A lot to celebrate this month — a major recognition for our team leader, a new buyer under contract at Koa Ridge, and a price improvement in Mililani. Here's the latest from Hawaii Starts Here.

Joe Castaneda Named to PBN's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026

We're thrilled to share that Joe Castaneda has been named to the Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. The honor recognizes emerging leaders making a meaningful impact in business and across the community. In his own words:

"This recognition celebrates emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact in business and throughout our community, and I'm truly humbled to be included among such an inspiring group.

As I reflect on this honor, I'm reminded that it's not an individual achievement. It represents the people who have invested in me, believed in me, challenged me, and supported me throughout my journey.

Whether it's leading RE/MAX Hawaii West Oʻahu, supporting fellow real estate professionals, or serving as Board President of HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support), I've been fortunate to spend my career doing work that allows me to serve others. That has always been the most rewarding part.

To my family, friends, clients, colleagues, mentors, and everyone who has been part of this journey — thank you. Your encouragement and trust have made this recognition possible.

Congratulations to the entire Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in our community."

Please join us in congratulating Joe! Send him a note on Instagram.

Under Contract in Lau Leʻa at Koa Ridge!

We're excited to share that our buyers are officially in contract for a one-bedroom in Lau Leʻa at Koa Ridge. We're thrilled to help them take this next step toward homeownership in one of Central Oʻahu's thriving neighborhoods.

Lau Leʻa is a brand-new collection of contemporary studio, one-, and two-bedroom condominium townhomes in the heart of Koa Ridge — thoughtfully designed for today's island lifestyle, with:

• Modern finishes throughout
• Hurricane-ready construction
• A walkable, connected community all around

Interested in Lau Leʻa at Koa Ridge for yourself? Read more about Lau Leʻa at Koa Ridge.

Price Improvement at Northpointe Terrace 1 — Now $535,000

This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome just received a price improvement, making it an incredible value in one of Mililani's sought-after communities.

The residence features a well-designed, flexible floor plan with ample room, and it's move-right-in ready:

• Beautiful vinyl plank flooring throughout
• Modern ceiling fans and upgraded living room lighting
• 2 parking stalls
• Minutes from top-rated schools, parks, and the Mililani Town Center

Embrace the active Hawaiʻi lifestyle with MTA membership access to premier swimming pools, hot tubs, and tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.

View more photos

Looking for your own next step? Browse current Oʻahu listings or explore homes by neighborhood.

Let's Talk About Your Goals

Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, we'd love to help you take your next step. If you're curious about your home's value or wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, I'd be glad to put together a personalized market update.

As always, mahalo for your trust and your referrals. If you, your family, or your friends have real estate questions, I'm here as a resource.

Contact Our Team

Just listed in the heart of Honolulu — a beautifully updated, high-floor one-bedroom at 1011 Prospect with Diamond Head and ocean views, cross breezes, and a modern, move-in-ready interior. Here's a closer look.

The Highlights

• Diamond Head & ocean views from a high floor, with refreshing cross breezes throughout.
• Renovated kitchen and stylish finishes, including crown molding and a welcoming entry nook.
• Original popcorn ceilings removed, creating a brighter, cleaner, updated interior.
• Enclosed lanai adds valuable additional living space and a versatile layout.
• One covered parking stall, conveniently located near the elevator.
• Secure, well-maintained building in a prime town location.

Move-In-Ready, Inside and Out

This residence has been thoughtfully refreshed so you don't have to lift a finger. The renovated kitchen anchors a bright, modern interior, while crown molding and a welcoming entry nook add character the moment you walk in. Removing the original popcorn ceilings opened the space up and gave the whole home a cleaner, more current feel.

The enclosed lanai is the quiet standout — extra living space you can shape to fit your life, whether that's a home office, a reading corner, or a spot to take in the views and catch the trade winds.

Location in the Heart of Honolulu

Ideally situated in town, you'll enjoy easy access to shopping, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment — everything Honolulu has to offer, right outside your door.

Property Details

• Address: 1011 Prospect St., Honolulu, HI 96822
• Bedrooms / Baths: 1 BR | 1 BA
• Parking: 1 covered stall
• MLS#: 202611968
• Offered at: $425,000

View More Photos & the Full Listing

Aloha! We've officially reached the midpoint of 2026, and Oʻahu's real estate market is holding steady. Home values remain stable, buyers are active, and — perhaps most encouraging — opportunity exists across a genuinely wide range of price points.

Here's what the first six months of the year looked like, and what it means if you're thinking about making a move.

Affordability Is Still Part of the Story

The headline number this year isn't a record-high price. It's this: more than 1,000 Oʻahu properties priced at $500,000 or less sold during the first half of 2026.

