Kauai Second Homes

Remember Puff the Magic Dragon, who lived by the sea? He still does, in the land called Hanalei. It's the north end of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Every night as the sun sinks over the dragon-ridge, into the blue sea, slack key guitarists play Puff's song, while locals and tourists revel in the balmy atmosphere.

With my editor heading off on a jaunt to Puff's magical land, I checked into second homes there, hoping she could find one for me. Although Kauai is one of the least developed of the islands, the real estate prices are over the top. With a median price of a single family home at $700,000 (up from $250k 5 years ago), and condos at $440,000 there's not much bargaining space. Even buying ag land is pricey.  If I grow papayas, and pay $200,000 for a parcel, I can build my house for about $400 per sq foot. Not sure that papayas will cover that. Perhaps the best option for Kauai are the timeshares and resort vacation ownership, in places like Princeville. Otherwise, you may have settle for short term visits. Is this why Puff finally 'ceased his fearless roar?'

Comments

[Murrieta Home Rentals]

I would love to have a rental or second home on Kauai, who wouldn't? Hopefully they're cheap, I'll look into them. Thanks for the post.

[Super Jumbo Mortgage]

Hawaii is such a beatiful place to have another home.

Thank you for the article.

[Steve Cohen]

Kauai is beautiful.