Big Island Real Estate – Kohala Homes For Sale with "Ohana" (Guest House)

When I get a list of criteria from someone looking at homes for sale on the Big Island, one of the most frequent requests is that it has what we in Hawaii call an ‘ohana. On the Mainland, this might be referred to as a mother-in-law suite, granny flat, or separate guest quarters. I have a theory why: baby boomers.

Many of the buyers I work with are “of a certain age”…as am I. As kids, we watched the same cartoons; as teenagers, we wore out the same albums; our parents made the same sarcastic comments about our hair and clothes. Now, as we look at property, we share stories of role reversal as our parents age. I’ve stopped being surprised at how many of my clients looking at Hawaii real estate for a second, or “retirement” home think more about the needs of their parents than they do about their adult children who will have lives and homes of their own.

Newer single family homes at the Kohala Coast resorts from Hualalai to Mauna Kea almost always have a separate pod or two for guests and relatives. For example, the most recent Kohala Coast Broker’s Caravan began at a Lipoa Place residence for sale at Hualalai Resort (MLS# 233807), which has such a well-designed guest cottage that I heard more than one real estate agent exclaim, “I could be happy living right here.”

Separate ‘ohana (guest house) enhances Hualalai Resort property for sale for $6,700,000 (MLS# 233807)

Beyond the resorts, many homes have guest rooms, but not a separate pod or cottage, so I’ve created a gallery of homes for sale with ‘ohana in North Kohala, including some in Kohala Estates, Kohala Ranch, Hawi, and Kapaau.

Prices on these properties range from $550,000 for a home in Kapa’au (MLS# 245223) directly across from the historic plantation manager house on Union Mill Road…to $13,750,000 (MLS# 232548) for the oceanfront estate at Puakea Bay Ranch.

Ocean view Hawi home (MLS# 242263) with separate two-story guest house offered for $1,200,000

There is also a “For Sale by Owner” property in Kapa’au that has a cute, small one bedroom house with a detached ‘ohana studio. Asking price is $465,000, but I have my own thoughts on what it should sell for in this market. Not in the MLS, so call if you want more info!

• http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2011/06/million-dollar-price-reduction/
• http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2011/02/beachfront-koleas-best-buy/