Every Halloween, the Red Guardian (Alexei) emerges from his “secret location” to deliver a one-of-a-kind real estate update that’s as entertaining as it is informative. This year’s Halloween Real Estate Report 2025 from Harcourts Island Real Estate highlights some of Hawaii’s most stunning properties, all while channeling the spirit of Marvel’s mightiest heroes.
Between heartfelt family humor and Marvel movie callbacks, Alexei reminds us that real estate can be fun, especially when it comes with a costume. As his kids grow older and his Marvel persona evolves, one thing stays the same: his passion for sharing the beauty and opportunity of living in Hawaii.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in paradise, or you just enjoy a little cinematic flair with your market insights, this is one annual tradition you don’t want to miss.
Aloha, this is David Buck with Harcourt Island Real Estate. I'm really excited to give you a tour of my listing here at 91-1510 Kaikōhala Street here in Kipuka at Hoakalei.
91-1510 Kaikohola St in Hoakalei's Kipuka Neighborhood
This is going to be a gated community. It's the only gated community done by Haseko in Hoakalei. Let me give you a tour of the front and then as you come in through the gate, I'm going to kind of show you around here.
Gate Entry at Kipuka
Here's a street frontage view, as you can tell. So we're getting ready for Halloween and then you've got the common area mailboxes over here. These are technically condos. It's a CPR project, but they are detached single-family homes and we're in the golf series, which you're going to see in a second. The interior of Kipuka, they call them the garden series. They're also really nice homes, but they're just not quite as large, nor do they front the golf course.
Aerial View of Kipuka
This will give you a high-level perspective as we pan to the west from here. You'll see the golf course done by Ernie Ells and then as we pan to the left, straight out towards the ocean is Kipuka and that's the common area swimming pool here for our gated community. Then, across the golf course to the left is going to be Kuapapa, which is the third phase of Hoakalei.
Front Door Entry
We've got a first open today at 91-1510 Kaikōhala Street. Got a nice welcome sign here, Aloha! As we do in Hawaii, we're going to take off our shoes. As we come in through the front door, you're greeted by this nice, great room, a nice open space.
Great Room w/ Virtual Staging
Kitchen and Dining Area Overlooking the Golf Course
And you have this gourmet kitchen, pantry, dining area here, greens out the back, whether you want to set up for a barbecue and outdoor lanai.
Ernie Els Golf Course
Golf Course View from Lanai
What's beautiful about this is this is an Ernie Els signature golf course here at Hoakalei. That's what you're going to have out the back. However, it kind of dead ends here, so you're not going to have a lot of traffic directly in front of you here. As we pan around here, it's a big open space. This is going to be a four bedroom, two and a half bathroom, 2,072 square feet under roof. You're going to have ample storage underneath the stairway here that wraps around the corner.
Downstairs Laundry and Half Bathroom
Then you're going to have half bath downstairs when you're entertaining for guests. Then you've got a nice laundry room here. Next, let's go check out the upstairs. It's also all central air. We are in October. I do not have the AC on and it feels like you don't even need it right now. What I love about this place is, in addition to having central air conditioning, you have 22-owned PV panels on the roof to basically help offset your electricity costs. And it's got a nice chandelier here. And I'm going to save the primary suite for last because you do have four full bedrooms upstairs.
Upstairs Office Space and Chandelier Above the Stairs
There's a nice workspace here for kids doing homework or set up a home office or what have you. You've got lots of options here. More storage here. Full bath here off the hallway with dual vanity sinks. And then at the end of the hall here, you have two bedrooms that overlook the street.
Hallway Bathroom and 2 Bedrooms on the Street Side
You've got these nice plantation-style shutters on the exterior for the aesthetic look that Haseko did. This is bedroom one and bedroom two with a flat screen on the wall here. Another full closet. And then just come back down the hallway. We're going to have two more bedrooms that are going to overlook the golf course.
Bedroom 3 Overlooking Golf Course
This one here has got three windows and you kind of look out onto the balcony here on this side. You can make out some golf carts there, but they're traversing the course. There's a path through here, but there's, like I said, not a lot of traffic in general out here. We'll see from the primary suite is you do have a nice view of the mountains there out the back.
