Moving to Hawaii, need advice....

[Mr D]

I am currently going through a divorce and after its done I was considering a change of lifestyle and moving to the Hawaiian Islands, of course the big island sounds like the best deal. I do not know where would be a fair to good place to buy property, nothing big an acre or so, does not need a house as I can build my own. Not worried about work as I'm 47 and an experianced plant engineer so employment isn't a problem.

But I know absolutely NOTHING about Hawaii, east or west? north or south? Not too close to timeshares but near a town or shopping center, I think the southwest is better but I did read the "Puna" area had cheaper land.

Any replies would be helpful, my goal is to just build me my own paradise and start all over, maybe a new relationship but nothing any time soon, thanks.

 

[CBRorBust]

bump

 

[danacara]

From Alaska to Hawaii ... I envy you!

Might be a little hard to get an acre in Hawaii at anywhere near the price you'd pay in Alaska. But I could be wrong.

All the best to you!

 

[Mishetta]

I was just going to ditto what danacara said! I have heard you nearly need to take out a mortgage to buy a loaf of bread in Hawaii!

When I lived in Los Angeles, I had friends who had moved there from Hawaii & couldn't believe "how cheap CA was!"

Oh...anyway, you needed advice....here's some:

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!

Seriously, good luck on your plans! Hope they work out for you!

 

[mamajoan]

We were stationed in Hawaii... but it was a long time ago.. left in late 1988.

We loved it there and intend to go back someday.

Check out the employment opportunities first.

We lived on Oahu on the Windward side. We lived way out in Kaaawa, then in Kanehoe and last on the Marine Corp Base in Hawaii. It was a great experience. Rural compared to Waikiki, Honolulu or Pearl City which are on the other side, leeward, of Oahu. I worked in Aiea, which was a rush hour type commute over the Like Like Hwy or the Pali Hwy, busy but beautiful commute.. usually saw double rainbows each morning.
Housing is expensive.. but it is everywhere else too. Land to purchase is few and far between due to the fact of limited land and Hawaiian Heritage gets first pick.I suggest that you Call a local realtor..in Alaska, ask them to make a contact in Hawaii for you. Have them send you a "Welcome" package to the islands.
There are good neighborhoods and bad neighborhoods on Oahu,,, just like any other metro area. But on Oahu even a bad neighborhood is not that bad... LOL.
If you don't mind commuting.. check out Kanehoe or Kailua. Very nice small town type communities. Both are urban.. but unlike Waikiki/Honolulu. If you REALLY want rural.. check out Halewa, Puunalu, North Shore communities.
When we go back.. it is our dream to retire on Oahu, we most likely will purchase a condo on the leeward side. There are numerous hospitals on the leeward side and medical care is convienent.
Best wishes on your adventure. It will be a happy one I am sure.
Aloha

 

[beachbunny]

The big island of Hawaii has two major towns, Hilo and Kona. They are as different as night and day. Hilo is lush and green, and Kona is black with lava rock. Before about a decade ago, most of the population was centered in Hilo. It's still a sleepy community. Kona, on the other hand, is the new Maui. Construction on the Kona side of the island is fast and furious. You may be still able to purchase an undeveloped acre of land (no h2o and no electricity) on the Kona side for a reasonable amount of money (reasonable for Hawaii). A nice area of the big island is the volcano area. It's climate is slightly cooler because it's at a high elevation. Most people who live in volcano own b&b's or are artists.

If you're looking for a nice balance of rural lifestyle and city amenities, I'd look at Kauai. The north shore of Kauai has the prettiest beaches and a lot of nature activities - like surfing and kayaking.

Beware - unless you want to work in the tourist industry or construction, you'll be hard pressed to find a job in any of the rural areas of Hawaii.

 

[Mr D]

I am in construction, I built and supervise a concrete batch plant north of Anchorage, I drive a concrete mixer and have been a heavy equipment mechanic, welder, machinist, electrician and a few more things for over 30 years, still strong and healthy but possibly also looking for a retirement place or at the very least a winter getaway. And there is my hobbies......

 

[psammie1025]

I've vacationed in Maui with my family a few times. The west coast is beautiful but mainly tourists. The place to check out is the uppper country, more layed back & less developed! We stayed in the Haiku area, just beautiful on the north east end of the island!