Between its radiant beaches and sublime weather, it’s no wonder Hawaii is frequently deemed one of the most exquisite places on the planet. Stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, the glimmering Pacific, 10 of the world’s 14 climates, warm, welcoming energy, and even volcanoes crowned with snow — all have enticed people to the islands’ shores for centuries.

Not just to visit either: year after year, Hawaii is named one of the best places to live in the nation. It’s now called home — at least part of the time — by everyone from Jeff Bezos and Beyoncé to Paul Simon and Oprah.

Ahmad Mohammadi of Hawaii Luxury Real Estate understands just how coveted the Big Island is — just as he knows precisely how to find the perfect home for his clients. Read on for his ultimate Hawaii homebuying guide and gain a sense of the distinct and remarkable regions on the Western side of the Big Island.

Big Island

From sprawling waterfront homes to rustic “upcountry” mansions, Hawaii’s real estate scene isn’t just luscious: it’s also booming across all of the major islands, including Hawaii’s largest, the aptly nicknamed Big Island.

Comprised of 4,028 square miles — rendering it more immense than all of the other islands in the Hawaiian chain combined — the Big Island’s greatest draw is its range of dramatic splendors. Fields of jagged lava, miles of untouched coastline, verdant forests flourishing with unique flora and fauna, the tallest active volcano in the world — this is just a small sampling of the marvels the island of Hawaii has to offer.

Accordingly, home values on the island have skyrocketed while new, master-planned residential communities are in development, enticing people from around the globe to set down roots in the Aloha State.

Kohala Coast

The Kohala Coast is where the island of Hawaii began. Home to the oldest of the five volcanoes that created the Big Island, Kohala is steeped in a rich history, from being the birthplace of the first King of Hawaii, Kamehameha I, to operating as a thriving fishing village for ancient Hawaiians. Located on the northwest side of the island, Kohala also boasts Hapuna Beach Park — a luminous, half-mile-long golden-sand beach that draws dozens of children to its shore break.

The recreational activities along the Kohala Coast are unbeatable. From swimming in the silky Pacific and hiking to the Pololu Valley Lookout to night-diving with Manta Rays and golfing on courses with views of the outlying islands, the Kohala Coast teems with outdoor pleasures. Meanwhile, rolling hills and serrated cliffs constantly remind you of Earth’s boundless wonders.

As storied of a past as Kohala might have, it’s also brimming with modern luxury. In addition to possessing a host of Hawaii luxury properties, ranging from bright and airy dwellings to secluded homes with second-to-none views, the Kohala Coast — which has been dubbed the Gold Coast — features lavish resorts, a host of fine dining venues, excellent shopping, spas imbued with the Hawaiian touch (like Hawaiian sea salt and orange peel restorative baths and lomilomi massages), and impeccable golf courses. Life here is sun-drenched and luxuriant — all set against a majestic, rugged-but-refined backdrop.

Below are three of its top regions.

Mauna Lani Resort

First-rate snorkeling — in bath water-warm, turquoise water, no less — expansive views, and championship-caliber golf courses await you at Mauna Lani. In other words, this elegant resort community, nestled along the bright and striking Kohala Coast, lives up to its name: Mauna Lani translates to “Mountains Reaching the Heavens” and is nearly breathtaking in its beauty.

Here, you will find a range of Hawaii luxury homes, including tropical-inspired beachside villas and expansive properties equipped with shimmering infinity pools and lush landscaping. Mauna Lani condos are just as enticing, offering panoramic vistas, contemporary touches, and extravagant amenities, such as Olympic-size pools and pristine tennis courts.

Mauna Kea

Ahmad Mohammadi, a real estate agent in the area, is well aware that the details of one’s dream home are as individual as a fingerprint. This comes into play with Hawaii Luxury Real Estate’s listings in the desirable Mauna Kea community, an area that epitomizes taste and distinction. Here, island-inspired Hawaii luxury villas are a short distance away from culturally-significant sites and the glorious, sun-splashed crescent Kauna‘oa  — an idyllic gem frequently named one of the best beaches in the country.

Whether you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mauna Kea condominium or a private estate that redefines grace, this tranquil enclave — complete with access to world-class golf and tennis — is certainly not to be missed on your journey toward identifying, and procuring, the perfect home in Hawaii.

Waikoloa Beach

Waikoloa real estate is having its moment in the sun — literally — and for a wholly-understandable reason, too: swank and sophisticated, this, as with the other regions listed above, is where you can peer in one direction to glimpse the Big Island’s magnificent, globally renowned volcanos and in another to be floored by the combination of onyx lava, alabaster sand, and gleaming aqua water. (From November to May, you might also just spot a Humpback Whale or two.)

Presenting an array of luxury residences — from extravagant seaside homes outfitted with the finest, resort-grade finishes to gorgeous condominiums with sweeping views of the Pacific — Waikoloa enjoys proximity to high-end resorts, superb dining, the cafes and retailers at Waikoloa Plaza, and the locally-loved arbiter of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Merriman’s.

Work with Hawaii Luxury Real Estate

Searching for luxury real estate in one of the most extraordinary places in the world? Ahmad Mohammadi has you covered. From premier real estate lots in upscale communities with picturesque views to posh homes ideal for entertaining, Mohammadi has a finger on the pulse of Hawaii’s most promising and splendid properties. Combining 35 years of selling experience with an in-depth knowledge of luxury building and subdivision development, he specializes in the dazzling treasures that are waiting to be discovered across the Big Island of Hawaii. Reach out to him today to start paving the way to a luxe life in the Aloha State.