Kohala Coast Market Insights shows that in 2025 buyer activity reflects continued participation from both U.S. and international purchasers. Hawaii Buyer Statistics from January through September 2025 show that statewide transaction volume remains strong, with buyer origin trends that are particularly relevant to North Kohala and South Kohala. Rather than indicating a dramatic shift, current figures point to consistency in where buyers are coming from and how activity is distributed across the island.
U.S. Buyer Base Continues to Drive the Market
Statewide, Hawaii recorded 12,145 property sales totaling approximately $11.2 billion through Q3 2025, closely tracking overall activity levels from 2024. 
This reflects continued transaction flow across multiple price points and regions.
U.S. buyers account for the majority of purchases statewide, representing roughly three-quarters of all transactions. Within that group, Hawaii residents comprise the largest segment, followed by buyers from California, Washington, Texas, and Oregon. On the Kohala Coast, these same buyer groups appear consistently across both North and South Kohala, aligning with broader statewide patterns.
North Kohala: Transaction Activity and Buyer Origin
North Kohala continues to record a steady number of sales relative to its size and available inventory. Most purchasers in this area originate from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, particularly West Coast states.
While overall transaction counts are lower than in resort-oriented regions, sales activity remains present. Property characteristics in North Kohala, such as larger parcel sizes and differing zoning classifications, naturally influence the pace and frequency of transactions. From a seller perspective, this reflects a market that operates with longer timelines and fewer total sales rather than reduced buyer participation.
South Kohala: Concentration of Volume and Sales Activity
South Kohala accounts for a larger share of Kohala Coast sales volume. 
This aligns with the region’s higher concentration of resort-adjacent properties, condominium developments, and established residential communities.
Buyer participation includes Hawaii residents, California purchasers, and other West Coast states, along with a noticeable presence of foreign buyers, particularly from Canada and Japan. These patterns are consistent with statewide foreign buyer trends rather than signaling a change unique to South Kohala. Sales totals and dollar volume remain higher than in North Kohala, reflecting both greater transaction counts and higher average prices across many submarkets.
Foreign Buyer Participation on the Kohala Coast
Foreign buyers represent a smaller share of total Hawaii real estate transactions but continue to account for a meaningful portion of sales volume in certain price ranges. 
Buyers from Japan and Canada remain the most active international participants statewide.
In the Kohala Coast Real Estate Market, international purchases appear more frequently in South Kohala than in North Kohala, consistent with resort access, property availability, and long-established buying patterns. While international activity remains secondary to domestic purchases, it continues to be a stable component of the overall market.
What The Kohala Coast Market Insights Means for Sellers
For sellers in both North and South Kohala, several clear conclusions emerge. Buyer demand continues to originate primarily from Hawaii and West Coast states. Sales activity is present across regions, though unevenly distributed based on location, property type, and inventory concentration.
What The Kohala Coast Market Insights Means for Buyers
From a buyer perspective, inventory continues to change hands across a range of price points and locations, with no single buyer group dominating the market. Both domestic and international purchasers remain active participants. Differences in sales patterns between North and South Kohala reflect structural distinctions between the two areas rather than short-term market disruptions.
Final Thought: Interpreting the Kohala Coast Market Insights
North Kohala and South Kohala continue to function as distinct but interconnected markets. North Kohala reflects lower overall volume with steady participation, 
while South Kohala shows higher transaction density and dollar totals. Current buyer statistics do not suggest a departure from established trends. Instead, they confirm ongoing demand aligned with geography, property type, and available inventory.
For buyers and sellers evaluating the Kohala Coast Market Insights in 2025, the most reliable insights come from understanding these localized market characteristics. Contact me today and help steer you through all the data and help you find the perfect property for you.
Kohala Coast Buyer & Seller Market – Key Takeaways
What is happening in the Hawaii real estate market in 2025?
