Mike Dilks’ Complete Home Buying Guide for Kailua

For those who know Oahu well, the very mention of Kailua induces an inward swoon. Situated on the island's windward side, it possesses the best of, well, multiple worlds. Proximity to “town,” or the city of Honolulu, but away from the state capital and Waikiki’s hustle and bustle. Splendid views of the vertiginous Ko’olau Mountains. Beautiful beaches, including the world-famous and magnificent Lanikai and Kailua beaches. A downtown district that epitomizes the perfect mix of upscale, laid-back, hip, and sophisticated. Year-round sublime weather, and a tight-knit community of professionals, retirees, and families. Is it any wonder the community has been deemed one of the best beach towns in the nation?

If you’re one of the many people who have become smitten with this gorgeous enclave, you may be playing with the notion of purchasing a home in the area. Read on for Mike Dilks’ home buying guide to the region – and why you should shift your idea into a reality.

As of September 2022, the median price of a home in Kailua was $850,000 – an increase of 2.2% from the previous year. High-profile, waterfront properties are valued even higher. Most homes will require a 20% deposit, but you will also have to factor in fees for a licensed inspection, closing costs, and maintenance and utility fees once you have moved into your residence. An expert financial advisor can help you work through these numbers to arrive at an ideal purchase price, while a real estate agent will find you a home within your range.

Part of Kailua’s desirability is the diversity of its housing; here, you will find residences that run the gamut from contemporary condominiums to beachy bungalows, and from single-family residences to sprawling mansions. Once you have established a ballpark number for a home, you can further narrow down your search by outlining your wishes, necessities, and deal breakers. Do you need easy access to the freeway in order to commute to work in town? Do you want to be near all that Kailua Town has to offer, including its boutiques, eateries, coffee shops, and bars – or would you prefer a more secluded region? How many bedrooms do you need to feel comfortable, and is a pool imperative? Writing down exactly what you would need to ensure you don’t experience buyer’s remorse can help your realtor locate the home of your dreams.

Kailua as a whole may be united by its natural beauty and relaxing lifestyle, but the town also has distinct areas. For example, Coconut Grove has a different energy than the luxury found in spades in Kailua Beachside – an exquisite enclave.

Here’s the lowdown on its most prominent regions:

Luxury defines Lanikai. It is an exclusive region that is all the more coveted because of its limited selection of properties. Homeowners here enjoy immense tranquility and effortless access to Oahu’s most spellbinding beaches, while the slender streets give it a homey, though posh, neighborly feel. Whether the home is situated near the shore or on the Lanikai hillside, residents relish second-to-none views of the Pacific and Lanikai’s twin outlying islands.

Kailua Bluffs enjoys a special distinction: It has underground utilities, which gives the region a natural and impeccable appearance. The vibe here is low-key, and homes range from modern condominiums to lovely duplexes.

Celebrities and other luminaries are drawn to Kailua Beachside’s splendors and the privacy it offers. Residents are a joyful mix of kama’aina (or locals) who have lived in the tony region for decades and the uber-affluent, including, as we mentioned, some celebrities, who are lured to Kailua because its population is anti-paparazzi (and lets them live in peace). All of the marvels of living on the waterfront are offered in Kailua Beachside.

This highly coveted area boasts residences that curve around Kailua’s freshwater lake – a peaceful stretch of water that prohibits motorized boats to ensure the burg can maintain its quiet and sense of serenity.

If you are intent on purchasing a home that is located on a spacious lot of land, Kailua Estates may be your answer. The lots here vary in size from 10,000 to 16,000 square feet, which is generous on an island that is a mere 596 square miles. Some homes also enjoy a view of the canal that runs through the back of the estates, thus providing them with picturesque views of the water.

If being able to take a few steps from your home onto a stretch of sand is your idea of heaven, you may want to think about investing in Kawailoa – a cluster of residences located near the ever-magnificent Kailua Beach Park.

Cooler temps and the windward side’s signature breeze are two of the greatest attributes of Keolu Hills, a region that provides staggering views of the Pacific and Kailua Town.

Aikahi Park is a favorite for families, thanks to its proximity to Aikahi Elementary School and homes that feature large, well-tended, and inviting yards. It’s also conveniently located near Aikahi Shopping Center, which features everything from salons and a wine boutique to a chapel and the Bella Kai yoga studio.

It’s one thing to fall in love with a Kailua home on Zillow, Redfin, or social media. It’s another to understand the extreme nuances of the Kailua real estate market to ensure you are making the wisest decision. After reviewing your price point, desires, and wants, a first-rate realtor will steer you toward a Kailua residence that exceeds your expectations – granting you the chance to live in one of Hawaii’s most spectacular regions.

Mike Dilks is precisely this kind of realtor. Specializing in Kailua luxury homes, Lanikai real estate, and Kailua real estate in general, he will work diligently on your behalf to introduce you to the finest 808 lifestyles. Book a consultation with him today to get started.