My Service Ratings
04/10/2026 - Stacia and Tau Over
Aloha my name is Stacia Over and my husband is Tau Over. We would like to nominate our realtor Kim Shimonishi for this award for so many reasons on so many different levels. For starters this was something that were not even in our vocabularies, being a homeowner was nothing that we could even dream of. You see my husband and I was once addicted to illegal drugs and eventually became homeless. For many years we walked around aimlessly in our areas that we once called home. Which were the streets of Honolulu and the bushes on Maui. Fast forward we got clean and stopped using drugs and started to live life on life's terms. We became addicted to living life and did everything we could to keep moving forward in life. We started to be the best renters one could ask for and made our rental home the best safest place we called home for years. After over a decade we got the news that the owners were slowly dying and left only one sibling to take care of this property, so he decided to sell and we needed to move. We immediately started to look for new accommodations and realized that it was not the same as 17 years ago. Only then did we entertain the thought of buying a place. Here's where our journey with the best realtor anyone could ask for Kim Shimonishi from the start told us that this would be a journey and something that we need to be ready for. She referred us to a person who we later realized was the person who would eventually help us with the loan. She was very firm and strict with us and told us we need to follow directions and respond in timely fashion. Coming from the life we came from we needed those firm directions that she gave to us. We shared our stories with her and never once did that deter her from helping us and never once did, she make us feel any different from any other person who desired to purchase a home. She kept us a timeline that was reasonable and started to eventually show us different listings. It was a very overwhelming process and to even think that this was becoming a reality. We started to want unrealistically priced properties that we could not afford and never once did she deter us from desiring places like those instead she taught us the process of purchasing a home and gave us life lessons that led us to see that these places were unrealistic. We eventually got the message that we needed to find more reasonably priced properties, and it was from her teaching us about the process not telling us NO you can't get those properties. In essence learning this instead of being told NO was very beautiful and together my husband and I saw the light turn on and started looking at more properties in our newfound range that we had learned from Kim. She continued to mentor us about locations as we were stuck in Honolulu and didn't want nowhere else but in town. She taught us about different areas and the benefits as well as strikes against different places and allowed us to make these decisions. Again, she didn't tell us NO instead she taught and nurtured us to learn about the areas, and we were then able to make conscious decisions that maybe we would be open to look in other locations. Our journey continued and our next learning session was about HOA and fire codes, again she never said NO to the properties we desired she continued to teach us about these fees and the building codes citing incidents that affected these areas. Kim proceeded to instill hope and build knowledge with us and after what felt like 99 years everything came together and we made a very knowledgeable clear decision to purchase this home. It would have not felt this good and this happy as well as it being a decision that we made on our own with the teaching and guidance from Kim. So, you see when we say that Kim Shimonishi is the best realtor it is not something that we say lightly. Our story begins with struggle that most people wouldn't even entertain helping us, however it ends with a clear conscious honest decision that was taught to us by our realtor. on a side note, we have many many many friends and family members that are realtors, but we stayed with her because she ended up being a teacher to us that taught us about the process and not just spent our money.With that being said we wanted to say mahalo again to Kim Shimonishi and her team.-Stacia & Tau
My Service Ratings
04/26/2024 - Mark Sweet
Kim was amazing. I cold called her on a Sunday about a house that just hit the market. She informed me of the Open House times and put me in touch with a lender. We had an offer in place within 48 hours, it was eventually accepted, and it was only 21 days to close.Kim worked with me and my son (co-borrowers) and arranged things to accommodate our off-island schedules during the process.Kim arranged several professionals to make the process quick and smooth. Her network of inspectors, etc. was top notch and were extremely helpful.The process was quick, efficient and professional - all because of the work Kim was able to accomplish on our behalf.Kim is more than deserving of this award!!Sincerely,Mark Sweet
My Service Ratings
08/02/2023 - H & T Sabog
Kim was amazing from start to finish with our new build purchase. We had purchased a home before, but I guess you can say every time it is different! With Kim, she took the time to educate us as we progressed through the purchase process. Such an amazing experience with her each time!
My Service Ratings
05/10/2023 - Mishyas J
What can I say about Kim, other than she's the best realtor out there and will do her best to meet the needs of her clients. I've worked with countless realtors before, and never have I met someone who is so attentive to every part of the transaction from securing the loan, to the sales contract to post closing items. I feel like I can call her my friend rather than just my realtor.
