This bull's job is to keep guinea grass in check, but, on this day, he was curious about our real estate sign

Rarely Available Agricultural Land in South Kona

My real estate partner Gerry L. Rott, R and I have two vacant lots listed for sale in Captain Cook (South Kona) directly above Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden — you really couldn’t ask for better neighbors! It is a rarity to have such rich agricultural land available for sale in this area. The contiguous lots are each more than an acre in size and have large mature avocado trees and wonderful koa trees on the property. You can learn more about each of the lots by visiting the Property Detail pages for MLS 244567 and MLS 244569.

Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Hosts Breadfruit Festival

Click to view larger version

The Amy B.H. Greenwell Garden is a 15 acre garden that is home to over 200 plant species, many of which have played in important part in Hawaiian culture for centuries. At certain times of year, visitors can also see the Kamehameha butterfly in the garden’s insect house.

Coming up on September 24, 2011, the garden is hosting the Kona Ulu (Breadfruit) Festival. According to the Hawaii Homegrown Food Network website, “Ho’oulu ka ‘Ulu is a project to revitalize ‘ulu (breadfruit) as an attractive, delicious, nutritious, abundant, affordable, and culturally appropriate food which addresses Hawai’i's food security issues.”

For more information, please visit:

Kona Ulu – Breadfruit Festival 2011

Hawaii Homegrown Food Network – Tips on Growing and Harvesting Breadfruit

Hawaii Homegrown Food Network on Facebook

Plein air painters at Hilo's Pukihae Gardens

At our last gathering of Plein Air Artists of Hawaii Island (PAAOHI), my painter friends and I were able to paint at a beautiful South Hilo location known as Pukihae Gardens. The gardens are currently listed for sale as three parcels, MLS 246203, 246139 and 246196.

Pukihae Gardens are in the heart of old Wainaku, on the edge of a stream in the Wailuku watershed. The gardens are a mix of huge old growth trees and plants and new landscaping, lovingly cared for by owners Leland and Johanna Okura. Such a beautiful site for plein air (on location) landscape artists!

PAAOHI meets informally every Thursday at changing locations near Hilo and welcomes new artists. If you would like to learn more about PAAOHI or view the upcoming schedule, please visit the Plein Air Artists of Hawaii Island website.

If you would like to join us at Pukihae Gardens at our next outing there, please plan to attend our September 20 gathering. The first outing was such a success that we are going back for another day in the gardens. We hope you will join us!

Gail Duituturaga, Realtor(S) is an accomplished artist and horsewoman. Please contact Gail with questions about East Hawaii real estate, horse properties or relocation to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Expansive pastures, equestrian trails, great weather and beautiful coastline views. Welcome to Waiki'i Ranch.

View all Waiki’i Ranch homes and land currently listed for sale

Waiki’i Ranch — Hawaii’s Best Ranch Country

Located only 12 miles from Waimea (Kamuela) on Hawaii’s Big Island, Waiki’i Ranch is known as the best master-planned equestrian community in all of Hawaii. Designed to the last detail to appeal to horse-lovers and those seeking privacy and space in a pastoral ranch setting, Waiki’i Ranch offers 10, 20 and 40 acre lots and many amenities that set it apart from any other planned ranch development in the state. Situated on the slopes of Mauna Kea at an elevation that rises from approximately 3,200 feet to 4,500 feet, Waiki’i Ranch also overlooks the Big Island’s Kona-Kohala Coast, which means homeowners have the advantage of the cooler upcountry climate while still enjoying Hawaii’s incredible sunsets and easy access to beaches, hiking and even seasonal snowboarding opportunities on Mauna Kea.

The Waiki'i Ranch clubhouse, recreation center, polo field and arena - Photo by David Bigelow

Waiki’i Ranch — Incomparable Amenities

Waiki’i Ranch was designed to ensure that horse owners have guaranteed access to generous riding trails. Each property includes a portion designated as an equestrian easement with meandering trails up to 300 feet wide in some places. Because there is deeper soil and more lush growth of grass in this area than in other Big Island ranch communities with riding trails, horses are able to go without shoes here. In addition to the weather, the trail system is one of the main draws for those looking for a home for their horses where exercise is a pleasure, rather than a challenge.

In addition to well-maintained equestrian facilities and the polo field, the clubhouse is another unique feature of Waiki’i Ranch. The clubhouse features an on-site apartment where property owners can stay for up to a week (longer if there are no other reservations), very helpful especially during pre-construction and the construction phases of building a home. There is also a recreation building with a workout center and racquetball court for days when indoor fitness activities are preferred over hiking or riding.

