Big Island Homes and Condos for Sale

From lush rainforests to arid, rocky terrain, the landscape of the Big Island of Hawaii is as diverse as it is beautiful. Waterfalls, rainforest hikes, volcanic rock coastlines, snow-capped volcanic mountains, large ranches, surf spots, and some of the finest luxury resorts in the world characterize the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. 

The windward (eastern) side of the Big Island is known as the ‘Hilo Side,’ and is the rainiest city in the United States! Now the economic and artistic hub of the Big Island, Hilo was a thriving fishing and farming community in ancient Hawaii. Industrialization followed the sugar trade in the 19th century, and a thriving city formed over time. Art galleries, restaurants, and shopping line the streets of Hilo, and museums such as the Lyman Museum and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Locals and tourists alike flock to the popular Hilo Farmers Market to buy local foods, art, and handmade crafts.

The ‘Kona” side of the Big Island boasts some of Hawai’i’s most exclusive addresses. The Kohala Coast is home to CEO’s, movie stars, and billionaires, as well as luxury resorts, spas, and estates. This sunny, dry, leeward side receives only 9 inches of rainfall annually (compared to Hilo’s 130”!) and is marked by dried lava fields and rocky coastlines. Just North of the town of Kona, and the Kona Airport, along the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, you will find several ultra-exclusive golf and resort communities.

Kukio is a world-class private club and resort, with a shoreline "cloaked in dark lava" , developed with sprawling private estates, oceanfront condominiums, and townhomes to rival the finest homes in the world. Kukio’s 18-Hole and 10-hole, oceanfront golf courses are designed by Tom Fazio. Competition-sized tennis courts, a large sports complex, and exclusive club complete the resort lifestyle at Kukio. 

Hualalai Resort / Four Seasons is designed to blend into the stunning scenery of the Kohala Coast. Hualalai's Jack Nicklaus- Championship course hosts the annual Mitsubishi PGA Championship and is one of the most dramatic courses in the world, with the final holes winding through jagged lava rock overlooking the ocean. Homes and properties in Hualalei can range into the tens of millions, with stunning asian-pacific inspired architecture and awe-inspiring views. 

Just North of Hualalai is Mauna Lani Resort. An exquisite example of Polynesian architecture, this resort offers not only luxurious accommodations, but also Hawaiian cultural experiences such as Hula classes, lei making classes, and historical petroglyph hikes along the Kohala Coast. The theme of Mauna Lani is “ E Ola may ka Mo’olelo”, or let the stories live on. Golfers visiting Mauna Lani will enjoy 36 holes at the North Course, honoring Francis I’i Brown. According to the resort, “this course has been called one of the ‘best courses you can play’ by Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine.” 

Further north, rising to over 3000 feet above sea level, is Waimea and the Waipio’ Valley.  Waimea is known for cattle ranches (including prized Wagyu cattle), cowboys (paniolo in Hawaiian), and horse farms. Historic Parker Ranch, a 160-year-old cattle ranch, once aided King Kamehameha in ridding the Hawaiian islands of invasive species. Today it is still a working cattle ranch and is home to Parker Ranch Arena, museums, and a racetrack. Expansive open fields give way to Hawai'i's most majestic volcano, Mauna Kea. Capped with a polar tundra peak, this volcanic mountain is often covered with snow. Waipi’o Valley was once home to Hawaiian kings but is now a tranquil, sparsely populated spot for taro fields and farming.