View of Hoakalei Golf Course and Mountains
Now here we come into the primary suite. This will give you another perspective of the golf course and water feature here. So here we are on the deck. Like I said, you got a nice water feature out to the right. And here's your nice backyard that's fully fenced. You got a few neighbors here on the golf course. All right.
Primary Suite Virtually Staged
Now, as we head back inside, you have a nice barn door here for a partition if you want some privacy into the en suite here. And you've got one full closet off to the left. You got your little office here, separate shower and separate tub for soaking the end of the day. Full vanity sinks, medicine cabinet.
Primary Bathroom in Hoakalei Kipuka Home
This is a little hidden here, but it actually is a full walk-in closet. So it looked like just, you know, like a shallow closet, but yeah, you do have a full walk-in closet here off the primary suite. This is what it's about...
Hoakalei Lifestyle
You can see it all here in Hauakalei. And right down the road from here, you've got all kinds of amenities at the lagoon, Wai Kai wave pool, etc. In addition to the golfing, which comes for additional fee, it is a private golf course. I did a video a while back talking about Wai Kai and the wave pool and all the amenities here out at Hauakalei. But what's really special, as I mentioned about Kipuka here in Hoakalei is it's the only one that's a gated community within all of the Haseko developments here that originally started with Ocean Pointe and then Ka Makana at Hoakalei and then Kipuka. The project across the golf course there is going to be called Kuapapa. And then last but not least is the latest development called Kekainani, which I did a video on that as well if you want to take a look. But while we're here at this property, what I love about this place, once again is it's gated and a great value.
Harcourts Auctions Listing
What I did not mention early on on this is this is a Harcourts Auctions listing. This is a non-distressed auction. And we have a starting bid on this at just $1.2 million. There's three or four other homes for sale on the golf course. We're by far the best price. I'm a motivated seller. So to learn more about Harcourts Auctions or a Hauakalei Kipuka, feel free to reach out and give us a shout at 808-371-3509. Mahalo.
In 1988, Billy Whitford launched the first ILH Kayaking program, marking the beginning of a beloved tradition for Hawaii’s private schools. What started as a small racing event with a handful of high schoolers has evolved into a full varsity and junior varsity sport, one that still captures the spirit of aloha and competition today.
This post revisits the early days, the legendary coaches like Marshall Rosa, Kala Kukea, John Puakea and George Kissner and the students who paddled their way to national success. It’s more than just a sport, it’s a window into Hawaii’s lifestyle, history, and community pride.
If you’re curious about how the Ala Wai Canal became a training ground for champions — and how this local passion connects to real estate and lifestyle in Honolulu, you’re in for a ride.
Oahu’s housing market continues to surprise even seasoned agents. In September 2025, the Moanalua to Salt Lake neighborhood saw a jaw-dropping 1200% increase in home sales, skyrocketing from just one sale last year to 13 this month.
That’s not all. This area also posted a 35% year-over-year increase in home values, securing its place as the island’s strongest performer. But when it comes to appreciation, the Windward Coast takes the top spot, rising 71% in median home prices from $900,000 to over $1.5 million.
The condo market told a mixed story. Moanalua to Salt Lake once again led the pack with a 360% increase in condo sales, while Waialae-Kahala dominated condo appreciation with a massive 114% jump in median prices.
However, of the 21 neighborhoods tracked by the Honolulu Board of Realtors, 13 showed declines in condo values. This highlights a shifting market — and a potential opportunity for buyers looking to enter before the next upswing.
As David Buck of Harcourts Island Real Estate explains, “Every neighborhood and condo complex moves differently. Timing is everything.”
The Hawaii housing market is showing two very different stories this fall. According to David Buck of Harcourts Island Real Estate, single-family home sales jumped 27% year-over-year on Oahu, signaling continued demand despite higher prices.
Last September, just 217 homes sold across the island. This year, that number rose to 276, with the median home price climbing 3.8% to $1,155,000. Inventory remains tight (still under 800 homes) making it a competitive market for buyers and a continued advantage for sellers.
