Thinking About Moving to Hawaii? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Pack Your Bags
by Dan Polimino, The Hawaii Team
If you’re like many people I hear from, moving to Hawaii is a dream you’ve probably thought about for years. In fact, 90% of the time when my phone rings, the conversation starts the same way:
“Hi, we’re thinking about moving to Hawaii. Can you send me some listings?”
I always laugh a little because there are so many layers to unpack in these conversations. Most people dreaming of a Hawaiian move don’t know much about the islands—or even which one they want to live on—and that’s okay. My job is to help guide them every step of the way.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Island
One of the first questions I ask is simple: “Do you know which island you want to be on?” Most of the time, the answer is “no.”
Many people think of Honolulu when they think of Hawaii, but Honolulu is on Oahu—not the Big Island, Maui, or Kauai. Part of my role is to educate prospective buyers about the unique lifestyle, climate, and culture of each island so they can make an informed choice.
Step 2: Exploring Different Areas of the Big Island
Once someone decides they want to live on the Big Island, the next step is figuring out which part of the island suits their needs. The Big Island is diverse, with big differences between the east and west sides. Here’s a quick breakdown:
East Side (Hilo area): Lush and green, with plenty of rain. Homes here are more affordable, ranging roughly from $250,000 to $500,000 for a decent single-family home. This is the ideal area if you love greenery and don’t mind a wetter climate.
West Side (Kona area): Drier, sunnier, and home to most of the resorts. Popular areas like Kailua-Kona, Puako, and Wailea are more expensive. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,800 sq. ft. single-family home in Kona averages around $1.4 million. Condos are more accessible, starting around $500,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit without an ocean view.
South Point / Naalehu area: Hotter and sunnier, with fewer condos but more affordable homes, often around $500,000–$600,000.
North Part of the Island (Upcountry/Hawi): More wind and a mix of sun and rain. Homes often come with acreage and are usually closer to the $1 million mark.
Price point is one of the biggest factors in determining where you can buy. For example, a budget of $120,000 might get you a great home in upstate New York, but on the Big Island, it won’t stretch very far.
Step 3: Understanding Your Options
Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, a condo, or an acreage property, the Big Island has options—but it’s important to be realistic about your budget and expectations. The type of property you can buy will largely depend on your price range and preferred location.
Ready to Make the Move?
Before you pack up your life and head to Hawaii, take the time to learn about the islands, the communities, and what your budget can realistically afford. And if you need guidance, I’m always here to help.
Give me a call at 808-987-3306. I’m happy to talk through your options, help you buy, sell, or invest in real estate, and make your dream of living in Hawaii a reality.
If you know someone else thinking about moving to Hawaii, share this post with them. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on making the move to paradise.
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