About
Discover the Difference with Team Nakanishi, Your Premier East Hawai'i Real Estate Team. With unparalleled local knowledge and personalized service, we specialize in helping both buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.
About Denise S Nakanishi - My love for Hawaii began the moment she stepped off the plane in 1987. The smells, the sweet rain, the soft breezes…it’s hard to put your finger on what makes this place special.
As part of one of the largest Hawaiian families on the Island, my indoctrination to the culture and lifestyle began immediately. Within days I landed a job as a counselor at Hilo High. After spending many years as an active duty Army officer, I was then recalled to duty on Oahu. During that time, I worked both on my graduate degree and obtained my Hawaii State real estate license. That was over 33 years ago and guess what? I’m still in love with my job. Each day is a challenge and offers an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. My years in the miliary taught me discipline and to take “mission orders”. I love the “easy ones” but I never one to shy from a challenge. And while I love Hawai’I, I’m still a Florida Gator thru and thru. Little did I know that my time at UF law school would be so helpful in my real estate calling.
The first year I sold real estate (1990), I found one VA transaction on the entire island! After that, I made it my mission to change this and these days, VA loans are very common. I still devote a lot of time to promoting veteran’s issues.
My first job at Hilo High was not only hugely educational but coincidentally, years later I married one of the first people I met there! I’m now helping many of my former students with their real estate needs.
My team and I average over 100 transactions a year. I think it was the year I was recognized for the most transactions in the state that I realized how hard it is to manage volume sales. I’m not even sure how I did it! My oldest daughter joined me, our admin folks followed, then stagers, photographers and two (soon to be 3) of the most fabulous buyer’s agents on the planet! The team platform allows us to focus on customer service while cross-training and assisting each other provides seamless transactions.
Beside the many Veteran’s organizations, I am also involved in Rotary, serve as one of 7 members of our County Board of Ethics and have volunteered with the East Hawaii Cultural Council, the Education Chair for our local REALTOR® organization, Hawai’i Island Chamber of Commerce and more. I believe heavily in helping move our community forward. I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Year after year, our team tops the production chart for our side of the island. We are 5 time recipients of the Best of East Hawaii and Best of Zillow. In 2009, I was chosen REALTOR® of they Year along with my daughter, Mealoha. In 2022 my daughter, Kealohnui Browning received this coveted award. I constantly read “all things real estate” and author a popular weekly article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald. Check out my many blog topics to learn all things real estate on Hawai’I Island.
I am deeply committed to my family, work, and community. In my precious moments away from work, I used to run the streets of Hilo. These days, I’ve transitioned to a devout gym rat and trust me, trying to keep up with 10 grandchildren is a challenge but remember, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge! Don’t feel afraid to bring me yours!