Meanwhile, the condo market tells a different story. Sales are up modestly, 11.5% year-over-year, but median prices have slipped 1.7%, landing at $508,750. Condo listings have surged nearly 24%, pushing Oahu’s condo market back into buyer’s territory with over 2,300 units available and 6.4 months of remaining inventory.
For buyers, that means more options and negotiating power. For sellers, strategic pricing and presentation are key in this shifting landscape. As Buck notes, every neighborhood and condo complex has its own rhythm. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s crucial to understand your specific market segment before making your next move.
📞 Reach out to David Buck at Harcourts Island Real Estate (808-371-3509) to discuss your property goals today.
Did you know that you could get two homes on the ocean in Kaneohe for just over $2 million? You heard that right. My name is David Buck with Harcourt's Island Real Estate and I'm really excited about this listing that I have in Lilipuna, which is an out-shoot into Kaneohe Bay right upon Lilipuna Road.
Lilipuna Along Kaneohe Bay
2 Homes for $2,250,000
2 Homes on 1 Lot in Lilipuna
I've got two homes for sale at $2,250,000, and each one of these homes is a two-bedroom, one-bath. They were originally built in 1954. However, they went through an extensive remodel in the year 2020. Someone is going to get a great buy to live on the water and the ocean in Kaneohe.
Carport w/ EV Charger and Views of the Bay
Let me take you through a tour of this property and show you what it's all about. Okay, as we start at the street, there's a two-car carport with additional parking behind the two stalls, and there's an EV charger for electric vehicles. And out the back, we have Coconut Island out in the distance, which is a UH research facility on Kaneohe Bay.
Remodeled Kitchen and Bay Views from Deck of Upper Home
As we head down the stairs, I'm going to give you a quick tour of the first house, which has a remodeled kitchen, split air conditioning, and incredible views of Kaneohe Bay from the deck. So it's step outside, and this kind of gives you a perspective of what you'll be seeing from the upper home closer to the street. And now as we continue down towards the ocean, we've got nice mature landscaping all around the property. And you'll see there's a standing seam metal roofs on the homes, which is great for Kaneohe because you're going to have those windward showers typically in the mornings. And as you notice, everything is very, very green. There's even banana trees on this generous sized lot on the ocean in Kaneohe.
Ocean Views from Living Area and Kitchen
And as we enter the oceanfront home, you'll see it's a two-bedroom, one bathroom, as I'd mentioned. And it also got completely remodeled in 2020. And as you step into the living space, take in these views. It's really hard to be living on the ocean, and that's why buyers tend to pay a premium, and why people that do live on the ocean typically don't want to sell. Does have a full-size washer/dryer in the front home here, as well as up above there's an additional washer/dryer. And let's take a look at the side of the house. So if you're in the upper house and you want to have some privacy to the lower house, you can walk around the side here, got some toys here.
Lilipuna Oceanfront Living
I just want to give you a perspective of what it's like to live on the ocean here in Kaneohe. You could take a stand-up paddleboard right to the ocean here as could you, a kayak, and head out into the bay. It's hard to beat this lifestyle. There you have Kaneohe Marine Base out in the distance. You will hear some airplanes and helicopters on occasion. This is definitely a bargain for $1,000, roughly a square foot on the ocean.
More Info on Oceanfront Homes in Kaneohe
I hope you enjoyed my tour of this little treasure off Lilipuna Road here in Kaneohe. And, if you have more questions about this particular listing or any type of oceanfront homes on Oahu or homes in Kaneohe, be glad to help. My name is David Buck with Hardcourt Island Island Real Estate. I can be reached at 808-371-3509. Aloha.
Luxury real estate in Hawaii often comes with sky-high price tags, but not every investment story ends with profit. Recently, a trophy property in Kailua's prestigious Beachside neighborhood sold for $19 million, representing a $5 million loss from its last sale nearly two decades ago.
Originally built in 2001 and purchased in 2006 for $24 million, the 11,000-square-foot estate featured every luxury amenity, including a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna, 10 bedrooms, and more. Despite its appeal, the home lingered on the market for years, once priced as high as $30 million, before finally closing well below expectations.
