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Celebrate Legacy and Culture: Kamehameha Day 2025 on O’ahu
Every June, Hawaiʻi comes alive with vibrant colors, cultural pride, and deep reverence as we honor one of the most iconic figures in Hawaiian history—King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands. This year marks the 108th King Kamehameha Celebration, and Oʻahu is preparing for a spectacular weekend of festivities you won’t want to miss.
🌺 The Floral Parade – A Living Tribute
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Route: From ʻIolani Palace down Punchbowl Street, Ala Moana Boulevard, Kalākaua Avenue, ending at Queen Kapiʻolani Park
The King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade is a breathtaking display of Hawaiian heritage. Expect to see floral floats, marching bands, and the iconic Pāʻū riders—equestrians adorned in traditional garments representing each Hawaiian island. The parade also features Royal Societies, cultural organizations, and community groups, all paying homage to the legacy of Kamehameha the Great
🎉 Stay for the Hoʻolauleʻa – A Hawaiian Block Party
After the parade, the celebration continues with a Hoʻolauleʻa (community festival) at Queen Kapiʻolani Park. This lively gathering is a feast for the senses, featuring:
- Live Hawaiian music and hula performances
- Local food vendors serving up plate lunches, shave ice, and more
- Cultural demonstrations and artisan booths
- Family-friendly activities and keiki zones
It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the aloha spirit, connect with the community, and celebrate Hawaiian culture in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
🛑 Plan Ahead: Traffic and Parking
Road closures will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Downtown Honolulu and follow the parade route. If you’re attending, consider arriving early, using public transportation, or carpooling to avoid congestion
🌈 Why It Matters
Kamehameha Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. It honors a leader whose vision shaped the Hawaiian Kingdom and whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
📚 Resources for More Information
- Official Event Schedule & Updates: KamehamehaDay.Hawaii.gov
- King Kamehameha Celebration Commission: sfca.hawaii.gov
- Lei Draping Ceremony Protocol (PDF): View PDF
Market Update – April 2025
Both single-family home and condo sales declined in April. Single-family home sales fell 8.0% year-over- year with 241 closed sales, while condo transactions dropped 8.4% to 395. Year-to-date, sales volume remains behind 2024 levels, down 5.3% for single-family homes and 2.3% for condos.
The median sales price for a single-family home rose 6.4% year-over-year to $1,170,000, a 0.9% uptick from March. Meanwhile, the condo median price dipped 4.4% to $505,000 year-over-year, up 1.0% month-over-month. Properties also spent more time on the market in April. The median days on market for single-family homes increased to 29 days, up from 17 a year ago, while condos rose to 43 days, up from 29.
In the single-family market, sales declined across most price points, with the $700,000 to $999,999 range experiencing the sharpest drop, falling 28.1% from 96 to 69 transactions. Condos saw the largest decrease in the $400,000 to $499,999 range, down 33.3% from 78 to 52 sales. In contrast, the $200,000 to $399,999 condo range was one of the few to see an increase, rising 31.0% from 84 to 110 transactions.
Affordability remains top of mind for many condo buyers, who continue to weigh financing and rising monthly maintenance fees alongside listing prices. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76% as of May 1, while the first quarter average stood at 6.83%, according to Freddie Mac. Buyers faced a growing selection of listings in April as new listing volume continued to climb across both markets. In the single-family home segment, 366 new listings were added, up 4.9% year-over-year. Of these new listings, homes priced in the $600,000 to $999,999 range increased 26.8% year-over-year to 123 listings. In contrast, new listings in the $1,000,000 to $1,299,999 range declined 20.9%, falling from 91 to 72. New condo listings rose more significantly, with 851 units in April—a 29.7% year-over-year increase. Nearly 60% of those condo listings were priced at $599,999 and below.
Active inventory grew in both markets, ending the month with 805 single-family homes and 2,512 condos available for sale—up 30.3% and 59.4%, respectively, compared to April 2024. Fewer properties closed above the original asking price in April, reflecting a shift in buyer and seller dynamics. Among single-family home sales, 27% closed above asking, down from 33% in April 2024. In the condo market, just 9% of transactions sold above the original asking price, compared to 15% a year ago.
SOURCE: Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, residential resales data compiled from HiCentral MLS, Ltd
Navigating Honolulu’s Vacation Rental Boom: What New Rules Mean for Locals and Visitors
As Honolulu continues to grapple with the impacts of tourism on local communities, a recent shift in policy has led to a dramatic rise in vacation rental registrations. In this insightful article from Honolulu Civil Beat, reporter Ben Angarone explores how streamlined regulations have doubled the number of registered short-term rentals in designated resort zones—while also highlighting the ongoing challenges of enforcement and fairness. Whether you’re a resident, property owner, or visitor, this piece sheds light on the evolving landscape of vacation rentals in Hawaiʻi. Read the full article here.
Discover the Best Senior Discounts on Oahu
Discover the Best Senior Discounts on Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, the heart of Hawaii, offers a plethora of discounts for seniors, making it easier to enjoy the island’s beauty and activities without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these deals are sure to enhance your experience.
