Hualalai’s Best-Kept Secret: The Most Stunning Oceanfront Properties

With several private clubs including the ultra-exclusive resorts at Kukio and Kohanaiki, Hawaii’s Big Island has some of the most high-end opportunities for oceanfront living. Buyers who focus on these communities are drawn to their unique combination of location, architecture, and world class amenities that cannot be found elsewhere in the State.

For those considering Hawaii oceanfront real estate, the Kona-Kohala coast includes the homeownership-based and membership-only resorts in Kukio and Kohanaiki plus exclusive resorts like Hualalai Resort that also have hotels on-site. Each has its own character, but the rare appeal of these clubs is their emphasis on exclusivity, personalized service, and direct connection to the water.

Kukio is one of the most private and exclusive residential communities in Hawaii. Kukio is not open to the public; access to its Beach Club, spa, and two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses is limited strictly to Kukio members. Membership is available only to residents on an invite-only basis, creating a sense of privacy unmatched on the island.

The homes at Kukio are positioned along expansive oceanfront and hillside parcels. Architectural styles highlight indoor-outdoor living, with courtyards, water features, and panoramic ocean views. For those who want exclusivity paired with world-class service, Kukio represents the pinnacle of Hawaii oceanfront real estate.

Hualalai Resort is known for its waterfront properties that emphasize open views of the Pacific, integration with the natural environment, and access to world-class amenities. Homes here are designed to capture sunsets and ocean breezes, with architectural features such as expansive lanais, sliding glass walls, and pools that appear to merge with the shoreline.

Residents benefit from proximity to the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which offers dining, wellness, and golf. Hotel guests have access to all hotel amenities and one of the two golf courses on-site. On the other hand, membership to the Hualalai Club is only available to owners, who gain access to a private golf course and dining, among other amenities.

The Kohanaiki Private Club Community on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona Coast spans 450 acres of oceanfront land, featuring a Rees Jones-designed championship golf course, 1.5 miles of private shoreline, and a 67,000-square-foot clubhouse with fine dining, a spa, fitness center, and pools.

Homes in Kohanaiki range from $5 million to over $25 million, designed with open layouts, lanais, and pools that embrace indoor-outdoor living. With invitation-only membership and world-class amenities, it stands out as one of the most prestigious oceanfront communities in Hualālai.

In both Hualalai and Kukio, design emphasizes harmony with the island’s landscape. Builders use lava stone, teak, and other natural materials that reflect Hawaii’s heritage. Rooflines and structures often remain low and horizontal, blending into the coastal terrain.

Luxury homes here are also highly customized. Expansive kitchens, guest pavilions, and spa-inspired master suites are common. In Kukio, architectural detailing often includes private courtyards, open-air pavilions, and infinity pools that directly overlook the water, while Hualalai homes tend to emphasize clean, modern lines that frame long stretches of coastline.

Outdoor living is central to life along the Kona-Kohala coast. In Hualalai, many residences include infinity pools, outdoor kitchens, and lanais designed for entertaining. Owners belonging to the Hualalai Club can join golf, tennis, and wellness programs (membership is limited to homeowners invited to the club).

In Kukio, amenities such as the private Beach Club, cultural activities, and golf courses are limited exclusively to members. The community also emphasizes direct access to the water, with sandy beaches, private boat launches, and shoreline activities available to residents. These restrictions preserve privacy and exclusivity while elevating the experience of ownership.

In Hualalai, property value is often tied to proximity to the ocean and resort amenities. Homes along the water command the highest premiums, while hillside properties offer panoramic views at slightly lower entry points. Integrating resort services, particularly through the Four Seasons, adds to the long-term investment appeal.

Kukio, however, derives its value from exclusivity. Because membership is limited to residents, demand for oceanfront homes here consistently exceeds supply. This scarcity makes Kukio one of Hawaii's most competitive markets for luxury real estate.

Owning a home in Hualalai or Kukio comes with a distinct lifestyle. At Hualalai, residents can take advantage of resort amenities such as fitness centers, spa services, and restaurants, many of which are available to homeowners with membership.

At Kukio, the lifestyle is centered around its members-only environment. Residents enjoy exclusive access to golf, private dining, water sports, and cultural programs. The focus is on community among members, with events and gatherings that remain private to residents.

The limited supply of oceanfront land along the Kona-Kohala coast ensures continued demand for Hualalai waterfront homes and Kukio properties. Buyers entering these markets should expect competitive pricing and limited availability. In particular, Kukio’s membership-only model guarantees long-term scarcity, supporting sustained appreciation.

As interest in luxury real estate in Hawaii continues to grow, properties in Hualalai and Kukio remain highly competitive investments. Their unique combination of exclusivity, natural setting, and lifestyle opportunities distinguish them from every other market on the island.

Frank Schenk is a specialist in luxury resort properties along the Gold Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, including exclusive residential communities like Kukio, Hualalai Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, and the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Frank’s nuanced understanding and extensive local network make working together an easy call for prospective home-buyers in Hawaii.

Partner with Frank to explore the finest properties in Hawaii and achieve your real estate goals with confidence.