A quiet section of Hawaii's Big Island with airport and beach access
Located along the Island of Hawai’i’s western coast, the city of Kaiminani has a quieter atmosphere than the tourist hub of Kailua-Kona to the south. Not only is it home to Kona International Airport, but it also offers access to white-sand beaches. “We have up to thirteen climates on the island, including cactus and jungle; it’s all about elevation and rainfall," says Realtor Denise Nakanishi with Real Broker LLC. "On the coast, it’s a little bit drier, but you can create whatever you want to create.” Kaiminani is home to under 13,000 people, most of them retirees, tourism industry employees and second homeowners. Though Kaiminani may have a sleepy residential character due to its lack of a downtown area or nightlife options, a massive shopping complex sits just down the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, ensuring that residents of this community will never have to sacrifice convenience for tranquility.
Kaiminani is just a short drive from Kona International Airport, providing convenient access for travelers and residents.
Kaiminani residents enjoy proximity to some of West Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.
1/2
Older and brand-new homes sit along hillsides and offer ocean views
Partly due to its proximity to both Kailua-Kona and the airport, and partly due to the underdevelopment of the Big Island’s western shore, Kaiminani is a continually growing city. Its oldest homes date to the late 1970s and 1980s, but the vast majority of its housing stock was built from the 2000s to the 2020s. The median home price is $1.42 million. Condos can sell for as low as $500,000 and site-built properties can go for as little as $610,000, while the most expensive residences sell for up to $14.5 million. Because of Kaiminani’s steep terrain, split-levels are common on hillsides. Vast hilltop homes may feature expansive backyard swimming pools in addition to greater sizes.
Houses in Kaiminani range from modest single-family homes to newer custom builds on spacious lots.
The area offers sweeping ocean views and stunning sunsets, making it a popular spot for homebuyers.
1/2
White-sand and volcanic-rock beaches
While the Big Island is known mostly for its rocky shorelines, Kaiminani had multiple beaches for swimming, surfing and fishing. Kekaha Kai State Beach features a rare white-sand beach. Beachgoers share this stretch of sunny oceanfront with sea turtles. At the same time monk seals and humans alike travel to the nearby Makalawena Beach, known for its lava rocks and unusually soft sand. Kaiminani is also just 13 miles down the Mamalahoa Highway from the Pu’uwa’awa’a Forest Reserve, which includes a trail leading up an ancient mound that offers panoramic views of the ocean and towering volcanoes. As western Hawai’i continues to be relatively underdeveloped, vast swathes of hilly terrain have been converted into golf courses like the public Makalei Golf Club and the private Kohanaiki Private Club.
The area’s beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watching spinner dolphins.
Kaiminani residents enjoy proximity to some of West Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.
1/2
Proximity to a major shopping hub
Kaiminani is divided between the residential neighborhood of Kalaoa and a shopping district situated along State Route 19. Here, warehouses mix with big-box retailers like Costco and The Home Depot and diverse restaurants that serve Neapolitan pizza and poke bowls. Kalaoa has a Matsuyama Food Mart, a sizeable convenience store that also sells ready-made bento boxes and mochis.
Costco, Target, and Safeway are located just a short drive away in Kailua-Kona for everyday shopping needs.
Costco, Target, and Safeway are located just a short drive away in Kailua-Kona for everyday shopping needs.
1/2
Creating global citizens at Kealakehe High
All of Hawaii’s students attend the state’s singular school district, which scores an A-minus rating from Niche. Kealakehe High School, which scores a B, offers a unique Advanced Global Citizenship pathway that educates students about the rest of the world through involvement in Model UN and debate programs. Hawai’i Community College, the Big Island’s community college system, has a campus just north of Kalaoa.
The school has a strong focus on academics, athletics, and student involvement in community service.
Kealakehe High School is the nearest public high school and serves the greater Kona area, including Kaiminani.
1/2
Crime and environmental concerns in Kaiminani
Kaiminani and the larger Kailua-Kona urban area have crime rates 41% below the national average and slightly below the state average. Kaiminani has historically contended with “Ring of Fire” tsunamis and earthquakes in addition to the occasional volcanic eruption.
The neighborhood enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round with minimal rainfall compared to areas farther inland.
Kaiminani is known for its peaceful atmosphere and lack of heavy tourist crowds.
