The O’ahu Post-Closing Checklist Every New Homeowner Needs
You got the keys. Now what? Here’s how to protect your investment and get settled the right way — from someone who’s been through it on this island. By Desmond Cura, REALTOR® · RE/MAX Hawai’i West O’ahu | ⏱ Estimated Read: ~4 min I still remember the feeling of walking through the front door of […]
Four Years In: What Nobody Tells You About Being a Full-Time REALTOR®
“The honest lessons from a Coast Guard veteran who traded sea duty for escrows — and wouldn’t trade it back.” Desmond Cura • REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu • 5 minute read Real Estate Insights Four years ago, I walked out of the United States Coast Guard after 20 years of service and stepped into a […]
Oʻahu Real Estate Market Update | 2026 March Report
March 2026 — Honolulu Board of REALTORS® Data By Desmond Cura · REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu · U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) · 5 min read Aloha! The March 2026 numbers are in, and the Oʻahu real estate market has some genuinely interesting things to say — especially if you’re a buyer, seller, or military family […]
The Biggest Mistake I See VA Buyers Make in Hawai’i
“Using your VA benefit is one of the greatest financial tools available to military families — but timing and strategy matter more than most people realize, especially here on O’ahu.” By Desmond Cura · REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu · U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) · 5 min read After working with active-duty military members and […]
The Truth About Living in West Oʻahu: Kapolei, Ewa Beach, and Beyond
“Thinking About West Oʻahu? Here’s the Real Story” Kapolei, Ewa Beach, and Beyond By Desmond Cura · REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu · 10 min read Let’s be real — West Oʻahu doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Most people come to Hawaiʻi picturing Waikīkī, North Shore swells, or the quiet lanes of Kailua. But […]
How My Weekends Changed—And What That Means for My Clients
For a long time, our weekends had a rhythm to them. Saturday mornings started early—wrestling tournaments, weigh-ins, long days in the gym. If you’ve ever had a kid in wrestling, you know it’s not just a quick match and done. It’s a full-day commitment. This past year especially, it was next level. We were juggling […]
Buying a Condo in Hawai‘i: What to Know Before You Make an Offer
Buying a condo on O‘ahu can be a great way to get into the market—whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating on military orders, or just looking for something lower maintenance compared to a single-family home. From Kapolei and Ewa to town and the Windward side, condos offer a wide range of options at different price […]
Why Some Hawai‘i Homes Sit on the Market (and How to Avoid It)
If you have been watching the real estate market in Hawai’i the past several years, you ma have noticed that homes are sitting on the market longer. Some homes are selling quickly, while others may sit for weeks or even months on end. Price and location are typically the reason a home may sell quickly […]
How Hawaiian Homestead (DHHL) Homes Work in Hawai‘i: Rules, Eligibility, and Buying a DHHL Home on Oʻahu
If you’ve ever searched for homes on Oʻahu, you may have had this moment before. You’re scrolling through listings and suddenly see a single-family home priced under $500,000. Your first thought might be: “Wait… that can’t be right.” Then you open the listing and realize it’s a Hawaiian Homestead property through the Department of Hawaiian […]
What Are the Costs of Buying a Home in Hawai‘i? A Breakdown for Buyers
Buying a home in Hawai‘i is an exciting milestone, whether you’re a local family putting down roots or relocating to the islands for work or military service. Most buyers focus on the down payment and monthly mortgage payment, but there are several other costs involved in buying a home in Hawai‘i that can catch people […]