HOA community living in Waikoloa and Mauna Lani

What Are HOA Costs in Waikoloa and Mauna Lani for Second Homes?

May 08, 20263 min read

If you’re thinking about buying a second home inWaikoloa or Mauna Lani, HOA fees are going to be part of the picture.

And they can vary more than most buyers expect.

The short answer:

HOA fees are common in these areas… and they pay for convenience, maintenance, and amenities.


Why HOA Fees Exist in These Areas

Waikoloa and Mauna Lani are bothresort-style communities.

That means:

  • Landscaped grounds

  • Pools and fitness areas

  • Gated entries

  • Exterior maintenance

  • Shared amenities

HOA fees are what keep everything maintained.

For second-home owners, this is actually a big advantage.


Typical HOA Cost Ranges

Here’s what most buyers see:

Condos (Most Common for Second Homes)

  • Roughly$600 – $1,500+ per month

Depends on:

  • Size of the unit

  • Amenities

  • Location within the resort


Single-Family Homes (Gated Communities)

  • Roughly$200 – $500+ per month

But…

You may also have:

  • Additional community fees

  • Resort association dues


Mauna Lani (Higher-End Communities)

  • Often$800 – $2,000+ per monthfor condos

  • Higher fees tied to premium amenities and services


What HOA Fees Usually Cover

This is where the value comes in.

Most HOA fees include:

  • Exterior building maintenance

  • Landscaping

  • Pool and common area upkeep

  • Trash service

  • Water (in many condo communities)

  • Security or gated access

Some also include:

  • Cable or internet

  • Fitness centers

  • Beach club access (in certain communities)


Why Second-Home Buyers Often Prefer HOA Properties

If you’re not living here full-time, maintenance matters.

HOA communities offer:

  • “Lock and leave” convenience

  • Less day-to-day responsibility

  • Consistent property condition

That’s a big reason Waikoloa and Mauna Lani are so popular.


Real Buyer Scenario

A mainland buyer was deciding between:

  • A non-HOA property

  • A condo in Waikoloa

The non-HOA home had lower monthly costs…

But required:

  • Yard maintenance

  • Exterior upkeep

  • More hands-on management

They chose the condo.

Why?

Because they wanted:

  • Simplicity

  • Less stress

  • A true second-home experience


What HOA Fees Do NOT Cover

This is important.

HOA fees usually do NOT include:

  • Interior repairs

  • Electricity

  • Property taxes

  • Insurance for the inside of the unit (you’ll need your own policy)

Always review what’s included before buying.


Common Mistakes Buyers Make

  • Only looking at purchase price (not monthly cost)

  • Not reviewing HOA documents

  • Assuming all HOAs are the same

  • Underestimating total cost of ownership


Are Higher HOA Fees Worth It?

For many second-home buyers…

Yes.

Because what you’re really paying for is:

  • Time

  • Convenience

  • Peace of mind

Especially if you’re off-island most of the year.


FAQ

Are HOA fees higher in Mauna Lani than Waikoloa?
Generally yes, due to more premium amenities.

Do all properties have HOA fees?
No, but most resort-area properties do.

Can HOA fees increase?
Yes, they can adjust over time based on costs and improvements.


Next Steps

If you’re considering a second home in Waikoloa or Mauna Lani, it’s important to look at:

  • Total monthly cost (not just price)

  • What the HOA actually covers

  • How it fits your lifestyle


Julie Wettstein is a trusted real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a focus on helping off-island sellers, second-home owners, and real estate investors navigate the unique Hawaii market with confidence.

With over 30 years of real estate experience, Julie provides expert guidance on pricing strategy, marketing exposure, negotiation, and the complexities of selling property in Hawaii—including HARPTA, FIRPTA, short-term rental regulations, and island-specific property considerations.

Known for her concierge-level service and strong negotiation skills, Julie helps clients maximize value while removing stress from the selling process—whether they are on-island or managing their property remotely.

If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Big Island of Hawaii or want a clear strategy to get top dollar in today’s market, Julie is a trusted resource for expert advice and results-driven marketing.

Julie Wettstein, Broker RB-21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Big Island, Hawaii
(808) 345-6934
BigIslandDreamHomes.com
[email protected]

Back to Blog