1/2
Traveling to Kona and beyond
Kaiminani sits just 9 miles up State Route 19 from Kailua-Kona, accessible via both car and the 203 bus. “A lot of the big hotels are in Kona, so people often commute to work at the resorts," Nakanishi says. “They’ve widened the roads so they look like football fields, but you’re going to sit in traffic if you’re driving into the city. You’re close to the airport and Costco so that you can skip on the crosstown traffic.” The Kona International Airport in the city is known for its open-air setup, in which Hawaiian huts replaced traditional airport gates. Healthcare needs are met at the local Kealakehe Family Health clinic and at Kona’s Queen’s Health Care Center.
With its blend of coastal living, convenience, and natural beauty, Kaiminani is a desirable place to call home on the Big Island.
The community is part of the broader North Kona district, which is experiencing steady residential growth.
1/2
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Johnson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Perched at approximately 1,350 feet on a private one-acre parcel at the end of the road, this immaculate 2020 custom home commands an expansive, permanently protected ocean view. From this elevation the coastline reads in full detail-shoreline, surf, and the evening sunset line-with landmarks anchoring the panorama below: the fishponds, the boat harbor, and aircraft tracing the coast. Because the
Private Ocean-View Retreat with Saltwater Pool on Nearly 1⁄4 Acre in Lokahi Makai Experience the best of island living in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the sought-after Lokahi Makai community, known for its peaceful atmosphere and low HOA fees. Perched on an expansive 11,826 sq. ft. corner lot, this property offers rare privacy, stunning ocean views, and thoughtfully designed
Perched on a small cul-de-sac at the perfect elevation in Kona Palisades, this meticulously renovated residence delivers sweeping ocean and coastline views from both upper and lower lanais — the kind of panorama that makes you pause every morning. Fully transformed since 2021, the upgrades are comprehensive, not just cosmetic.The split-level layout offers rare versatility: two bedrooms and
Kristen MatthewsPrivate Listings by Harold X Clarke
Have you ever wondered what that perfect location of a residence is considered to be in Kona? It’s the neighborhood of Kona Heavens. This neighborhood is located in the perfect spot to get to town, stores, beaches, the incoming Queens hospital, Waimea, Keauhou and even Hilo. A fully fenced one acre property at the end of the street that greets you with beaming ocean views of the Kona coast.
Offered on the market for the first time, is a beautiful piece of newly subdivided land in the Kona area with minimal CC&R's. Located around 1500 feet in elevation, you'll enjoy ocean views from this property and cool afternoons. The neighboring parcel TMK: 3-7-3-5-173, Lot 1-A-1 is also listed on the market at $550,000. The CC&R's consists of: 1. Ingress/egress from the neighboring parcel. 2.
Perched at approximately 1,350 feet on a private one-acre parcel at the end of the road, this immaculate 2020 custom home commands an expansive, permanently protected ocean view. From this elevation the coastline reads in full detail-shoreline, surf, and the evening sunset line-with landmarks anchoring the panorama below: the fishponds, the boat harbor, and aircraft tracing the coast. Because the
This is your opportunity to own a piece of newly subdivided land in the Kona area with minimal CC&R's. Located around 1500 feet in elevation, you'll enjoy ocean views from this property and cool afternoons. The neighboring parcel TMK: 3-7-3-5-174, Lot 1-A-2 is also listed on the market at $625,000. The CC&R's consists of: 1. Ingress/egress for the neighboring parcel. 2. Utilities to be installed
Modern Luxury Awaits at Makalei Estates/ Under constructionUnrivaled Customization Meets Island EleganceSeize the rare opportunity to own a masterfully designed contemporary estate in the prestigious Phase II of Makalei Estates. Currently under construction, this 5,800 sq. ft. sanctuary offers a sophisticated floor plan blending architectural boldness with the beauty of the Kona Coast. By
Welcome to Casa Amore, a beautifully custom-built 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring soaring vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings and an open, airy layout designed to embrace indoor-outdoor island living. Rich hardwood floors flow throughout the main living spaces, complemented by a bright kitchen with a gas stove and seamless connection to the dining and living areas. A separate lounge provides a
Check out the property video here - Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3 bed/2 bath home offering a peaceful indoor-outdoor lifestyle with thoughtful upgrades that perfectly blend comfort and quality. This single-level layout features 9ft ceilings throughout and vaulted ceilings in the living area and kitchen with elegant travertine tile flooring that creates a bright, open, and inviting
Experience year-round ocean, coastline, and sunset views from this beautifully refreshed residence in gated Kona Hills Estates. Set on a terraced one-acre lot, the property offers enhanced view corridors, upgraded tropical landscaping, and multiple outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining. The main level provides true single-level living and features the primary suite, great
Offered for the first time by the original owner, this beautifully maintained 3 bed/2 bath home offers a peaceful indoor-outdoor lifestyle that perfectly blends comfort and quality. This single-level layout features 9ft ceilings throughout and vaulted ceilings in the living area and kitchen. The kitchen features cherry cabinetry, under cabinet lighting, large stainless double sink and a breakfast
Are you looking for a Multi-Family and/or an Income Property? One Lot with Two Updated Homes each includes Upper-Level Main Living areas and Lower-Level Guest Quarters with private entrances. Located above the airport at an ideal elevation with panoramic Ocean and Sunset views in a quiet neighborhood with convenient access to Kailua-Kona town and the Kohala Gold Coast. Both areas offer a variety
Nathalie MullinixNathalie Mullinix Realty Universal, Inc.
