Orchidlands Estates Big Island (Hilo, Keaau: transplants, rental, houses)

[Sub-Blue]

Can any locals tell me anything about Orchidlands Estates Big Island?

Mahalo

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Sub-Blue

Can any local tel me anything about Orchidlands Estates Big Island?

Mahalo

When you get here, will you have to work in Hilo?

[cynmkolohe]

Orchidland has some beautiful ohias, and if you're on pavement or not too far off, is mostly navigable. There are a few places that get washed out during heavy rains...(same for Hawaiian Acres--it's the same old drainage system that causes the problems - see Hawaiian Acres map).

Most lots are long, skinny 3-acre parcels, we call them spaghetti lots. There are some square lots with wider street frontage, so if homes are built on adjacent lots you're left with a bit more privacy.

There is a back entrance to Orchidland from Hwy 11, but it only really benefits those who live on 40th Ave or just off. (Part of 40th is so rough most cars don't drive it into the rest of the subdivision.)

Catchment water, of course, with a couple of exceptions near the highway. Read up on the roads issue on the Community Association website (http://www.orchidland.org/about_us/index.php - broken link).

My SO's family owns a rental property in Orchidland, so I've spent many evenings down there working (or watching him work!) on that property. Coquis are there just like everywhere else. It's very pretty in the evenings--beautiful sunsets when the sky is clear. My only problem with being outside at dusk is the mosquitoes. Friends who live back at the back of the subdivision have the same complaint, so I don't think there is much exception to that.

Most people don't realize how big Orchidland really is until they've driven from one end of the cross streets to the other (where that is possible). Like with any Ag-zoned land where there are no CC&Rs, you have a very diverse mix of types of homes. Some really nicely maintained homes, some ramshackle cabins, some lots with abandoned cars, some small nurseries and greenhouses here and there...it's quite a mix.

[Sub-Blue]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

When you get here, will you have to work in Hilo?

Yes in Hilo
Mahalo

[Sub-Blue]

Originally Posted by cynmkolohe

Orchidland has some beautiful ohias, and if you're on pavement or not too far off, is mostly navigable. There are a few places that get washed out during heavy rains...(same for Hawaiian Acres--it's the same old drainage system that causes the problems - see Hawaiian Acres map).

Most lots are long, skinny 3-acre parcels, we call them spaghetti lots. There are some square lots with wider street frontage, so if homes are built on adjacent lots you're left with a bit more privacy.

There is a back entrance to Orchidland from Hwy 11, but it only really benefits those who live on 40th Ave or just off. (Part of 40th is so rough most cars don't drive it into the rest of the subdivision.)

Catchment water, of course, with a couple of exceptions near the highway. Read up on the roads issue on the Community Association website (http://www.orchidland.org/about_us/index.php - broken link).

My SO's family owns a rental property in Orchidland, so I've spent many evenings down there working (or watching him work!) on that property. Coquis are there just like everywhere else. It's very pretty in the evenings--beautiful sunsets when the sky is clear. My only problem with being outside at dusk is the mosquitoes. Friends who live back at the back of the subdivision have the same complaint, so I don't think there is much exception to that.

Most people don't realize how big Orchidland really is until they've driven from one end of the cross streets to the other (where that is possible). Like with any Ag-zoned land where there are no CC&Rs, you have a very diverse mix of types of homes. Some really nicely maintained homes, some ramshackle cabins, some lots with abandoned cars, some small nurseries and greenhouses here and there...it's quite a mix.

Great info
Mahalo!

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Sub-Blue

Yes in Hilo
Mahalo

If you will be working in Hilo, you may want to re-think any of the subdivisions on that side of the highway. Morning traffic is terrible for those people as they have to make a left turn across traffic. The lines of cars backed up at each subdivision entrance is something to see. It has gotten so bad that many people now turn right, go up a few blocks and then turn left, do a u-turn and then try to turn right to get on the highway.

Coming home is equally bad as between 5pm and 6:30pm, at the choke point past Keaau, traffic backs up there because locals (transplants included) have no concept of how to merge.

You may want to look into HPP or other subs on that side of the highway.

[Sub-Blue]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

If you will be working in Hilo, you may want to re-think any of the subdivisions on that side of the highway. Morning traffic is terrible for those people as they have to make a left turn across traffic. The lines of cars backed up at each subdivision entrance is something to see. It has gotten so bad that many people now turn right, go up a few blocks and then turn left, do a u-turn and then try to turn right to get on the highway.

Coming home is equally bad as between 5pm and 6:30pm, at the choke point past Keaau, traffic backs up there because locals (transplants included) have no concept of how to merge.

You may want to look into HPP or other subs on that side of the highway.

Thank you very much for your local insight, so merging from Hawaiian Paradise Park makes that big of a difference?

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Sub-Blue

Thank you very much for your local insight, so merging from Hawaiian Paradise Park makes that big of a difference?

Or anywhere on that side of the highway. I have several friends in Orchidland - What a mess. They all hate the morning traffic pullout and are scared they will end up in an accident.
With the impending construction of either additional lanes or roundabouts, scheduled to last for several years, it won't be getting better any time soon.

[Sub-Blue]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Or anywhere on that side of the highway. I have several friends in Orchidland - What a mess. They all hate the morning traffic pullout and are scared they will end up in an accident.
With the impending construction of either additional lanes or roundabouts, scheduled to last for several years, it won't be getting better any time soon.

A little bit of Los Angeles for a reminder

LOL Mahalo

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Sub-Blue

A little bit of Los Angeles for a reminder

LOL Mahalo

But all 2 lane "highways". Many of the "roads" in Orchidland are nearly impassable during heavy rain and have potholes big enough to swallow mini-SUV's.