A spectacular West Hawaii sunset as seen from Waiki'i Ranch - Photo by David Bigelow

Waiki’i Ranch — Current Listings

There are currently 6 homes and 10 lots available for sale in Waiki’i Ranch. Leslie M. Agorastos, R,  Paula L. Beamer, R, and Regan K. Matsumura, R, of Clark Realty’s Waimea office are the listing agents for several of these properties, including two of the residential listings (MLS 231312 and MLS 241158). To learn more about Waiki’i Ranch, please visit the Waiki’i Ranch Homeowners Association page or contact one of our Big Island real estate agents for more information.

Lots in Waiki'i Ranch include a designated equestrian easement for riding and hiking

Valley of the Kings - Overlooking Waipio Valley on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast

View Property Details for MLS 242407 – 2.76 acres in Waipio Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island

Waipio Valley, located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast, is known for its black sand beach, meandering streams, taro fields and mesmerizing waterfalls. For many, this land, once home to Hawaiian royalty, is a sacred and spiritual place. Opportunities to purchase real estate in Waipio Valley are rare and generally appeal to a select few intrepid and adventurous souls.

It is a distinct honor for me, as a Big Island Realtor, to be the listing agent for MLS 242407, a 2.76 acre parcel of land bordering the pools at the bottom of Papala Falls, a 1000′ seasonal waterfall located about 3 miles back in the valley. This unique property, which has a rich history of its own, is home to the famous Waipio Tree House, once a popular guest house owned by Linda Beech.

VIDEO: Hawaii’s Waipio Valley and the Waipio Tree House – on OpenRoad.tv

Linda and her tree house, built high up in a towering monkeypod tree, hosted many visitors and distinguished guests and even achieved acclaim in national print publications and TV productions. This Open Road TV video interview with Linda during the time she was the owner of the land captures the essence of this property and shows you what the guest house once was. (The tree house has seen some wear and tear over the last few years, but the future owner, with dedication and TLC, could restore it to its former glory.)

With a recent price reduction of nearly $50K, this parcel is now available for $199,500*. Please contact me for more information or to arrange a tour of the property.

*Price is subject to change – please click the property detail link under the photo above to view the most current information.

Near the 16th green at Volcano Golf Course

Yesterday, 11 lots at the Volcano Fairways Estates subdivision at Volcano Golf and Country Club were reduced in price by the developer, making these properties a truly outstanding deal.

These lots, which are all 15,000 sq ft. or larger, are adjacent to the Volcano Golf and Country Club golf course overlooking the 14th, 15th, and 16th fairways. They are also located at the highest elevation within the subdivision, affording expansive views of the summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Mauna Loa’s Kulani Cone.

View all Volcano Fairways Estates listings, additional photos and a video tour

Prices for five of the lots just off the fairway now start at $54,000. On the 14th fairway, prices start at $76,500. Advantages to owning in Volcano Fairways Estates include:

• Underground utilities, ensuring unobstructed views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea
• Reasonable CC&Rs and architect review process to help protect property values
• County standard dedicated roads
• Living in an invigorating climate with nights of comfortable coolness and lush surroundings
• Easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the most popular destination on Hawaii’s Big Island
• Easy access to Volcano Village in Hawaii’s beautiful upper elevation rainforest
• An opportunity to invest in a well-planned development at prices below market value

Nene behind the Volcano Golf Course

About Volcano Fairways Estates

Volcano Fairways Estates was developed by Volcano Fairways Development Corporation. VFDC’s parent company is Realty Investments, which has been involved in real estate development on the Big Island since 1926. Sunrise Estates, Pacific Heights and Ainako Terrace in Hilo are three other upscale East Hawaii subdivisions that this company developed in the past.

Homeowners in Volcano Fairways Estates enjoy easy access to the Kilauea Military Camp, which is just across Hwy 11. At KMC, there is a U.S. Post Office, the Crater Rim Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Java Lounge (now serving Starbucks coffee) and the Lava Lounge, for drinks and occasional live music. The Kilauea Theatre, where the Volcano Art Center presents dance and theatre performances, is also part of KMC.

The designated fire station for the Volcano area is at KMC, so emergency services, including paramedics, are nearby.

World-Class Golf at 4,000′

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

As you approach the home sites that are available at Volcano Fairways Estates, you first drive by the Volcano Golf Course clubhouse located on Piimauna Drive (pii = ascend / mauna = mountain). The course, located at 4000′ above sea level, is the Big Island’s oldest golf course. (Learn more about the course on the Volcano Golf Shop website where you can also view the restaurant’s menu.)

