Hawaii Real Estate Market Update: Navigating Weather and Inventory in Spring 2026

Aloha and welcome to your April 2026 Hawaii real estate market update! This week, we’re covering everything from the impact of recent weather events to the latest sales trends across the islands. Join Dylan Nonaka and our team of local experts as we break down what’s happening on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Island Weather and Community Resilience

First, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the two trillion gallons of water that recently fell across the state. While some areas experienced minimal impact, others faced severe flooding and damage. Mike from Maui reported up to three feet of rain in some South Maui locations, with significant flooding and mudslides. Sasha on Oahu noted debris accumulation on beaches and road damage, but also highlighted the incredible community effort to clean up and support those affected.

“The best one of the best, you know, if there’s a bright spot of the whole experience is that the communities coming together and and cleaning up quickly and helping each other out has been amazing like it always is. And that’s always one of the special most best things about Hawaii is is that that always happens every time we have these challenges.” – Sasha, Oahu

Ronnie from Kauai mentioned that while Kauai itself was spared from the worst of the recent storms, the island is always prepared. Ashley, also on Oahu, shared her experience with power outages and the importance of preparing for potential cesspool overflows, a critical consideration for many homeowners.

Lessons Learned: Prepare and Connect

The recent weather events serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation. Ashley’s advice to pump cesspools before a storm is invaluable. Beyond individual preparedness, the outpouring of community support highlights the strength and resilience of the people of Hawaii. As Ronnie pointed out, connecting with local nonprofits and community initiatives can be a powerful way to contribute to recovery efforts.

Hawaii Real Estate Market Updates

Now, let’s dive into the numbers. Our team of experts provides a detailed look at the latest real estate trends across the islands.

Oahu: A Strong and Expensive Market

Ashley and Sasha report a strong market on Oahu, with median sales prices for single-family homes and condos up from last year. While properties are staying on the market longer, the overall market remains competitive, especially compared to pre-COVID levels. However, Sasha notes that stricter regulations on short-term rentals may be impacting the condo market.

• Single-family home median sales price: Up 3.25%
• Condo median sales price: Up 4.76%

Kauai: A Tale of Two Markets

Ronnie describes a more complex picture on Kauai, with fewer sales compared to last year and a significant drop in sales volume. While residential prices are holding, the condo and land markets are softer. However, Ronnie emphasizes that real estate is hyper-local, and micro-markets within Kauai can vary significantly.

• Residential sales: Down 37% year-over-year
• Sales volume: Down 42% year-over-year

Maui: Sales on the Rise

Mike’s data from Maui shows a significant increase in residential and condo sales from February to March. While land sales were down, the overall market appears to be active. He also highlighted a very small piece of land selling for a relatively low price, demonstrating that there are still opportunities to be found.

• Residential sales: Up 58% from February
• Condo sales: Up 85% from February

Tiny Homes on Kauai: What You Need to Know

We received a live question about tiny homes on Kauai. Ronnie explained that the county recognizes tiny houses, but regulations depend on the specific zoning of the property. Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Additional Rental Units (ARUs) may be permitted, but it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and restrictions. It’s also important to define what is meant by “tiny home,” as regulations differ for structures on wheels versus permanent small-square-footage homes.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into spring, the Hawaii real estate market continues to evolve. Staying informed about local market conditions and potential weather impacts is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Contact our team of local experts for personalized guidance and insights tailored to your specific needs.