Big Island Real Estate Market News

The news from the Big Island this spring has been the 40.4% increase in the median price of a single family residence over the last year to 274K. This median price reflects the entire island; prices in and around Kona are considerably higher. On Kauai, the median price currently stands at 412K, so the Big Island is still a very desirable choice. This is an excellent time for those who have held on to property on the Big Island to put it on the market and reap the rewards! Inventory is very limited, so it is definitely a seller’s market.

Great Beaches

For uncrowded white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise water, you can’t beat Makalawena and Kau Bay beaches! Getting down to the beaches is half the fun, and you must have a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle to navigate the lava fields that surround them. Even then, be sure to buckle your seatbelt and hang on; it’s a jarring ride, to say the least! Once you reach the “parking area”, you only have a short hike in to the beach area. Even so, you probably won’t want to carry too much heavy stuff in, and some people have been known to travel very lightly, as in sans suits. On the weekends, it is a family beach.

Makalawena is actually three secluded crescents of soft white sand, each more spectacular than the last. Boogie boarding is great here much of the year, and snorkeling is good at times. There is a protected cove at the first beach that is good for keiki, the other beaches are dangerous for small children. Makalawena is located right off of the ancient Hawaiian trail, so beware of the Night Marchers! (You will want to drive out while it’s still light enough to pick your way over the lava and back to civilization, anyway.)

Makalawena is accessed from the Queen K between the 88 and 89 mile markers. You will have to watch closely for the “road”. It can also be accessed from the north end of the State Park. Simply park at the first parking area and follow the lava path for about 20 minutes to reach the third crescent of Makalawena.

Kau Bay is just north of Makalawena and involves the same kind of rough trek over the lava fields. Rumor has it that the road is actually scheduled for surfacing sometime in the near future.