Kina Knisley Embraces Spirit of Giving

by Dina Pinos

Kina Knisley shares her entrepreneurial spirit educating clients and giving back to local causes from beach clean-ups to homeless communities

After a career as a full-time teacher, Kina Kinsley started her real estate business Team K2 four years ago quite by accident when she and her family moved to Hawaii. Tenacious, passionate, and enthusiastic about helping families find their home in paradise, she has basically built her business through referrals and networking within the community. “I am in the business of engaging and educating my clients about the market and its endless possibilities while working to achieve the best possible results for them,” assures Kina, who is a Certified Real Estate Specialist in addition to being a realtor.

Originally from Washington state, Kina earned her teaching degree in Tennessee and then set off for a European adventure. For 13 years, she was teaching maths and sciences in Heidelberg, Germany while supporting military families. She and her family moved to Hawaii six years ago, buying their home at the top of the market. Her real estate broker noticed how she kindheartedly embraced the Aloha spirit with her community projects in getting to know her neighbors. She convinced her to obtain her real estate license in Hawaii. Her clients include military families who are relocating to Hawaii.

She hosts her popular talk show “The Life of the Land is in its Real Estate,” featuring experts in the Hawaiian real estate industry. Diverse topics include current trends on all of the Hawaiian islands, the impact of Covid19 on the market, how interest rates are affecting the market, and tips on using VA loans to buy a home in today’s market.

Kina Knisley, center, and other members of the K2 team Anthony Pace, left, and Susan Scott, right, talk story with residents of Aloha Hale Ka Pule about needs of their community on Friday, July 3, 2020. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

Kina informed, “the costs of a single-family home in Honolulu ranges from $600,000 to millions – price points among the highest in the nation, putting most out of reach in purchasing a home. Many cannot even qualify for a loan. Over 70% of our population spends more than 50% of their income on rent. In the event of loss of employment or medical emergency, families are often forced to choose between food or shelter. Therefore, we need to come together and serve our neighbors who are in need.”

Since moving to Honolulu 6 years ago, Kina has been sharing her entrepreneurial spirit and success in the real estate business with numerous community outreach programs such as beach cleanups and providing meals with the homeless community at the Waianae harbor camp. She ran a Robotics team that participated in training programs, and in assisting individuals with special needs around Oahu, including the Kahumana Farm. Team K2 partnered with the Salvation Army raising funds to distribute produce and canned goods to those in public housing.

“Being out there with these volunteering experiences has helped me understand the needs of home owners, as well as, the diverse cultures of Hawaii,” adds Kina. In addition to hosting the BBQ on Auntie Grace’s Aloha Ka Hale Pule farm, she is working together with Auntie Grace and Robert Figaroa recommending contractors and other construction business owners who can get involved in their project.

Team K2 has committed to donating 100% of their commission from this year’s 50th property sale. Sabrina Grace’s Aloha Ka Hale Pule is a contender for this donation. One can participate in this contest by going to the Kina Knisley – teamksquared.com Facebook page.

by Dina Pinos

Dina Pinos is a Canadian-born Greek, former UH graduate student and EastWest Center grantee. Thriving world traveler, seeking to uncover passionate stories to share with and serve the community.