What’s the Difference Between Big Island Resort Properties?

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Many times when I respond to website inquiries about properties on the Kohala Coast—that sunny stretch above Kona airport on the Big Island of Hawaii–I find that the same person has asked for information about real estate for sale in more than one of the resorts. I have worked the Kohala Coast resort market for the past five years and the first thing I talk to prospective buyers about is “fit”. I want to help them (YOU!) figure out whether the ambiance, lifestyle, and amenities offered at the Mauna Kea Resort, the Mauna Lani Resort, or the Waikoloa Beach Resort will be the best fit. You might find the perfect floor plan, finish and view, but if the location isn’t a fit…trust me, you won’t be happy with your purchase.

You can compare the views from a lot at Kauna’oa versus one at Ke Kailani. I can show you identical floor plans at the Mauna Lani Fairways or Waikoloa Colony Villas. But Mauna Kea people don’t buy Mauna Lani and Mauna Lani people don’t buy Waikoloa. It may not be logical, but you can’t underestimate the importance of fit and comfort. I’m five feet tall…you won’t see me in a floor length skirt!

Let’s start with Mauna Lani Resort, where I’ve been sitting open house this week at my listing at the Ka Milo community.

Whenever I am asked what the difference is between the Mauna Lani and other resorts, I say it’s captured by the feeling you get when you drive up the long winding drive lined with palm trees and are greeted by the long-bearded herd of goats at the roundabout…you just know you’re somewhere special. Very different from the bustle along Alii Drive in Kona, or the amenities at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Think fine dining vs. food court; the private Beach Club vs. large public beaches; slow and leisurely describes the Mauna Lani pace! The attractions of having a home at Mauna Lani include the proximity of two fabulous and luxurious hotels, an ancient Hawaiian fish pond and a petroglyph park to explore along, and the fantastic white sand at the Beach Club, sheltered for safe swimming and snorkeling.

The Mauna Lani Resort has a well balanced mixture of residential real estate from $1,250,000 for a detached home in Ka Milo, to $19,000,000 for an oceanfront estate home in 49 Black Sands Beach. There is also a wide range of condominiums ranging from a low $369,000 in the Golf Villas (the first time prices have been under $400,000 in Mauna Lani since 2003) to a high of $3,950,000 for a three bedroom 3 1/2 bath in the Terraces. Check out the galleries of my top picks in Mauna Lani homes for sale and Mauna Lani condos for sale.

Mauna Lani maintains its low density feeling by excluding timeshares from the resort. This alone has maintained the feeling of exclusivity. However, if you are searching for an investment property that can generate some income as well as being a second home, remember Mauna Lani owners can and do rent their homes/condos either as long term rentals or as vacations rentals.

Oh, and by the way you can still drive that 2 miles to Waikoloa Beach Resort and take the kids or grand-kids to the food court and public beach whenever you want to…