• Hawaii recorded approximately 12,145 property sales totaling about $11.2 billion through Q3 2025
• Transaction volume is nearly on pace with 2024, signaling resilience rather than slowdown
• Buyer behavior has shifted toward intentional, long-term decision-making rather than speculation
What types of buyers are purchasing property in Hawaii right now?
• Roughly three-quarters of all purchases are made by U.S. buyers
• Hawaii residents lead overall activity, followed by California, Washington, Texas, and Oregon buyers
• Buyers tend to be experienced homeowners or investors focused on lifestyle and wealth preservation
Why is the Kohala Coast still attracting luxury buyers?
• Finite inventory and irreplaceable land create long-term value
• Strong lifestyle appeal paired with investment-grade real estate
• Proven demand from both domestic and international buyers
What distinguishes North Kohala from South Kohala in today’s market?
• North Kohala attracts buyers seeking privacy, acreage, and legacy estates
• South Kohala appeals to buyers prioritizing resort access, beaches, golf, and rental potential
• Both markets remain active, but serve different buyer motivations and timelines
What defines the North Kohala buyer profile?
• Primarily Hawaii and West Coast buyers
• Long-term ownership mindset rather than short-term resale
• Interest in land value, views, agricultural zoning, and generational planning
Why does North Kohala remain attractive despite lower transaction volume?
• Buyers value scarcity and authenticity over speed
• Larger parcels offer flexibility for future use or family legacy
• Market strength shows up in stability rather than rapid turnover
What is driving demand in South Kohala?
• Proximity to beaches, resorts, dining, and golf
• Established vacation rental infrastructure
• Strong appeal to second home and income-property buyers
Which buyers are most active in South Kohala?
• Hawaii residents and California buyers lead activity
• Washington, Oregon, and Texas buyers follow closely
• Consistent interest from Canadian and Japanese buyers
How does foreign buyer activity impact the Kohala Coast market?
• Foreign buyers represent a smaller percentage of transactions but a meaningful share of luxury purchases
• Buyers from Japan, Canada, Korea, and Europe target higher-quality assets
• These buyers focus on security, stability, and long-term ownership rather than discounts
What price ranges are most common among buyers today?
• The majority of buyers remain below the $5M price point
• Luxury and ultra-luxury segments continue to transact selectively
• Kohala Coast properties perform best when pricing reflects current market realities
What should Kohala Coast sellers understand right now?
• Buyers are qualified, informed, and patient
• Overpricing leads to longer days on market and reduced leverage
• Correct pricing and professional marketing still generate strong results
Is this a good time to sell in North or South Kohala?
• Yes, if expectations are aligned with current buyer behavior
• Well-positioned properties continue to sell
• Strategic preparation matters more than market timing
What should buyers know before purchasing on the Kohala Coast?
• Inventory is limited and cannot be replicated
• The best opportunities often require decisiveness
• Waiting for “perfect conditions” often results in missed properties
Are there still opportunities for buyers in this market?
• Yes, particularly with motivated sellers or properties needing repositioning
• Value exists for buyers who understand zoning, rental rules, and micro-locations
• Kohala Coast real estate rewards informed action, not hesitation
Is Kohala Coast real estate considered a long-term investment?
• Yes, the market consistently attracts legacy-minded buyers
• Ownership is often tied to generational planning and lifestyle integration
• Both North and South Kohala function as wealth-preservation assets
How do North and South Kohala complement each other as a market?
• North Kohala offers quiet strength, land, and long-horizon value
• South Kohala provides energy, liquidity, and global recognition
• Together, they form one of Hawaii’s most balanced luxury regions
What is the key takeaway for buyers and sellers right now?
• The Kohala Coast remains highly desirable and fundamentally strong
• Opportunity exists for those who move with intention
View all Homes for Sale on the Kohala Coast. Instantly find out what your Kohala Coast Home is worth. Learn more about my Vacation Rental Management Services. If you’re thinking about buying or selling on the Kohala Coast, reach out anytime. The Kohala Coast Buyer & Seller market awaits you.