hawaii, Kailua Kona is a breathtaking town with a vibrant and welcoming community and a wealth of outdoor attractions. The Kailua Kona real estate market lends itself to high demand with its proximity to white sandy beaches and lava fields and its rich catalog. Homes in Kailua Kona range from modern condos to sprawling waterfront estates. If you are considering moving here, learn everything you should know about this exquisite island below.
Housing Market
According to local expert and Kailua Kona real estate agent Mike Despard, the Kailua Kona real estate market is hot and competitive. Median home prices are up 168.2 percent this year, currently ranging at $1.5 million. Housing costs in Kailua Kona, in fact, are some of the highest in the country. The trade is a good one, however, because this hefty price tag delivers great value for your money. Homes in Kailua Kona have an average annual value appreciation rate of about 15 percent.
Local Lifestyle and Community
Home prices aside, the Kailua Kona community is most famous for its people. Despite being a major tourist town, the area maintains a strong community vibe, with everyone trying to care for the land and treat each other well. The streets are lined with family shops and restaurants, fresh fruit and fish stands, and local entertainment spots. Once you move in, having a neighbor knock on your door with a freshly made meal is not out of the ordinary. People are friendly here.
Neighborhoods
Kailua Kona values and respects diversity, so you can expect to experience a wide range of cultures and lifestyles, particularly in the neighborhoods. The Downtown area is located at sea level and has a more coastal vibe and Oceanside communities than the rest of Kailua Kona. At higher elevations, as high as 5,000 feet, you should run into expansive ranch lands and farms with a more upcountry vibe. The Four Seasons Hualalai and Kukio are some of the most affluent communities in town, with access to fine dining, shopping, and recreation. Meanwhile, Holualoa is more quaint, tranquil, and historic.
Things to Do
The range in topography alone in Kailua Kona means you have many things to enjoy in this town. You can spend the day downtown at the beach and in the water or up in the mountains hiking and biking. More specifically, Kailua Kona is famous for a couple of things. The Ironman World Championship, for instance, draws crowds from the community every year. You do not even need to be a pro athlete to join in the fun and run around in the pleasant weather. Kahulu’u Bay is a great place to swim, paddle, surf, and snorkel alongside manta rays, and Kona Country Club is a golfer’s dream.
Schools
While a tourist town, Kailua Kona is very family-friendly, and this is evident in its strong school system. The town is served by the Kailua Kona school district, which includes multiple great schools, including Makua Lani Christian Academy, Innovations Public Charter School, Kealakehe High School, and Kahakai Elementary School.
Buy a Home in Kailua Kona with Mike Despard
When you buy a home in Kailua Kona, you buy a paradise lifestyle, pleasant weather, stunning sceneries, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. Contact local real estate expert Mike Despard today to start looking at homes for sale in Kailua Kona and find your dream home in this piece of heaven.