Multimillion Dollar Homes and Estates in Kona: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

Kona's multimillion dollar homes and estates are in the North Kona private clubs, along the coast, and on private acreage in the hills. At this level, value comes from location, view, privacy, and club terms, not price per square foot.

Key takeaways

• Kona's highest priced homes are in the North Kona clubs, along the coast, and on private acreage in the hills.

• Each club community has its own membership terms, dues, and design rules.

• Most luxury buyers live off island, so reach matters.

• Some high end homes are sold quietly, without wide advertising.

How buying and selling works at this level

Kona's multimillion dollar homes include oceanfront estates, ocean view homes on private acreage, and homes inside private club communities such as Kūkiʻo, Hualālai, Kohanaiki, and Hōkūliʻa. Each one comes with its own details, from club membership to design rules to privacy.

Luxury buyers usually want a private, careful search. Compare communities, learn the full cost of ownership, and be ready to move quickly when the right estate comes up. Some of those homes are not widely advertised.

Luxury sellers need marketing that reaches the right buyers. Most Kona luxury buyers come from outside Hawaiʻi, so ask how the listing will be shared with agents across the country and around the world. A national network such as eXp Realty is one way to get that reach.

Where Kona's multimillion dollar homes are

The private club communities of North Kona, Kūkiʻo, Hualālai, and Kohanaiki, hold many of the highest priced homes on the island. Oceanfront estates along Aliʻi Drive and in Keauhou are another group. In the hills, Holualoa offers gated estates with wide views, and Hōkūliʻa in South Kona offers large homesites above the coast.

What drives value at the top of the market

At this level, price per square foot tells very little. Value comes from the location within a community, whether the home is on the ocean, the view and how well it is protected, privacy, the quality of construction, and how recently the home was built or updated. Club membership terms also matter to buyers.

Buying or selling quietly

Some luxury owners prefer privacy. A home can be offered to a short list of agents and qualified buyers before it is advertised. Buyers who want to hear about those homes need an agent who is in regular contact with other luxury agents. Ask any agent you interview how they hear about these homes.

Luxury farm estates and ranches on Hawaiʻi Island

Some of the most valuable properties on Hawaiʻi Island are agricultural estates: a fine home on acreage with a working coffee farm, a macadamia nut orchard, fruit trees, or pasture. They are found in the Kona coffee belt from Holualoa to Hōnaunau, at Hōkūliʻa in South Kona, upcountry in Waimea and North Kohala, and along the Hāmākua Coast. Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall represents buyers and sellers of luxury homes and farm estates on Hawaiʻi Island and on every island, including mainland and overseas buyers through the eXp Realty network.

A farm estate is priced as a home and as land at the same time. Buyers should check the agricultural zoning and how many homes it allows, whether water comes from the County, a well, or a catchment tank, whether the parcel carries an agricultural dedication that lowers the property tax, whether it is fee simple or leasehold, and the condition of the crop, equipment, and farm buildings. Sellers of a working farm estate should have production records, tree counts, water details, and permits ready before the home goes on the market.

Common questions

Do I have to join a club to buy a luxury home in Kona?

Only in the private club communities. Membership terms differ at Kūkiʻo, Hualālai, Kohanaiki, and Hōkūliʻa, so buyers should confirm the terms for the specific property.

Can I buy a luxury home in Kona without visiting?

Yes, though a visit is wise. Your agent can preview homes, arrange inspections, and coordinate a remote closing for off island buyers.

Can I buy a luxury home on agricultural land in Kona?

Yes. Many estates in the Kona coffee belt and at Hōkūliʻa sit on agricultural land. Confirm the zoning, the number of homes allowed, and any farm use or property tax terms with Hawaiʻi County before you buy.

Sources: County of Hawaiʻi Real Property Tax Office; Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands.

About the author: Maile Woodhall (pronounced Miley) is a licensed Hawaiʻi REALTOR (RS-88019) with The Agency Team Hawaii, eXp Realty (RB-21841), born and raised in Kona. Questions? Call or text (808) 482-5800.

Related guides: Buying a home in Kona; How to Sell a Luxury Home in Kona: A Listing Agent's Guide; Buying an Oceanfront Home in Kona: Rules, Costs, and What to Check; Selling a Home in Kohanaiki: What Owners Should Know.

Last updated: October 2026.