Dreaming of a place in Kohanaiki while you are still on the mainland? You are not alone. Many buyers fall in love with the Kona coast lifestyle and need a clear, trustworthy way to purchase from afar. In this guide, you will see exactly how our remote buyer concierge service helps you tour, verify, close, and set up your Kohanaiki home with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Kohanaiki appeals
Kohanaiki is a private, master‑planned community in Kalaoa on the west side of Hawai‘i Island. It is known for an ocean‑oriented lifestyle, high‑quality homes, and controlled access. Many buyers choose Kohanaiki for a second home or a primary residence close to the water, golf, and recreation.
Real estate ownership and club membership can be separate. This is common in private Hawaiian communities. Before you commit, confirm membership requirements, transfer procedures, and any dues or fees tied to amenities. Your agent should verify what membership access, if any, comes with the property you are considering.
How our concierge works
You get a single point of contact who coordinates research, tours, vendors, escrow, and post‑close setup. Here is the step‑by‑step process we follow for mainland buyers.
Pre‑search and financing
- Secure a strong pre‑approval if you plan to finance, or a current proof‑of‑funds letter if paying cash.
- We review your goals, budget, and timing, then align on property types and must‑haves.
- We confirm HOA and club structures for target listings, including membership transfer steps and any rental rules.
Virtual tours and discovery
- We schedule live video showings via FaceTime or Zoom. You can request closer looks at systems, roofs, and storage areas.
- When available, we gather 3D tours, floor plans, high‑res photos, and drone footage to show shoreline proximity and elevation.
- We request early documents: seller disclosures, a recent survey if available, title status, tax and utility history, plus HOA and club materials.
Offers and negotiation
- We submit your offer with clear contingencies for inspections, financing, HOA and club review, and membership transfer if applicable.
- We plan earnest money logistics with a local title and escrow company and confirm how funds will be deposited.
- We negotiate timelines that work for remote participation and vendor availability.
Due diligence and inspections
- We coordinate licensed local inspectors and specialists. For Kohanaiki and coastal Kona, common checks include:
- General home inspection
- Termite and wood‑destroying organisms inspection
- Roof, pool or spa, and mechanical systems
- Corrosion evaluation for metal fasteners and exterior components
- Sewer or septic confirmation, plus site drainage if relevant
- Foundation or soil review if the home sits on variable lava substrate
- You can attend inspections by livestream. Inspectors deliver detailed reports with photos and notes.
Escrow, title, and closing
- We work with a Hawaii title and escrow team experienced in Hawaii County and Land Court matters. Some parcels are recorded in Land Court, which follows a different title process.
- Most documents can be signed electronically. We confirm early which forms may need wet signatures or notarization.
- If remote online notarization is not accepted for some items, we schedule an in‑person notary near you and arrange secure courier service.
- For funds, we use strict wire‑fraud safeguards. You will call your escrow officer at a verified phone number to confirm instructions before any transfer.
- Typical escrows run 30 to 45 days, depending on terms and inspections.
Post‑close setup and arrival
- We coordinate key exchange, gate codes, and access with escrow.
- We help set up utilities and services: electric with Hawaiian Electric (HELCO service area), water, trash, internet, and security if needed.
- We introduce trusted local vendors for property management, housekeeping, landscaping, pool care, HVAC service, and pest control.
- If you want a turnkey arrival, we can help organize smart home access, alarm codes, appliance orientations, and basic stocking.
Local factors to check
Buying on the Kona coast comes with unique considerations. We help you verify these early so you can buy with confidence.
HOA and club membership
- Review CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budget, reserve study, financials, and meeting minutes.
- Ask about transfer fees, initiation fees, and regular dues.
- Confirm membership transfer steps and whether approvals are required.
- Understand rental rules and any short‑term rental limits.
Coastal and environmental risks
- Salt‑air corrosion can shorten the life of outdoor metal, HVAC parts, and roof fasteners.
- Termites and wood decay are more prevalent in tropical climates.
- Check FEMA flood zone, local tsunami inundation maps, and elevation.
