Small, Moderately Priced Subdivisions in North Kohala

Most of the entry level and moderately priced homes for sale in rural North Kohala are plantation-era homes clustered along the main streets: Akoni Pule Highway, Hawi Rd., Kynnersley Road. I’m often asked whether there are more private neighborhoods outside of the expensive gated communities such as Puakea Bay Ranch.

This 3 bed/2 bath home on Akoni Pule Highway in Hawi (MLS# 247037) is priced at $310,000

Handful of Homes For Sale in Small Kohala Subdivisions

By the way, when I say ‘entry level’ in North Kohala that means under $300,000 and moderately priced would be in the $500,000 range for a single family home. The vacant lots in these neighborhoods might be priced at $150K-$300K depending on size, location, and view. Typical lot size near the towns of Hawi and Kapaau would be 10,000 sq. ft. up to around 1 acre.

In the North Kohala Community Development Plan, it specifies that all future growth be within 1 mile of the existing towns of Hawi and Kapa’au. That is also where you’ll find the few more private side streets and cul-de-sac “subdivisions” where we currently have a handful of homes for sale.

Hanauala Subdivisions – Between Hawi and Kapa’au

There are only twelve lots on Hanaula Place, an enclave near Kapa’au town from which you can walk to Fig’s Mix Plate for yummy plate lunch or burgers. The home currently for sale is the fully fenced corner lot. Move-in ready, it has recently been spiffed up with new paint, tile, carpet, and appliances. The houses in this cul-de-sac were mostly built in the late 1990’s and so have more modern-feeling floorplans than the plantation-era homes.

Corner house in Hanaula near Kapa’au has mature landscaping for privacy (MLS# 250800) for $425,000

Adjacent to Hanaula Apo is a newer subdivision called Hanaula Village, which is not currently being marketed. The developer sold only a handful of 10,000 sq. ft. lots before deciding to wait for the market to rebound. However, he built a model home and it is now for sale. It features all of today’s must-have finishes: granite countertops, travertine and hardwood flooring, hence the asking price of $549,000 (MLS# 246594).

Homes For Sale on Quiet Side Streets Near Kapa’au

Two bed/two bath home has character: 1,181 sq. ft. asking $395,000 (MLS# 250927)

Continuing towards Kapa’au town, one of my favorite streets was named “Noname.” Was, not is, because finally the residents of this small road have lost their battle with the county and the new sign reads “Palai Pl.” Not a bad name for the street as palai is a beautiful fern. However, the listing for the only home for sale on this street still reads “Noname Place,” so you might not find it on your own (Hint: look between the dentist’s office and the Kapa’au veterinary clinic). The house was purchased as a REO (foreclosure) a year ago for $290,000 and is back on the market at an asking price of $395,000. My guess is they were waiting for “high season” and for the inventory of listings to shrink before trying to sell.

Vacant Lots For Sale Near Kapa’au

One-acre lot available for $299,000 (MLS# 244706) – garden or keep a horse right in Kapa’au

If you would rather buy a vacant lot and build…or are buying for future retirement and want to take advantage of today’s prices on land and build later, you have several attractive options. Stroll or drive up Kapaau Rd. right past the statue of Kamehameha I and you will find a short street where some of the homes are well hidden on small acreages. At the top are two lot listings. The owner (who still lives on the rest of the parcel) discovered they had four lots of record comprising their 10 acres and split off two lots with road frontage and one acre down in the gulch. The buyers of one of the lots have planted their acre and are beginning construction.

My favorite idea is for someone to buy both lots: 

• One lot (MLS# 244706) is flat with utilities right at the lot and easy to build
• The gulch property (MLS# 243744) is priced at $220,000 and would be a brilliant choice for someone who wanted to farm or grow fruit and vegetables for their own use

New Six-Lot Kapaau Subdivision – Some Ocean Views

New 6-lot subdivision is in between Takata Store and Kohala High School (MLS# 247026)

Finally there is an answer to “what’s going in next to Takata Store?” The six-lot subdivision zoned “R-15,” meaning Residential minimum lot size 15,000 sq. ft., just was released to market with prices ranging from $150,000 – $165,000. The Kapua Gulch runs through many of these lots, making the effective area available for building less than the 18-30,000 sq. ft. lot size, but again, locals consider the gulch as a plus, the best location for farming or gardening.

Another 10-lot subdivision is planned for directly makai (towards the ocean) of these lots, but access will be via Union Mill Road, keeping traffic in the Kapua cul-de-sac to a minimum.

In short, there ARE a handful of homes and lots for sale off the main streets of Kohala, but only a handful. Let me know if you’re in town and want a quick tour!

A hui hou,
Beth