When scouting a thriving real estate market like Hawaii for beach homes, it is very important for buyers to know exactly what they want in a property. It will drastically limit the options from a wide, dizzying range, to a more manageable list. From this list, they will be able to more thoroughly assess their choices, and pick the ones that are worth a home visit.

“Knowing what one wants” should especially mean knowing their non-negotiables – the characteristics they cannot afford not to have, given the lifestyle they would like to lead in the Aloha State. Here, we discuss three things that the most discerning buyers should not compromise on, when selecting among Hawaii beachfront homes:

Excellent construction fundamentals. First and foremost, the home must have been solidly built – using high quality materials.The best builders of Hawaii oceanfront homes take into account the climate, the humidity, the saline air, the harsh sunlight, among other factors in constructing a property.It is easy enough to update a home to one’s liking at the cosmetic level – meaning the interior design, the color palette, the textures used, the finish of the fixtures. But it will be more difficult and costly to repair a house by the sea that’s damaged by the daily exposure to the elements.

Access to adventures and amenities. What is life in Hawaii without the promise of adventure and the sweet life? Of being able to swim with the whales, take a peek at the craters of ancient volcanoes, ride the waves, stroll by the beach, or go on a hike in the mountains and look at petroglyphs? Or of pampering oneself in a world-class spa, trying novel dishes from around the world featuring fresh farm produce and seafood, or taking a swing while enjoying fantastic views of the ocean and the fairways? The best homes are minutes, if not steps away from where these experiences await, and a property that sits next to an acclaimed luxury resort, a golf course, or a district that’s home to an array of world-class restaurants is always a good idea!

Ample space for hosting.Being a Hawaiian means being keen on bringing everyone together in your home, where they can experience the island life in style. Hosting gatherings, be it a laidback barbecue on a weekend, a cocktail afternoon, or a grand luau party is indeed a typical activity here, so a property needs to have ample common spaces – such as a garden, or a lanai, or a pool, or simply a spacious living and dining room (with lots of seating, too). The home should also be equipped with a kitchen and grill filled with top-of-the-line appliances, and even better if there’s one set for the indoors, and another for the outdoors. Other good spaces to have are entertainment rooms, game rooms, and reading rooms, for when guests are over.

Learn more about choosing among today’s Hawaii beach homes from the Big Island real estate market by getting in touch with the luxury real estate expert Harold Clarke of Luxury Big Island.