My Service Ratings
07/06/2022 - Johnny & Nhi
Kim is truly one of a kind. You can tell she really loves her job and genuinely cares about the real estate industry. From our first conversation with Kim, she showed interest and passion in our wants and needs. She never deviated from what our priorities are and at the same time provided us with realistic goals. Every contract we put in she was very helpful with suggestions in the current market environment. There were moments that my wife and I wanted to give up in this unprecedent market but Kim always kept us focused and determined. I joked with Kim all the time, saying that she is more of my Psychiatrist/Consular then a Realtor. Kim will always reach out to us when she hears something that would benefit us or warn us if something was not right. There was a home that we looked at and was dead set on, after speaking with Kim and pointing out a couple of future issues. We pulled out not just because of Kim's expertise but we genuinely felt like Kim was watching out for us. We honestly never had a Realtor like Kim, she was more like a close friend than our Realtor. There was a short period of time where my wife had a medical emergency and Kim was trying to help us locate a doctor to try to help in any way possible. During my wife's recovery, she never once talked about real estate and she genuinely checked up on my wife's recovery. When we finally did find our home, Kim was very efficient in getting all the paperwork and timeline down to close on time. She honestly made the whole transaction very seamless. Not only did we love our purchase experience with Kim, we honestly say that we made a friend as well. Our experience with Kim has spoiled us to the point we would only use Kim for any real estate purchases. Kim went way above and beyond for us, she went to the moon for us. Thank you Kim!!!!!!!!
My Service Ratings
01/31/2022 - Steve C.
KIM SHIMONISHI Is an exceptional realtor. She is intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, and an excellent communicator. I have had the pleasure of her professional expertise and guidance two times; once to buy my home, then 8 years later to sell the same home. During each process she was extremely helpful, providing the most accurate information regarding the regulations and laws of the Hawaii State Real Estate Commission. Whenever I had questions (and I had many!), she gave me all the information, in great detail, I needed to make an educated decision. When I bought my home, Kim guided me to buy at the best price. When selling my home in January 2022, Kim was very strategic regarding the selling price and timing. She thoroughly explained her reasoning when she advised me to reject offers, and kept on top of a very fast moving market. Her efforts led to an offer that was “as is” and above market, and the property closed smoothly in less than 45 days, even though it was funded with a conventional loan. Because Kim provided me with a such a positive and low stress experience during a complicated transaction, I recommend her without hesitance to anyone considering either buying or selling their home. Kim is not only a brilliant realtor, she is a joy to be around.
My Service Ratings
11/26/2021 - Vanessa & Sherwin R.
Kim is very knowledgeable and is willing to share her knowledge and experience with her clients. With each home we looked at, Kim would debrief with us, sharing things she liked about the homes we were interested in and pointing out any red flags. More importantly, Kim truly cares about her clients. We were looking for our first home for six months. From our first conversation with Kim, she would check in weekly with us to see how the search was going and making sure we didn't miss any potential homes. She was very patient with us as we kept on changing our minds regarding the type of home we were looking for and constantly readjusting our budget. But Kim was flexible and helped us find potential homes. Kim was also our cheerleader and spokesperson, making sure that with each home we bid on, we were presented to the sellers as best as possible. And when we were finally able to win the bid for our first home, Kim made sure to keep all parties involved on the same page, constantly communicating with us and the seller to make the closing process as smooth as possible. We truly appreciate all that Kim has done for us in helping us find and purchase our first home and we cannot thank her enough.
My Service Ratings
11/23/2021 - Cecilia Wang
Closed on a new condo today! Kim has been extremely easy to work with. She is genuine, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and patient with her clients. It's clear that Kim puts her 100% in her work and is keenly sensitive to her clients individual needs. If you're in the market for a new home or an investment property, I highly recommend getting in touch with Kim.
My Service Ratings
10/08/2021 - Suzanne K
Thanks Kim for taking good care of us! Buying & Selling at the same time was crazy stressful but you made sure we never forgot anything & basically made sure we crossed all our T's & dotted all our I's. A realtor should always be there for you & only out for your best interest & you sure did!
My Service Ratings
06/15/2021 - Brenda Ryan
“When I decided to sell my father's property, it was a bittersweet decision because of all the small things which led up to my decision. Tenants who abused the property after costly renovations; me going into debt to keep up with repairs and not getting any rent due to COVID. A property which was inherited to me, entrusted to me; to care for, take care of and cherish. Something I tried hard to do; but was unable to. I have known Kim from a hobby we share a love for. I knew she was a thoughtful and kind person, but I had no idea of her level of professionalism, diligence, care, thoughtfulness and amazing acumen throughout my entire sale process. Some examples which come to mind; when the cleaners took away some left behind "rubbish", Kim went back to check and saw some debris left behind. She took it upon herself to sweep up the small areas. A small thing, but noted because it was not necessary. This is an example of being aware of the smallest details and taking it upon herself to make sure the property looked good and was cared for. There are so many examples of her care and thoughtfulness, much more than 6000 words can express here. Every step of the way, she was diligent. Following up on news we got; explaining to me what it meant and suggestions on the best way forward. A simple, small, uncomplicated cash sale; but she made me feel like I was her only client and most important transaction. She was proactive, personable, always accessible and extremely responsive, always checking on me and making sure I understood what was going on. But what mostly stands out to me about Kim, was her "bedside manner" as a Realtor. She truly understands not just Real Estate, but people...and all the emotions that go with the transactions. She cares for her clients in a way that is unexplainable. I can only describe it as a soulful encounter and her sixth sense that is truly a gift from God. When she called to tell me that the house was going to be recorded and the sale was complete, I was delighted but also sad, as it was our family home which is no longer in our family. I sat in my office, closed the door and cried. I then wrote her an email about the guilt I felt, and how I failed to maintain a home my family once beloved. Her response to me, immediate. She said she understood how it was difficult, given the situation I was saddled with; she also said that our memories will be carried with us, not with a location or a building. She pointed out that my father didn't ask me to keep the home or expect that from me. What really hit home for me, was when she said, "Your dad always took care of you, and now that he is not here, the proceeds of the house is the way he is taking care of your family now." If it were not for those words of wisdom, I would have probably carried the guilt of selling my family home forever. It was a huge moment of looking back at my decision to sell and knowing that I was able to make the right choice. Her voice of reason allowed me to look at the entire situation with no guilt. Letting go of a house while still being able to hold on to great memories, love and gratitude. This is what an amazing Realtor is. Kim embodies the spirit of "Aloha".. warmth, love, compassion, acumen and insight; I am forever grateful.”
