Retiring on Big Island (Honolulu, Hilo: relocating, houses, condo)

[kukana]

Aloha--
It's been decades since I was in Hawaii and then only on Oahu. I have always dreamt of retiring to an island. I own a lot in Green Sands Subdivision (near Naalehu) and am considering building and retiring there. The lot was a long-ago investment. Having never seen the area I was wondering whether retirement there would be a good consideration. I am an educator due to retire in the next few years. After selling my property here in Naples I would be able to build (or sell the lot and buy a small place or condo) without a mortgage. I like my quiet time around the house with reading and hobbies and light gardening. I'd like to continue to work with children, as a volunteer maybe. With Kona and Hilo a two-hour max drive away, I would think that I would be able to add urban entertainment and gallery/museum treks when a "glitz-fix" seized me. I am originally from Chicago but have lived in Florida for over twenty years. Getting older in years (certainly not how I feel) I do have concerns regarding health facilities, insurance, and services in a more rural setting.
Any thoughts?

Appreciate any ideas...
Kukana

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

You should definitely come spend time looking around the area. Rent a condo at Sea Mountain, eat at the local restaurant, visit the Farmer's Market, etc.

While the area is growing, it is still very rural and health care on the entire island is struggling. Many people have to go to Honolulu for anything beyond the basics.

However, there are more and more baby boomers making the move and within a few years the Kau area may have more of everything available. We found 65 new houses in Discovery Harbour alone in the past year.

[Sorcerer68]

In the subdivision some of the roads are rough and parts of the subdivision are ratty although it's cleaned up a lot. The big thing is that it's really, really far from town, alththough Naalehu and Ocean View are close. Regarding "urban entertainment"...I must tell you it's limited on Hawaii. It's a very rural island. Yes, do yourself a favor and come spend some time and decide if the area is for you.

[Oscarwildedog]

Originally Posted by kukana

Aloha--
It's been decades since I was in Hawaii and then only on Oahu. I have always dreamt of retiring to an island. I own a lot in Green Sands Subdivision (near Naalehu) and am considering building and retiring there. The lot was a long-ago investment. Having never seen the area I was wondering whether retirement there would be a good consideration. I am an educator due to retire in the next few years. After selling my property here in Naples I would be able to build (or sell the lot and buy a small place or condo) without a mortgage. I like my quiet time around the house with reading and hobbies and light gardening. I'd like to continue to work with children, as a volunteer maybe. With Kona and Hilo a two-hour max drive away, I would think that I would be able to add urban entertainment and gallery/museum treks when a "glitz-fix" seized me. I am originally from Chicago but have lived in Florida for over twenty years. Getting older in years (certainly not how I feel) I do have concerns regarding health facilities, insurance, and services in a more rural setting.
Any thoughts?

Appreciate any ideas...
Kukana

Hi Kukana,

I am very familiar with the Big Island. I've bought some property in Kamuela and have been traveling there for the better part of two decades.

Most of the pub goes to the Kona area naturally, but a lot of the better investment areas are on the East side of the island. I am very amazed at the lack of infrastructure on the Big Island (hospitals, agencies, non-touristy stuff, etc.).

I can tell you that, where your land is (Southern area), there won't be any appreciable development there for six-eight years. Not to say that a hotel or individual developer won't do anything there, but presently there is nothing. So, if you're looking to earn some income on the Big Island, you can only go to Kailua-Kona or Hilo areas for the time being.

Having said all this, the southern area of the Big Island is my favorite place to hike, swim and get reacquainted with nature. Naalehu is a nice little town with a lot of potential. But you'd just get the people driving to the volcanoes as company at this time.

I am looking to do something in the investment arena on the Big Island surrounding the aging Baby Boomers (I'm in my mid-50's).

I'd be happy to set up correspondence with you if you desire...

Best, Oscarwildedog

[Zahira_Nahayan]

Saw your posting about the subdivision. I've lived there for more than 20 years. You may write me directly at willdoanyname@yahoo.com. "Zahira"

[cynthia007]

Hi!
My family and I have lived on the Big Island for seventeen years. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family. I have cherished every day. And of course the weather is fabulous. However, we have been thinking of relocating back to the mainland. We are starting to long for more theaters, museums, concerts, restaurants, health care facilities, colleges, shopping, sports, educational opportunities, roadtrips, travel opportunities, etc. The Big Island is rural, the infrastructure is lacking, gas and food are expensive, and getting back to the mainland is a long flight and expensive! However, if you like the quiet, and have the $ or don't care about traveling, this is definitely the place for you.