Volcano Fairways Estates is a unique Big Island subdivision, due in part to its underground utilities but mostly because of it’s location. This is really a remarkable part of our island. Please contact me for more information or for maps and price lists or to arrange a personal tour.

The private oceanfront recreation area at Ke Kailani - A hidden Kohala Coast surprise

A Surprise in Paradise

Hidden within the Big Island of Hawaii’s Kohala Coast Mauna Lani Resort is a little known luxury subdivision that goes by the name of Ke Kailani. This subdivision consists mainly of lots stretching to the ocean and designed for single family homes. The hidden surprise within Ke Kailani is a private oceanfront recreation area that includes thatched roof barbecue pavilions, an oceanfront pool and plenty of open green space where family members of all ages can play. During the winter season, of course, there’s the added bonus of enjoying the shows put on by the visiting whales just off the coast.

MLS 240339

Al Knauf, R(S)

Currently listed in Ke Kailani, MLS 240339 is an almost-oceanfront 1.24 acre lot with spectacular ocean and mountain views offered at $2,500,000. This property fronts the South Course, one of Mauna Lani Resort’s two golf courses. (The other Ke Kailani lot available now is MLS 205437, a 35,511 sq ft lot.)

Another advantage of ownership in the Mauna Lani Resort is access to the Mauna Lani Advantage Program which, in addition to the two championship golf courses, includes tennis, spa and private beach club privileges and numerous other perks.

Please contact me for additional information about the Ke Kailani subdivision, the history of the project or about the properties currently available. Or, if you are searching for a Big Island home that is move-in ready, I would be happy to arrange a personal tour of Kohala Coast luxury properties that will suit your needs and to answer your questions about Big Island real estate opportunities.

All Ranch at Puakea owners have deeded ocean access. MLS 206562 is one of 3 oceanfront parcels.

MLS 206562 – Oceanfront Lot 11

This spectacular oceanfront estate has been reduced in price to $3,690,000.

It is 24.10 acres with 900 feet of ocean frontage, with 2 coves, views of Maui and the Kohala coastline and beautiful year-round sunsets. Also included in the purchase price are approved architecturally designed plans for a luxury residence and a building permit.

View MLS 206562 Property Detail page for additional photos and map

There have not been very many oceanfront property offerings along the entire Kohala Coast over the years. Located within the incredibly beautiful and serene setting of the Ranch at Puakea, this property is truly incomparable. It is quite possibly the most unique oceanfront Big Island estate available at this time.

Ranch at Puakea Lot 11 includes 2 coves - this is one of them

The Ranch at Puakea: Overview

Previously owned by Parker Ranch for nearly 100 years, the 293-acre parcel now known as the Ranch at Puakea was purchased in 2004. I assisted the new owner in this purchase and spent a considerable amount of time with him exploring the property which encompasses a depth of about one mile from the coastal highway down to over 2,000 feet of ocean frontage. The highest point is about 500 feet above sea level. Rainfall averages an ideal 25-35 inches per year and average temperature ranges in the 70’s and 80’s.

This land has a soulful, embracing feel as it slopes gently to the coast. Scattered Kiawe trees add a sense of character and longevity to the landscape. With deep affection and sensitivity for the ‘aina (the land), the new owners, who are currently constructing their own Ranch at Puakea primary residence, embarked on a personal journey to create a private oceanfront community with the intention to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of this very special place reminiscent of “old” Hawaii.

Their creation is a truly unique North Hawaii retreat, where an understated peacefulness is evident throughout the community. When you spend time here, you can sense a sincere appreciation and respect for the land.

The Ranch at Puakea – Additional Offerings

Regan Matsumura, R

In addition to this oceanfront parcel, there are 4 other 20+ acre parcels available in the Ranch at Puakea with scenic ocean vista estates and private deeded oceanfront access for the property owners.  All utilities, electricity, water, telephone and cable service are placed underground protecting the view planes allowing the natural landscape to be uninterrupted.

Find more information and a project map here, or please contact me for more information about these available Ranch at Puakea properties or to schedule a personal tour of the community.

Horses near the entry of the Ranch at Puakea

The Ranch at Puakea, a private oceanfront community located about 20 minutes north of the Kohala Coast’s Mauna Kea Resort, was once Parker Ranch land. Today, the Ranch consists of thirteen large acreage parcels and is no ordinary subdivision. Here, owners enjoy deeded oceanfront access and all utilities are underground, which protects the view plane and allows the beauty of the rugged landscape to be uninterrupted. Even the entry to the Ranch at Puakea is distinctive–you see that first in the Kiawe rail fencing you pass as you approach the gate from the coastal highway.

