Island Vibrations at Hokuli’a on Hawaii’s Big Island

Life as we knew it pre-March 2020 found many of us tethered geographically to the cities in which we work, planning getaways to far-flung destinations when schedules permitted. Oh, how things have changed. There is certainly zero “upside” to the pandemic, but it could perhaps be argued that one silver lining has been the revelation that work-from-home truly can work, which has ultimately led to a surge in second- and third-home purchases thanks in part also to low interest rates on home loans and pandemic-era savings. As a result, vacation destinations, once reliant upon weekenders and seasonal visitors, are now adapting to a greater demand for restaurants, retail, and other amenities that make urban dwelling so appealing, while maintaining their overall vacation-vibe.

According to Hawaii Life, the exclusive Hawaii brokerage of Forbes Global Properties, homes above $3 million across the state of Hawaii grew at an unprecedented and historical rate in 2021, leaping from 215 transactions statewide in the first three quarters of 2020 to a whopping 634 transactions. Even more impressive is the overall size of the market, which grew from just over $1.1 billion in sales in 2020 to nearly $3.7 billion in 2021.

As such, development continues at Hokuli‘a, a luxury residential enclave on Hawaii Island, with the release of Phase Two Nalu Kai real estate comprised of 20 premier oceanside lots with commanding views and direct ocean access spanning three miles along the shoreline. Owners enjoy access to 1,260 uncrowded acres as well as unsurpassed resort amenities including a world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course ranked among the best in the state. A peaceful shoreline park provides on-site hiking trails, nature viewing platforms, picnic areas, and a canoe landing for water adventures. 

Situated along Hawaii’s famed Kona Coast, Hokuli‘a’s development optimizes ocean views from all 538 residential home sites, and the community currently offers various ownership options from fully supported design-build opportunities to move-in ready listings. Phase Two includes some of the property’s most coveted lots, ranging in price from $4.25 to $7.5 million. Sheltered by the Mauna Loa volcano, the setting has long been favored by Hawaiians for its temperate climate, gentle breezes, year-round sunshine, and nutrient-rich soil. Each lot comes with its own agricultural easement, and owners have the ability to tap the Hokuli‘a Community Association to assist with cultivating, harvesting, and marketing their bounty. 

Hokuli‘a’s developer, SunChase Holdings, has enlisted Hawai‘i Life — the only statewide, locally owned and operated, full-service brokerage — to lead sales and marketing for the community. “Hokuli‘a offers authentic Hawaii living as it was meant to be, away from the island’s densely populated resort bubbles. It is a special place with a great sense of community, and the central Kona Coast location encourages exploration of all that Hawaii Island offers,” says Carrie Nicholson of Hawai‘i Life. 

The exclusive Club at Hokuli‘a is set in a tropical oasis and includes a full-service private clubhouse providing luxurious resort amenities and services across a peaceful, open-air setting. Designed by DeReus Architects, the Club at Hokuli‘a consists of nine interconnected pavilions with Polynesian and Pacific Rim-inspired design, incorporating simple, natural elements like the local ‘ōhi‘a tree. 

An expansive wellness pavilion provides a tranquil spa with massage facilities, state-of-the-art fitness center, private lounges, a golf pro shop, and open-air yoga pavilion. Outside, a three-lane lap pool, Har-Tru tennis courts, and bocce ball round out the sports center. The Pavilion Restaurant serves both casual fare and fine dining in an alfresco, ocean-view setting, while an outdoor bar offers sweeping views and refreshing cocktails. An abundance of ocean activities are available from the shoreline including snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. 

The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course was masterfully planned to maximize the dramatic ocean views at nearly every tee box and green. Sheltered from the strong winds that affect golf in many other areas of Hawaii, the course enjoys gentle ocean breezes and warm temperatures year-round, and the fairways follow the naturally undulating topography of Hokuli‘a’s oceanfront locale. 

Stewardship is both a responsibility and a privilege for the community. The Hokuli‘a Parks and Cultural Sites Association aims to preserve and maintain the historic areas surrounding the property and offers activities for residents. Hokuli‘a is equipped with its own catchment wells and a photovoltaic system, which provides usable solar power to the Club at Hokulia. As part of its stewardship, the property established Hokuli‘a Shoreline Historic Park, which spans 140 oceanfront acres and features a cultural interpretive center, hiking trails, and some of the most significant archaeological sites on Hawaii Island. 

And if there isn’t already plenty of allure to draw homeowners to the region, Hokuli‘a is situated near the town of Kailua-Kona, filled with charming shops and great restaurants, and also widely recognized for hosting the annual Kona Coffee Festival, Ironman World Championship, World Cup Blue Marlin Championship, and the world’s largest outrigger canoe races. 808.731.4354, hokulia.com