moving to the big island in August (Hilo, Hawaiian Beaches: to rent, crime rates)

[jijisama]

hello
I am moving in August to fill a UHH job on the big Island and I need some input as to where is a safe place for me and my 4 girls to live. I am a single mother. I have heard that anywhere south of Keeau is not safe for people who are white. Is this true? I have been looking for a place to live for months around Hilo and haven't found anything in my price range or what I need. South of Keeau has better prices and I am willing to commute to my job. Can anyone confirm if this rumor about south of Keeau not safe for whites? I am concerned about the safety of my 4 young girls. Thank you.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

You really do need to spend some time reading through some of the threads about Hilo, Kea'au (not keeau), and all of Puna. There are a ton of white people who live all over this area, so whatever you have heard is incorrect.

If I were you I'd be much more concened about the horrible traffic getting town to your job, and finding good schools for your kids.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by jijisama

hello
I am moving in August to fill a UHH job on the big Island and I need some input as to where is a safe place for me and my 4 girls to live. I am a single mother. I have heard that anywhere south of Keeau is not safe for people who are white. Is this true? I have been looking for a place to live for months around Hilo and haven't found anything in my price range or what I need. South of Keeau has better prices and I am willing to commute to my job. Can anyone confirm if this rumor about south of Keeau not safe for whites? I am concerned about the safety of my 4 young girls. Thank you.

I understand the concern, especially from a distance, when you have no experience in the area, but when you look at the demographics from the US census, Hilo is 16.8% white, while Kea'au is 7.9% white, so either way you'll need to confront the fact that you'll be in the racial minority in Hawai'i County. That may make you uncomfortable, but that doesn't equate with it being dangerous for you or your kids. Most crime in the area is petty property crime and it hits all residents equally.

The main concern heading south from Kea'au is simply that it gets quite rural for many miles, so there's not much "community" until you get all the way south, and up, to Volcano. It's 20 miles south of Kea'au, and up about 3,000' altitude from there, but it is an arts colony, with a highly rated local charter school, and a 49.5% white demographic, if that's important to you. I find it surprising that so many Volcano commuters drive in to work in Hilo, not to mention those who catch the early bus in front of The Volcano Store, but I guess people gotta do what people gotta do.

Good luck!

[the1heat4u]

My house is in Hawaiian Beaches (by Pahoa) - I am white. Not a single problem at all. There is plenty of variety and frankly, I prefer the Puna area. I love the vibe, people, and the way of life.

I mentioned in another thread that it took some getting used to, as far as people. My friends were a bit shocked by some of the people and how they appear (not the Hawaiians). But in general value is based on being a good person, not how you dress, what you drive, or what you wear. At least that is what I get out of it. It is VERY different, and different sometimes scares people. But I think you will find that its a lovely place.

Yes there are some neighborhoods that are safer, or nicer than others. But judge the location based not he neighbors and the homes surrounding the house you like. Which is like any other place in this world. If the neighbors seem sketchy, move on. No matter if you are are on the mainland, out of the states, or in Hawaii.

You are welcome to PM me for suggestions. Good luck, and your girls are going to LOVE it!

[the1heat4u]

Originally Posted by OpenD

I understand the concern, especially from a distance, when you have no experience in the area, but when you look at the demographics from the US census, Hilo is 16.8% white, while Kea'au is 7.9% white, so either way you'll need to confront the fact that you'll be in the racial minority in Hawai'i County. That may make you uncomfortable, but that doesn't equate with it being dangerous for you or your kids. Most crime in the area is petty property crime and it hits all residents equally.

The main concern heading south from Kea'au is simply that it gets quite rural for many miles, so there's not much "community" until you get all the way south, and up, to Volcano. It's 20 miles south of Kea'au, and up about 3,000' altitude from there, but it is an arts colony, with a highly rated local charter school, and a 49.5% white demographic, if that's important to you. I find it surprising that so many Volcano commuters drive in to work in Hilo, not to mention those who catch the early bus in front of The Volcano Store, but I guess people gotta do what people gotta do.

Good luck!

Agreed on the crime - look at crime rates, and what the crimes are. Seems like the bulk of the crime in Puna is breaking and entering, particularly in vacant vacation homes. Or as noted above.. petty property theft. I treat it like I treat it anywhere else I am. If I don't want something to get stolen.. lock it up, and put it inside. But that simply goes for anywhere.

Plus, I am not sure where you are coming from but commutes on the mainland seem to range between 30-60 min typically. The drive is beautiful, and even driving 30 min, there is always something to see. It never gets old for me. But it is a frame of mind, I may be haole, but my heart is Hawaiian.

[jijisama]

thanks for the information everyone, its much appreciated. My info came from a friend who lives in Kona. So I wanted to see if any locals would have any info that may be different as the prices in Hilo are terribly high. Hawaiian Beaches seems to have a better price range.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by jijisama

thanks for the information everyone, its much appreciated. My info came from a friend who lives in Kona. So I wanted to see if any locals would have any info that may be different as the prices in Hilo are terribly high. Hawaiian Beaches seems to have a better price range.

Aha. That's why.
In reality, you should probably try to rent in Hilo or close by for a couple of months and then pick where you want to be more long-term. Hawaiian Beaches and Hawaiian Shores (which is on the other side of Kahakai Blvd) are almost 2 different worlds. Utilize google street view even though views might be a couple years old. It can help to give you a better vibe about the places you are looking at.

[HawaiiLife]

My husband & I are coming to Puna in October to house hunt. We have been to the island several times for 2-3 week stays and we love the vibe of the Puna area. We are looking in HPP, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores & Lielani Estates. Is any neighborhood more desirable than another? We are looking to retire, live a simple life, make friends & be active in the community. Any input would be very helpful.

[mikereilly]

HPP is big enough to have a number of vibes. It's got a population of well over 10,000 people and is one of the largest subdivisions in the US. The best advice anyone can give you is to rent for at least 6 months to really get an idea what it's all about. Your 2-3 week stays are going to be coloured a bit by rose tinted glasses as it's more like a vacation than anything else. Things aren't always what they seem. For example, one of our nearest neighbours has large black mesh tarp like things strung across their driveway with "Kapu" and "Keep out" crudely painted on them. At first glance you figure it must be a meth lab or something. Turns out it's a nice young lady who just wants to make sure nobody wanders on to her property. Leilani is nice, but some there report issues with air quality, supposedly from the geothermal plant. Studies show no justification, but there is a buyback program for properties supposedly affected (which perhaps account for some of the anecdotes?)

Hawaiian Beaches/shores had a lot of problem with Albizia coming down during tropical storm Iselle, has smaller lots (HPP and Leilani are mostly 1 acre 'Ag' lots). Leilani has the reputation of being a 'better' subdivision to live in, but it really depends on what you are looking for. Don't count Orchidland out unless you are really looking for the lower elevations.

We did everything 'wrong' when we bought. We didn't stay in the neighborhood and rent first, we just bought and hoped for the best. It all has worked out fine so far. We have a few good neighbors and the sketchier ones keep to themselves. Really, if you have any specific questions, that makes it much easier for us to answer as asking about which subdivision is better is very subjective.

[hotzcatz]

Rent first for at least six months while you're looking for a new place. You'll end up in a much better suited area if you can do the search while living here.

Check the traffic, check the lava flows. Live here for awhile and see where your interests end up then move to be as close to them as possible.