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The Big Island, the state’s largest island at 4,034 square miles is twice the size of all other Hawaiian Islands combined.
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At 800,000 years the Big Island is the youngest of the island chain. However, it was the first island discovered by voyaging Polynesians.
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The Big Island was formed by five volcanoes, two of which are still
active. Kilauea Volcano is the world's most continuously active volcano.
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Two of the tallest mountains in the Pacific - Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa - dominate the center of the island. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world (measured from its base at the ocean floor) at over 13,700 feet tall.
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The largest contiguous ranch, in the United States, is in Hawaii. The Parker Ranch near Kamuela has about 480,000 acres of land.
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Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United States. It is located at 18:54:49 N 155:41:00 W. There is a constant 27 knots per hour wind blowing east to west, 24 hours per day and 365 days per year.
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The Big Island also has the most diverse climates of all the Hawaiian
Islands. From tropical rainforests to open prairie and snow covered mountains. Hawaii temperatures are in general are mild and do not vary more than about +/- 5 degrees throughout the year.
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The island houses the world's biggest telescope and more scientific observatories in one place than anywhere else in the world.
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The islands primary industries include tourism, diversified agriculture and cattle ranching. It has the world's largest macadamia nut industry, the largest orchid-growing business, and a major coffee
industry.
For Data and Statistics the
Hawaii County Data Book is your best source.
County of Hawaii offices
and Information on Hawaii County (Big Island) available by clicking here
www.hawaii-county.com
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Moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, what you should know
Volcano, Lava, and Vog: There is very little property for sale in the remote areas near the active lava flow, which border the east side of Volcanoes National Park. Since 1983, the lava flow has covered about 50 square miles and destroyed approximately 190 structures in the Kalapana area.
The Vog (volcanic vapors) is more common to our Kau and Kona districts, and on occasions it can affect the Kohala, Hilo, Hamakua and Puna districts. Vog generally blows west from the volcanic vents by the trade winds, but can be sometimes be seen as far away as our neighbor islands Maui and Oahu.
People suffering from upper respitory diseases may be more prone to adverse effects of Vog which may include headaches, breathing difficulties, increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments, watery eyes, and sore throat. Vog Conditions
Living in Hawaii: Living near an active volcano is a matter of perspective. Some people see "risk" to be 10 to 25 miles from an active or dormant volcano vent, while others see "opportunity" to have a business to cater to the many visitors who come to see the lava flow. No matter where you live there is risk of a natural disaster: Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Blizzard, Flood, Landslide, Sand Storm, Fire, Volcano... It's a matter of which risk you are willing to live with. Most people who live here don't think about it.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined? Many people who have visited Hawaii and entertained the notion of perhaps one day living here have been hampered by the strict quarantine of dogs and cats meant originally to protect Hawaii from the introduction of rabies. The quarantine of these pets used to be several months in duration and, for many years, there was only one pet quarantine station and that was on Oahu. Now, there is a station on the Big Island in Keaau.
The pet quarantine was eased a few years ago. While the 30-day quarantine is still in effect, pet owners willing to give their pets the proper rabies vaccinations and blood tests and go through the 120 day "waiting period" before arrival will be limited to a quarantine of 5 days.
The five-day period is the maximum stay for pets meeting the criteria, and pets could be released to owners immediately upon arrival. Pet owners hoping for a confinement shorter then five days must present proof that their pet has had two rabies vaccinations, microchip implantation for identification and clean results of blood serum tests. If the pet qualifies for direct release from the airport the cost will be $165. It will be slightly higher if the pet must be held for up to five days.
The essential things for owners to keep in mind:
The pet must have a clear blood serum test with results emailed to Hawaii officials by the testing lab. The pet must wait for 120 days after Hawaii officials receive the clear result before entering the State of Hawaii.
Hawaii officials must receive a health certificate by email from the pet's veterinarian at least 10 days before the animal arrives in Hawaii.
Animal quarantine officials will inspect the pet at the airport, check its chip to confirm its identity and release the animal to its owner if everything is in order.
Please visit the Department of Agriculture on the web for a complete checklist.
To check restrictions on or permits for other pets, such as birds and rabbits, go to http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa
Koki Frogs, Coqui Frogs or Caribbean Tree Frogs: tree frogs are said to have found their way into Hawaii years ago in some tropical plant shipments. Some people HATE them, some LOVE them and some are indifferent.
