January 25, 2026
When it comes to buying or selling real estate on Hawaii Island, local knowledge isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Being born and raised on the Big Island gives me a deep, lived understanding of the communities, neighborhoods, culture, and lifestyle that shape this market. As a licensed broker and Realtor, I combine that local foundation with professional expertise to help clients make confident, well-informed real estate decisions.
Whether you’re searching for a luxury resort home, a primary residence, a second home, or an investment property, working with someone who truly knows the island makes all the difference.
The Big Island is not a single, uniform market. Each area has its own personality, price dynamics, zoning considerations, climate, and long-term value drivers.
Local knowledge means understanding:
Which neighborhoods hold value over time
How microclimates affect lifestyle and property maintenance
Where development is expanding and where it is restricted
How zoning and land use impact future use
Which areas support vacation rentals, long-term rentals, or owner-occupancy
These details don’t always appear in listing descriptions but they directly affect your investment and quality of life.
Growing up on Hawaii Island provides perspective that can’t be learned from data alone.
It means knowing:
How communities have evolved over decades
Which areas locals choose to live in
How seasonal patterns affect traffic, tourism, and rental demand
Where families settle, where retirees gravitate, and where investors succeed
This lived experience helps me guide clients beyond surface-level information and into meaningful insight.
In addition to local roots, I bring professional training and experience in:
Residential and luxury real estate
Resort and condominium sales
Investment and vacation rental properties
Pricing strategy and market analysis
Contract negotiation and due diligence
Real estate transactions in Hawaii involve unique processes, disclosures, and regulations. Having a knowledgeable professional on your side ensures that every step is handled carefully and correctly.
Buying or selling in Hawaii differs from many mainland markets.
Some examples include:
Fee simple vs. leasehold ownership
Condominium Property Regime (CPR)
Short-term vacation rental (STVR) regulations
Resort zoning vs. non-resort zoning
Lava zones, flood zones, and shoreline rules
My role is to explain these factors clearly so you can make decisions with confidence.
If you are purchasing property on the Big Island, I help you:
Identify the right areas based on your goals
Evaluate properties beyond surface appeal
Understand true ownership costs
Navigate financing or cash purchases
Conduct proper inspections and due diligence
Negotiate strategically
Whether you are buying your first home in Hawaii or expanding a real estate portfolio, you deserve straightforward and honest guidance.
If you are selling, I focus on:
Accurate pricing based on current market data
Strategic marketing and presentation
Professional photography and digital exposure
Positioning your property to attract qualified buyers
Negotiating for your best outcome
The goal is always to protect your equity and maximize value.
The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s most prestigious resort communities, including Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Kukio, Kohanaiki, and other high-end enclaves.
These markets require specialized knowledge of HOA rules, resort operations, rental policies, and ownership structures. I regularly work with clients seeking luxury residences and resort condominiums, ensuring expectations are clear from the start.
I approach real estate as a long-term relationship, not a one-time transaction.
Buying or selling a home is a significant financial and personal decision. My role is to be a steady, honest resource throughout the process, someone you can rely on for clear answers, realistic guidance, and thoughtful strategy.
I take the time to understand your goals, timeline, and concerns so I can provide advice that truly aligns with what you want to achieve, not what simply moves a deal forward.
I believe in:
Clear, straightforward communication
Honest feedback even when it’s not the easiest answer
Education before pressure
Advocating for your best interest at every stage
Many of my clients come back for future purchases, sales, and referrals because they know I treat their decisions with care and respect. That level of trust is something I work to earn and never take lightly.
If you’re considering buying or selling real estate on the Big Island, I would be honored to help.
Whether you need local insight, market guidance, or a strategic plan, you deserve representation rooted in both local knowledge and professional experience.
Contact me to start a conversation and explore your options.
Lailan Bento is the principal broker and co-founder of Hawai’i Development Group, where she is recognized for her integrity, expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction. She began her career in the governor’s office, gaining invaluable experience in Hawai’i laws and regulations, before establishing herself as a respected businesswoman in real estate. Known for her relentless drive and commitment to going above and beyond, Lailan’s love for her island home and community is at the heart of her work, making her a true embodiment of the spirit of Aloha.
📍 75-5915 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
📞 (808) 936-1800
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