Dining Discounts
- Zippy’s: Enjoy a 10% discount on your entire check. Perfect for a casual meal with local flavors.
- Gyotaku: Take advantage of their special senior menu priced at $9.95 all day, every day[1].
- Big City Diner: Don’t miss the Super-Duper Early-Bird Special – two fresh local eggs any style with bacon or link sausage and rice for just $5.99 during the first hour they’re open[1].
- Chili’s: Seniors aged 55 and above can enjoy a 10% discount on their meals.
Retail Discounts
- Ross Dress for Less: Seniors get a 10% discount every Tuesday, making it a great day to shop for bargains[1].
- Don Quijote: This popular store offers various discounts and deals, perfect for finding unique items and everyday essentials[2].
- Foodland: Every Thursday, seniors aged 60 and above can save 5% on groceries. Just ask for the Senior Thursdays discount and show your ID
Entertainment Discounts
- Consolidated Theatres: Seniors can enjoy movie tickets at a discounted rate of $9.75 to $13.00, depending on the location[1].
- Bishop Museum: Seniors aged 65+ can explore this cultural treasure for around $12.95[3].
- Waikiki Aquarium: Admission for seniors is about $5, making it an affordable way to spend the day[3].
Activity Discounts
- Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives: Seniors 65+ can visit for around $8[3].
- Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii: Seniors 70+ can enjoy this cultural experience for about $5[3].
- USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park: Seniors can explore this historic site for around $8[3].
Travel and Accommodation Discounts
- Outrigger Hotels: Travelers aged 50 and older can receive a 20% discount off regular rates, with an additional 5% off for AARP members[4].
- AARP Travel Center: Find all-inclusive hotel deals with senior discounts, ensuring a comfortable and affordable stay[5].
Tips for Maximizing Discounts
- Plan Ahead: Check the specific days and times when discounts are available to make the most of your savings.
- Carry ID: Always have a valid ID to verify your age and eligibility for senior discounts.
- Join AARP: Membership can provide additional discounts and benefits at various locations.
Oahu offers a wealth of opportunities for seniors to enjoy the island’s offerings at a reduced cost. From dining and shopping to entertainment and travel, these discounts make it easier to experience the best of Hawaii. I’d love to hear from you! If you know of any other great senior discounts or activities on Oahu, please share your recommendations. Your tips can help others make the most of their time on this beautiful island.
Monthly Stats Report – October 2024
Single-family homes and condos experienced a year-over-year increase in sales. Both markets began the fourth quarter ahead of last year, with single-family home sales rising 22.5%, from 213 to 261 sales, and condo sales increasing modestly by 1.5%, from 399 to 405 sales. Month-overmonth, single-family home sales rose 20.3%, and condo sales grew 10.7%.
Year-over-year the median price for single-family homes remained unchanged at $1,100,000, while condos saw a 1.9% increase to $525,000. Compared to October 2023, median days on market remained steady, with single-family homes at 16 days, down from 18, and condos at 26 days, up from 21.
Compared to last October, single-family home sales increased modestly across most price points, with the largest gains occurring in the ‘Ewa Plain and Pearl City regions, up 42.4% and 76.5%, respectively. Condo sales in the $400,000 to $699,999 range rose 14.9%, from 168 to 193 sales, while sales at the lower ($399,999 and below) and higher ($700,000 and up) price points saw slight declines. Overall, condo sales remained steady year-over-year, with a 14.1% drop in the Metro region balanced by gains in the Central and Pearl City regions, which rose 37% and 64.7%, respectively.
Active inventory remained high year-over-year, with single-family home listings rising 18.4% to 741 and condos increasing 49.8% to 1,957 by the end of October. Single-family homes priced at $1,300,000 and above grew 34% to 402 units, while condos listed in the $300,000 to $599,999 range skyrocketed 76.5% to 865 listings. Single-family home inventory increased most prominently in regions such as Central, Diamond Head, Kailua, Kaneohe, Leeward, and North Shore, while condo inventory more than doubled in Diamond Head, Hawai‘i Kai, and North Shore. New listings increased in October, with single-family homes rising 9.6% to 298 and condos up 5.5% to 597 year-over-year.
Single-family home contract signings rose 30.2% year-over-year, with pending sales increasing from 192 to 250. The $900,000 to $1,399,999 price range saw the largest gain in contract signings, with a 58.2% increase in pending sales compared to last October. Additionally, 31% of single-family homes closed above the original asking price, compared to 29% last year. The condo market experienced a modest 1.8% dip in contract signings, totaling 319 pending sales; however, condos priced between $900,000 and $1,999,999 surged 57.7% in contract activity, while those in the $2,000,000 and above range slumped by 66.7%. Condos closing above asking accounted for 17% of sales, slightly down from 18% a year ago.
SOURCE: Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, residential resales data compiled from HiCentral MLS, Ltd.®©2024. Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
