Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers released on May 6 an update on Kauai’s condominium market, reporting a significant drop in sales and notable changes in pricing through the end of April 2026.
The update is important for both buyers and sellers, as it highlights how the majority of Kauai condos are vacation rentals rather than primary residences. This makes the condo market more volatile compared to single-family homes, with luxury assets feeling economic pressures sooner.
Island-wide condominium sales fell by nearly 29 percent compared to last year, with only 74 units sold versus 104 during the same period previously. The North Shore experienced the largest decrease at over 41 percent, followed by smaller declines on the South Shore and in Lihue. According to Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, “the North Shore took the hardest hit, which isn’t surprising given that its inventory skews toward higher-end vacation rental properties.”
For April specifically, there were just 20 condo sales this year compared to 28 last year. The average days on market increased slightly from 84 to 92 days. However, sellers are adjusting their strategies: “the sold price as a percentage of original list price… came in at 92.85%, up from 89.93% last April,” said Lynda Gill of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers.
Median prices reflect different trends depending on location and use type. Island-wide median price dropped by about $130,000 or over fourteen percent since last year. While South Shore and North Shore both saw decreases in median price—down roughly four percent and nineteen percent respectively—Lihue’s median rose sharply by more than thirty-three percent despite fewer overall sales.
Lihue stands out because its condos serve local residents rather than visitors: “they serve a ‘have to have’ purpose for local residents, and that demand is holding strong,” Gill said.
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers operates as a locally owned independent company affiliated with licensed REALTORS; it employs more than three hundred thirty agents across twenty offices statewide according to the official website. Matt Beall serves as CEO and founder of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Gill said updated numbers will be provided next month.
