Top 10 Realtors on Big Island, Hawaii
The most successful and highly-rated real estate professionals on Hawaii’s Big Island
Last Updated: March 12, 2025
About This List
This list compiles the top 10 real estate agents and brokers operating on Big Island, Hawaii, based on their experience, sales volume, client satisfaction, and industry recognition. The information has been gathered from reputable sources including Hawaii Business Magazine, industry rankings, and professional profiles.
1 Derinda Thatcher
Coldwell Banker Island Properties
Experience: 34+ years in real estate
Specialization: Residential properties in Kona
Achievements:
- Consistently in top 10% of agents on Big Island
- Realtor Associate of the Year
- Best of West Hawaii Realtor for three consecutive years
- Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle
Team: Team Sold – over 47 years of combined experience
2 Howard Meguro
Coldwell Banker Island Properties
Background: Lifetime resident of Hawaii with deep local knowledge
Education: University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management
Experience: Former executive in the travel industry before transitioning to real estate
Professional Involvement:
- Member of multiple real estate associations
- Past treasurer of Hawaii Island Realtors
- Committee member of the Hawaii Island Realtors
Approach: Comprehensive service from marketing to transaction management
3 Joreen Knox
Broker Owner, Aloha Kona Realty, Inc.
Experience: Over 30 years in real estate
Background: Started with property flipping in California before making significant impact in Kona
Recognition:
- On the 10 Best list since 2018
- Certified Residential Specialist
- Certified Negotiator
- New Home Professional certification
Approach: Prioritizes ethical practices and client needs over profit
4 Kelly Shaw
Real Estate Broker, Compass
Career Start: 2004
Recognition:
- Hawaii Business Magazine Top 100 To Do Business With (2017)
- Consistent accolades for professionalism and ethics
Community Involvement:
- Active volunteer at events across Kona
- R-PAC trustee for WHAR (West Hawaii Association of Realtors)
Approach: Personalized service with comprehensive market knowledge
5 Frank H. N. Schenk
Coldwell Banker Island Properties
Recognition: Listed as a top performer by Hawaii Business Magazine in 2024
Specialization: Residential real estate on Big Island
Approach: Dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients
6 Carrie Nicholson
Hawaii Life
Recognition: Top performer in real estate for Hawaii Life on Hawaii Island
Specialization: Luxury properties and residential real estate
Approach: Dedicated to providing exceptional client service
7 Jan Nores
Hawaii Life
Recognition: Top performer for Hawaii Life on Hawaii Island
Specialization: Residential real estate
Approach: Client-focused service with deep local knowledge
8 Leslie Oxley-Friedrich
Hawaii Life
Recognition: Top performer for Hawaii Life on Hawaii Island
Specialization: Residential real estate with focus on client satisfaction
Approach: Personalized service tailored to client needs
9 Tracy Abrams
Corcoran Pacific Properties
Recognition: Top performer in real estate on Hawaii Island
Specialization: Residential properties
Approach: Client-centered service with attention to detail
10 Nate Gaddis
Compass
Recognition: Top performer for Compass on Hawaii Island
Specialization: Residential real estate with comprehensive market knowledge
Approach: Dedicated to client satisfaction and successful transactions
Sources & References
- Hawaii Business Magazine: Top Performers in Real Estate 2024
- Grit Daily News: The Top 10 Real Estate Industry Agents in Hawaii for 2024
- RealTrends: Best Real Estate Agents in Hawaii
- Hawaii Business Magazine: Top Performers in Real Estate
Note: This list was compiled based on publicly available information from the sources listed above. Individual rankings may vary based on different metrics and time periods. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the realtors’ websites or contact them directly.
