Quick summary: Sales are down, interest rates are easing, visitor numbers dipped over the summer, and short-term vacation rental regulation is moving forward. Overview — the one word: Down In this month’s market update with Dan Palamino (KW Big Island / The Hawaii Team) the recurring theme is “down.” Home sales and visitor counts were lower than last season, but interest rates have begun to ease and regulatory changes for...
Looking for the perfect vacation spot on the Big Island of Hawaii? It’s easier than you think—just point, click, and book. Our new property management company, Big Island Stays, makes it simple to find incredible vacation rentals across the island, whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a luxury home, or a resort getaway. Condos in Kona If you love the convenience and amenities of condo living, you’ll want to...
About Us Search Properties Contact Us The New Era of Vacation Rentals: Why Guests Want More Than Just a Stay Today’s travelers aren’t just searching for abed and a view—they want an experience. Increasingly, guests are choosing short-termrentals that provide resort-style services, personal touches, and authentic connections tothe destination. At Big Island Stays, we’ve seen firsthand how this shift is redefining the vacation rental market here on the Kona Coast....
Investment vs. Lifestyle: Why People Really Buy in Hawaii Many buyers call me saying they want to invest in a property here. What they usually mean is they’re looking for a short-term vacation rental — something that can generate income when they’re not using it. They’ll often say, “I don’t just want it to cover expenses, I want it to cash flow.” To help with that, I’m always happy to...
Why Real Estate in Hawaii Is a Long-Term Appreciation Play At The Hawaii Team, we work with many buyers and investors from the mainland who are excited about purchasing property here in Hawaii. Often, they bring their past real estate investment experience with them and expect the same results in the islands. But here’s the truth: real estate investing in Hawaii is different. Cash Flow vs. Appreciation In real estate,...
Exploring the Hybrid Model of Home Ownership in Hawaii Let’s talk about the different types of home ownership available in Hawaii. Today, I want to expand on one option in particular—the hybrid model—and why it may be the right fit for many buyers. Three Types of Home Ownership When it comes to buying property in Hawaii, there are generally three approaches: Second Home Only: You purchase a home and use...
Should You Rent Out Your Hawaii Property? One of the biggest questions buyers ask when purchasing a property in Hawaii is: Should I rent it out? For many, the dream is to own a second home in paradise while also earning income when they’re not here. But the answer isn’t always straightforward—especially when it comes to short-term vacation rentals. The Demand for Short-Term Vacation Rentals Nearly every buyer we work...
From May 2025 video Why Real Estate Appreciation on Hawaii’s Big Island Stands Out If you’re dreaming of investing in paradise, the Big Island of Hawai‘i might be calling your name — and not just for its views. Unlike many parts of the mainland where real estate appreciates slowly over time, the Big Island is one of those rare markets where appreciation can happen quickly and significantly. Think of places...
By Dan Polimino – KW Big Island & The Hawaii Team If you’re thinking about buying a vacation property in Hawaii and turning it into a short-term rental, the most important question you can ask is: Will it cash flow? As a self-proclaimed data geek, I believe numbers tell the real story—and I use them to help buyers make informed decisions. Here’s how we do that at The Hawaii Team....
When people think about buying a short-term vacation rental here on the Big Island of Hawaii, they always want to know one thing: “Dan, will it cash flow?” But how will you know—and will you have the right real estate professional to guide you? Over the years, I’ve said this many times: rarely do short-term vacation rentals cash flow here on the island. That’s mostly due to the high purchase...
