Gorgeous beaches and several rainbows. waterfalls, mountains, and a thriving jungle. The optimal temperature was 70 degrees. a relaxed way of life and a small-town feel. The Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to migrate for many reasons. But it's crucial to move forward with information and planning. A big adjustment might come with island living. Listed below is some advice for anyone moving to Hawaii's Big Island.
1. Don't buy, build
Most homes on the Big Island are at least fifty years old. A hidden issue in an older home could end up costing you far more than the mortgage. A single-family home on the Big Island costs, on average, $395,000. However, pricing might significantly change depending on where you are.
Purchasing land and building a new home have several benefits. Depending on the cost of the land and the size of your house, you can frequently build a brand-new home for a reasonable price. Building your own home boosts equity and gives you the freedom to customize the plan to suit your needs. Long-term savings can also come from building a home with sustainable energy systems, such as solar PV.
2. Know Your Neighborhood
I suggest taking some time to see the area of the Big Island where you plan to settle. Despite being widespread, it is not advisable to buy a house without viewing it in person. Even if the house might look amazing, what about its location and surrounding area?
If you plan to move to Hawaii's Big Island, I suggest touring the many cities on the island and spending time in the areas you wish to call home. Both daytime and nighttime visits are welcome. How well-maintained is the house next door? Are the dogs always barking? The only way to learn is to visit the location oneself.
3. Consider the Services' Proximity
When choosing a community to call home, consider how accessible it is to services like stores, veterinarian offices, hospitals, and schools if you have children. Kona and Hilo are the two biggest cities on the island. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Costco are located here, along with the principal hospitals, the university, the government, and the airports. Smaller settlements on the Big Island often have the necessities like gas stations, grocery stores, and a few other mom-and-pop shops.
4. Organize Transportation
On the Big Island, a car is essential for transportation. There isn't enough public transportation. Consider how near you are to the port if you're thinking of transporting your car to Hawaii. Remember that the only port on the Big Island where you may ship a car to or from the mainland United States is Hilo.
In Hawaii, you could occasionally find great deals on used cars being sold by locals leaving the island or available for purchase from the car rental yards. Additionally, O'ahu, a neighboring island with a greater population and a wider range, has great prices on cars.
5. Downsize if You Can
When moving, a lot of people opt to transfer every item they possess to Hawaii in shipping containers. Instead, I advise packing lightly. With the exception of rare and unique larger furniture items, everything you need to live may be bought here or ordered online and delivered right to your door.
Yes, it is a little more expensive, but when you take into account the price of the shipping container, the price of the moving trucks, your time to load and unload everything, and the expense of storage if your new home is not immediately ready for you to move into, it all evens out. Additionally, purchasing brand-new furnishings and home decor from the island boosts the regional economy and provides an opportunity for socializing and meeting new people.
6. Plan for Your Pets
If you're moving to Hawaii, you should probably bring your furry friends with you. There is a way to go about doing this. Additionally, you should be aware that not all parts of Hawaii accept pets. Finding a rental that welcomes pets in some areas can be challenging, and only a few beaches allow dogs. We are happy to report that Kuwili Lani is a pet-friendly community.
7. Discover Hawaiian culture
Hawaii is amazing because it is different from the mainland in many ways. Before moving here, or at the very least once you arrive, I strongly advise you to spend some time learning about Hawaiian history and culture.
8. Welcome to the New Community
Hawaii is a place where the locals are respected. Joining community organizations and activities is a great way to meet people on the island and make new friends. Churches, humanitarian groups like the Rotary or Lions Club, and business associations like your local Chamber of Commerce are excellent places to start. Another hub of social interaction is the water! Become a paddler or learn to surf. Volunteer! Ask around to find out where the next beach clean-up or other volunteer opportunity is. The Aloha spirit is all about giving.
9. Consider the Environment
People and the soil have strong spiritual ties here on the islands, as evidenced by the state motto of Hawaii, "The life of the land is perpetuated in justice." The early Hawaiians carefully balanced their resource use while preserving environmental harmony.
Today, many people in Hawaii are looking to the past for answers to the state's ongoing environmental problems. As a new resident of Hawaii, you can help find a solution and protect this special place by making lifestyle choices.
