After more than 40 years helping buyers on the Kohala Coast, I've learned something: the happiest resort purchases start with the right questions — asked before the offer, not after.

When someone asks me what they should know before buying in a resort community, here's where I tell them to start.

1. What do I actually get for my money?

In a resort community, you're buying more than a home — you're buying into the resort itself. Championship golf, a private beach club, oceanfront dining, spa and fitness, miles of coastal trails. Walk the whole picture, not just the property. And ask what's included in your ownership versus what requires a separate membership — the answer varies more than people expect.

2. Is this the life I want to live?

Golf at sunrise or paddleboard at dawn? Quiet lanai evenings or a full social calendar? Every resort has its own rhythm. Spend real time there before you decide — have dinner, walk the beach path, talk to the people who already live there. The right fit usually feels obvious once you're in it.

3. What will it really cost — now, and every year after?

Beyond the purchase price and closing costs, understand the full ongoing picture: monthly maintenance or HOA fees, property taxes, insurance (island insurance deserves its own conversation), and any club or membership dues. Ask about the history of special assessments, too. The ongoing costs are part of the purchase — budget for them like one.

4. What kind of community is it?

Some neighborhoods are mostly full-time residents; others are second homes and vacation rentals. Neither is better — but they feel very different day to day. Ask about rental programs, occupancy patterns, and the everyday culture of the place. You're choosing neighbors as much as square footage.

5. What about security?

Peace of mind is part of what you're buying. Many resort communities have gated entries, dedicated security teams, and on-site management — ask what's actually covered, from the gate to the beach path, and how it's staffed.

These five questions won't replace a proper conversation about your specific goals — but they'll make that conversation ten times more productive. If you're considering a purchase on the Kohala Coast, I'd love to talk through them with you.

Yvonne Khouri-Morgan, R(B), BIC — Corcoran Pacific Properties, Mauna Lani. (808) 937-4466 · yvonne@alohalife.net