Single Family Home vs Raw Land (Best Investment for High Net Worth Buyers?)

Should you invest in raw land or a single-family home on the Big Island of Hawaii?

In Episode 6 of our Ask The Hawaii Team series, Daniel Polimino breaks down which asset class performs better for high-net-worth investors in 2026 — and why building on the island may not be what you think.

If you are considering Kona Coast luxury property, resort real estate, agricultural land, or long-term appreciation strategy, this is essential viewing.

🏝 The Core Question
Single Family Home vs Raw Land (Best Investment for High Net Worth Buyers?)
What is more appealing to a high-net-worth investor on the Big Island?

✔️ Raw land
✔️ Agricultural acreage
✔️ Infill resort lot
✔️ Single-family home in a resort community

The answer in 2026 is strategic — not emotional.

🌋 Why Raw Land in Hawaii Is Complex

Land is valuable — but building is difficult.

Hawaii County is widely recognized as one of the most challenging counties in the United States to build a home due to:

• Extensive permitting requirements
• Strict zoning regulations
• Layered compliance processes
• Construction delays
• Workforce shortages
• Agricultural operational challenges

Even experienced builders encounter regulatory friction that extends timelines and increases carrying costs.

Infill lots inside resort communities often remain available for a reason — location positioning, view corridors, or build constraints.

Large agricultural parcels present opportunity, but labor, pests, weather variability, and distribution logistics create operational risk.

🏠 Why Single-Family Homes Win in 2026

For high-net-worth buyers seeking:

• Appreciation
• Lifestyle
• Turnkey ownership
• Resort amenities
• Portfolio stability

Single-family homes — particularly within luxury resort communities along the Kona Coast — remain the stronger strategic play.

Historically, Big Island real estate has averaged approximately 6% annual appreciation long-term, with resort submarkets outperforming during strong cycles.

In prior years, areas such as Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Lani have experienced double-digit appreciation during peak performance cycles.

Even in a market correction, stabilized luxury resort homes tend to outperform vacant land in liquidity and long-term value retention.

💡 2026 Investment Perspective

If you are allocating capital on the Big Island:

✔️ Finished product = easier exit strategy
✔️ Stronger buyer pool
✔️ Lifestyle value + financial value
✔️ Lower regulatory exposure
✔️ Clearer valuation comps

For institutional-level investors and private wealth clients, completed homes in prime resort corridors remain the preferred asset class.

📍 About The Hawaii Team

The Hawaii Team, led by Daniel Polimino, is a boutique real estate advisory specializing in luxury and world-class properties along the West Side of Hawaii Island.

With 19 years of experience and more than 1,300 completed transactions across multiple luxury markets, Daniel Polimino brings institutional-level expertise to each client relationship.

In 2025, while the broader market averaged a 93% list-to-sale price ratio, our sellers achieved 98%, securing 5% more value at closing.

Over the past five years, The Hawaii Team has successfully sold $140 million in real estate along the Kona Coast.

📞 Contact Daniel Polimino

The Hawaii Team
Daniel Polimino #RB-22894 REALTOR® Broker
Missy Elliott #RS-87428 REALTOR® Salesperson
KW Big Island #RB-23793

📍 73-5619 Kauhola St #208
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

📞 808-913-0899
📧 [email protected]

🌐 https://thehawaiiteam.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thehawaiiteam

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehawaiiteam

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-hawaii-team

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Single Family vs Raw Land
00:30 Why Building in Hawaii Is Difficult
01:20 County Regulations Explained
02:00 Agricultural Land Challenges
02:30 Appreciation Trends on the Big Island
02:45 Best Asset for High Net Worth Investors



Big Island Hawaii real estate 2026, Single family home vs land Hawaii, Hawaii land investment 2026, Kona Coast luxury real estate, Waikoloa Beach real estate, Mauna Lani homes for sale, Big Island investment property 2026, Hawaii luxury homes 2026, Is buying land in Hawaii a good investment, Hawaii building permits 2026, Hawaii County building regulations, Big Island appreciation rate, Daniel Polimino, Dan Polimino, The Hawaii Team KW Big Island, Hawaii resort real estate, Kona luxury homes, Hawaii real estate investing 2026, Big Island property investment strategy, Hawaii agricultural land investment, Build vs buy Hawaii, Hawaii real estate advice 2026



#BigIslandRealEstate
#HawaiiRealEstate2026
#KonaRealEstate
#DanPolimino
#TheHawaiiTeam
#LuxuryRealEstate
#HawaiiInvestment
#WaikoloaBeach
#MaunaLani
#KWBigIsland

---------------------------------------

Island Elegance: Master Hawaii Home Staging with Tropical Decor and Stunning Ocean Views

Transform Your Space with Tropical Decor

Imagine walking into a home that instantly transports you to a serene Hawaiian paradise. Tropical decor is the cornerstone of effective Hawaii home staging, infusing spaces with vibrant colors, natural textures, and lush greenery. By incorporating elements like bamboo furniture, rattan accents, and botanical prints, you create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers seeking a slice of island life. This aesthetic not only highlights the unique charm of Hawaii but also makes your property stand out in the competitive real estate market.

Maximize Appeal with Stunning Ocean Views

One of Hawaii's most coveted features is its breathtaking ocean views. Highlighting these vistas can significantly enhance your property's appeal. Position furniture to frame the view, use mirrors to reflect natural light, and keep window treatments minimal to ensure unobstructed sightlines. Showcasing the expansive horizon can evoke a sense of tranquility and luxury, making your home more attractive to buyers who dream of waking up to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Optimize Space with Strategic Furniture Arrangement

Effective furniture arrangement is critical in home staging, especially in Hawaii where spaces may vary from open beachside villas to cozy mountain retreats. Arrange furniture to create a natural flow, emphasize spaciousness, and highlight key features of the home. Avoid clutter by selecting pieces that are both functional and stylish, ensuring each room feels balanced and inviting. Thoughtful layout not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps buyers envision their own lives within the space.

Enhance Property Presentation for Real Estate Success

In the competitive Hawaii real estate market, impeccable property presentation can make all the difference. Professional staging showcases your home's best attributes, creating memorable first impressions that drive interest and offers. Invest in high-quality photography and virtual tours to capture the essence of your staged home, allowing potential buyers to experience its beauty from anywhere in the world. A well-presented property not only attracts more prospective buyers but also often leads to quicker sales at higher prices.

Integrate Interior Design Principles for Lasting Impact

Blending interior design principles with home staging elevates the overall presentation of your property. Focus on creating cohesive color schemes, balanced lighting, and harmonious textures that reflect Hawaii's natural beauty. Incorporate local materials and artisanal crafts to add authenticity and character. A well-designed interior not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also conveys a sense of quality and care, reassuring buyers of the value and potential of your home.

Boost Your Home's Marketability with Professional Staging

Professional Hawaii home staging goes beyond mere decoration; it strategically enhances your property's strengths and minimizes its weaknesses. By leveraging expertise in tropical decor, optimal furniture arrangement, and stunning ocean views, staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices compared to non-staged counterparts. Investing in professional staging services demonstrates your commitment to presenting your home in the best possible light, making it a smart move for any serious seller aiming to achieve real estate success in Hawaii's dynamic market.