Big Island Real Estate Market Update: Fewer Sales, Higher Prices in June 2026​

If you’ve been following the real estate headlines this summer, you’ve probably seen plenty of talk about a “slowing” Hawaiʻi market. While the numbers do show fewer transactions, the bigger story is more nuanced—especially here on Hawaiʻi Island.

At Salt Water Real Estate, we believe understanding the market means looking beyond the headlines. Every district, neighborhood, and property type tells a different story, and that’s where local knowledge makes all the difference.

Fewer Sales, More Dollars

Island-wide, there were 350 sales in June 2026, compared to 384 during the same month last year—a decline of about 9%. Year-to-date sales are also down just over 10%.

On the surface, that sounds like a cooling market.

But when we look at total sales volume—the total dollar amount of real estate changing hands—a very different picture emerges. June sales volume climbed from approximately

$212 million to nearly $299 million, an increase of more than 41%. Year-to-date sales volume is also up nearly 7%, despite fewer overall transactions.

In other words, fewer properties are selling, but the properties that are selling are commanding significantly higher prices.

Rather than signaling a weak market, these numbers point to a shift. Higher value properties continue to attract motivated buyers, while activity in more entry-level price ranges has slowed. That’s an important distinction that broad statewide reports often miss.

Where We’re Seeing the Shift

The residential market illustrates this trend well.

Residential sales volume increased nearly 47% year over year, rising from approximately $145.6 million to $213.5 million in June alone. Meanwhile, the number of residential sales remained relatively steady, dipping just 1.6%, and the median sales price held close to $599,000.

That combination tells us higher-priced homes are driving much of today’s market activity.

Vacant land is showing a different pattern. Land sales declined nearly 27% in June and almost 22% year-to-date. Yet overall land sales volume increased, suggesting buyers continue to purchase premium parcels while lower-priced speculative land has cooled.

Commercial and mixed-use properties also posted notable gains, with both sales count and overall volume more than doubling compared to last June. While it’s a smaller segment of the market, it’s another sign that investment activity remains healthy in select areas.

Looking Beyond the Headlines

Not every statistic tells the whole story.

Some of June’s biggest percentage swings—such as changes in South Kohala condominium pricing or Hamakua land values—are based on only a handful of transactions. Small sample sizes can create dramatic-looking numbers that don’t necessarily reflect long-term market trends.

That’s why we encourage clients to look beyond island-wide averages and focus on what’s happening in their specific neighborhood, price point, and property type. Context matters.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For sellers with well-priced, well-presented homes, buyers are still active, especially in desirable locations and higher-value markets.

For buyers, particularly those considering vacant land or entry-level properties, there may be greater opportunities to negotiate than we’ve seen in recent years.

The best strategy depends on your goals, your property, and your location. Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is our approach.

Your Market Is More Than a Statistic

Every community across Hawaiʻi Island is experiencing this market a little differently. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply wondering what your property may be worth, we’re always happy to help you understand what the numbers mean for your corner of the island.

At Salt Water Real Estate, we don’t just work here—we live here. We believe informed decisions start with local knowledge, honest conversations, and relationships built on trust.

Because whether you buy, sell, or stay calling Hawaiʻi home, we’re here to help you navigate every season of the market.

Salt Water heals everything.