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About

Mauna Kea Realty

A Hawai'i Life Company


We are the exclusive real estate brokerage firm at the legendary Mauna Kea Resort, located on Hawai‘i Island. In addition to serving the needs of the property owners at Mauna Kea Resort, we also provide insight, expertise and services for the surrounding Kona-Kohala Coast areas, resorts and resort communities. Our expertise is the result of more than three decades of specialization in Kona-Kohala Coast real estate, led by principals Steve Hurwitz and Bob Chancer, who have played an integral role in the evolution of one of the premier real estate markets in the world. Our team understands every feature, benefit and offering at each resort and community along the coast, including Kukio, Hualalai, Kohanaiki, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa, Puako, Kohala Waterfront, Kohala Ranch, Waimea, Hamakua, and North Kohala.
 
Our area knowledge and long-term perspective are enhanced by the unrivaled statewide network, global affiliations, brand recognition, and digital platforms of Hawai‘i Life, making us the brokerage firm for all your Kona-Kohala Coast needs. With 270 agents and now 15 offices statewide, Hawai’i Life is the exclusive statewide affiliate of Christie’s International Estate and an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International®. Both networks serve top-tier markets around the world, adding tremendous reach and exposure for our clients. We invite you to consult our team of highly talented professionals, who service all sectors of the real estate market, including oceanfront, resort, ranch, single-family, condominium and vacant land properties. You can find us at our Kohala Coast office, located in the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
 
Mahalo,
Bob Chancer & Steve Hurwitz
Let's ConnectOur Listings

Why Choose Mauna Kea Realty?The two principals of Mauna Kea Realty are long time Big Island residents having started C and H Properties in 1981. The principals and agents at Mauna Kea Realty are the most productive real estate sales team on the Big Island with over $2 billion in closed transactions in the past 30 years.
(808) 882-5600info@maunakearealty.com


Meet Our Team




Robert Chancer:

REALTOR (B), PRINCIPAL BROKER

Robert “Bob” Chancer has been a resident of Hawai‘i Island since 1977. When he moved to the Kohala Coast in 1981, he launched his Hawai‘i real estate and has been serving his clients with excellence and integrity for more than three decades since then. He played a significant role in the evolution of the area’s residential real estate market, involved in marketing and sales at many of the premier new resort developments that cropped up over the years. As a result, he is intimately familiar with the offerings at each of the many resort communities along the Kona-Kohala Coast.

Bob served as the exclusive sales agent at Kauna‘oa at Mauna Kea Resort. He took the helm at Mauna Kea Realty – A Hawai‘i Life Company since 2013 when he took the helm with partner Steve Hurwitz. They were able to increase the firm’s market share and sales volume tenfold in just a few short years. To do so, they leveraged their broad network of clients and relationships along the Kona-Kohala Coast, established and nurtured over the course of more than 30 years.

They also improved the marketing and client offerings by embracing digital and online strategies. Seeing an opportunity to expand their success further, they joined forces with Hawai‘i Life. Their Kona-Kohala Coast expertise and long-term perspective have been enhanced by the unrivaled statewide network, global affiliations, brand recognition, and digital platforms of Hawai‘i Life. The 10-year old firm is the statewide leader in luxury listings and sales and the third largest brokerage in Hawai‘i.

Throughout his Hawai‘i real estate career, Bob has held many senior leadership sales roles. He served as the Principal Broker of Sea Cliff Realty, where he was the exclusive sales agent for 49 Black Sand Beach at the Mauna Lani Resort. Bob also served as the Principal Broker at Pauoa Beach Realty in the same capacity, working as the exclusive sales agent for Pauoa Beach at Mauna Lani Resort. His experience has taken him to Costa Rica, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Development for Peninsula Papagayo and the Four Seasons Resort. His son Jake Chancer has followed in his footsteps, working alongside his father as a Realtor at Mauna Kea Realty – A Hawai‘i Life Company.