Koki Frog Information
Rainwater Catchment Systems: Catchment Water is common on our rural island, where piped county or private well water is in limited supply. Typically you would have a metal roof on your house, and use rain gutters to catch the rain water where it goes into a steel or plastic water tank that kind of looks like an above ground swimming pool. There is then a filter system and water pump to bring the water into the house.
Catchment Water Systems
Big Island Hawaii Flood Zones: All of Hawaii County is mapped with a flood zone code. However, unless you are near a stream or low elevation shoreline area, chances are your Hawaii property will be located in Flood Zone "X", which is the lowest level of risk area (less than 1% annual risk from stream flooding). Some properties may have localized ponding during a heavy rain, which is not reflected in the flood zone designation.
Big Island Flood Zones
What is SSPP? Special Subdivision Project Provision. This is a cost share between HELCO (Hawaiian Electric Light Company) and land owners to bring electricity to some of the rural subdivisions. When you hook up to the electric lines you pay a share of the cost of the power poles. I've seen SSPP range from about $500 to over $5000. Depending on the amount, you may be able to pay it off over a period of time. For specific details you will need a tax map key number of a particular property, then contact HELCO Engineering (808) 969-0311
HELCO
Hawaii Land Tenure: Fee Simple or Leasehold? Fee Simple is when you buy the land and the improvements just like you would anywhere. Fee simple land tends to be more expensive, since the owner holds title to the property and can pass it along to heirs.
In Hawaii, much of the land is owned by trusts, dating from the time when Hawaii was a monarchy, and a few large estates owned the land. These trusts still retain ownership of the land. The trusts then lease the land to a buyer through a leasehold interest. The buyer makes regular lease payments and pays property taxes.Private ownership of land zoned for residential use is more limited than leasehold property. Typical leasehold provisions run for 55 years with the rent fixed for approximately 30 years. New rates may be based on the current market value of the land. The State limits the lease rent. Financing is available, although many lenders look at the number of years left in the lease at the time of the sale.
The question of whether or not to buy leasehold land is something that you must consider separately for each property; there is no one "best answer."
What is a Cesspool? Basically it's like a well in the ground.
How many square feet are in an acre? 43,560 feet are in one acre. For many people, an acre of land is plenty to take care of. 12,000 sq ft is enough to give you a nice front yard and a back yard, while 8,000 sq ft gives you one or the other.
Can I use a Mainland lender to buy property in Hawaii? Yes - BUT! If the off-Island lender does not have personal experience with processing loans for properties on the Big Island, I suggest to add two weeks additional escrow time. Off-Island loan agents may not be familiar with volcanic zones, agriculture zoning, catchment water, or which type of loans work in which districts and subdivisions. I have some recommended local lenders and mortgage brokers on website that you may like to talk with, if just to compare loan options. Whichever lender you chose to work with, I'm glad to help!
Where is the best place to live on the Big island of Hawaii? Well, it all depends on YOU. What I have found is people generally like where they live, and not always the area where someone else lives. Some people like the warmer dryer Southern California like weather of our Kona side, with the nearby golf and beach resorts, condos and timeshares, tourist shops and restaurants. Other people prefer the cooler more tropical weather of the greener Hilo side, with it's sunny mornings and rain in the evenings as the clouds cross over the mountains, the "local Hawaii" small town atmosphere, neighbor gatherings or privacy in the forest. I have had some clients move from one side of the island to the other saying "it was so different than what everyone told us." What I have learned is the whole island is wonderful!
Our Hawaii County Districts include Kona, Kohala, Hilo, Hamakua, Puna and Kau. Hawaii Island (as most residents call it) is about 4000 square miles and is quite diverse in landscape all over the island. East Hawaii Photos
A few of my favorite spots on the Island:
KONA PARADISE:
lovely community located 34 miles south of Kailua Kona with breathtaking views of the ocean. Home owners are either using their lovely homes as a vacation rental or simply live in it all year round. Peable beach is just at the bottom of the hill and is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Some resident also have their boat moored at at pebble beach during the summer months. Also near by is the King Kamehameha trail which is a great hiking.
Milolii:
Milolii is just like Kona Paradise use to be 10+ years ago. At the top of the hill, you will find mostly green and lush land ideal for organic farming. As you keep going down to the ocean, on your right, you will find the Milolii beach subdivision which is mostly affordable lava lots with excellent ocean views. On the left, you will find the last Hawaiian fishing village.
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