Buying vs Building a home in hawaii (condo, new house)

[howzitgoing]

Which one is less expensive and more "worth it"?

[cynmkolohe]

First, which island?

My personal take on this, for the Big Island: if you are new to the island and/or new to the process of building a home, you might want to consider purchasing a home first, living here for a year or so (two for tax purposes), then deciding if and where you want to build. In the meantime, make some basic improvements to your home, add a rock wall, do some landscaping, etc....make it a desirable property with real curb appeal. Then, when you have had a chance to determine what area (weather, community, access to schools, near or far from town--??? everyone has different needs) suits you best, and you have had the opportunity to do some basic work with those in the local industry, you are in a good position to make informed decisions.

Of course, plenty of people move here and build right away...with great satisfaction. It depends greatly on the individual! There are plenty of existing homes to choose from, but if you have a particular dream home in mind, then you may need to explore building.

[kani-lehua]

great advice, cyn!

as for o'ahu, there are thousands of new houses going to be built in the leeward areas. sorry, don't know the price ranges. also, the "allure" luxury condo will be built here with prices going up to over 2 million. just depends on the area and/or island.