South Kona Real Estate
Maile Woodhall (pronounced Miley) is a Kona Realtor who helps buyers and sellers across South Kona: Kainaliu, Kealakekua, Captain Cook, Hōnaunau, Hoʻokena, Kona Paradise, and Hōkūliʻa. She was born and raised in Kona and grew up in South Kona. This page covers the towns, the homes, and what to check before you buy or sell.
The Towns of South Kona
South Kona runs along Highway 11 south of Kailua-Kona. Kainaliu and Kealakekua come first, about 20 minutes from Kailua-Kona. Kealakekua has Kona Community Hospital. Captain Cook is the main town, about 25 minutes from Kailua-Kona and 40 minutes from the airport, with the road down to Kealakekua Bay. Hōnaunau is about 35 minutes out, above Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Two Step. Farther south are Kona Paradise and Hoʻokena. On the coast below Captain Cook sits Hōkūliʻa, a gated club community.
South Kona is more rural and greener than North Kona. The upland towns sit in the coffee belt, from about 800 to 2,500 feet, with afternoon summer showers and roughly 40 to 60 inches of rain a year. The coast is much drier.
Homes, Land, and Prices
South Kona has older homes near the highway, ocean view homes on the slope, coffee and fruit farm parcels, view lots, and estates at Hōkūliʻa. Much of the land is zoned agricultural.
Prices are lower than in North Kona. In September 2026, Zillow's typical home value was about $781,000 in Kealakekua (96750) and about $451,000 in Captain Cook (96704), compared with about $876,000 in Kailua-Kona (96740). The Captain Cook ZIP covers a large area, so homes near town and ocean view homes often sell well above that figure.
What to Check Before You Buy
Lava zone: most of South Kona is on Mauna Loa in USGS Lava Zone 3, with Zone 2 to the south around Kona Paradise and Hoʻokena. Look up the exact parcel and get an insurance quote early.
Water: many homes are on County water, but some farms and outlying lots use catchment. Inspect the tank. A strong earthquake in May 2026 damaged catchment tanks in South Kona.
Septic: Hawaiʻi law (Act 125) requires every cesspool to be converted by 2050. Ask what system the home has.
Zoning and rentals: agricultural zoning limits building and use. Hawaiʻi County bans unhosted vacation rentals in residential and agricultural zones unless the property holds a nonconforming use certificate.
Roads: many side roads are steep, narrow, and winding. Drive them in an afternoon shower.
Selling a Home or Land in South Kona
South Kona buyers ask about water, lava zone, septic, zoning, and road access before they ask about the kitchen. Maile helps sellers gather those answers up front and prices each home, lot, farm, or estate from recent sales on this side of the island. Through eXp Realty she reaches buyers on the mainland and overseas, and she works with buyers and sellers anywhere in Hawaiʻi.
Call or text (808) 482-5800, or email konaorganicRE@gmail.com.
Maile Woodhall, REALTOR, RS-88019. The Agency Team Hawaii, brokered by eXp Realty, RB-21841. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.