That's a meaningful figure in a market often described as out of reach. And it isn't a closing window, either. At the end of June, more than 1,200 active listings in that same price range were still on the market. For buyers who have been waiting for options, they're there.

Single-Family Homes: Fast, Competitive, Confident

Inventory remains tight, but the single-family market is performing well — and moving quickly.

• Year-to-date sales are up 3.9% compared to the same period last year.
• The median sales price rose 2.6%, continuing Oʻahu's long pattern of steady, durable value.
• Homes are selling in a median of just 13 days — down sharply from 24 days a year ago.
• Sellers received a median of 100% of their original asking price, and roughly one in three homes sold above asking.
• New listings dipped slightly in June, but demand for well-priced homes stayed strong, particularly in the higher price brackets.

What This Means for Buyers

When the right home appears, be ready. Two weeks is not a long window to deliberate.

What This Means for Sellers

Pricing correctly from day one is doing real work in this market. Homes priced to the market are getting full asking — and often more.

Condominiums: More Choice, More Breathing Room

The condo market tells a different but equally healthy story — one of stability paired with flexibility.

• Condo sales climbed 10.9% in June year over year.
• June's median sales price rose 3.5% to $528,000. Year to date, the median is up 1.5%.
• Buyer activity clustered most heavily in the $500,000–$599,999 and $800,000–$999,999 ranges.
• Median days on market held steady at 40 days, giving buyers time to tour, compare, and decide.
• Active inventory sits slightly below last year's level, but selection remains healthy — and negotiating conditions are more balanced than we've seen in several years.

If the single-family market rewards decisiveness, the condo market rewards diligence. There's room to be thoughtful.

What This All Means for You

Oʻahu's market is finding balance. Single-family homes remain highly competitive and fast-moving. Condominiums offer flexibility, selection, and a more even footing between buyer and seller.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or looking at an investment, this market has a lane for you.

Want to go deeper? View the full June 2026 market statistics report for the complete breakdown.

You can also browse current Oʻahu listings or explore homes by neighborhood.

Every Neighborhood Has Its Own Story

Island-wide statistics are useful, but they're a starting point — not an answer. Real estate is intensely local, and the numbers on your street may look quite different from the numbers above.

If you're curious what your home is worth today, or you're weighing whether now is the right moment to buy or sell, I'd be glad to put together a personalized market update and talk through your goals.

As always, mahalo for your trust and your referrals. If you, your family, or your friends have real estate questions, I'm here as a resource.

Request Your Personalized Market Update

Happy Fourth of July weekend! As we celebrate the holiday, we’re reflecting on another rewarding week across O‘ahu — from closing our Kapahulu listing, to helping buyers secure their dream home, to guiding clients through the latest Nanahea at Ho‘opili release. Here’s what’s happening this week at Hawaii Starts Here.

🏡 Just Sold: Kapahulu

📸 View on Instagram

We’re excited to share the successful sale of our beautiful single-family listing in the highly sought-after Kapahulu neighborhood!

Representing the seller, we were honored to guide this home through the selling process to a successful closing. Located just minutes from Diamond Head, Kapi‘olani Park, and Waikīkī, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offered the perfect combination of island charm, modern updates, and an unbeatable location.

A heartfelt thank you to our clients for trusting us with such an important milestone. Congratulations to the new homeowners — we wish you many happy memories in your new home!

🔑 Another One Closed!

📸 View on Instagram

Congratulations to our buyers on the purchase of their beautiful new home! It’s been an absolute pleasure helping them through this exciting milestone, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust they placed in our team. Wishing them many years of happiness, unforgettable memories, and countless celebrations in the place they’ll now call home.

🏡 Nanahea at Ho‘opili Released — Be Ready for the Next Opportunity

D.R. Horton recently released another phase of Nanahea at Ho‘opili, their newest collection of detached condominium homes in Kapolei. As expected, these homes were offered on a first-come, first-served basis, making preparation essential for buyers hoping to secure a home.

This release featured spacious 4- and 5-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 1,633 to 1,859 square feet, with pricing starting in the low $1.03M range and estimated move-ins beginning in September 2026.

If you weren’t able to reserve a home this time, don’t worry — more releases are expected. The best way to improve your chances is to be prepared before the next release is announced. We’ll help you:

• Get pre-qualified with the appropriate lender
• Understand the reservation process
• Review floor plans and pricing ahead of time
• Receive updates as soon as new releases are announced

Thinking about Nanahea or another new construction community? Reach out to our team today so you’re ready when the next opportunity becomes available.

📱 Contact Our Team

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.

What a week — we just went under contract on three different properties across O‘ahu, representing both buyers and sellers during an active stretch of the market. Here’s what’s happening this week at Hawaii Starts Here.

