I Once Bought the Most Expensive Lychee Tree on Kauai

I often joke that I once bought the most expensive lychee tree on the island. In reality, I purchased a 3-acre property, and what excited me most wasn’t the ocean or mountain views—it was a grove of lychee trees that reminded me of growing up on Kauai and picking and eating lychees in the summer. Since the lychee trees were what stood out the most, I often joke “that it was an expensive lychee tree” or “it was love at first lychee tree.”

With year-round sunshine, tropical showers, and fertile soil, Kauai provides the ultimate environment for fruit trees and thriving vegetable gardens. I consider myself incredibly lucky with what my property produces, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a little envious of some of my listings—especially the ones with inspiring, mature trees bursting with a variety of mature fruit trees.

I’m talking about citrus orchards with oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons ripe for the picking. Creamy avocado trees that have stood the test of time. Papaya trees so abundant they could feed a village! These mature trees are a treasure—one that takes patience to cultivate. Citrus trees can take three to five years to bear fruit, and avocados? Nearly seven years! These aren’t things you can plant today and enjoy tomorrow, which is why properties with established, flourishing orchards are worth their weight in gold, as they take decades to duplicate.

Kauai Properties With Fruit Trees

Fortunately, two of my current listings check all the boxes when it comes to expansive, mature, and wildly impressive fruit and veggie offerings. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside and picking fresh fruit straight from your own backyard, these properties might just be your perfect match.

7473 E Koolau Rd

Located just minutes from Larson’s Beach and the charming town of Kilauea on Kauai’s North Shore, this expansive property spans over 3 acres landscaped with a diverse array of fruit trees, a variety of palms, and veggie gardens. Recently renovated, the main residence features a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home plus office, complemented by additional outbuildings and creative spaces. Privacy, stunning views, agricultural potential, and proximity to some of Kauai’s finest beaches make it a rare and exceptional find. Additional Notable Features: Abundance of palms and multiple fruit trees , Vegetable garden and shade/garden house,  Comprehensive irrigation system throughout , Brand new shaper shed or added flex space , Canopy driveway for a grand entrance

Current plantings:

Over a dozen Orange Ruby Red Grapefruit, 5 different varieties of Avocados, Star Fruit, Rambutan, Breadfruit, Papaya, Cacao, Bananas, Kefir Lime, Tahitian Lime, Lemon, Tangerine, Mountain Apple, Soursop, Noni, Egg Fruit, Mangos, Guava, Cinnamon, Lychee, Macadamia Nuts, 20+ Coffee Trees, Coconuts, Hundreds of Palms.

Kumu Rd Hanalei

Off the beaten path, yet within minutes to Hanalei lies an amazing opportunity to live the best of both worlds. Adjacent to Waiol’i Stream, this flat, partially wooded property borders the state forest reserve. No public utilities are available. Live off the grid with endless opportunities to make this lot your own secluded jungle oasis.

This property serves as the ideal canvas for those looking to build in a private and peaceful setting. Tucked in Hanalei Valley with a backdrop of Hanalei’s waterfall and mountains, and just minutes from world-class surf breaks and the allure of one of Hawaii’s most loved beach towns.

Current plantings:

Ma’afala Ulu (Breadfruit), Otea Ulu, Apple Banana, William Banana, Mon Dok Mango, Kahalu’u Mango, Ruby Red Guava, Tangelo, Tahitian Lime, Sweet Apple, Soursop, Keitt Avocado, Green Gold Avocado, Dwarf Samoan Coconuts, Surinam Cherry, Noni, Mulberry, Coffee, Cocoa, Starfruit, Papaya, Dragon Fruit, Jamaican Lilikoi (Passionfruit), Mountain Apple, Hawaiian Chilli Pepper, Comfrey, Basil, Aloe, and Green Onion.

Flowers: Jungle King Torch Ginger, Jungle Queen Torch Ginger, Gardenia, Anthurium, Ti, Ylang Ylang, Night Blooming Jasmine, Orchids, Plumeria, and Hibiscus.

Want to see what Kauai’s best fruit-filled estates have to offer? Let’s explore them together!