Kai & Emil
Team Hawaii
Why the
Big Island, Hawaii
Owning real estate on the Big Island is more than an investment in property—it is an entry into a lifestyle rich with deep-rooted Hawaiian traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures, set in a year-round ideal climate. Whether you are dreaming of a tranquil retreat, a vacation home, or a primary residence, the Big Island captivates all who visit.
On the island’s west side, Kona and the Kohala Coast lead Hawaii’s luxury real estate market with the highest volume of luxury sales in the state. Since 2020, Kailua‑Kona has seen 392 luxury property sales and the Kohala Coast 246 — both surpassing Maui’s Wailea at 217, according to Title Guaranty Escrow.
To understand why so many choose the Big Island — and Kona and the Kohala Coast in particular — you have to experience it firsthand. Natural beauty meets a relaxed pace of life, appealing to those who seek both adventure and serenity.
Featured
Communities
A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. From ski-in resort estates to oceanfront sanctuaries, we guide clients through every Big Island community we serve.
Real Stories From
Satisfied
Clients
“After living and working in midtown Manhattan for about 30 years, my wife and I decided to retire and live in a warmer climate surrounded by a beautiful ocean. After long research and consideration we chose the Big Island for its lifestyle and weather.”
— Takashi & Yuko M. “Aloha! After 40 years on O’ahu and soon to retire, it was time for a change. How fortunate we were to select Kai as our agent. Prior to meeting in person, Kai took the initiative through calls and emails to understand what we were looking for.”
— Plett J. “Emil went over and beyond in helping my dream come true. In October 2017 I decided to try and buy a townhome in Kona — a dream I had for the last 4 years. Not only was he so efficient, he made it effortless.”
— Susan C. “We enthusiastically recommend Emil to anyone looking for a property on the Big Island. We moved over from Washington State and even prior to meeting Emil we communicated via email and phone. We’ve worked with many Realtors over the years and can say without reservation that he is the best.”
— Sarah & Randy G. “I want to express my gratitude for your expert handling of the sale of my condo. You evaluated the condition of the unit correctly and coordinated the necessary measures to maximize its readiness for sale. With your help we set a reasonable asking price that brought in immediate offers.”
— Alan A. “When my husband and I were selling our condo and purchasing our new property we really appreciated Emil Knysh’s professionalism and patience. His many years of experience gave us confidence he would find the perfect property — even with our long wish list and tight budget.”
— Mr. & Mrs. Breuil “It was natural to want a second home in Hawaii after numerous visits. Kai kindly explained the ins and outs of owning a second home or investment property on the Big Island and helped us purchase our perfect Hawaii home and set up a vacation rental.”
— Okamura T. “It was such a pleasure working with Kai. Kai is a true professional. Living in California and selling a property in Hawaii was overwhelming. His knowledge, work ethic, and honesty were evident throughout the process.”
— Michele W. “I purchased a second home and investment property in Mauna Lani Resort. Kai has excellent bilingual skills and gave us a clear picture of current market trends in Japanese. He helped us negotiate and close the transaction to our satisfaction.”
— Miyamoto H. “I have been in the global real estate business for a long time. Kai has helped my clients purchase and sell properties numerous times in Hawaii. His attentiveness and kind service are really helpful, and he gains a lot of trust from his clients.”
— Takeda Y.
