Maximize your VA loan benefits, build wealth, and move to Hawaii with total confidence.
Marina Tolentino is an Oahu-based REALTOR® who has helped over 100 families relocate to and from Hawaii.
She helps military families and VA buyers make smart, informed real estate decisions so they can enjoy paradise today and build long-term profit for tomorrow.
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PCSing to Oahu
Just got orders? You’re not alone! With a base for every branch of the military on island we see a lot of PCS movement year round. As a veteran family who has purchased 2 homes with our VA loan and helped close to 100 families in the past 5 years do the same, I’ve got a lot of advice to share! I’m also priviledge to do the newcomers briefs on Schofield and may see you around base! Let’s chat and see what works best for you and your family (on post, off post, or using you VA loan benefits).
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Sell and cash out
If you’ve owned a property for 3+ years, chances are you could be in a great position to sell and make some great strategic moves to help grow your wealth through real estate. Fun fact: I used to own a home staging company before I got my real estate license and dressing up a home to sell faster and for a higher price is my specialty. Schedule a call to see what your home is worth in today’s market.
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Buying a home
First time buyers, new construction options, and helping families from Waianae to Waimanalo is one of the favorite parts of my job. Book a call to learn the buying process and I’ll match-make you with a lender I think would be a great fit for pre-approval.
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Rentals
Not ready to commit to buying a home just yet? I can help you determine which neighborhoods may be best for you and refer you to some great property managers work with. In Hawaii, agents are not compensated for rental showings so you’ll reach out to PM’s and landlords direct for showings. However, please use me as a knowledgeable area expert at no charge to you!
The biggest obstacles standing between you and a confident move to Hawaii are insecurity, mixed messages, and the fear of making a decision you’ll regret. Maybe you feel stuck in indecision because you’re overwhelmed by all the moving pieces. Maybe you’re feeling the financial pressure of upfront costs, delayed reimbursements, or the sticker shock that comes with Hawaii home prices. And if you’re a military family, first-time buyer, or new to the island, it can be hard to know who to trust when coworkers, someone who used to live here “once upon a time”, and well-meaning friends are all giving you different advice. Add in the uncertainty of how to use your VA loan benefits the right way, and it’s easy to doubt every step. But with the right guidance, you can make informed decisions, avoid costly regrets, and move forward with confidence.
join the dozens of families who have purchased a home for $0 cash down. (And no cash at all - seriously)
— Marina Tolentino
I know exactly how you feel... We’ve made the military move three times ourselves—from Guam, to California, and back to Hawaii. Each time, we were overwhelmed and lost in research, feeling like we never had enough information or cash. We didn’t understand our BAH, defaulted to renting or military housing, and left each base without growing our wealth. It wasn’t until we learned how to leverage our benefits—and avoid costly mistakes—that we finally built lasting financial security. Now, I help other families do the same. And I've developed a process that anyone can follow to confidently move, buy, or sell in Hawaii and make the most of their opportunity.
-Marina
What People Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our second experience working with Marina and her team went just as well as the first, and I wouldn't hesitate to call her again if/when we move back to Hawai'i. When we were buying our condo a few years ago, and now again when we sold it, she had no trouble working with us while we were out of state and went above and beyond making sure we had a great listing that lead to a reasonably quick sale. 11 out of 10, would highly recommend.
— Jen and Chase W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marina is the type of agent we wish everyone could have the experience of working with. As buyers with the hopes of finding our forever home, we were particular about what we were looking for. Marina worked with us for two years before we found the right home and her positive, can do attitude was evident in every interaction. During our journey, Marina was quick to respond, honest about the properties, dedicate and persistent. Moreover, as out of state buyers we found that she went out of her way to arrange times for viewings and other important business that would work with our schedules. Now, even after closing on our forever home, Marina is helping us with our transition. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Marina.
— Steve H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marina was awesome to work with. She had great knowledge of the local market. she helped negotiate an offer and helped to make the closing process smooth and seemless. I TOTALLY recommend her!!!
— Desiree and Juan R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Working alongside Marina proved to be an exceptional experience. Her understanding and assistance navigating numerous unknown factors were invaluable. Our initial interaction occurred while I was deployed overseas last year, during which Marina provided support and guidance. Upon relocating to Hawaii earlier this year, my desire for a new construction home led me to identify a property in Koa Ridge. Despite promptly initiating the purchase process, subsequent discussions with my wife revealed concerns regarding the proximity of multiple power lines to the property. Consequently, we opted to withdraw from the contract. Fortunately, during this period, we were concurrently exploring properties in the Hoopili community. Marina and her team displayed unwavering dedication, even camping outside the sales office to facilitate our search. Through their efforts, we successfully secured a home within the Hoopili community. The level of service provided was nothing short of wonderful and amazing. Marina's professionalism and commitment to ensuring our satisfaction throughout the process were truly commendable.
— Jeff T.
The Confident Move Framework™
Discovery: Identify pain points and explore your options
Define the Essentials: Clarify what matters most to you and your family
Make a Move: Take clear, informed action with expert guidance
Room to Grow: Settle in and enjoy new opportunities your move brings
Be confident with your next move
confident, stress free home buying or selling
hand holding support from an experience local expert
peace of mind knowing you’re making financially savvy decisions
fun, smooth, and effortless process
build wealth and maximize your VA loan benefits
end your time in Hawaii with more $$ and incredible memories
ABOUT
Marina Tolentino is an Oahu-based REALTOR® who has helped over 100 families relocate to and from Hawaii, with a sales volume exceeding $92 million. As a Coast Guard veteran spouse, she is passionate about serving the military community and serves on the board of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Featured in Real Producers Magazine, and host of “The Work Like A Mother” podcast, Marina equips busy moms with practical encouragement and faith-based insights. She is currently writing her first book, “The Hidden Deception: Raising Kids Who Don’t Drift From Jesus” (coming late 2026), to help Christian moms move from hopelessness to peace and confidence through daily connection with God. Marina is dedicated to empowering women to navigate modern motherhood with faith, resilience, and preparedness.
I tell every client to interview at least 2 agents…
Let’s not forget, making the decision to buy or sell real estate in Hawaii is probably one of the most EXPENSIVE decisions in your lifetime.
I wish more people treated it that way! Be a smart and savvy adult and hire like you mean it. Referrals are often a common way to build trust, but hiring off a random IG ad or assuming because the agents business has “veteran” in their logo means they know what their doing? You’d be surprised the stories I’ve heard.
Here’s the thing - there is over 11,000 realtors in Hawaii…. how do you find the best one for you? You talk to more than one! Tap the link below to get my guide on 20 questions to ask agents to ensure they are experienced in TODAYS market (things change quickly so if their last transaction was 6 months ago they may be out of touch!)