Puna, Hawaii (Hilo, Hawaiian Beaches, Keaau: 2009, buying a house, public schools)

[leilaniguy]

....And many of the reasons you listed for leaving here are the very things I moved to Puna to escape from, or never cared about to begin with. Puna is certainly not for everyone. To each his own, enjoy LA.

[leilaniguy]

The real estate section of the NY times, April 6, 2007 has an article about Puna.

[VolcanoSounds]

Hey Leilani Guy, great job with your posts. I have the following questions about living in Puna:

-What do you think about moving to Kapoho or Mackenzie Park?

-Is it legal to build gazebo-type structures?

-What is the best way of protecting equipment and vinyl records from moisture damage?

-I was wondering is it common for people to live in trailers or yurts after they buy land and before they have houses built?

I would appreciate any of your feedback. Mahalo!

[leilaniguy]

Aloha and thanks. Kapoho is a diverse area, partly jungle, partly stark fresh lava from the 1960 eruption. there are two seaside communities there, the rest of the area is mostly large acreages of orchid and papaya farms. MacKenzie park is kind of remote, large parcels of land, no services or utilities. Sure it's legal to build a gazebo, I have one, so do many of my neighbors. If you are thinking of living in one though, you'll be eaten alive by bugs. Ziplock bags are the easist way to keep anything dry here. Many people here live in tents or temporary shelters while they build, but it is not allowed in subdivisions with covenants.

[VolcanoSounds]

Do you have any advice for acquiring good land in that coastal Puna area? Like who to talk to, what to avoid, etc. I would like to find something this August when I move out there. I am moving from Oahu, I can't wait to make that move.

Also, how long of a drive is it to Hilo from there, like half-hour?

Thanks!

[leilaniguy]

I would recommend working with one of the local (Pahoa based) realtors, they know the area well, and some realtors in kona and Hilo aren't too interested in dealing with Puna because of the lower sales prices and/or remote location. Be aware Kapoho and MacKenzie park are in lava zone 1 or 2. From Kapoho to Hilo is about 45 mins. to an hour, depending on traffic.

[VolcanoSounds]

Thanks. What do you think about the Honolulu Landing, Waa`awa area?

[leilaniguy]

Waa Waa is a very pretty area, jungle and old growth Mango trees but no utilities and the roads are rough, 1 lane, FWD only. There are a couple of rural agricultural subdivisions there and some oceanfront parcels.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by leilaniguy

....And many of the reasons you listed for leaving here are the very things I moved to Puna to escape from, or never cared about to begin with. Puna is certainly not for everyone. To each his own, enjoy LA.

I wouldn't bash Hawaii. I wouldn't want to change the East Side either, it's lovely the way it is. I'll always return...I have since I first came in 1973.

[leilaniguy]

Sorcerer; You have no argument here with me, we just have different desires/needs, I was so glad to find a slow-paced place like this, you sounded bored or disappointed by life here. To me, it's all the excitment I ever needed. There are plenty of rich&famous here too, or at least their relatives, for example, my across-the-street neighbor is brother to that famous rock star who died mysteriously in Paris in the early '70's, yeah, the "Lizard King". All he wants is his privacy and to be left alone. Puna, Hawaii is perfect for that.