ALOHA FEB 2025!

Best US Hotels | JAPAN SKI | Marketing

Aloha, Friends and Family,

I hope everyone had wonderful Chinese New Year and Valentaine's Day. We are well into 2025 as well as the peak real estate and tourist season. This season tends to be the busiest time of the year. Lot's of meetings, golf, dining and social events as so many clients from all over the world are in town this time of the year.

It is had to come up with news from this sleepy Big Island but this month, World News and Report announced TOP 25 US Hotels and the resorts in Kona captured two of the top Three spots. Amazing. You can read about Hualalai and Kona Village below.

This month’s newsletter includes Japan Ski, Kukio, Local events, US Top hotels and more. Please check out this month's video above.

Let's connect if you’re visiting the Big Island soon—I’d love to catch up.

Thank you, as always, for your trust, support, and referrals.

Mahalo,

Kai

We had a special Valentine’s Day with my mom visiting from Japan. Fun fact: Giving chocolates on Valentine’s began in the 19th century with British chocolatier Richard Cadbury. In Japan, Valentine is all about women gifting chocolates to men—often as a way to confess their love. Smart marketing? Absolutely. But any excuse to spread love is always a good one!

Emil and I share a love for music—I play guitar, and he recently got a beautiful bass. His Instagram lit up when he posted it!

Just like in music, we strive to create harmony with our clients, ensuring every interaction feels in tune. After all, real estate—like music—is about finding the perfect rhythm.

Compass is launching a three-phase marketing strategy and the Compass One Client Dashboard—tools we’re leveraging to their fullest.

Great marketing stands out with quality and creativity. But technology alone isn’t enough—it’s our experience and personal touch that truly make the difference.

Since COVID, ski resorts like Aspen and Vail have been the hottest ultra-luxury destinations. Now, with a weak yen, Japan is gaining attention as a top ski spot. When I landed in Tokyo this month, I was surrounded by U.S. and Australian ski tourists—so I decided to experience Japan’s slopes for the first time in 33 years. Japan’s most famous ski resort, Niseko, is also seeing an incredible real estate boom. More below!

Real Estate Market

Feb 2025 Recap!

As we do every month, we've compiled detailed local market data for you to explore below. The Big Island's real estate market is uniquely nuanced—generic data from large platforms and escrow companies often fails to account for the distinct characteristics of our region. Factors like East vs. West, elevation, subdivisions, and private resort communities all play a significant role in shaping market trends and data by zip code makes things more confusing.

Our insights are carefully gathered and analyzed by us to ensure they are relevant and meaningful to you.

The condo market continues to face challenges, with the ratio of active listings to pending sales worsening in the first three weeks of Februray. Despite being in the peak travel and real estate season, condos have yet to see a significant uptick in activity. Meanwhile, the Kona single-family home market has shown some improvement compared to the beginning of the month.

Big Island

 Big Island Resorts Claim Top Spots in U.S. Hotel Rankings

Hawaii continues to set the standard for luxury hospitality! U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings reveal that five of the top 25 hotels in the U.S. are in Hawaii, with two of the top three located in Kailua-Kona. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai took the #1 spot, while the reimagined Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort ranked #3.

For me, Hualalai is more than a resort—it’s a lifestyle I experience firsthand. Whether teeing off on the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course or starting the day with breakfast at Ulu, this community embodies the essence of Big Island luxury. Halekulani from Waikiki also made the list. That is my favorite hotel in Oahu.

Read more about top-ranked US Hotels and the luxury Big Island lifestyle. How many do you know

Lifestyle

Japan: Emerging Ski Destination

After 33 years off the slopes, I finally stepped back into ski boots—and Japan was the perfect place to make my comeback. Known for its legendary Ja-Pow (so light and deep, skiers joke about needing a snorkel), Japan’s ski scene is exploding. I avoided the usual spots and headed to Minakami, a hidden gem near Tokyo, where the powder was perfect, the crowds were nonexistent, and the après-ski(after-ski) unmatched.

From luxury ryokan to steaming onsens and some of the best food & sake—this trip reminded me why skiing isn’t just about the sport, but the entire experience. Japan is probably the most underrated ski destination in the world.

Read on to find out.

Local Events

30th ANNUAL KONA BREWERS FESTIVAL

When: March 8, 2025 

Where: King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort

2-6pm. Ages: 21+. Featuring more than 30 craft brews from Hawai'i and beyond paired with culinary creations from local chefs. Enjoy live music, the iconic Trash Fashion Show, art and entertainment, overlooking Kailua Bay at Ahu'ena Heiau. KonaBrewersFestival.com.

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival

When: March 30 - April 5

Where: Hilo

The prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival begins on March 30 and continues through April 5, 2025, at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. This week-long event is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and the art of hula, fe

👉 Learn more here

KE TEAM

The KE Team’s 3-Phase Marketing Strategy

Selling a luxury home on the Big Island takes more than just listing—it requires a strategic rollout that builds excitement and attracts the right buyers. KE Team’s 3-Phase Marketing Strategy ensures your home makes a powerful debut and sells at its highest potential.

🔹 Phase 1: Compass Private Exclusive – A discreet, pre-market opportunity to generate interest and fine-tune pricing before going public. 🔹 Phase 2: Compass Coming Soon – A public teaser that builds anticipation and buyer urgency.

🔹 Phase 3: Showtime – A full-scale launch across multiple platforms for maximum exposure.

Properties that were pre-marketed with Compass Private Exclusive:

• An average of 2.9% higher close price compared to Compass-sold properties that were not-premarketed.

• Received an accepted offer 20% or 8 days faster on average once active on the MLS.

• 30% fewer listings on average had a price drop once active on the MLS

New Listing

CAPTAIN COOK: ACTIVE

82-6115 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $1,995,000

2024 Ultra Luxury Report

Explore for more trends and expert insights on the national $10 million-plus real estate market.

“Hawaii's ultra-luxury market continues to thrive following its pandemic-driven surge. Kailua-Kona has led the market since 2014, with sales rising from 30 (2014–2019) to 74 post-2019, and 2024 year-to-date sales showing a 54% increase over 2023. Another trend is the growing popularity of private resorts like Kukio, Four Seasons Hualalai, and Kohanaiki on the Big Island, along with Makena on Maui and Kukui'ula on Kauai. These exclusive communities offer privacy, world-class amenities, and unparalleled lifestyles. This momentum is expected to extend into 2025.”

- KAI IOH

井尾 大介

Daisuke 'Kai' Ioh

REALTOR® | RB-19352

Mobile 808.936.6148

kai.ioh@compass.com

www.KETeamHawaii.com

www.KonaFudosan.com

REALM Founding Member

Top 1.5% of US Real Estate Professional 2020-2024