Welcome to Hinahina 24, a refined luxury townhome in Kailua-Kona’s exclusive Kohanaiki community on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Completed in 2024 and ideally positioned along the 7th fairway of the Rees Jones–designed championship golf course, this elegant two-story residence embodies exceptional craftsmanship and the effortless beauty of indoor-outdoor living. A chef’s kitchen appointed with
A rare Kona multi-dwelling compound with panoramic ocean views, thoughtful upgrades, and versatile living options. This remodeled property includes a 2BD/2BA main residence plus an ohana that lives like a second home—an upstairs 1BD/1BA with vaulted ceilings, full kitchen, and sweeping ocean-view lanai, and a downstairs 1BD/1BA suite with private entry and kitchenette. Ideal for
Hale Kaloko specializes in providing a safe, calm, and quiet environment to come home to. When getting home from work you want to be able to relax and not worry about a thing and that's what Hale Kaloko offers. Up in the mountain with an amazing view of the ocean and lots of greenery all around you'll definitely enjoy the best of both worlds. It's secluded, yet conveniently located: 10 minutes
Property Id: 2619925Enjoy the best of Kona living in this recently remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. Featuring updated interiors, comfortable furnishings, and inviting outdoor spaces, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and island charm. Just a short drive from beaches, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions.Full kitchen includes stainless steel
Beautiful, clean 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Seascape Condos. Close to town, beaches, airport, resorts. Peek-a-boo ocean views from the lanai. Dual zone AC system in living room and primary bedroom. $3,000 per month plus tax. Water is included. Electric / cable / internet at renter's expense.
Beautiful ocean and sunset views from this 2013 single level, cul de sac home in Lokahi Makai subdivision with owned, net metered PV System. At 1600 sq ft of living area this is one of the larger homes in the subdivision. Split A/C in living room and each of the 2bedrooms. Ocean views over State of Hawaii land from living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and covered lanai. Plenty of solar features
Large 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, separate dwelling with partial furniture, large lanai, storage and laundry below. Quiet & cool elevation. 1 or 2 people only. No pets allowed. Utilities are not included.
Experience the ultimate in luxury living with this stunning 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house located in the desirable neighborhood of Wainani Estates. As soon as you step inside, you will be greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for creating memories with loved ones.The house is designed with an open concept that flows seamlessly from room to room. The spacious living area is
Pet Friendly in Palisades - Available Immediately!This three bedroom / two bathroom unit is the upstairs of a Palisade house that has just been freshly remodeled. New flooring and appliances. The makai lanai offers access to the living area as well as the primary bedroom. There is a three piece en suite in the primary bedroom as well. Bedroom two is a corner room with two windows. Bedroom one
Unfurnished Studio in Kalaoa located on 5 acres with ocean views from the property.Rent: $1500/month + General Excise Tax (4.712%) Utilities IncludedSecurity Deposit: $1500No LaundryNo PetsMinimum 6 month lease to start, option to extendFor more information CALL/TEXT Erin at or APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSPlease ensure you can meet our application
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
