Black Sand Beach Estates? (Hilo, Pahoa: rent, houses, neighborhood)

[1freespirit]

Aloha:

We are looking for a Winter retreat/retirement home for our later years. We have been visiting the Islands for years now so am pretty comfortable with the area weather changes etc.

Question I have not really heard anything of Black Sand Estates I don't think I have ever visited there. I may have a chance to purchase a place there but question is - I cannot find any information on it

Can one get high speed internet there?

Is there any other option beside Satallite internet for that area - Satallite internet is not all that great and it is not worth the price one pays for it. I have used it before DSL came to our rural area here in Idaho. I know other areas have Cable internet etc.

Could someone please tell me a little about this subdivision - I would appreciate it very much.

Mahalo,
Laurie

[hotzcatz]

It's a long drive to get supplies, the nearest medical facility is in Hilo although they are working on getting a clinic in Pahoa and the lava may decide to eat it at any moment. However, I haven't actually laid eyes on the specific subdivision, I'm just going on it's general location.

I'm guessing you will have to have a post box, I doubt there is mail delivery to any houses. There is not likely any County water so you'd be on catchment, haven't a clue if there would be grid power or not. Roads might be gravel or 4WD. They may not have any land line phone service, either, but I don't know for sure, I'm just going on what's probable for that sort of sub in that area.

Don't buy anything without looking at it. The possibility of "surprises" is huge for buying properties in the sub divisions made in the late fifties and sixties in Puna.

[leilaniguy]

Hi Laurie, I live a few miles from Blacksands, have friends living there. The name is very misleading. It is miles from the ocean, up on the mountainside. It is about 6 miles from Pahoa, close to the Pu'u O'o eruption. There is no piped water. There is phone available throughout, but electricity is spotty, and there are added hookup fees on most lots. I don't think DSL is available. There is a bank of mailboxes at the entrance, but not enough to go around. The lots are small, most 60' X 125'. There are no covenants or restrictions, so there are some very unusual homes there: cabins, treehouses, tipi's, yurts, school buses. Also chickens & dogs running loose and added to the sound of home generators, it can be noisey. This is a mostly very low budget neighborhood. Definately take a look-see before you buy here (or anywhere on the island).

[PacificFlights]

Originally Posted by 1freespirit

Question I have not really heard anything of Black Sand Estates I don't think I have ever visited there. I may have a chance to purchase a place there but question is - I cannot find any information on it

There is tons of valuable information on Black Sand Estate. But to get access to that information, you need to fly to Hawaii, rent a car, and drive to the subdivision. Once there, your eyes, ears, nose and mouth will gather so much information you'll be able to answer all the questions you have and a whole bunch more.

Nothing you read or are told will replace first hand experience.

[1freespirit]

Thank you all very much, I guess that answers my questions.

We are going to the BI for a few days in March to see what areas and properties are like in certains areas in our price range etc.

We are also thinking of Florida (rural costal) yes there is still some small towns along the coast, quiet quaint tropical. And the houses for the price cannot be beat at this time.

We love Hawaii the people, climate etc. but also livng in the middle of the pacific when the rest of your family is on the mainland, gives us something to think about also we are not making this decision lightly.

There is alot to consider.

Thanks again,
Laurie

[lehuahill]

Originally Posted by 1freespirit

Aloha:

We are looking for a Winter retreat/retirement home for our later years. We have been visiting the Islands for years now so am pretty comfortable with the area weather changes etc.

Question I have not really heard anything of Black Sand Estates I don't think I have ever visited there. I may have a chance to purchase a place there but question is - I cannot find any information on it

Can one get high speed internet there?

Is there any other option beside Satallite internet for that area - Satallite internet is not all that great and it is not worth the price one pays for it. I have used it before DSL came to our rural area here in Idaho. I know other areas have Cable internet etc.

Could someone please tell me a little about this subdivision - I would appreciate it very much.

Mahalo,
Laurie

hawaiian telcom

[lehuahill]

try hawaiian telcom thats what i am doing i live in black sand sub

[lehuahill]

but i am not quite sure i am still checking into it

[Mr. Sugarbean Jenkins]

Originally Posted by leilaniguy

Hi Laurie, I live a few miles from Blacksands, have friends living there. The name is very misleading. It is miles from the ocean, up on the mountainside. It is about 6 miles from Pahoa, close to the Pu'u O'o eruption. There is no piped water. There is phone available throughout, but electricity is spotty, and there are added hookup fees on most lots. I don't think DSL is available. There is a bank of mailboxes at the entrance, but not enough to go around. The lots are small, most 60' X 125'. There are no covenants or restrictions, so there are some very unusual homes there: cabins, treehouses, tipi's, yurts, school buses. Also chickens & dogs running loose and added to the sound of home generators, it can be noisey. This is a mostly very low budget neighborhood. Definately take a look-see before you buy here (or anywhere on the island).

I was wondering what your overall thoughts are of black sands beach estates and if its safe too.. I was thinking of renting something for a while. have never been there and it would be short term, so no real commitment. your thread makes it seem like a not so nice place and I have kinda gotten that vibe from others as well, You seem to be the best source of info and would greatly appreciate your time, thanks, sugarbean

[OpenD]

There are two places on the Big Island with very similar names, but entirely different ambience...

At Black Sand Beach Estates over in Kohala, a starter house will run you maybe $8-10 million.

Or Black Sand Beach is a small subdivision in Puna, near Pahoa but not on the beach... well, I'll let Aloha Realty tell you...

Black Sand Beach is really badly named. Its nowhere near the beach, plus on the Hilo side of the island is Black Sand Beach and on the Kona-side is 49 Black Sand Beach. One costs about 100X more than the other. Guess which. Well, it might only be a 10 minute drive from there to Kehena, but the name makes you think its right on the water. Its not. The lots are smaller (7,500 to 8,500 square feet). It does not have strong CC&Rs so you do occasionally find people living in buses or tents. http://www.alohacoastrealty.com/puna...s-around-pahoa