Stephen Hurwitz:

REALTOR (B), BROKER IN CHARGE

A Hawai‘i Island resident since 1975, Steve Hurwitz began his Hawai‘i real estate career in 1979. Since then, he’s closed more than $1 billion in real estate transactions along the Kona-Kohala Coast. He’s also been the Big Island’s No. 1 broker since 2000, exceeding the sales volume of every industry professional on Hawai‘i Island for close to two decades. A Broker-In-Chargel at Mauna Kea Realty – A Hawai‘i Life Company, Steve brings close to forty years of area knowledge and expertise to his role.

With such a deep understanding of the market and the nuances of every resort community along the Kona-Kohala Coast, it is no wonder that he and partner Bob Chancer were able to increase market share and sales volume at Mauna Kea Resort in the few short years since they took the helm at Mauna Kea Realty. Their combined network of clients, combined with their strategic moves towards digital and online marketing helped to bring the company to a new level.

Recognizing the reach and exposure that digital platforms could provide, they joined forces with Hawai‘i Life, the state’s third largest brokerage and the statewide leader in luxury listings and sales. Today, Bob and Steve’s local market knowledge is enhanced by the unrivaled statewide network, global affiliations, brand recognition, and digital platforms of Hawai‘i Life.







Frank Schenk:

REALTOR

Frank Schenk has been specializing in luxury resort properties since his Hawai‘i real estate career began in 2005. He has consistently ranked among the top 100 realtors in the state of Hawai‘i, with career sales exceeding $350 million. Named a Top 10 Realtor in “Who’s Who in Hawai‘i Real Estate,” Frank attributes his success to his deep bench of knowledge in the luxury market, as well as to his broad network of clients both in the United States and in Japan.

Frank is a native of Tokyo, Japan and is bilingual in Japanese and English. He also has a deep understanding of Japanese culture and traditions, knowledge that has served him well in his real estate career. He has attracted many foreign investors as clients, who look to Frank for buying and selling advice and feel comfortable consulting him on all matters.

Frank attended St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo and later, he attended college at Washington State University and the University of Hawai‘i, where he majored in Business. He developed real estate on O‘ahu for several years before moving to the Big Island in 1993. Frank and his family chose the beautiful West Hawai‘i town of Waimea as their home – an ideal small town location to raise their three sons.

Frank was involved in the development of Hualalai Resort and the Four Seasons Resort along the sunny Kohala Coast, working for Kajima Construction Company, until the sale of the resort to MSD Capital. At this turning point in 2005, Frank took the opportunity to reignite his real estate career and focus on representing luxury resort properties along the Kohala Coast.

Frank has since built a solid reputation for having extensive area knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to providing exceptional service to all of his clients. He served as the Director of Residential Services at the Hualalai Resort before joining the team at Mauna Kea Realty in 2015. In recent years, his primary emphasis has been on the Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kukio resort communities.







James F. “Jim” Allison:

REALTOR

Born and raised in Newport Beach, California, Jim Allison is a fourth generation Southern Californian. But his Hawai‘i roots go back more than sixty years, to a time when his parents first met as summer school students at the University of Hawai‘i on O‘ahu, while they were both enrolled at USC. While enrolled at Newport Harbor High School, Jim began a family legacy in the sport of waterpolo. Jim’s younger brother, niece and oldest daughter have carried on the legacy of the sport. Jim went on to attend Orange Coast College, University of California at Long Beach and USC.

Jim launched his real estate career while a student himself at USC, working for Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate. He became a real estate appraiser after his graduation in 1985.

Jim moved to the Big Island of Hawai‘i to assist in various commercial and residential developments on the Kohala Coast in 1988. What began as 2-3 year life plan morphed into a 30-year Hawai‘i real estate career. Jim has worked for several Big Island developer. Jim served as the Residential Project Sales Manager for Maryl Construction, responsible for project sales from Kona to Waimea on Hawai‘i Island, and as far away as Poipu on Kaua‘i.

Jim lives in Waimea with his wife Mary Jane “MJ” and two of his three children. MJ is also licensed with Mauna Kea Realty. Jim’s oldest daughter Angelique attends the University of San Diego. Jim’s seven year old son Robert James “RJ” attends Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA), an exclusive private school in Waimea, and his youngest daughter Kimberly begins kindergarten at HPA this year. His wife MJ is very involved with the HPA ‘Ohana Association and has brought the sport of cheerleading back to HPA as the Head Coach for the past four years.

