What can you tell me about 1) Fern Forest 2) Leilani (Hilo: for sale, rental)

[Hawaii Bound]

I am debating between purchasing a home in Fern Forest (9 acres) and Leilani (1 acre). I LOVE the idea of the 9 acres but have heard really bad rumors regarding Fern Forest and drug issues. I have heard wonderful things about the Leilani sub division. I really do like the idea of the privacy that 9 acres provides and the cool nights that the 2000' elevation that Fern Forest provides.

ANY insight into the differences of the two locations including but not limited to: Pros/Cons, weather difference, ability to rent the home out either as vacation rental or long term, and general "well being" of the areas and the people that live in each area.

Again ANY insight is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!!

[cynmkolohe]

Hi Hawaii Bound,

I've DM'ed you, but want to add that some parts of Fern Forest are considered "underdeveloped" by lenders and that can have an impact on the terms of a mortgage if you are considering seeking financing.

Also wanted to add that you might want to look into Hawaiian Acres or Orchidland if acerage is a priority for you. Both of those developments have 3 acre lots and are a closer distance to Hilo/Keaau.

In regard to Leilani...have you checked to see if any lot adjacent to the property you are considering buying might be available for sale? I'm seeing sales prices for lots in certain parts of Leilani dropping into the lower 30s...even a couple below 30K. There is always a chance you could purchase a home and an additional undeveloped acre.

With aloha,

Cynthia

[Hawaii Bound]

Thank you Cynthia for the DM and the info. Does anyone else on here have any thoughts they can share regarding the two areas. I am looking for both the positive and the negative.

[Cosmo]

Leilani being in lava zone 1 could be a negative to some.

[Hawaii Bound]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

Leilani being in lava zone 1 could be a negative to some.

It is a Lava Zone 1 but the Ohia trees (not sure if I spelled that correctly) there are huge and it has very, very lush vegitation. With the Ohia trees being as large as they are it has been quite some time since the Lava has flowed that direction. Yes, I understand that Madam Pele can change her mind at any moment but thus far she appears to smile upon Leilani Estates

[leilaniguy]

Leilani is mostly suburban, with a few flower & foliage farms, has ccr's. We also have coqui frogs. Fernforest is more "country", unregulated, so you may have a piggery or junkyard next door. There is poverty there. You would want heat in winter.

[riverside-dave]

Have you been to see the two subdivisions? I know when my wife and I were looking, we were considering the two, but when we went and saw the area for ourselves, we quickly decided Leilani offered a greater level of comfort for us. We bought in Leilani.

[Hawaii Bound]

Originally Posted by riverside-dave

Have you been to see the two subdivisions? I know when my wife and I were looking, we were considering the two, but when we went and saw the area for ourselves, we quickly decided Leilani offered a greater level of comfort for us. We bought in Leilani.

Yes, I just returned from there about 3 maybe 4 weeks ago. I was really undecided between the two areas. It was obvious which of the areas was nicer but I really, really, really liked the 9 acres and privacy that came with the Fern Forest location.

I too have decided on Leilani and the home should close within the next 45 days.

[MWS]

Congratulations Hawaii Bound! My husband and I are moving too and after many visits to the island, I am finally posting a question about Fern Acres. Unfortunately, haven't received any responses yet, but I look forward to hearing them.

I wish you the best of luck in your new home, in Leilani! Congrats again, for achieving a dream.

[Hawaii Bound]

Originally Posted by MWS

Congratulations Hawaii Bound! My husband and I are moving too and after many visits to the island, I am finally posting a question about Fern Acres. Unfortunately, haven't received any responses yet, but I look forward to hearing them.

I wish you the best of luck in your new home, in Leilani! Congrats again, for achieving a dream.

THANK YOU!! I appreciate it. I also looked at Fern Acres when I was there. Pretty mush everything I saw were the spaghetti lots. Really long and short. Personally, I prefer more square lots. Fern Forest is mostly spaghetti lots also but the one I was looking at was 9 acres (3 lots total) so it pretty much evened itself out.

Best of luck to you!!!