Kailua’s Hidden Jazz Spot to a 1031 Exchange Win—Let’s Dig In

Jazz upstairs, Wagyu downstairs, and a 1031 exchange that almost didn’t happen. What do dinner and real estate have in common? Let’s dig in.

🌴Market Pūle – Considering the Past.

From 2022 to 2025, Oahu’s real estate market underwent notable shifts, as evident in the changes across all three graphs for single-family homes and condos. Here’s a concise analysis that focuses on the differences.

Price Stability vs. Diverging Market Activity

  • Single-family home prices have remained strong, consistently above $1 million since 2022, demonstrating Oahu’s enduring demand and market resilience.

  • Condo prices remained flat (~$500,000), with little upward movement—indicating a less competitive environment for condos.

Shift in Market Timing

  • Days on market for single-family homes were generally low throughout, except for brief spikes, indicating that these homes continued to sell quickly from 2022 to 2025.

  • Condos experienced a clear upward trend in days on market, more than doubling by 2025 (from nearly 20 days in 2022 to approximately 50 days in 2025)—reflecting growing inventory and slower buyer demand.

Sellers’ Leverage Declined in Condo Segment

  • The percentage of the original list price received declined for condos: From almost 99–100% in 2022, this metric dropped to about 97% in 2025, aligning with longer sales cycles and buyers negotiating more aggressively.

  • Single-family homes still receive strong offers, with the percentage received close to 99%, showing resilient seller leverage.

Featured Listing

🏡 1655 Makaloa Street #1610, Honolulu, HI 96814

Starting Price $150,000! FEE SIMPLE

The list price serves as the starting bid, and buyers submit offers online in real-time. Bidding closes on October 15 at 6:00 PM, but may be extended if bids are received near the deadline. The winning bidder proceeds with a standard purchase contract—just like any other sale. The seller may accept or decline the highest bid based on terms, timing, or buyer qualifications. More Information, please!

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

The Power of the Pivot: How a 1031 Exchange Shaped This Sale

Timing. Trust. Strategy. When a client came to us with a bold goal—selling two properties in different states and reinvesting in a single multi-unit asset—we knew a 1031 Exchange was the key. But when the Hawai‘i condo market stalled in a cooling economy, we had to pivot quickly.

In this blog, I share how we reimagined the listing, refreshed the unit, and repositioned it to attract the perfect buyer—just in time to meet the exchange deadline. It’s a story of adaptability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

🔗 Read the full story to see how a strategic refresh and a well-timed offer turned a complex challenge into a win for everyone involved.

Gaslamp: A Review of Kailua’s Hidden Jazz Spot

For my husband’s 44th birthday, I booked a special dinner at Gaslamp, hoping to find a memorable experience—and specifically, high-quality Wagyu beef. As someone who struggles in the kitchen, I was relying on this hidden spot to deliver.

The fun began before we even sat down. Gaslamp is an authentic speakeasy, hidden within the familiar Kailua Town Pub and Grill. We had to ask for directions, and from there, we were directed to the right spot.

Inside, the ambiance is fantastic. It’s a small, intimate area tucked away in the back, featuring a dedicated bar and a truly charming touch: a live jazz player upstairs. The whole atmosphere felt exclusive, perfect for a special occasion.

The centerpiece of the evening was the Wagyu Tomahawk. My husband is a serious Wagyu enthusiast—we both agree that the quality and affordability found in Japan set an incredibly high bar.

Unfortunately, this is where the experience fell short of expectations. While the ambiance delivered, according to my husband, the Wagyu quality was not up to par. For a dish that was supposed to be the highlight of the night, it fell short of the high standard we had hoped for.

Gaslamp offers a wonderful, unique ambiance that is absolutely worth the visit. The novelty of the speakeasy entrance and the intimate, jazzy setting make it a great spot for a romantic or celebratory night out.

But here’s the real takeaway: The evening proved that life, like dining, is about the adventure and the experience, not just perfection. While the Wagyu didn't hit the perfect note, the thrill of finding a hidden speakeasy and enjoying a live jazz soundtrack made the night truly unforgettable. It’s a reminder to keep seeking out those unique moments and letting the atmosphere—not just the Tomahawk—inspire you to celebrate!

Stay Inspired,

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post or paid promotion. This review reflects a single, personal dining experience and the reviewer's specific opinion regarding the Wagyu Tomahawk. Always check current details before booking, and remember that individual tastes and experiences may vary.

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