Big Island Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii MLS | Homes for Sale

32 years ago I moved to the Big Island to get involved in the Kona Coffee Industry.  Since then I have learned not only how to grow Kona Coffee but have learned quite a bit about the early immigrant farmer and what it took to create this incredible industry.

But let’s start with when the Kona Coffee plant first arrived here in Hawaii. It was brought here by King Kamehameha’s interpreter and physician Don Francisco de Paula y Marin in 1813. In 1828 Samuel Ruggles then brought it to Kona and that is when the story begins. 

Kona and coffee were found to be a perfect match.  The rich volcanic soil and perfect climatic conditions caused the Arabica variety of coffee to thrive.  Add to that the hard working families that had migrated here from Japan and the Philippines to find a better life, and you have an industry today that is one of the economic main stay for our bountiful Big Island. 

In my next blog for those who are interested I will continue on about what it took to get this wonderful industry that is dear to my heart going.  If you haven’t had a cup of 100% Pure KONA Coffee you don’t know what you are missing!

www.konahistorical.org  (visit the Kona Coffee Historical Farm while you are here)

By Casey Delo Santos, RB, Ecobroker      
808-896-6155
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www.buybigisland.com

"It's a great time to dive into real estate!"

On December 3, 2011, intrepid explorers from Coldwell Banker Maryl Realty trusted their fearless, if somewhat, sometimes lost leader, Bud Norwood, on a 48 mile off the road adventure around the North East flank of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

Starting from the Saddle Road, the five vehicle caravan made a stop at the David Douglas Memorial “Kaluakauka” or “Doctor’s Pit”, the site of the mysterious death of famed botanist, David Douglas, in 1832. 

After a short hike and tail gate lunch the group proceeded through a landscape of Koa forest, Hawaiian Nene geese, Parker Ranch pastures and enough mud to please any car wash owner. Ann Losansky brought home enough dirt on her once new Lexus “Black Beauty” to start a vegetable garden. 

The final stop before Waimea and the road back to Kona was at Jim and MJ Allison’s house for refreshments and a visit with their new son, RJ. 

All in all, a great time was had by all!

Click here to view a slideshow of the Mana Road Trip.

To find out about real estate on the Big Island, contact me directly at (808) 331-3244 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 "Not just another pretty face"

The humpback whales are back!  Every year from November until May over 1000 humpback whales migrate to the warm water off of the Hawaiian Islands.  You think you travel far to visit us here in Hawaii! Well these majestic animals come from as far north as the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, as far east as Glacier Bay and as far south as the Farallon Islands off the coast of California.  This 3500 mile journey from their summer feeding areas takes between 1 to 2 months.  The purpose of their journey is to ensure their pregnant females and mothers with newborns spend the majority of their time growing in the warm waters of Hawaii.  After spending several months in Hawaii they swim back to their northern homes, not eating just defending their new born calves.  If you listen carefully you can hear the song of the humpback while swimming at one of our many beautiful beaches.  I have heard them at Kua Bay, Makalawena and even at White Sands beach in Kailua-Kona, depending on where they are frolicking in our warm blue waters.  Another great adventure is to take one of our many whale watching tours that have a knack of finding these whales.  Most often you will catch one of these amazing creators breeching, or flapping their tails on top of the water.  And what a site this is, get your cameras ready, it’s a picture you won’t want to miss. And it’s just one of the many wonders of our beautiful Hawaiian islands.

 Wow! The Fab Two!

Coldwell Banker Maryl Realty is honored that West Hawaii Association of Realtors voted two of our own, Karen Ostlie "Realtor of the Year" and Bridget Andrew "Rookie of the Year".  Fantastic and well-deserved! Congratulations!

To find out about real estate on the Big Island, contact me directly at (808) 331-3244 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 "Not just another pretty face"