“Being a part of the Mauna Kea Realty team has been a true blessing” says Jim. “As a Mauna Kea Resort Club Member and agent I have developed a profound appreciation of the Resort and its rich history. To be able to work with people who share this appreciation is absolutely awesome and a true dream come true.” When not working, Jim enjoys time with family, cooking and traveling and of course spending time at The Mauna Kea Resort where Jim has been a member for many years.







Jake Chancer:

REALTOR

Jake Chancer was born and raised in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Following his graduation from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Jake spent ten years in Southern California, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Corporate Communications. He began his real estate career as an associate agent with Santa Barbara’s top commercial real estate team, led by Steve Brown, President and Founder of Radius Group Commercial Real Estate & Investment.

Jake recently returned home to his beloved Big Island of Hawai‘i. He brings his passion for real estate and Hawai‘i to Mauna Kea Realty, where he shares his unique knowledge and first-hand experience of the area with his clients.

Jake comes from a real estate family. He’s the son of Bob Chancer, Broker-In-Charge at Mauna Kea Realty. Bob has been representing clients along the Kona-Kohala Coast for more than 30 years and as a result, Jake was exposed to all aspects of the real estate business from childhood.

Jake’s integrity, energy, work ethic and creativity are integral to providing the highest level of service to his clients, in every aspect of the real estate transaction. Jake is an active member of the community and enjoys surfing, golf, tennis and sharing the best that Hawai‘i has to offer with his clients.







Nic Schenk:

REALTOR

Nic Schenk joined Mauna Kea Realty – A Hawai‘i Life Company in 2015. Under the leadership of Steve Hurwitz, Bob Chancer and Frank Schenk, Nic has proven his abilities as a successful realtor, achieved through dedication and a strong work ethic. Competitive by nature, Nic‘s quest is to perform at his best in everything he does.

Nic was born in Honolulu and raised in Waimea, on the Big Island, where he graduated from Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing at the University of the Pacific, where he was a scholarship recipient, recognized for his athleticism. While a student there, he appeared on the Dean’s List and served as captain of the Division One Men’s Volleyball team.

His upbringing has instilled in him the importance of family values, loyalty, respect and honesty. He works closely with his father, Frank Schenk, in real estate sales and together, they provide the highest quality of service to their clients. Nic’s experience on Hawai‘i Island provides his clients with unprecedented knowledge of each area and resort community.

Nic loves the ocean and during his free time, he can be found surfing, canoe paddling, and playing on a local volleyball team. Recently married in 2017, he and his wife Jessamin and their son Aiden also enjoy quality time with family and friends.







Bonnie Schutte-Sanchez:

REALTOR

I started my real estate career in 1999 at the renowned real estate company, C and H Properties in Waimea. Licensed in 2002, most of my real estate career has been on the administration side of the business assisting the most successful real estate Brokers on the North side of the Island. Blessed to have been raised in Waimea on this beautiful Island of Hawai’i where I continue to reside with my husband, 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. Live Aloha, Live Hawai’i Life!







Kailua Hurwitz:

REALTOR

Born and raised in the charming town of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kailua’s knowledge of this island comes from first-hand experience. Growing up she remembers taking drives, often on weekends, with her father Steve Hurwitz, Broker In Charge at Mauna Kea Realty- A Hawaii Life Company, to check out various properties. Seeing her father’s affinity for the real estate business her entire life, she always thought that real estate could possibly be a career choice for her.

In pursuit of a business degree, Kailua attended University of Oregon, only to realize, after a semester, the islands were where she wanted to be. She then proceeded to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Hawaii Pacific University, a school known for its international learning community.

After college, she had the opportunity to work for well-known doctor, who specialized in internal medicine in Los Angeles, California. Kailua helped organize clinical trials for a fibromyalgia diagnosis. After 5 years in the golden state Kailua again realized her love for the islands and returned home in late 2015.