My Service Ratings
03/19/2021 - Cecilia Wang
Kim has now represented me both as a buyer agent and a seller agent. She is reliable, an excellent communicator, and extremely easy to work with. I am often off island on deployment and can count on Kim to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. I nominate Kim for the Aloha Aina Realtor Award without reservations.
My Service Ratings
11/16/2020 - Janice C
POSTIVE and AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Kim is a true professional who provides personalized service and her passion for helping her clients could be felt in every step. I never thought I would be able to buy in Hawaii, my home for my whole life, but she made what I thought was impossible a reality! Kim was unwavering in reaching my goal, even when I would doubt it would happen. I have met a lot of agents but no one impressed me as much as Kim has and she has exceeded my expectations. She is an expert in her field and I loved her educational-based approach, never did I feel that this was just a sale for her. Kim has provided me with so much valuable information that empowered me not only for my first home but for future purchases as well. I would absolutely work with her again and without hesitation refer her to my family and friends! It was truly a blessing to work with Kim, not only have I gained an amazing realtor but now a friend! a big heartfelt MAHALO! Kim!
My Service Ratings
10/28/2020 - Rosenny Moronta
Amazing experience. First-Time homebuyers and my experience could not be any better. My agent Kim not only educated but also mentored me thought-out the entire transaction. Due to the difficult times, things were uncertain but Kim's enthusiasm, positivity, and charisma kept me going. The difficult part was being able to find the property that accommodates all my needs. Once I made my choice, Kim did execute an amazing job with the paperwork and looking out in my best interest. Without a doubt, I will recommend Kim to anyone. Thank you Kim, Semper Fi!
My Service Ratings
05/28/2020 - Rose & Dustin Segawa
We were very uncertain about how to proceed with the sale of our house during Covid19. We worked with Kim before and she is a very well informed and experience agent that we felt confident that she would be the right person to navigate us through these uncertain times. Kim did not disappoint. She took the reins and put our family's health & safety first. She developed her own methods in unprecedented times to position us for a successful sale. Her methods included pre-screening activities to ensure that we had only highly qualified and serious buyers and house showings were brief and low contact. Kim's experience in the industry helped us weed out poor offers versus good offers. Kim's negotiation skills helped us get more than our asking price. Her experience in the industry is so invaluable. When working with someone with Kim's level of expertise and experience, you have peace of mind because you know that you're in good hands. Closing was absolutely on target because of her task management skills, and closing went very smoothly. We highly recommend her!
My Service Ratings
10/10/2019 - Johnathan Gilbert
Kimberley Shimonishi assisted us with the selling of our condo back in April 2018 We would like to take this opportunity to give praise and thanks again to Kim. Kim assisted us with the purchase also of a single family home which closed on July 9,2018. While there were road bumps in the process (not one of them was the fault of Kim), she worked tirelessly to make sure we were comfortable with what was going on and what to expect. Kim and Lesley are true assets to Locations. Kim put us; her client first, often meeting or talking with us outside of normal business hours, was always available via email, text and phone. Even with her other clients, we always felt that we were a priority to Kim. This was a leap of faith for us, but without the help and knowledge that Kim has we wouldn't be where we are today.
My Service Ratings
02/22/2019 - Dominique & Lewis Heuermann
Kim went above and beyond to help sell our home in a particularly difficult and frustrating situation. She kept me informed at all points during the sale and helped me navigate potential pitfalls. I am VERY thankful to Kim and her dedication to assisting her clients!
My Service Ratings
02/22/2019 - Robert and Melody Kyles
Kim was GREAT! Always positive and personal. Was understanding of the situation with my husband and never pushed. You’re lucky to have her.
