Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, in the valley of Manoa, Nick Kawakami has a passion not only for the beauty of Hawai‘i but also for the music, arts, and especially the community as well. He is a multi-talented professional who brings a unique, technology-first approach to the real estate market in Hawai‘i.
After graduating from Punahou School, Nick earned his bachelors degree in business from the University of Portland in Oregon. When he returned home, he began working for his family’s fashion business, ‘IOLANI Sportswear, as well as traveling internationally with the family band, ManoaDNA, and the next decade of his life was filled with an eclectic mix of fashion, music, and travel.
Nick has always embraced his grandfather’s teachings that hard work, honesty, and trust are keys to success and long-lasting relationships. This philosophy helped him grow with the family business and band and are tenets that continue to guide him today. During his tenure at ‘Iolani Sportswear, he helped the business break into the global market and transition from island wholesaler to international retailer by building a retail store and creating an online presence. With ManoaDNA, Nick, along with his Dad and brother Alx, traveled around the world performing for international audiences big and small. As the vocalist, emcee, art director and technical expert of the group, Nick had the opportunity and responsibility to diversify and expand his horizons both as a creative and a tech-enthusiast. Nick retired from the group in 2018 to take more of a support role for the band and allow him to focus on his growing real estate business.
His charity work, however, is where Nick takes the most pride. Finding personal fulfillment in helping others, Nick created the annual ManoaDNA “Boys and their Toys Drive” benefiting local charities and keiki through the collection of toys and cash donations. During his real estate career, he has kept his focus on philanthropy, most notably with his annual “Commissions for Change” campaigns in which he donates a portion of every sales commission he earns to a chosen charitable group. In 2020, this campaign donated over $42,000 to the Hawaii Foodbank, and each year he picks a different local charity to support. It’s not just a commitment to his community; it’s a desire to do something positive.
Combining his years of experience, technical and creative abilities, and an unwavering positive attitude, Nick brings a fresh approach to real estate that directly impacts his clients. Since joining Marcus Realty in 2015, he has worked his way up to join the top-5 producers in the residential department. He also serves as the Technology Consultant for the entire company, always researching the latest tech developments and translating trends to better serve his clients and coworkers. His attention to detail and ability to manage complicated situations help clients navigate life-changing decisions and ease otherwise stressful experiences. His knowledge of the market from years of experience and analysis, combined with his knowledge of his lifelong island home make sure each decision is a confident one.
