Hawaii Home Sales Slow as Inventory Builds

🏝️ Hawaii Real Estate Market: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

Hawaiʻi’s housing market continues to show mixed conditions in 2026. While some areas are seeing more listings and softer buyer demand, prices remain strong in several major markets.

The latest data from Hawaiʻi REALTORS® shows that market conditions vary considerably between Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi. That means buyers and sellers should look beyond statewide headlines and pay attention to conditions in their specific area.

Inventory and Market Activity

On Oʻahu, July 2026 data from the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® showed single-family active listings down 5.9% from a year earlier, while condo inventory increased 3.9%.

At the same time, new listings increased, with single-family listings up 3.0% and condo listings up 9.3% year over year. Pending sales softened, particularly in the condo market.

This suggests that the market is becoming more varied rather than simply “cooling” across the board.

Prices Remain Strong in Key Markets

Oʻahu continued to see strong pricing in July 2026.

  • Oʻahu single-family median: $1,224,500, up 13.9% year over year
  • Oʻahu condominium median: $504,500, up 3.0% year over year
  • Single-family homes sold in a median of 14 days
  • Condominiums sold in a median of 38 days

Hawaiʻi REALTORS® data also shows significant differences among the islands, with prices and sales activity varying substantially from one county to another.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers may find more opportunities in certain segments, particularly where inventory has increased or pending sales have softened. However, strong demand in some areas means buyers should not assume that every property or island is becoming a buyer’s market.

Careful comparison of properties, financing options, inspections, and local market conditions remains important.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers should pay close attention to local pricing and current competition. While some areas have more listings than before, desirable properties can still move quickly.

On Oʻahu, for example, single-family sellers received a median of 100% of their original asking price in July, and 33% of single-family sales closed above the original asking price.

That makes accurate pricing and proper preparation especially important.

Looking Ahead

Hawaiʻi’s real estate market is not moving in one direction everywhere. Inventory, mortgage rates, tourism and local economic conditions can affect each island and property type differently.

For buyers and sellers, the most useful information is often local and current rather than relying on a statewide headline.

Market conditions can vary significantly by island, county, neighborhood, and property type. Buyers and sellers should review current local MLS data and consult a qualified real estate professional before making decisions.

Reliable Sources

  • Hawaiʻi REALTORS® — statewide housing statistics
  • Honolulu Board of REALTORS® — Oʻahu market reports
  • Local REALTOR® associations and MLS organizations for Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi