Top 10 Neighborhoods / Areas on the Big Island for Ocean Views + Investment Potential

When people dream of owning property on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, ocean views usually top the wish list. But beyond the postcard sunsets, smart buyers also want strong investment potential—whether for long-term appreciation, vacation rental income, or both. Here are 10 neighborhoods and areas on the Big Island that balance breathtaking views with attractive opportunities.

1.

Kailua-Kona (Ali‘i Drive Corridor)

The heart of Kona offers oceanfront condos and homes just steps from beaches, shops, and dining. Properties along Ali‘i Drive are highly desirable as vacation rentals thanks to walkability and year-round tourism.

2.

Keauhou

Located just south of Kona, Keauhou blends luxury resorts with residential communities. Golf courses, snorkeling spots, and cultural sites make it a prime choice for vacationers, while single-family homes and condos hold long-term value.

3.

Holualoa

Perched above Kailua-Kona, Holualoa offers cooler elevations, panoramic coastline views, and a thriving artist community. It attracts buyers seeking estate-style homes, coffee farms, and investment properties with a unique cultural appeal.

4.

North Kona (Hualālai Resort)

This luxury enclave is home to world-class resorts, golf courses, and private residences. While entry prices are high, properties here maintain strong resale values and prestige, making it a safe long-term investment.

5.

Waikoloa Beach Resort

A vacation rental powerhouse, Waikoloa Beach Resort has ocean-view condos, golf villas, and access to shopping and dining at the King’s Shops and Queen’s Marketplace. Proximity to Anaeho‘omalu Bay keeps occupancy rates strong.

6.

Mauna Lani Resort

Known for luxury, Mauna Lani combines resort amenities, oceanfront homes, and gated communities. Investors are drawn to its exclusivity and high nightly rates for vacation rentals. Buyers benefit from lifestyle perks like spas and golf.

7.

Waimea (Kamuela Hillsides)

Waimea sits inland, but its elevated neighborhoods have sweeping views that stretch to the Kohala Coast. Families and long-term residents love the cooler climate and quality schools, while investors benefit from stable year-round demand.

8.

Puako

A hidden gem, Puako is a small oceanside community with vintage beach cottages and luxury estates. Properties rarely come on the market, but when they do, they offer unmatched ocean access and long-term appreciation.

9.

North Kohala (Hāwī & Kapa‘au)

These charming small towns feature lush landscapes and dramatic ocean vistas. With growing interest in sustainable living and off-the-beaten-path retreats, North Kohala properties appeal to buyers seeking both lifestyle and investment upside.

10.

South Kona (Captain Cook & Kealakekua)

South Kona offers affordable options compared to North Kona, with fertile land, coffee farms, and ocean-view estates. It’s ideal for buyers who want privacy, income potential from farming, and scenic coastal views.

Why These Areas Shine

• Tourism strength: Kona and Kohala resorts keep rental demand high.

• Lifestyle value: Communities like Holualoa and Waimea appeal to full-time residents.

• Limited inventory: Ocean-view homes in Hawai‘i are finite, protecting long-term values.

Final Thoughts

From resort condos in Waikoloa to secluded estates in Puako, the Big Island offers diverse ways to combine postcard-worthy views with smart investment potential. Whether you’re buying a vacation rental, a family home, or a legacy property, partnering with a knowledgeable local real estate team ensures you make the most of Hawai‘i’s unique market.

Thinking about investing on the Big Island? Contact us today to explore properties that fit your lifestyle and goals.