In 2016, she began her real estate career following in her father’s footsteps. Kailua now resides in Waimea with husband and daughter where her love for the land all started. Her knowledge of the fast-paced city life in LA, along with her Hawaiian ancestral roots gives her an advantage on dealing with clients from near and far. Practicing many Hawaiian cultural values has taught her strong family values and the responsibility of being a contributing member of the community, sharing the Aloha spirit and to take care of the beautiful place we all get to call home.







James Sullivan:

REALTOR

Born and raised on Oahu, James attended Maryknoll High School and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In 2003, he moved to the Big Island and fell in love with the serenity of Waimea and has planted his roots there. For the past 15 years he has property managed luxury homes at Kukio and Hualalai. James prides himself in bringing integrity, a keen eye for detail, exceeding expectations, and an extensive knowledge of the Kohala Coast to his clients. He considers it an enormous privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of someone’s dream home in Hawaii.

Sharing an active lifestyle and love of the ocean with his wife and children is what James enjoys most in life. Giving back to the community of Waimea is important to James. He is very proud to be a part of the Anuenue Park build and restoration.







Kele Makaiau:

A Big Island native, Kele understands the precious gift of living in Hawaii, with its unrivaled beauty, tropical weather, cultural diversity, and the spirit of aloha which sets it apart from anywhere else in the world.
 
Long surrounded by real estate, and with a 20-year background in construction and development, Kele is passionate about the business and about helping her clients succeed. Her industry experience has been robust, beginning in 2006 with a small boutique firm, to her current place with Hawaii Life Mauna Kea Realty, a leading industry brokerage. Her varied experience will serve you, whether you’re looking to buy or sell vacant land, a starter home or a luxury oceanfront estate. Kele has worked with a diverse clientele and sold the gamut of property types on the Kona-Kohala Coast.
 
She enjoys working with Hawaii locals as well as people from around the world, seeking a permanent home or investment here in the islands. Whether you are relocating to Hawaii from another country or simply moving across town, she is dedicated to making your goals her own. Her lifelong area residency, contacts and professional network leveraged with her client dedication and enthusiasm, ensure satisfied clients and referrals.
 
Described by others to have a kind and calming energy, Kele has been known to consummate even the most difficult of deals while remaining firm and perseverant in negotiations. Listening and asking questions are key components to tailoring her approach to each client's individual needs. With utmost attention to detail and dedication, she will guide you through the process so the search or sale is exciting, not daunting.
 
Outside of work, Kele has a strong commitment to family and community- evidenced by years of service to her church, also hosting weekly meetings where women can come for support and encouragement. She is still happily married to her high school sweetheart and has three beautiful children. In recent years, Kele developed an insatiable love for canoe paddling. If she’s not working for you, it is likely you will find her in the ocean.







Mary Jane “MJ” Allison:

Born and raised in the great state of Alaska, MJ moved to Oahu in 1999 and began her career in Real Estate working for Colliers Monroe Friedlander. After a successful start in Real Estate, MJ made the move to The Big Island in 2001 to take a job in Property Management with Chaney Brooks.

In 2003, MJ started a long career with Maryl Development to manage the Sales Office of The Villages at Mauna Lani where she met her husband Jim Allison who has been with Mauna Kea Realty for many years and was the Project Sales Manager for The Villages. Five years and 130 units later, the Villages sold out and MJ took a few years off to become a Mother.

Their son Robert James “RJ” and her daughter Kimberly attend Hawai’i Preparatory Academy (HPA) located in Waimea. MJ enjoys giving time to the HPA Ohana Association and  coaching the HPA Cheer Leading squad.

During her free time, MJ enjoys spending quality time with her family and enjoying the day at Mauna Kea where she and Jim have been Club Members for many years. Fishing the shores in Alaska during the summer and attending USC football games in the fall is also a passion.

With her enthusiasm, dedication, loyalty and strong family values, MJ enjoys working closely with her husband Jim who has over thirty years of experience in real estate sales on the Big Island. Together they provide the highest level of service to their clients and friends who are looking to find their piece of Aloha. 

“The Mauna Kea Resort has always been a very special location for my family. Helping clients realize their dream of owning a home on this very special island is an honor and a privilege.”






Our Office
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr
Waimea, HI 96743