🏡 Under Contract: Kailua — Hillcrest

Our buyers are officially in contract on a beautiful 4-bedroom, 5-bath single-family home in Kailua! We’re thrilled to help them take this next step toward homeownership in one of O‘ahu’s most sought-after communities.

🏙️ In Escrow: Iolani Court Plaza

We’re officially in escrow at Iolani Court Plaza! It’s always rewarding to work with repeat clients, and we’re honored to be guiding them through another successful home purchase. Mahalo for your continued trust and confidence in our team.

🌿 In Escrow: Hillside Terrace 3 Listing

We’re also officially in escrow on our Hillside Terrace 3 listing. We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent the seller and help guide this beautiful home into its next chapter. Mahalo to everyone involved for their teamwork and collaboration throughout the process.

📈 Opportunities Across O‘ahu

These transactions are a reminder that opportunities continue to exist across O‘ahu’s real estate market for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re considering purchasing your first home, upgrading, investing, or preparing to sell, having the right strategy and guidance can make all the difference.

Thank you to our clients for trusting us with such important milestones. We look forward to helping more families and individuals achieve their real estate goals.

📱 Thinking About Making a Move? Contact Our Team

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.

A beautifully maintained 2-bedroom townhome just hit the market in Mililani Mauka’s serene Northpointe Terrace 1 community — here are all the details.

🏡 New Listing: Northpointe Terrace 1 in Mililani Mauka

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hawaii Starts Here | REMAX Hawaii West Oahu (@hawaiistartshere)

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in Mililani Mauka’s serene Northpointe Terrace community. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome features a well-designed, flexible floor plan with ample room.

Move-right-in ready, the home boasts:

• Beautiful laminate flooring
• Modern ceiling fans
• Upgraded living room lighting
• Two parking stalls

Mililani Lifestyle & Amenities

You’re just minutes away from top-rated schools, parks, and the Mililani Town Center. Embrace the active Hawai‘i lifestyle with MTA (Mililani Town Association) membership access to:

• Premier swimming pools and hot tubs
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Basketball courts

Listing Details

• Address: 95-1071 Ka‘apeha St. #98, Mililani, HI 96789
• Beds / Baths / Parking: 2 BR | 2 BA | 2 Parking
• Listed by: Joe Castaneda (R) of REMAX Hawai‘i West Oahu

Please note: photos were taken prior to tenant moving in, and some images have been virtually staged (enhanced).

👉 View the Full Listing

👉 View More Information on Instagram

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.

D.R. Horton is releasing more brand-new homes at Nanahea at Ho‘opili on Saturday, June 13, 2026. If you’ve been waiting for a new construction home in Ewa Beach, this is your chance — and we’d love to represent you.

🏡 New Home Release at Nanahea at Ho‘opili

D.R. Horton Hawai‘i is releasing more homes at Nanahea at Ho‘opili, their newest single-family detached condominium community in Ewa Beach. These homes are offered on a first come, first served basis — meaning the earlier you’re prepared, the better your chances of securing one.

Release Date & Location

• Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Address: Ho'opili Pōhaku Estates Sales Center at 91-4116 Hikuha Street, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
• Note: Homes are subject to owner-occupant rules — we’ll walk you through what that means for your purchase

Homes Available in This Release

All homes include an Upgrade Package and are scheduled for completion in September 2026.

🌟 Why Buyers Love Nanahea

Nanahea is a fresh take on new construction in one of O‘ahu’s most thoughtfully planned master-planned communities. Here’s what makes it stand out for buyers:

• Brand-new construction — no deferred maintenance, modern layouts, and builder warranties
• Single-family detached homes structured as condominiums — offering the feel of a home with simplified ownership
• Located in Ho‘opili, an established community with parks, schools, dining, shopping, and easy access to the H-1
• A first come, first served process — no bidding wars over asking, no escalation clauses

🔎 What First-Time & New-Construction Buyers Should Know

Buying a brand-new home from a developer is different from buying resale — and that’s where having your own agent matters. As a buyer at a new home release, you should know:

• You can (and should) bring your own Realtor. The sales agents at the developer’s sales center represent the builder — not you. Having your own representation ensures someone is advocating for your interests.
• Preparation matters. First come, first served releases reward buyers who are pre-approved, decision-ready, and clear on their priorities before release day.
• The fine print is real. Condominium documents, HOA budgets, builder contracts, and warranty terms all deserve a careful review — we walk you through it.
• Financing options may include developer incentives. We can help you compare those against outside lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

🤝 Let Our Team Represent You

We’ve helped many buyers successfully purchase at Ho‘opili and across O‘ahu’s new home communities. From getting you pre-approved with a trusted lender to walking through the sales contract line by line, we’ll make sure you’re positioned for success on release day.

Whether this is your first home or your next, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — and our services come at no cost to you as the buyer.

📧 Email Us About Nanahea

📱 Contact Our Team

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.

