O‘ahu Real Estate Market Snapshot-June 2026
O‘ahu Real Estate Market Snapshot - June 2026
Halftime: The Score Isn't the Whole Story
By Kalama Kim, President, Hawaiʻi Modern Realty
We're halfway through 2026! If this were the World Cup, no one would be heading home yet. They'd be heading into the locker room. At halftime, smart teams don't just stare at the scoreboard. They study momentum, adjust their strategy, and prepare for the second half. That's where Oʻahu's housing market is right now. The market isn't simply speeding up or slowing down. It's changing its game plan.
The Scoreboard Can Be Misleading
At first glance, June looked mixed. Single-family home sales were down from last year, but prices kept climbing. Homes sold in just 13 days, sellers received 100% of asking price, and one out of every three homes sold above asking. Meanwhile, condo buyers are seeing something they haven't had in years: More inventory, more choices, and more room to negotiate. So is this a buyer's market or a seller's market? The answer is both. It just depends on which field you're playing on.
Momentum Is Shifting
For the past several years, sellers controlled nearly every possession. Today, the game is more balanced. Single-family homes remain highly competitive. Condos are giving buyers more breathing room. Entry-level properties remain in strong demand. Luxury and neighborhood-specific markets are moving differently. In other words, there isn't one Oʻahu market anymore. There are dozens of smaller matches happening at the same time.
The Surprise of the First Half
Every World Cup has a surprise team. This month's surprise was affordability. During the first six months of 2026, more than 1,000 Oʻahu homes and condos priced below $500,000 sold. Also, 35% of single-family home sales closed below $1 million, and nearly half of all condo sales closed below $500,000. Opportunity hasn't disappeared. It has just become more selective.
The Second Half Begins Now
Championship teams don't win by repeating the first-half game plan. They adjust. Sellers need to understand that pricing, preparation, and presentation matter more than they did two years ago. Buyers should recognize that more inventory doesn't always mean lower prices, but it does mean more options and stronger negotiating opportunities. This market is less about speed now. It's more about execution.
My Take
I don't believe we're heading toward a correction. I believe we're heading toward a smarter market. One where local expertise matters more than headlines. One where strategy matters again. And one where the people who make the best halftime adjustments will have the advantage in the second half of 2026.
This report reflects information about re-sales of existing properties only and does not include new home sales. All the MLS information is compiled from sales reported during the cited months; this data is Known only after closing of escrow. The time delay between the signing of a sales contract and the closing of escrow is usually between one and three months. This report is provided as a service to HBR members. Note: Percentage change compares data from June 2026 to June 2025.
The Mid-Year Home Maintenance Checklist Every Hawaiʻi Homeowner Needs
Mid-year is the perfect time to give your home some extra attention and address routine maintenance before small issues become bigger repairs.
From preparing for hurricane season to protecting your property year-round, make sure you:
- Inspect your roof and clear gutters for proper drainage.
- Review your insurance coverage.
- Check for signs of termites or moisture damage.
- Trim trees and maintain your landscaping.
A little preparation now can help protect your home, preserve its value, and provide peace of mind for the months ahead.
Neighborhoods to Watch: Moanalua-Salt Lake & Waialae-Kahala
Every neighborhood tells a different story, and the right one depends on the lifestyle you’re looking for.
Moanalua-Salt Lake | Single-Family Homes
Central Oʻahu location with convenient access to Honolulu.
Established neighborhoods with space, character, and community.
Strong demand for well-located single-family homes.
Waialae-Kahala | Condominiums
Coastal lifestyle near beaches, dining, and shopping.
Desirable location for buyers seeking low-maintenance living.
Opportunities to own in one of Oʻahu’s most recognizable communities.
Explore the neighborhoods, trends, and opportunities shaping these two Oʻahu markets in 2026.
7 Upgrades That Actually Increase Home Value in Hawaiʻi
Not every home improvement project delivers the same return.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or investing in the home you love, the right upgrades can improve comfort, functionality, and buyer appeal.
High-impact improvements include:
- Fresh paint for an updated look.
- Landscaping that boosts curb appeal.
- Outdoor spaces designed for island living.
- Energy-efficient features that reduce long-term costs.
- Kitchen, bathroom, and storage upgrades that buyers value.
Discover which improvements can make the biggest difference for your Hawaiʻi home.
Can You Still Buy a Home in Hawaiʻi with Less Than 20% Down?
A 20% down payment isn’t the only path to homeownership. Many buyers may qualify for financing options that require less upfront, including:
- VA loans for eligible military buyers.
- FHA loans with lower down payment requirements.
- Conventional loans with flexible options.
- Local assistance programs that may help qualified buyers.
Understanding your options can help you take the next step toward owning a home in Hawaiʻi.
Why Searching for Real Estate is Changing
Searching for a home isn't what it used to be. Today's buyers are asking AI questions instead of typing simple keywords, and they're looking for personalized answers, neighborhood insights, and trusted local expertise.
Learn why conversational search is changing real estate, why local knowledge matters more than ever, and how these shifts are helping buyers and sellers make more informed decisions.
Celebrating Community, Culture & Our Hawai‘i Roots
Last month, we gathered at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum for our first Annual Awards Ceremony as Hawai‘i Modern Realty. Choosing this meaningful location allowed us to honor the history, culture, and spirit of Hawaiʻi that continues to inspire who we are and how we serve our communities.
Together, we recognized the agents and teams whose hard work and dedication helped make 2025 an incredible year. We also honored our Chairman, Earl Lee, for his leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact on the real estate community.
Beyond the awards, the celebration was about giving back and strengthening the connections that make our ‘ohana special. Through our slipper drive benefiting The Institute for Human Services, our brokerage donated 185 pairs of slippers to support individuals and families in need.
Watch the video to experience the highlights from this special evening HERE
