MLS 248670 is the first Villas at Mauna Kea unit to sell in 2012. MLS 252019 is currently in escrow.

The Villas at Mauna Kea is a low-density resort property that draws those seeking privacy, peace and the luxurious serenity of an indoor/outdoor Hawaii lifestyle along with easy access to a generous amenities package and the benefit of living just steps away from one of Hawaii’s best hotels.

With the sale of this unit, and with one unit, MLS 252019, in escrow, there is currently only one other available listing in the Villas, MLS 245961. If you would like information about available properties at the Mauna Kea Resort, please contact me.

This vintage West Hawaii home has a unique and interesting history

View Property Details and Additional Photos for MLS 254386

Are you interested in purchasing a bit of Hawaii Island history? This little house began as a church, built in Honaunau in the 1940′s. It was moved to its present location on one-half acre in Pu’uanahulu in the 60′s, and continued in its service as a church until the early 80′s when it became a private residence. From the original carved front door and coral stone steps, there is a view of Pu’uwa’awa’a, the area’s namesake and natural landmark. At the 2300′ elevation, and just minutes from either Kailua-Kona or Waimea, this part of Hawaii Island enjoys the perfect climate, with cool and sunny days and brilliant night skies.

Pu'uwa'wa'a is visible from the front of the property

Cindy Whittemore, R(S)

A second adjoining parcel of .25 acre is included in the sale. From this location, behind the house, there are views of the rolling green fairways of the Big Island Country Club. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the resident nene geese flying overhead. The home has two roomy bedrooms and one bath and features high ceilings, original hardwood plank flooring and handmade stained glass details. The kitchen was recently remodeled and updated with new cabinets, ceramic tile flooring and stainless appliances. A 10-panel photo voltaic system keeps the utility costs low and there is a 700 square foot outbuilding that would be perfect for a wood shop or art studio.

For more information, or to arrange a personal tour of this unique property, please contact me.

Lot 11, ocean front in the Ranch at Puakea, sold today. There are four remaining ocean view parcels for sale.

With over 900 feet of ocean frontage, Lot 11 is the crown jewel of the Ranch at Puakea. This 24 acre parcel closed escrow today at $3.2M, leaving four 20+ acre parcels remaining for sale in this prestigious Kohala Coast community.

View all Ranch at Puakea listings currently available for sale

Regan K. Matsumura

Once Parker Ranch land, today the Ranch consists of thirteen large acreage parcels. Owners of all parcels enjoy deeded ocean access. 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.

Prices for the remaining four parcels begin at $696,000. For more information about the available listings or to arrange a personal tour of the Ranch at Puakea, please contact me.

Monoha'a Ranch combines 4 of the most desirable parcels from the historic Greenwell Estate Ranch

Monoha’a Ranch combines 4 of the most desirable parcels from the historic Greenwell Estate Ranch creating an unprecedented offering rich in Hawaiian ranching history.

With 3 ranch homes on 1,170 acres, Monoha’a offers ultimate peace and tranquility, a rare opportunity to step back in time to a simpler life where a hard day’s work was measured by stories and smiles around a campfire.

The Land

Gazing across the open ranch land you see rolling hills, peaceful meadows, native forests and vistas with vast and open views of Mauna Loa, Hualalai Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. The lower 447 acres boasts pastures and a forest lush with Ohia and reintroduced Koa. The mid-ranch acreage consists of three ranch homes, riding arena, round pen, corrals and stable. It is the heartbeat of Monoha’a. The upper acreage offers additional grazing, wildlife and privacy. The entire ranch is fenced with each parcel separately cross-fenced for grazing and potential forestation and/or preservation. The property is surrounded by large private ranches.

The Homes

Three homes have been meticulously appointed to exemplify ranch lifestyle with elegant simplicity. All have breathtaking views!

The Bunkhouse

The “BUNKHOUSE” is a custom residence consisting of three private suites and a main living area. The large fireplace also services the screened porch, which offers a grand view overlooking forest, pastureland and Hualalai mountain.

