Thursday

07-24-2025 Vol 2031

Hōkūli‘a: A Luxurious Residential Community on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i

Hōkūli‘a, a private and low-density residential community, spans over 1,260 acres along the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i Island, predominantly in Kealakekua.

Development for Hōkūli‘a commenced in the late 1990s, with the intent to create a unique residential community emphasizing open space, wellness, and a strong connection to the land, without the presence of hotels or commercial complexes.

Leslie Oxley-Friedrich, who serves as the director of sales and marketing for the Hawai‘i Life Hōkūli‘a sales team, elaborates on the extensive amenities this community offers.

Among them is a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a private clubhouse equipped with open-air dining, a bar, and lounges, as well as a fitness center, lap pool, and courts for tennis and pickleball.

Additionally, residents can enjoy a sprawling 140-acre shoreline park, featuring trails and water access, alongside wellness programs and concierge services, which cater to various recreational events.

The community boasts three miles of pristine coastline, where homesites cover an acre or more, allowing for the possibility of custom home construction.

Oxley-Friedrich mentions that this development is enveloped by natural and historic landmarks, enhancing the area’s charm.

Hōkūli‘a is also recognized as an ‘agrihood,’ zoned for both agricultural and residential use, which entails that each homesite comes with an agricultural easement.

This feature enables residents to cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, or even coffee, thus promoting a farm-to-table lifestyle.

Furthermore, many residents engage with local growers or are participants in Adaptations, a Hawai‘i Island-based CSA (community supported agriculture) that supplies fresh produce weekly to more than 600 households.

In terms of property sales, Oxley-Friedrich reported that there were 15 sales within Hōkūli‘a last year, including 12 vacant lots and three completed homes.

There is a notable demand for move-in ready or nearly finished homes, along with pre-construction opportunities that offer shorter completion timelines and customization options.

Currently, approximately 30 homes are finished, while an additional 26 are under construction, showcasing a vibrant and developing community.

Oxley-Friedrich describes the demographic of buyers attracted to Hōkūli‘a as a diverse mix, including end users and developers.

This includes sub-developers focused on constructing high-end spec and investment homes, as well as second and third home buyers in search of privacy, space, and picturesque views.

Many buyers hail from the West Coast, though interest also comes from out-of-state regions including Texas, the Midwest, Japan, and Canada.

A significant number are long-time visitors to Hawai‘i who are seeking a residential-only option complemented by club-level amenities set in a serene environment.

Currently, several properties are actively listed for sale within the development.

In the first phase of the community, known as Mahea Lani, Residence 116 is available for $9.6 million.

This luxurious residence is situated on 1.15 acres and features a layout of 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths within 4,800 square feet of living space, which includes a total of 7,010 square feet under the roof, encompassing covered lānai areas.

The home also comes with a dedicated office, a spacious great room, and a private pool and spa tub, with a Hōkūli‘a membership included in the purchase.

Notably, this residence features a unique pod-style design, consisting of separate structures for distinct functions such as bedrooms, living areas, and the kitchen, all linked through breezeways and outdoor paths.

In addition to this, there are two adjacent parcels in this phase: a 1.4-acre lot priced at $600,000 and a 1.55-acre lot priced at $750,000.

Another remarkable offering is the 1.13-acre corner lot 26, boasting ocean and coastline views, currently listed for $1.6 million.

Moving to the second phase, known as Nalu Kai, lot 78, a 1.49-acre front row parcel, is listed at $7,515,000, while a 1.21-acre second-row parcel, lot 65, is available for $4.8 million.

Oxley-Friedrich also mentioned that there is a developer incentive available for those purchasing Nalu Kai lots.

“It’s a community where people design their own homes, grow their own food and play golf at sunset,” stated Oxley-Friedrich.

“That’s the everyday reality at Hōkūli‘a,” she concluded, highlighting the community’s unique lifestyle.

Hōkūli‘a is an initiative by the privately held investment company, SunChase Holdings, Inc.

image source from:alohastatedaily

Benjamin Clarke