Big Island (Hawaii) Ranch & Horse Properties For Sale

Clients often ask how much time I have to ride or play with my horses. Well – when I’m giving my clients priority, I’m not giving the horses much attention. And you and they will have to forgive me (for different reasons) because I’m taking off most of the rest of May for two different horse-related vacations. With my brain already in vacation mode, here is a quick summary of Big Island equestrian communities and horse properties of interest to buyers who share my passion for horses.

Equine residents of 485-acre parcel for sale in North Kohala – asking $3.5 million (MLS# 263044)

Big Island Equestrian-Friendly Communities

Over the years I’ve written a number of blog posts comparing and contrasting Big Island subdivisions that have the word “ranch” in their names and offer some level of horse-related amenity, meaning equestrian facilities, or at least community easements for riding.

There are two gated communities with actual shared equestrian facilities on the Big Island. However, the concepts couldn’t be more different. At Puu Lani Ranch near Kailua Kona, there is a central barn, but residents cannot keep a horse on their own property. At Waikii Ranch near Waimea (Kamuela), lots range from 10-40 acres and many owners keep horses or other livestock on their land. They share riding trails, arenas, and a polo field that is actually used by the Mauna Kea polo club! Here is an old blog post that summarizes the differences between Puu Lani Ranch and Waikii Ranch.

Puu Lani Ranch riding arena with barn in the background on left; Waikii Ranch arena on right

Puu Lani Ranch Listings

As of today, there are five homes listed at Puu Lani Ranch. The least expensive is my listing (MLS# 268832) at $675,000 for a 3 bed/2 bath home with 2,112 sq. ft. The home lives larger with its pocket doors opening from the great room to the lanai, and separate office.

The most expensive home currently for sale is also a Hawaii Life listing (MLS# 271340). It is one of the few houses situated on the Kona-side rim of Puu Lani Ranch, which gives it lovely big views of Hualalai Mountain and Pu’u Wa’awa’a. The home has a pool for warm days and a gas firepit for cool nights.

View from yard of home for sale at Puu Lani Ranch; premium location with southern views

Most lots at Puu Lani Ranch are a little over an acre. Listings range in price from $125,000 to $229,000 depending on location, views, and ease of building. The developer still owns a few larger lots. You could own the entire undeveloped Phase III, 29 acres adjacent to equestrian facilities, for $988,000 (MLS# 253070).

Waikii Ranch Listings

There are also exactly five homes listed at Waikii Ranch. The least expensive listing would share the just under $1 million price point with the upper end of Puu Lani Ranch. At Waikii, you get a two bed/two bath home on 20 acres (MLS# 261751) for $950,000.

If you have valuable horses (or just deeply loved ones), you can have a beautiful home with a barn on your property. The 3,150 sq. ft. barn on the left below comes with a 5-bedroom, 4,777 sq. ft. home on 10 acres for $1,995,000 (MLS# 268583). The 4,000 sq. ft. steel barn on the right comes with caretakers quarters, not to mention 8,693 sq. ft. of living space for owners in a main house and separate guest house on 10 acres (MLS# 268849) at an asking price of $2,995,000.

These Waikii Ranch barns are for sale … with estate homes attached

Big Island Gated Communities with Equestrian Easements for Riding

The Kohala Coast gated communities of Kohala Ranch and Puakea Bay Ranch have equestrian easements around the entire subdivision, but no central facilities. Here is a link to my most recent update on Puakea Bay Ranch plus nearby Ranch at Puakea and Puakea Ranch. Here is my most recent market report on Kohala Ranch real estate.

And speaking of facilities, I do have that 12.9 acre “vacant” lot listed at Kohala Ranch that already has a riding arena and round pen, adjacent to the community riding easement (MLS# 253098) listed for only $400,000.

Round pen in the foreground, arena behind, and a barn/tack room on 12.9 acres with house plans

Ranch and Horse Properties Outside of Gated Communities

Not everyone wants the environment of a gated subdivision with CC&Rs and a homeowners association. There are many options around the island for acreage where you can keep a horse or two or twenty in your own backyard. If rainfall is adequate, an acre or two of pasture will easily support one horse with only mineral/salt block supplements.

I try to keep a sample of working cattle ranch and horse property listings in a gallery on our website. These listings all have some kind of barn, paddocks, or cattle-working facilities already in place. They range in price from $400,000 to $18 million. If you want to start from scratch on raw land to build your dream horse property, I’m happy to discuss your needs and point you towards some possibilities.

A hui hou,
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Direct: 808.443.4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com

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