Lifestyle, location, and long-term value
Your Gateway to Big Island Paradise
When considering a luxury real estate investment in Hawaii, few opportunities rival the compelling combination of lifestyle, location, and long-term value found at Nānā Kai in South Kohala. This master-planned community on the Big Island isn’t just about owning a piece of paradise—it’s about making a smart financial decision backed by solid market fundamentals, exceptional climate, and a lifestyle that few places on Earth can match.
A Market Proven to Deliver Results
The Big Island real estate market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, particularly in the luxury sector. South Kohala properties above $3 million saw an 8% increase in sales during the first half of 2025, with average sales prices climbing to $5.38 million—a 24% year-over-year increase. This upward trajectory reflects sustained demand from discerning buyers who recognize the region’s intrinsic value.
Looking at longer-term trends, the data becomes even more compelling. The broader Kohala region has seen the average sales price increase 7% year-over-year to $1.789 million. These aren’t speculative gains—they reflect the fundamental scarcity of developable land in Hawaii and the enduring appeal of the Kohala Coast.
The Big Island offers exceptional value compared to other Hawaiian islands.
The Nānā Kai Advantage: Design Meets Investment
Developed by the renowned Somers West on 867 acres, Nānā Kai represents a rare opportunity to invest in a thoughtfully designed community that honors Hawaiian heritage while delivering modern luxury. The name itself—meaning “looking toward the sea”—captures the essence of these homes, each individually sited on elevated ground to capture unobstructed, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Kohala Mountains.
The first phase features a parade of 78 move in ready homes with five distinct floor plans ranging from 2,023 to 3,397 square feet on generous 10,000-square-foot lots. With pricing starting at $1.967 million and reaching 3.186 million with premium upgrades, these homes are positioned in the sweet spot of the market—accessible luxury with significant upside potential.
What sets Nānā Kai apart is its commitment to holistic living. The architecture, designed by Newman, Garrison + Partners, embraces the principle of aloha ‘āina (love of the land), with flowing interiors, expansive lanais adding up to 1,000 square feet of outdoor living space, deep front porches, and natural materials that harmonize with the landscape. Community amenities include neighborhood pools, parks, extensive walking trail networks, and professional landscape maintenance that ensures your property always looks its best.
Climate That Defines Paradise
The Kohala Coast boasts what many consider the finest climate in the Hawaiian Islands. As the driest location in Hawaii, the area averages just under 10 inches of rain annually. This consistently sunny weather is a stark contrast to the island’s wet eastern side, which can receive 200 inches per year.
Temperature-wise, you’ll enjoy near-perfect conditions year-round. The Kohala region maintains average temperatures between 75-81°F, with highs reaching only 87°F in summer and rarely dropping below 68°F in winter. This stable climate is driven by warm ocean temperatures that range between 77-83°F throughout the year, ensuring comfortable beach days any time you visit.
The Kohala Coast’s reputation as the “Gold Coast” is well-earned—it offers the best chance for sunny, dry weather on the entire Big Island. Morning hours between 8-10 AM typically offer the clearest skies, though even afternoon cloud cover rarely brings significant rain to this leeward side of the island.
Tax Benefits and Financial Incentives
Beyond appreciation potential, owning property on the Big Island comes with significant tax advantages. Hawaii has the lowest property taxes in the nation for homeowners. For primary residences, the Homeowner Exemption reduces your assessed value by $50,000 in Hawaii County, often resulting in effective property tax rates below 0.3%—among the lowest in the United States.
Even for non-owner occupied investment properties, the tax benefits are substantial. You can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Perhaps most significantly, investment property owners benefit from depreciation deductions, allowing you to write off a portion of the building’s value annually over 27.5 years—even as the property appreciates in market value. This non-cash expense effectively reduces your taxable rental income and improves your return on investment.
Rental Income Potential in a Tourism Hub
The Big Island’s tourism sector provides a robust foundation for rental income. In the first seven months of 2025, over 1 million visitors came to Hawaii Island, spending $1.87 billion—a 35.6% increase compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. While visitor numbers have remained relatively stable, per-visitor spending has surged, with daily expenditures increasing significantly.
The Kohala Coast, home to world-class resorts like Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid, and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, attracts affluent travelers seeking upscale Hawaiian experiences. This high-end clientele creates strong demand for luxury vacation rentals, with properties in resort communities commanding premium rental rates and high occupancy.
Properties with strong vacation rental income potential combined with long-term appreciation create what investment advisors call the ideal real estate scenario—cash flow today and equity growth tomorrow.
The Scarcity Factor: Limited Land Equals Lasting Value
Perhaps the most compelling investment thesis for Hawaii real estate is one simple fact: they’re not making any more of it. Hawaii’s strict land use laws classify only 5% of the state’s land as urban, creating artificial scarcity that supports long-term price appreciation. On the Big Island specifically, conservation areas, agricultural zoning, and environmental protections ensure that luxury communities like Nānā Kai remain exclusive.
This scarcity is structural, not cyclical. Unlike mainland markets where cities can expand indefinitely, Hawaii’s geography imposes absolute limits. Regulatory barriers, including historic preservation requirements for properties over 50 years old, further constrain new development. The result? Limited inventory drives sustained demand from both mainland and international buyers, creating a market that has consistently outperformed national averages.
World-Class Lifestyle and Amenities
Beyond the financial metrics, Nānā Kai offers access to the legendary Kohala Coast lifestyle. The region features many championship golf courses at Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, and Waikoloa, pristine white sand beaches including Hapuna Beach (rated America’s #1 beach), and world-renowned tennis facilities rated the best in Hawaii.
For ocean enthusiasts, Nānā Kai is ideally located for world-class deep sea fishing. The waters off the Kohala Coast are known for abundant tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi, making it one of the best destinations in the world to charter a private fishing excursion—right from your backyard paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual adventurer, the thrill of the Pacific is always within reach.
Cultural experiences abound, from ancient Hawaiian trails and sacred sites to helicopter tours, snorkeling with manta rays, and stargazing atop Mauna Kea[32]. Fine dining options rival any major metropolitan area, while the Kona International Airport provides convenient access to mainland connections.
For those seeking both tranquility and convenience, Waikoloa Village offers the perfect balance—just six miles inland from the coast, providing cooler evening temperatures while remaining minutes from resort amenities, shopping, and world-class beaches.
The Smart Investment Decision
Investing in Nānā Kai represents more than purchasing a home—it’s securing a tangible asset in one of the world’s most desirable locations, backed by strong market fundamentals and a lifestyle that enriches every aspect of life. The Big Island’s proven appreciation rates, combined with Hawaii’s lowest-in-the-nation property taxes and robust tourism sector, create a compelling investment thesis for those who recognize quality.
The first phase of move in ready homes is already under construction, with pre-sales having commenced. As Somers West develops this 867-acre masterpiece over the coming decade, early investors will benefit most from the community’s maturation and the inevitable scarcity premium that comes with sold-out phases.
In a world of uncertain investments, Nānā Kai offers something rare: a tangible piece of paradise with proven financial returns, exceptional lifestyle benefits, and the peace of mind that comes from owning in one of Earth’s most beautiful and stable markets. The question isn’t whether to invest in the Big Island—it’s whether you’re ready to secure your place in this extraordinary community before the opportunity passes.
Welcome home to Nānā Kai. Where investment meets inspiration.