The Paniolo Cabin

THE PANIOLO CABIN: The original historic bunkhouse was built in 1873 and subsequently refurbished in 2000 and 2007. The fireplace and comfy kitchen speak to an earlier time with current day comforts and amenities.

The Barn

THE “BARN”: The office/guesthouse, the center of ranch operations, is a custom 2 bed/2bath ranch house with exercise room and office. Adjacent is an equipment barn, stalls and paddocks.

Convenient to historic Kealakekua. Elevation: 3,200-4,200’.

View additional photos and listing details here, or for more information, please contact me or Georgia A. Callaway, R.

April North Kona Residential Market Activity (to $4M)

Peak Market: Signals the end of real estate cycle. Neutral Market: *Pending ratio from 30 to 50

From Michael B. Griggs, R:

Over the past 12 months in North Kona, 33 fee simple homes sold priced at $200,000 or less. This week, one of the last two remaining fee simple listings in that price range received an accepted offer (there are also 2 leasehold listings on the market). This is just another indicator of the active and ever-tightening affordable end of our West Hawaii real estate market.

View North Kona homes priced at $200,000 or less

Other signs in the April data include a modest increase in the median price of residential homes (priced under $4M) for the second report in a row. With 245 active listings, North Kona residential inventory is at new low on report day (today 243). Overall, Big Island residential inventory is at new low and sales are up nicely from a year ago.

View all North Kona residential listings priced to $4M

Most of the recent Kona residential inventory reduction is due to expired or withdrawn listings following the winter season, but it still leaves us with a dramatic change in inventory levels from a year ago.

In terms of availability of affordable inventory, it appears that the Big Island real estate market could greet the often-discussed possible wave of new distressed properties with open arms. This will be something that the Griggs Report statistics will track closely as we move into the summer months. Currently, however, data indicates a declining trend in distressed properties on the MLS and a sharp decline in REO inventory around the island.

View North Kona foreclosure listings | View North Kona short sale listings

DQNews.com comments on page 5 of the report indicate very positive activity in the California market, a significant indicator for future trends on the Big Island.

The Griggs Report is published monthly by Michael B Griggs, R of Clark Realty’s Kailua-Kona office. To view the full report, download the Griggs Report – April 30, 2012.

*Pending Ratio is the ratio of listings in escrow (pending sales) compared to the number active listings for sale multiplied by 100. The Pending Ratio can be used as measure of the demand versus supply dynamic in the market place. The higher the ratio the stronger the demand versus supply balance.

Click image to view all Clark Realty listings open for tours during the Nationwide Open House event

Nationwide Open House – April 28 & 29

Spring, for many markets on the mainland, is the beginning of a busy period of the year for real estate sales. When we hear that here on the Big Island, it’s one more reason to remember why we love Hawaii real estate–no worrying about trying to show property in snow and ice!

Even though we’re not celebrating the end of a cold winter season, we’re still joining with other members of the National Association of Realtors® from around the country to mark the beginning of the spring market by participating in this weekend’s Nationwide Open House event.

Our agents will be holding a total of 30 Open Houses on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

For a complete list of homes and condos listed for sale by Clark Realty that will be open for tours this weekend, please visit our Open House page. Use MLS numbers or click the property markers on the map to view times, locations and property details. We look forward to seeing you at one or a few of our Big Island listings!

Well-kept home plus additional acre in Leilani Estates

Leilani Estates, located just a few minutes from Pahoa town in East Hawaii’s Puna district, is the setting for this 1,938 sq ft home that was just listed for sale.

Most lots in Leilani are 1 acre, but this listing (MLS 253805) comes with the added bonus of an extra acre of land included in the list price. Professional landscaping welcomes you to the well-kept 3 bedroom home with a 400 ft. lanai which makes it easy to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Numerous tropical plants and fruit trees are thoughtfully placed to create a peaceful and relaxing oasis.

The current owners are using the enclosed carport as an artist studio, but the space would also function well as a guest room or office. Other extras include energy efficient solar water heating, an equipment barn for additional storage and a 14,000 gallon water catchment system with ultraviolet filtration.

