Top Properties For Sale at Puu Lani Ranch (Kona) Equestrian Community

Puu Lani Ranch is the only equestrian community on the Big Island with a shared barn for owner’s horses

Last week, I had the opportunity to preview all the newer listings at the Puu Lani Ranch subdivision, located on the “upper road” between Kailua Kona and Waimea. Because of my own equestrian activities, at any given time, I am working with several buyers planning to bring their horses with them when they relocate from the Mainland to the Big Island.

I understand their questions, as my mare and I also made the transition from a gated community with its own stable, arena, and equestrian trails, plus a barn manager and staff to take care of daily feeding and care. Puu Lani Ranch has the facilities, but no staff. Horse owners must take care of their horses themselves. At other Big Island equestrian communities such as Waikii Ranch, homeowners keep their horses right on their own properties, and have access to common facilities or trails.

There are currently four homes listed in what now would be considered the upper end: over $700,000 for homes that would have sold for double that a few years ago.

This Puu Lani Ranch REO (foreclosure) has big space, but big deferred maintenance

The first Puu Lani Ranch home for sale in that range is a bank-owned property (REO) listed for $742,500 (MLS# 234958). The pluses of this property are that it has a lot of square footage (6,267 sq. ft.) for the price, nice ocean views, and a more private “rim” location.

The bad news is that it is pretty trashed. The swimming pool is in really bad shape, and might need to be completely redone. The style will also not suit everyone, with the grand staircase facing you as you enter, and the main rooms on the second floor. A BIG project.

In contrast, a nearby home listed for $748,000 (MLS# 237682) also has 4 bedrooms in a manageable 1,800 sq. ft., high-end finishes, and is owner occupied in move-in condition.

Mauna Kea view from this Puu Lani Ranch home gives it an up-country feel

I quite like the third property, although it lacks the ocean views many Mainland buyers prefer. Listed at $735,000, (MLS# 234901) has only two bedrooms, but the big second bedroom is set up as a separate suite for guests. Perfect for the couple retiring to the Big Island and expecting regular visits from family.

The landscaping is very carefully done, so you have a sense of green and tropical foliage/flowers close to the house, without it taking a lot of water and maintenance. Water consumption is a consideration as Puu Lani Ranch has private water at rates expensive compared with county water if a homeowner strays over the first tier of usage.

Puu Lani Bluff Estate home has ocean and mountain views from the pool

My favorite Puu Lani Ranch home currently for sale (MLS# 236336), is something truly special. It was built on the prime bluff location for the original developer as his own home. Beautiful coastline and mountain views, very solid construction by Maryl, which is one of the “names” in high-end construction.

One note would be that it was built in 1990 and although things like the kitchen appliances have been updated, the floor plan and finishes have a bit of a vintage Hawaii feel which some people will like and others not. Three bedrooms, 3,137 sq. ft. of living space, and all the finishes you’d expect in a home listed for $1,189,000. In this real estate market, Puu Lani Ranch is looking like a real buy.

A hui hou,
Beth

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Direct: 808.443.4588 
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com