📈 O‘ahu Housing Market Snapshot

The O‘ahu real estate market saw dynamic shifts this year, with activity driven by specific price ranges and regions. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s been happening in both the single-family and condo sectors:

Single-Family Homes (SFH)

What’s Moving the Market:

• Strong sales in the $1.1M–$1.39M range helped push up median prices early in the year.

• The $800K–$999K range showed high volatility, with sharp drops in May followed by strong rebounds in June and September.

Regional Standouts:

• ‘Ewa Plain led the island with consistent growth in listings, pending contracts, and closed sales—especially in mid-priced homes.

• Kailua saw a big jump in closed sales in May.

• Diamond Head had vigorous pending activity in both May and August.

Condominiums

Affordability Drives Demand:

• Most condo activity centered around the $300K–$599K range, with nearly half of new listings priced here in May.

• Lower-priced units ($100K–$299K) saw explosive growth in September.

• Luxury condos over $1M posted significant percentage gains in January and August, though volume remained modest.

Regional Highlights:

• Waipahu, ‘Ewa Plain, and Pearl City led closed sales growth in July.

• Pending sales surged in Hawai‘i Kai, Waipahu, Central O‘ahu, and Metro across various months.

• Pearl City and Metro also saw notable slowdowns later in the year.

What This Means for You

• Owners & Investors: Mid-tier and affordable price points are driving the most activity. If you're considering selling or refinancing, timing and pricing strategy are key—especially in high-performing regions like ‘Ewa Plain and Waipahu.

• Buyers: Increased inventory and shifting demand may open up more options in the mid-range condo market. Watch for new listings in the $300K–$599K range and ask about incentives or flexible terms.

Featured Listing

Waikiki Investment Spotlight: Kuhio Village #1008A

This turnkey vacation rental sits right in the heart of Waikiki — walkable to surf, shops, and restaurants. Fully furnished and already operating as a short-term rental, it’s one of the most affordable entries into Hawaii’s vacation market.

Projected Performance:

• Average nightly rate: $140

• Occupancy estimate: 78%

• Gross monthly income: $3,276

• Estimated monthly expenses: ~$1,800 (Includes lease rent, HOA fees, special assessments, property tax, cleaning, insurance, and repairs)

• Net monthly cash flow: ~$1,476

If you’re buying for cash flow only and can tolerate the leasehold risk, this could be a profitable 5–6 year cash play. Expect to recoup your full investment within the lease term, but don’t expect appreciation or long-term equity growth.

Strategy: Operate as an STR through 2030, build strong rental income, and exit before lease value declines.

This is not my personal listing. I’m sharing this opportunity for informational and educational purposes only.. If you’d like help interpreting the numbers or exploring similar investment options, reply to this email.

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

Why the Shutdown Hits Hawai‘i Harder

Federal pay delays ripple fast in Hawai‘i—impacting rent, small businesses, and investor cash flow. This post explains why our islands feel it first.

👉 Read the full post and get ahead of the ripple effects with full access to The Hawaiʻi Federal Programs Impact 2025 Report, with a breakdown of 20 Hawaiʻi’s federal programs and grants that are affected by the 2025 government shutdown.

Chaos Means You’re Growing?

I saw a picture online the other day and instantly thought—yup, that’s me. It captured that feeling of being under attack from all directions, just trying to hold it together. I laughed, but it hit home.

Every time I take a step to ease my financial burden, some unexpected expense pops up. When I think my son is thriving in school, I get that surprise call from the teacher. And the moment my investment property starts cash flowing, a tenant moves out.

But here’s the truth: this is the rhythm of growth. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes exhausting—but it’s also proof that I’m in motion. That I’m building something. That I’m showing up.

So if you’re feeling like life keeps throwing curveballs just when you find your stride—know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re evolving. You’re learning to pivot, to adapt, to lead through the chaos.

Keep going. The setbacks aren’t signs to stop—they’re signs that you’re playing a bigger game.

Stay Inspired,

Discovery Call

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