Top Curb Appeal Tips for Selling Your Hawaii Home This Summer

In the summer months, your home’s exterior gets more attention than ever. Buyers are likely to drive by before even scheduling a tour, and many form opinions in seconds. That’s why strong curb appeal is non-negotiable. Here's how to increase curb appeal for your Hawaii home:

Sunlight exposes everything: faded and peeling paint, cracked driveways, messy yards. Make sure your exterior is clean, fresh, and well-kept. 

Landscaping looks lush this time of year. Take advantage by trimming hedges, planting tropical flowers, and greening up the lawn. No brown and dead plants here! I sometimes suggest my clients hire a one-time yard man to clear overgrown plants.

A beautiful entrance sets the tone. A clean front door, polished hardware, a welcome mat, and a few potted plants can make a world of difference. Make sure you sweep and get rid of all leaves!

Quick curb appeal wins:

• Pressure wash sidewalks, steps, and the exterior. This is one main thing I always recommend to my clients that's minimal effort and huge return. 
• Repaint or touch up trim and doors. Another quick fix with huge impact. I work with reliable painters and a few handymen that can get the job done on short notice!
• Replace dated light fixtures or house numbers. This gives a fresh look and feel to your home. 
• Keep the yard clean and colorful, especially during weekend open houses. I love visiting my favorite nursery and adding local plants and flowers to the yard for that extra island feel. I love visiting Sharon's Plants in Waimanalo just for this reason!

In Hawai‘i, outdoor living isn’t just a luxury, it’s part of everyday life. It's a big selling point. Buyers aren’t just buying a house: they’re buying a lifestyle. If you can help them envision barbecues on the lanai, sunset cocktails, or a quiet morning with coffee in the garden, you’ve already won half the battle. Curb appeal for island homes is so important!

• Buyers are already imagining summer activities. Make your space feel like their dream backdrop. I have added staging items like a kiddie pool, dog house, outdoor table and chairs, market lights, even a cooler with drinks!
• Outdoor space can expand perceived square footage, especially in smaller homes. Take advantage of your outdoor space and make it just as exciting and appealing as this interior! This is where a home can truly shine and set itself apart from other listings. 
• With interest in wellness and indoor-outdoor flow, outdoor areas can tip the scale in your favor. 

Ways to highlight it:

Stage lanais and outdoor spaces with outdoor furniture, cushions, and string lights.

• Add a few stylish planters or a fire pit to show functionality
• Mow and edge regularly. Clean lines matter!
• If you have ocean, mountain, or garden views, make sure they're visible and unobstructed. That might mean trimming larger trees, clearing some landscaping, and removal of overgrown plants.

 A polished exterior and well-loved outdoor space can build emotional connection and add perceived value—often leading to quicker offers and stronger sales. Staging your outdoor space is included in my services when you list with me. In fact, I make it a priority to curate items specifically for your home from my large inventory, and I hand-select every item that will go in your home! Contact me to see how we can up your home's curb appeal to get it sold quickly, at the highest price! I've got great Hawaii home selling tips from 20+ years as a Hawaii realtor.