MLS 210622 – Lot 2-A

Now priced at $887,000, Lot 2-A is a 21.23 acre property and is currently the lowest priced parcel in the Ranch at Puakea. The new owner will enjoy a sense of privacy and virtually all of the land is usable, with a gentle slope toward the ocean. With mature kiawe trees, open green pastures and an unobstructable ocean view, this parcel is ideal for the buyer seeking tranquilty and open space. The Ranch at Puakea is also perfect for anyone looking for land suitable for horses.

View all Ranch at Puakea Listings | View Project Map

The Ranch at Puakea: What’s Happening Now?

These are exciting times for owners who purchased land here over the last few years and who are preparing to break ground in the very near future to build their Kohala coast homes. Very soon, this special place will be home to new families who will enjoy the serenity of “old Hawaii” with the added bonus of easy access to the Kohala coast resorts, white sand beaches, golf, shopping and dining.

All Ranch at Puakea property owners enjoy deeded access to the shoreline

For a Personal Tour

If you are interested in exploring this beautiful land, please contact me for a personal tour. Bring your walking shoes. I would be happy to introduce you to the Ranch at Puakea.

Kohala Ranch views of the coastline, ocean, sunsets and mountains are perhaps the most spectacular along the Kohala Coast.

View Property Detail page and photos for MLS 239678 | List price: $289,900

Kohala Ranch, with spectacular views of the coastline, ocean, sunsets and mountains, is one of the Big Island’s premier gated subdivisions. With a dramatic rise in elevation from the coast (the lower entry gate is nearly oceanfront at about 120 feet above sea level) to about 3,000 feet above sea level, Kohala Ranch encompasses over 3,500 acres and several micro-climates, from the dry, breezy coast to the cooler, greener upper Summit.

MLS 239678: 3.72 Acres in Meadows I

This new listing, MLS 239678, is a 3.72 acre parcel in the Meadows I, located on a quiet cul-de-sac at approximately 1,650 feet above sea level. (Meadows I and Meadows II are the mid-elevations sections of Kohala Ranch. Heathers I and Heathers II are the lower-elevation sections. Larger 10-acre parcels are located at the top, the Summit. Kohala Ranch properties provide spaciousness and the privacy of ranch living.)

Kohala Ranch homes are known for their expansive views. Residents here enjoy gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets and have a front-row seat for whale-watching, but also have easy access to Hawi in North Kohala as well as Waimea (Kamuela) and the shopping, dining and white sand beaches of the Kohala coast. Located nearby are the world class Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Bay Resort and the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

View all Kohala Ranch land for sale | View all Kohala Ranch homes for sale

Regan Matsumura

For more information about this new listing, please contact me.

Regan Matsumura has lived in Kohala Ranch for 16 years and worked as a project sales agent there from 1989 to 1992. It is, he says, a wonderful place to live.

The Kona Heritage Corridor is a segment of Mamalahoa Highway (County Route 180) that runs between Honokahau and Honalo, passing through Holualoa, inland of Kailua-Kona. The Corridor was designated the first state scenic byway in March 2009, paving the way for federal recognition and funding.

Source: Department of Transportation and Historic Hawaii Foundation
Kona Telephone Company photo used with permission

MLS 236727, listed by K. Nalani Hance, R(S), ABR, is a Holualoa residential building lot that has close ties to the history of this 12 mile scenic Hawaii byway. In the 1890′s, Holualoa became the headquarters of the Kona Telephone Company and the building that served as the telephone exchange building still stands on this property. Already improved with distinctive rock walls and steps to the street, the lot has been cleared and is ready for the future owner to make a new mark on the landscape of this historic community.

The old telephone exchange defines this building lot but ocean views and vintage plantings complete the package.

MLS 236726, which sits above MLS 236727 is also available. The current owner has already done extensive rock wall work to define these properties.

Rock walls divide MLS 236726 and 236727. Lots are graded and ready for building.

Please contact us with questions about these Big Island building lots.

Additional Resources

The Pulama Ia Kona Heritage Preservation Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the special qualities of Kona’s past through the retention of historic landscapes, architecture, archaeology and view planes.

The Holualoa Village Association website has information about the annual Coffee & Art Stroll, the Farmfest & Ukulele Jam and many other aspects of this unique Big Island community.