The Ironman has come to town and the excitement is palpable in downtown Kona this afternoon. I attended an event this morning up in Waikoloa and passed many athletes on the road for their final biking practice. Tonight is the traditional carb loading party, an event that I think I might actually be good at, but alas, I am supposed to be on the Atkins plan. Rats! Camera crews have arrived and are setting up equipment at key points and thatched roof aid stations have sprouted all along the highway to Hawi on the Kohala Coast.

For many Kona residents the entire weekend will be given over to some facet of the event. My family is working at the finish line to check the athletes in and collect their microchips. Others are positioned at the aid stations along the route, taking pictures, working the medical tent, handing out water, and at numerous other sites. The roads will be closed and all other business almost ceases to exist for the weekend. As the race winds down, the partying begins and there is dancing down by the finish line and the pier. Families of the athletes join their loved ones as they cross the finish line and there are tears and smiles all around. It is fun to be a part of it, even for a few hours.

It’s October and Kona is gearing up for the annual Ironman Triathlon, which will be held on Saturday, October 18th. The Ironman attracts competitors from all over the world, and they have been arriving here since early September to complete their training. The hotels and condos are full and the streets alive with visitors in the evening. In addition, the cruise ships have returned from Alaskan waters, so Kona is entering another high tourist season after the short lull of September.

The real estate market in Kona remains strong. Prices have not fallen with the recent fluctuations in interest, but have continued to rise in the range to 800K. Homes over 800 have remained relatively stable for some months now, although many of the homes in the upper ranges are now being sold.

New subdivisions are popping up in several places and construction crews are working at a frantic pace to meet demand. Pualani, the Schuyler development just mauka of the Queen K, is well along on construction of Phase I. Homes there are selling in the 300-400 range. Stanford Carr’s Kahakai development has also made good progress and the lots have been sold out. Kahakai homes are selling in the 500 to 700 range. Alii Heights is looking more and more complete and the landscaping on the homes is terrific. I was told that it is being done by a firm called “Can You Dig It?” I love it!! There are four model homes there that are each fully furnished and decorated, which is always fun for us to inspect. Homes are listed from the upper 400’s to the upper 500’s. Makalei Estates has only a couple of lots available. These are 3 acre lots at the 900 to 1800 foot elevation with expansive ocean views. These lots offer the possibility of creating your own coffee farm if you so choose. Homes in the neighborhood start at 850K.

Resale of homes in established neighborhoods continues at a brisk pace. Inventory is down and homes under 600 do not remain on the market very long. Buyers should be fully prepared to make an offer if they find what they are looking for or risk disappointment.

Kona is definitely growing and we are slowly adding the services to accommodate continuing future growth. Lowes is looking like Lowes now with the sign in place and speculation on what will be built nearby. I have it on good authority that Kaiser will be building a new clinic up there in the near future.

Well, time to get back to work here. I hope that wherever you are, you will have a great day! Remember, if the islands are calling you, be sure to call me! I would love to help you find your place in paradise.

Aloha,

Carole Kwiat, RS