- Consider sea‑level rise and shoreline change as part of long‑term planning.
Title and land details
- Confirm Land Court or Regular System status early in the process.
- Review surveys for boundaries, easements, and shoreline access rights.
- Confirm setbacks and any state or county shoreline requirements.
Utilities, insurance, and lending
- Verify whether water and sewer are provided by the community or county, and note billing structure.
- Check internet providers and speeds if you plan to work remotely.
- Review homeowner and wind or hurricane coverage availability and premiums.
- If financing, expect coastal property underwriting requirements that may differ from mainland norms.
Remote safety checklist
Use this quick list to keep your transaction safe and smooth.
- Confirm wire instructions by calling your escrow officer at a known, verified number.
- Use secure portals for e‑signatures and document sharing. Save all final copies.
- Know which closing documents require notarization and plan ahead for scheduling.
- Attend the final walk‑through virtually or in person within the contract window.
- Tie any club membership conditions to your contract contingencies.
What we coordinate for you
You do not need to assemble a team from scratch. We coordinate and schedule:
- Title and escrow, plus a Hawaii‑savvy lender if you finance
- Licensed inspectors for home, termite, roof, pool, and systems
- Specialists for photovoltaic, electrical, irrigation, or structural concerns
- Property managers or on‑island concierge services for absentee owners
- Housekeeping, landscaping, pool maintenance, HVAC plans, and pest control
- Security vendors consistent with community policies
- Intros to tax and accounting professionals experienced with Hawaii filings
Documents to request early
As you compare properties, ask for these items as early as possible:
- HOA and club documents: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budget, reserve study, financials, minutes, and assessment history
- Club membership agreement, including transfer rules and fees
- Seller’s property disclosure and any recent inspection reports
- Preliminary title report and Tax Map Key (TMK)
- Property survey and plot plan with setbacks and easements
- Recent utility bills and water or sewer information
- Recent property tax bills and rate information
- Any leases and rental history if the property has been rented
- Warranties for major systems and appliance manuals
Timeline at a glance
Every transaction is unique, but this outline helps you plan.
- Week 1: Financing prep or proof of funds, property shortlist, virtual tours
- Week 2: Offer, negotiations, open escrow, deposit earnest money
- Weeks 3–4: Inspections, disclosures, HOA and club review, insurance quotes
- Weeks 4–6: Appraisal (if financing), repair negotiations, finalize membership items
- Week 6 or per contract: Sign closing documents, verify wire, final walk‑through, close and get keys
Ready to explore Kohanaiki remotely?
You can buy with confidence from the mainland when you have a local advocate who handles the details. Our team lives and works on the Kona Coast and guides mainland buyers through every step, from your first virtual tour to your first sunset at home. If you are thinking about Kohanaiki, let’s talk through your goals and build a plan that fits your timeline.
Reach out to Jonathan Kiger to start your Kona home search today.
FAQs
Can I complete a Kohanaiki purchase entirely from the mainland?
- Yes. With coordinated inspections, secure document handling, verified wires, and planned notarization, you can close remotely and arrive to keys in hand.
Do Kohanaiki home purchases include club access by default?
- Not always. Confirm whether membership transfers, what fees apply, and whether approvals are required before you remove contingencies.
What inspections are most important for Kona coastal homes?
- General home, termite and WDO, roof, corrosion evaluation, pool or spa, sewer or septic confirmation, and specialists for PV or irrigation as needed.
How are funds and wires handled safely during escrow?
- Only use instructions from your escrow officer and confirm by phone at a verified number before sending any wire.
What should I know about title in Hawai‘i?
- Some parcels are in Land Court rather than the Regular System. Verify status early and review surveys, easements, and shoreline access rights.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Kohanaiki?
- Rules vary by community and county. Review CC&Rs and county regulations, and consult a tax professional about licensing and taxation.
How do I set up the home after closing if I am off‑island?
- Your agent can coordinate utilities, key exchange, and introductions to property managers and local vendors so the home is ready for your arrival.