For more information about this property, or to arrange a personal tour, please contact Arabel L. Camblor, R.

Tour 8 Big Island ‘Green’ Homes on Sunday, April 22

On Sunday, April 22 (just a week ahead of the April 28 & 29 Nationwide Open House event sponsored by the National Association of Realtors), Big Island residents and visitors will have an opportunity to tour 8 private residences in North Kona, South Kohala and North Kohala as part of the annual Kona-Kohala Grand Green Homes Tour.

The Green Homes Tour, which falls on Earth Day this year, features homes that have been designed, built, landscaped and furnished with earth-friendly materials and technology. From solar water heating systems to grey-water systems to edible landscaping, these properties will give those looking for inspiration for their own design ideas a number of options to consider. One North Kohala property, according to the description on the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce website, even includes a Korean farming method-inspired chicken house.

For details, directions and to view photos and descriptions of the properties that will be held open as part of Hawaii Island’s Green Homes Tour, please visit the Kona-Kohala Grand Green Homes Tour page on the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce website.

Honoring Ipu: VAC's exhibit of gourds depicting Hawaiian legend and craft relating to hula

Visit the Volcano Art Center website for “Honoring Ipu” exhibit details

by Jelena Clay

Honoring Ipu: Exhibit Open Through April 22

Gourd and fiber artist (and Big Island real estate professional with Clark Realty’s Hilo office) Jelena Clay, R(S) recently passed along information about her current exhibit, now open at the Volcano Art Center at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The exhibit, which features gourds decorated with pyrography and fiber by Jelena as well as ipu heke and umeke by Kalim Smith, is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance to the exhibit is free, but park fees apply to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Meet the Artist: Jelena Clay

From the VAC website:

Jelena moved to Hawaii after graduating from high school in Saratoga, California. Her family had emigrated from Serbia, and she was of the first generation to be born in the United States. Since first moving to the islands, she always had a fascination with fiber work and gourds, and the complicated techniques that the early Hawaiians used. She is mostly self taught, with a large library of Hawaiian craft and culture books.

Jelena takes classes whenever she can, and has been tutored by Kumu Ray Kahikulaulani Fonseca, Jon Jon Hookano, Pam Barton, and Willie Grey Eagle Maglophlin. Jelena mixes modern techniques with traditional Hawaiian techniques to create bold pieces with Hawaiian cultural themes. She draws her images on the gourd, then uses pyrography tools to burn the image permanently. Dremel tools are used to engrave, and many different stains and dyes are layered to achieve the desired effect. An average piece may take a week or longer to create.

“I am absolutely driven to create my work and create with absolute respect for the Hawaiian culture. I am fascinated by the deep connection the early Hawaiians had to the environment and hope to portray that in my work. I have been fortunate to be deeply involved with the hula community and always give back generously when I can,” she says.

Accessible Stream, Mountain Views, Ocean Views and So Much More

The 22 acre parcel of land featured in the video above is one of the most beautiful real estate offerings currently for sale on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. With ocean views and an accessible stream with mini-waterfalls flowing for approximately 700 feet along the Hilo side boundary, there is a great 3 acre home site near the stream, but there are also several other home site options above the stream offering ocean and mountain views.

There are several possible home sites on this 22 acre Hamakua Coast property

Neighboring Parcel Also For Sale: Luxury Home on 24 Acres

The property adjacent to this land, an upscale 4 bedroom, 5,704 sq ft home on 24 acres, is also listed for sale. Part of our Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection of homes, MLS 253260 is offered at $1,725,000. For the buyer seeking a large-acerage luxury retreat on the Big Island, this is an incredible opportunity to own a beautiful home as well as to get creative with the agricultural potential of the land. There are already over 1,000 palms planted on the property as well as a palm nursery with a number of potted palms that can be included in the sale.

Enjoy uninterrupted ocean views and views of Mauna Kea from this luxurious Hamakua Coast home

For more information or to arrange a personal tour of either MLS 249554 (the 22 acre parcel), MLS 253260 (the home and 24 acres of land), or both listings, please contact me or Christine Makaweo, R.