Are termites common when buying a home in Hawaii?

Yes. Termites are a normal part of the Hawaii environment and are commonly found in residential homes.

What type of termites are most common on the Big Island?

Drywood termites are the primary type encountered in Kona and across the Big Island.

Are subterranean termites a concern in Kona?

In over 23 years of experience, subterranean termites have not been encountered in residential homes in Kona.

Do termites usually cause structural damage in Hawaii homes?

Structural damage is rare due to treated structural lumber and local building practices.

Can new or luxury homes have termites?

Yes. New construction and ultra-luxury homes can still experience termite activity.

When should termite treatment be negotiated?

During the J1 inspection period, before cancellation rights are released.

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Archive for January 27, 2026

Buying a Home in Hawaii? Let’s Talk Honestly About Termites

What Buyers Really Need to Know — and How We Help You Navigate It By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM HawaiiKai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. ...

January 27, 2026

Merriman’s: Why This Restaurant Defines Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine

By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM HawaiiKai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. More Than a Restaurant, A Sense of Place Peter Merriman was na...

January 25, 2026

Why We Host Our Private Whale Watch & Sunset Cruise

Kona, Big Island of Hawai‘i By Kai Ioh and Emil KnyshKai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. A Year That Began on the Right...

January 20, 2026

Humpback Whales, Kona, and the Sanctuary That Protects Them

By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM HawaiiKai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Key Takeaways Each winter, humpback whales return to t...

January 18, 2026

How Beach Volleyball Shaped My Big Island Journey

Emil's Story: A Lifestyle Built on Sand There’s something magical about beach volleyball on the Big Island. Hawaii hides its courts like treasures; completely different than the mainland, where clusters of sand courts are common in public pa...

January 14, 2026

Kilauea Volcano 101: Location and Safety

Kīlauea Volcano Activity on the Big Island: What Recent Eruptions Mean for Residents and Visitors

January 13, 2026

5 Best Ocean Holes on the Big Island – KAI’s PICK

Where golf meets Hawaiiana in the most unforgettable way The Masters just wrapped, with Rory McIlroy clinching it in a playoff. It was pure drama. Meanwhile, I was in a tournament of my own here on the Big Island. Not quite Augusta-level, but ...

January 13, 2026

Hawaii County Real Property Tax Guide (2025) What Big Island Homeowners Need to Know Before August 20

January 7, 2026

Big Island ADU Laws 2024: What Hawaiʻi County and State Rules Now Allow

By Emil Knysh and Kai IohKai and Emil are luxury real estate advisors based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Executive Summary This page explains how 2024 updates to Ha...

January 6, 2026

Hainoa #15 at Hualālai | An Entry-Level Opportunity Inside One of Hawaii’s Most Coveted Private Resorts

KAI IOH | Jan 2026 Over the past five years, I’ve watched luxury resort markets surge, pause, and recalibrate. Hualālai has done none of that. It has remained quietly resilient, tightly held, and extraordinarily scarce. That context matters...

January 4, 2026

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