By: Andi Stark

Hawaii’s reputation for luxury living has made it a magnet for affluent individuals seeking properties. Amid this demand, Harold X. Clarke’s ventures, Luxury Big Island and Private Listings, have taken an innovative approach. Clarke’s firms have carved out a niche beyond traditional real estate by focusing on exclusivity, discretion, and highly tailored services.

Luxury Big Island specializes in high-end publicly listed properties, including oceanfront homes and estates within gated communities. In contrast, Private Listings offer access to a selection of off-market properties, catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) who prioritize privacy. These dual platforms allow Clarke to provide a service model that anticipates the diverse needs of his clients.

Accessing the Unreachable

Clarke’s ventures are recognized for their ability to source properties that are rarely available through conventional channels. Through Private Listings, he manages a portfolio of properties that are not typically found online or in the public domain. These include notable estates and homes valued at over $40 million. Access to such listings is limited to vetted clients, creating an environment of trust and confidentiality.

“We do not deal in transactions. We focus on relationships,” Clarke explains. “Our work is about offering access to what others may not even realize exists.” This emphasis on rarity and exclusivity sets Clarke’s business apart, appealing to clients who value privacy as much as the properties themselves.

The approach aligns with broader trends in the real estate market, where privacy has become a growing concern for UHNWIs. According to a 2023 Global Luxury Real Estate Council report, the demand for private listings has risen by approximately 15 percent year-over-year, driven by buyers seeking secure and discreet transactions.

A Global Perspective with Local Insight

Harold X. Clarke’s global upbringing and education provide him with a comprehensive perspective on the nuances of the luxury market. Born in Peru and educated in institutions across Europe and the United States, Clarke has developed an appreciation for cultural diversity and its role in shaping client preferences. His training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and Harvard’s leadership program further underscore his ability to navigate the complexities of a discerning clientele.

Clarke’s philosophy is informed by his diverse background, which he applies to Hawaii’s real estate market. “Hawaii is about a lifestyle that reflects beauty, exclusivity, and harmony,” he says. Clarke ensures that his offerings align with his clients’ specific aspirations by blending local insight with global sensibility.

This approach extends to his leadership, where he works closely with his wife, Mandana Clarke, to oversee all aspects of the business. They have built a team that values trust and integrity, ensuring that every interaction is tailored to meet their clients’ needs and expectations.

Privacy as a Principle, Not a Feature

Privacy is a core element of Clarke’s business philosophy, particularly in the operations of Private Listings. The platform’s password-protected interface and selective access policies are designed to help protect buyers and sellers from unwanted visibility. This discretion is especially valuable for the UHNWIs, who comprise most of Clarke’s client base.

The emphasis on privacy is also reflected in the types of properties Clarke curates. These include estates that are not only rare but also architecturally and geographically distinctive. Many are thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, blending seamlessly into Hawaii’s natural environment while offering the amenities and security that clients value.

A recent industry analysis highlights that Hawaii’s ultra-luxury market appears to have grown by 12 percent annually, driven largely by increased demand for properties prioritizing privacy and exclusivity. Clarke’s ventures aim to align with this demand by offering access to properties that are often unavailable to the broader market.

Expanding Horizons While Maintaining Principles

As Clarke’s ventures grow, they remain committed to their foundational values. Upcoming projects include expanding Private Listings to other Hawaiian islands, including Oahu and Maui, and launching a new corporate site for MegaCapital Hawaii Corp, which oversees Luxury Big Island and Private Listings. These initiatives aim to provide clients with an integrated view of the company’s offerings while maintaining the exclusivity central to its operations.

Clarke’s ability to adapt to market trends without compromising his principles has reportedly contributed to repeat business and a loyal client base. His clients include global finance, entertainment, and technology leaders seeking properties that reflect their values and aspirations.

“Our success comes from staying true to what our clients need, not what the market expects,” Clarke notes.

A Model for the Future of Luxury Real Estate

Harold X. Clarke’s real estate strategy is as much about curation as it is about commerce. By offering access to rare and meaningful properties, he has created a model that resonates with a clientele seeking more than just transactions. His ventures exemplify how privacy, exclusivity, and personalization could influence the future of high-end property services.

As demand for private properties grows, Clarke’s model serves as a blueprint for meeting the changing expectations of UHNWIs. By remaining flexible while prioritizing client relationships, Clarke offers a distinctive approach in the Hawaiian market, setting a standard for how luxury real estate might transcend conventional boundaries.

Published by Anne C.