Thinking of moving to Hawaii

We are planning to move to the BI after my significant other retires. My job is portable but hers is not. We've made trips to the BI and have stayed for extended periods, in Kona, Hilo and up the Hamakua coast. I've got family in Kona as well. We love the atmosphere and climate of the east side. When I first found out costs in the BI were comparable, if not less, than where I live in California the idea planted itself. I'm on several BI forums and keep an eye in real estate.

At first I too thought Pahoa was my target, but after research and visits I've changed my mind. There are many subdivisions down there, a few with water pipelines and paved roads. Most with neither. Crime, little police presence, drugs, poorly maintained dirt roads, huge HOA legal fights and lava zone issues are the deterrents for me. We love the Hamakua area and that's our target.

If you are going to finance (even if not), research "Lava Zones" and what it means for homeowners insurance. Ocean View, Naalehu and areas around south island are subject to vog when there's volcanic activity. The other thing to consider about the BI is healthcare - it's generally rural medicine. Most specialists and procedures are in Oahu and you have to fly there.

I signed up for a daily real estate newsletter years ago from a Kona agent. Daily I get an email with listing from all over the island. I can't vouch for him as an agent, but maybe an option for you to research. Sign up for the newsletter and familiarize yourself with the housing and land market.

https://www.konarealestateagent.com/newsletter

Pubaweb is, as it's name suggests, a small forum for that area. There is a thread for building that might interest you. Just remember, people who post in a forum don't represent the general population of the area

https://punaweb.org/forum/

 

That's honolulu mostly lol. Big islands, the old people have more 2wd or 5 lug 2nd gens lol.


I can't tell you how much this post made me rofl

 

Primarily looking at the big island, Pahoa, Mountain View, and Nanawale

 

I’ve done all the lava zone and community research, I also have a really knowledgeable realtor. Most houses I’m looking at are in Mountain View, acreage and fruit trees are the draw.

 

I'm planning on moving to the Big Island as well... Hoping to make this happen in the next two years.. Already bought my house in Kona and love it.... Might be able to help out a little? I had a great realtor.. Honestly, I would suggest visiting first.. Don't buy based on pictures, etc. You need to be on the island to visit the different areas on the big island.

 

All I can tell you is go there were you feel you want to live and check it out for at least a week. The diversity of issues is off the charts. Good luck and don’t forget to bring much aloha although you may not get much in return. Be humble and give respect you’ll be just fine. Don’t be the ugly American.

 

If you pick up a early gen make sure you got a really good security system. Those get taxed all the time, especially if you looking out puna side.

 

I grew up on the Big Island, and my wife's family is all born and raised there. If you have never been there, I would strongly suggest spending some time there first before going all in on a move, at least a few weeks or months...

It's an amazing place, and the people are great. But culture and lifestyle is super unique, and takes time to learn. You will probably stick out like a sore-thumb everywhere you go, and (similar to most smalls towns, rural areas) outsiders are not always looked upon fondly.

Once you learn how to relate to everyone and fit in, you might love it, but that will take some time, and that first year will be a big adjustment period.

 

this.

OP, you said you’ve never been here? I would strongly recommend you visit first. did you say your work is remote? cause if you’re commuting into Hilo, have fun lol

 

From Oahu, but visit BI often.. areas you mentioned are pretty decent but also much more affordable. I got family out in Hawaiian Paradise Park and the lot sizes are quite nice. Like others have mentioned, you should definitely visit first if you can but the weather is nice all around the island.. very nice diversity.

I'd recommend bringing your vehicles over if possible since prices to buy are always much higher (we have that thing called over-seas shipping costs to include lol)

 

The thought of moving puna sight unseen from the mainland is wild. good luck op

 

Hello, just reviving an old thread here, I plan on shipping my '99 taco to the island because Im moving in September (from Oregon to either Maui/Big Island).

1. Any recommended shipping company? My bro recommended Matson and I've seen them all over Hilo (not sure about Maui though), any suggestion and shipping experience is helpful. I put alot of work in my truck and want to minimize risk

2. I have a hard top sitting on my truck, can I store all of my power tools, compressor, jacks etc. in the bed (tying them down to secure obviously)? I know a lot of the shipping company only accepts raw truck weight but I really don't want to re-purchase a whole bunch of tools on the island.

Mahalo for the responses

 

I've shipped vehicles from CA to Oahu and assuming it's the same to Big Island/Maui using Matson. They were pretty good, no issues from my experience. Regarding #2, they didn't let me store anything inside the vehicle while shipping.

 

Thank you for the response.
How thorough do they inspect the vehicle, What if it's part of the truck package, i.e. bottle jack, breaker bar, spare tires etc?

 

Check out this sight for a lot of good info;

https://www.city-data.com/forum/big-island/

 

Good luck. Following. Hope you make it. Only been to Maui. Tacos and 4Runners every 5th vehicle. Always lifted with big tires. Would move there in a heart beat if I could afford it.

 

So Op, did you make the move? If so how did it go?
Just got back from a week vacation in Kona, it was awesome

 

His last post was 5 months ago... we may not get an answer.