Hawaii Island’s Kona and Kohala Coast markets are entering a new season with renewed energy. We sat down with luxury real estate expert Dina Singer to get her read on what’s driving buyer and seller behavior, where the opportunities lie, and what it takes to succeed in today’s market.
HR: Design trends have always played a role in real estate, but how are they influencing buyer decisions this season in particular?
Dina Singer: This season, design is playing an increasingly influential role in how buyers evaluate a property — particularly in Hawaii’s luxury market, where lifestyle and emotional connection often drive the final decision. Today’s buyers are gravitating toward homes that feel intentional, calming, and deeply connected to their surroundings. Natural materials, warm woods, stone textures, and soft, neutral palettes are replacing the dark woods, dark marble countertops, and overly polished aesthetic of previous years, creating spaces that feel both elevated and livable.
Wellness has also become a defining influence, with buyers responding strongly to abundant natural light, spa-inspired bathrooms, and environments that promote a sense of ease and balance. Flexible spaces that accommodate work, fitness, and visiting guests are highly valued, reflecting how modern homeowners live and move through their homes. And in lifestyle destinations especially, seamless indoor–outdoor living continues to be a major draw. Ultimately, luxury buyers today are not simply purchasing square footage — they are investing in a home that supports the way they want to live, feel, and experience each day.
HR: For buyers entering the market right now, what’s the single most important piece of advice you’d offer?
Dina Singer: Move forward with both clarity and patience. The most successful buyers today understand exactly what they value most — whether that’s privacy, design, location, amenities, or lifestyle — and they remain focused on those priorities rather than reacting emotionally to every new listing. In a market where truly exceptional properties are limited, preparation and decisiveness matter. Have your finances organized, work with an agent who understands the nuances of the local market, and be ready to act when the right opportunity appears. At the same time, trust that the right property is worth waiting for. The goal isn’t simply to buy — it’s to invest in a place that enhances the way you want to live.
HR: What opportunity in today’s market do you think is most overlooked?
Dina Singer: The power of negotiation on properties that have quietly lingered on the market. In the luxury segment, especially, homes that have been available for several months often present a window for meaningful value — whether through price adjustments, favorable terms, or credits that may not have been possible during the more competitive years. Savvy buyers who focus less on timing the market and more on identifying long-term lifestyle value are finding opportunities to secure exceptional properties with greater flexibility. For those willing to look beyond the newest listings and explore homes with strong fundamentals — location, views, land, and architectural integrity — today’s market can offer rare chances to acquire something truly special at a more favorable entry point.
HR:What’s motivating sellers to list right now?
Dina Singer: In Hawaii’s current market, luxury sellers who are choosing to list are doing so from a place of intention rather than urgency. Many have watched the past few years carefully and recognize that while conditions have shifted, the market still rewards exceptional properties that are thoughtfully positioned. For some, lifestyle transitions are the catalyst — relocating, simplifying, or designing the next chapter of life. Others see this moment as an opportunity to capture strong long-term appreciation while demand for distinctive homes remains steady.
Sellers in the luxury space understand that serious buyers are still actively searching, but they are discerning and motivated by quality, design, and location. When a property offers something truly special, the right audience will respond. As a result, many sellers are entering the market with a clear strategy: present the home beautifully, price it strategically, and meet the moment while demand for exceptional real estate remains very real.
HR: Have pricing strategies shifted compared to this time last year?
Dina Singer: Noticeably so. While many sellers previously entered the market with aspirational pricing, today’s approach is far more strategic and data-driven. Buyers — particularly in the luxury segment — are exceptionally informed and quick to recognize when a property is misaligned with current market realities. As a result, sellers are placing greater emphasis on launching with a compelling price that captures attention early and creates momentum. The first few weeks on the market have become increasingly critical, often determining both the level of interest and the ultimate outcome of a sale. In today’s environment, thoughtful pricing is not simply about valuation — it is about positioning the property in a way that resonates with discerning buyers and invites them to engage.
HR:Is inventory tightening or expanding, and how is that affecting negotiations?
Dina Singer: Across the Kona and Kohala Coast markets, inventory has expanded compared to this time last year, creating a noticeably more balanced landscape. With more properties available, buyers now have the luxury of choice — something that was far less common during the tighter conditions of the previous year. As a result, negotiations have shifted. We’re seeing more thoughtful deal structures, including strategic price reductions, seller credits, and other concessions designed to move transactions forward. For well-positioned buyers, this environment presents a rare window of opportunity, while sellers who price with precision and align with today’s market realities are still achieving successful outcomes. In many ways, the market is simply returning to a more sophisticated equilibrium — where strategy, presentation, and timing matter more than ever.
HR: March often signals a seasonal shift. What are you seeing right now in terms of buyer confidence and activity?
Dina Singer: There’s an unmistakable shift in luxury buyer sentiment — the market is awakening with renewed confidence and purpose. After a season of cautious observation, high-net-worth buyers are returning with clarity and conviction, drawn back by historically attractive financing opportunities, strong equity positions, and a compelling sense of value in the most distinctive properties. Activity among qualified, decision-ready purchasers has steadily increased, particularly for homes and estates that offer exceptional lifestyle attributes — panoramic ocean views, seamless indoor–outdoor living, access to world-class golf courses or resort amenities, privacy, and turnkey quality.
Inquiries are deeper, touring schedules are firmer, and offers are more strategically timed — all signs of a marketplace moving from hesitation to thoughtful engagement. Discerning buyers are anchored in long-term vision, and when they find a residence that truly resonates, they’re acting with purpose.
Contact Dina Singer at (808) 640-2705 or dinasinger@gmail.com.