Aloha Friends — as we head into summer, here’s a look at what happened across O‘ahu’s housing market in May 2026, plus what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors.

As we head into summer, O‘ahu’s housing market continues to show signs of steady activity and opportunity. Buyers are returning to the market, inventory is improving in many price ranges, and well-positioned properties are continuing to attract strong interest.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply staying informed, I believe understanding what’s happening in today’s market helps you make better decisions when the time is right.

Here’s a quick look at what happened across O‘ahu in May.

🏡 Single-Family Homes Continue to Lead the Market

The biggest story from May was the continued strength of the single-family home market.

• 255 homes sold, up 8.5% from last year
• Median sales price remained stable at $1.166M
• Homes sold in a median of just 13 days
• 35% of homes sold above asking price, up from 29% a year ago
• New listings increased 3.3%, providing more choices for buyers

These numbers tell us that demand for single-family homes remains healthy, especially for well-priced properties in desirable neighborhoods.

🏢 Condo Market Remains More Balanced

The condominium market continues to offer buyers additional opportunities and negotiating room.

• 339 condo sales, down 9.4% from last year
• Median sales price at $520,000
• Average time on market increased to 43 days
• New condo listings remained relatively stable
• Buyers continue to benefit from more available inventory and less competition than we’ve seen in recent years

For first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors, today’s condo market may offer some of the best opportunities we’ve seen in quite some time.

📈 Buyers Are Staying Active

One encouraging trend is that pending sales increased in both market segments:

• Single-family home pending sales increased 8.8%
• Condo pending sales increased 7.0%

This tells us that despite higher interest rates and affordability challenges, many buyers are still moving forward with their plans and taking advantage of the inventory available today.

In fact, properties priced at $500,000 and below accounted for 157 sales in May, showing continued demand for more attainable housing options across O‘ahu.

🏘 More Options for Local Buyers

As we recognize National Homeownership Month in June, it’s also encouraging to see programs designed to help local families achieve homeownership continue to gain traction.

The Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation recently celebrated the first homeowners who purchased through its Hale Kama‘āina Mortgage Program, which offers below-market financing to qualified local residents. Programs like these can make a meaningful difference for first-time buyers looking to establish roots here in Hawai‘i.

If you’re curious about available financing programs, down payment assistance options, or local buyer incentives, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news from our team — Joe Castaneda has been nominated for Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.

⭐ A Prestigious Recognition

Dear Friends, Clients, and Community Partners,

We’re excited to share some wonderful news from our team.

Our Team Lead and Principal Broker, Joe Castaneda, has been nominated for Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 — a prestigious recognition that honors emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact in business and throughout our community.

🌴 A Commitment to Community

This nomination reflects Joe’s dedication to serving others — whether through his leadership at REMAX Hawaii West O‘ahu, his commitment to supporting real estate professionals, or his service as Board President of HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support). More importantly, it represents the relationships, partnerships, and community connections that have shaped his journey.

Joe is the first to say that accomplishments like this are never achieved alone. They are made possible by the trust and support of clients, colleagues, family, friends, and community organizations who share a commitment to helping others succeed.

🧡 A Heartfelt Thank You

As a team, we are incredibly proud of this recognition and grateful to work alongside a leader who consistently invests in people, gives back to the community, and strives to make a positive difference both professionally and personally.

Please join us in congratulating Joe on this well-deserved honor, as well as all of the outstanding nominees who have been recognized this year.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for allowing us the privilege of serving you and our community.

Warm regards,
Team Castaneda | Hawaii Starts Here

A beautifully renovated 2-bedroom townhome just hit the market in Aiea’s highly desirable Hillside Terrace 3 community — here are all the details.

🏡 New Listing: Aiea Townhome at Hillside Terrace 3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hawaii Starts Here | REMAX Hawaii West Oahu (@hawaiistartshere)

Welcome to this beautifully renovated 2BR/1.5BA townhome in highly desirable Hillside Terrace 3! Spanning 1,187 sq ft, this spacious home features a private entry courtyard and an open-concept kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Recent Updates & Features

• Fresh interior paint throughout
• Durable vinyl plank flooring
• Quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances
• Private lanai
• In-unit laundry
• Enclosed 1-car garage
• Additional uncovered stall located right across from the unit

Close to guest parking and just minutes from shopping, schools, dining, and easy freeway access.

Listing Details

• Address: 98-1451 Ka‘ahumanu St. #E221, Aiea, HI 96701
• Beds / Baths / Parking: 2 BR | 1.5 BA | 2 Parking
• Interior: 1,187 sq ft
• Listed by: Joe Castaneda (R) of REMAX Hawai‘i West Oahu

👉 Watch the Home Tour on Instagram

Mahalo for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your real estate journey.