Why did this happen? According to David Buck of Harcourt's Island Real Estate, ultra-luxury properties often face limited buyer demand. High-end estates can sit unsold for years, and when motivation strikes, sellers may need to accept significant discounts.
This sale also highlights the contrast between Kailua and Kahala, which are two of Oahu's most prestigious beachfront markets. While Kailua surged in popularity in the mid-2000s, recent record-breaking sales in Kahala show renewed interest there.
For buyers, the lesson is clear: owning oceanfront in Hawaii is a privilege, but it comes with challenges. From ongoing maintenance against salt air to fluctuating demand at the top of the market, timing and location matter more than ever.
Kailua has long been a haven for those who appreciate timeless architecture and island living. This week, three mid-century modern homes have hit the market, offering a rare chance for buyers to own a piece of design history in one of Oahu’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Located in Kuulei Tract, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home (listed at $2,249,000) has never been on the market before. Built in 1952, it retains its original mid-century charm, avoiding overdone remodels while offering nearly 2,000 square feet of living space.
Situated in Kailua’s Beachside, this $8,000,000 property offers direct beachfront living. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and over 2,700 square feet under roof, it sits on almost half an acre. The home preserves hardwood finishes and true mid-century lines rarely seen today.
Built in 1956 and fully remodeled in 2023, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Kalaheo Hillside blends modern updates with authentic mid-century design. Listed at $2,215,000, it provides today’s comforts while staying true to its architectural roots.
Whether you're searching for a forever home or an architectural gem, Kailua's current mid-century modern listings provide something for every buyer. Feel free to contact David for more info.
The Oahu real estate market in August 2025 revealed some of the most dramatic year-over-year changes we’ve seen in years.
Home Sales on the Rise
The standout winner was the corridor from Aina Haina to Kuliouou, where home sales soared 125% compared to last year, jumping from four sales to nine. Across the island, however, only six of the 21 major neighborhoods tracked by the Honolulu Board of Realtors saw an increase in single-family home sales. Nearly half recorded declines.
Median Home Prices Spike in Waialae-Kahala
Luxury buyers take note: Waialae-Kahala saw its median price leap 40%, rising from $2.07M in 2024 to $2.9M this year. This was the steepest increase among all neighborhoods on Oahu.
Condo Market Surprises
Condo sales from Kailua to Waimanalo doubled year-over-year, with transactions rising from six to twelve. Meanwhile, the Windward Coast recorded the largest gain in condo values—up 102%. Median prices climbed from $173K to $350K, fueled by demand for oceanfront properties like Hanohano Hale in Punaluu.
Key Takeaway
Every neighborhood tells a different story. Some are booming, while others remain flat or even decline. For homeowners and buyers, understanding these hyperlocal trends are crucial when planning your next move. Feel free to contact us to help navigate your next more.
The Oahu housing market remained steady in August 2025, but beneath the surface, there are signs of change that buyers and sellers should pay attention to.
Single-Family Homes: Slow but Steady
Home sales ticked up slightly, rising 2.4% compared to last year. A total of 259 transactions closed in August, just six more than the previous year. Prices, however, inched down 1.5% to a median of $1,105,500.
It’s also taking longer for homes to sell. The median days on market stretched from 14 days last year to 22 this year. Even with a modest 3.9% rise in inventory, Oahu still has historically low supply compared to past peaks, which is helping keep prices stable.
Condos: Signs of a Shift
Condos told a different story. Sales dipped 2.5%, with 391 units closing compared to 401 last year. Interestingly, prices climbed 3% year-over-year to a median of $515,000.
What stands out most is how much longer condos are taking to sell. The median days on market surged 71%, from 28 to 48 days. At the same time, inventory spiked 28.4% to 2,412 listings, continuing a trend that’s been building for months.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
The Oahu market overall is balanced by low single-family inventory and growing condo supply. Buyers may find more opportunities in the condo market, while sellers of single-family homes still benefit from limited competition.
As we move deeper into September, local neighborhood data will reveal even more about how these trends play out on a micro level.
Stay tuned for the upcoming local market update, where we’ll dive into specific Oahu neighborhoods and what’s driving their performance.
