Big Island

A Brief Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

A Brief Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

When it comes to visiting, or moving to, Hawaii, you have to decide which island to go to. Each one has its own unique culture, personality, sights and adventures to explore. In total, the Hawaiian Archipelago is made up of 137 separate islands, but most of them are tiny and uninhabited. There are six major islands that you need to know: Hawaii (The Big Island), Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai.

Buying Property Sight Unseen in Hawaii

Buying Property Sight Unseen in Hawaii

If you’re in the market for luxury real estate in Hawaii, chances are it’s not your first home-buying rodeo. But, unlike purchasing property on the mainland, it might be the first time that you couldn’t easily make it out to your soon-to-be house for home inspections, contract negotiations or meeting with your agent or broker. While it’s not much different than buying a home in the continental United States, there are still a few steps that might be challenging for first time sight unseen buyers.

“Secret” Big Island Spots that Only Locals Know About

“Secret” Big Island Spots that Only Locals Know About

When people think of their dream tropical vacation, Hawaii is typically at the top of the wish list. But what’s paradise if you’re surrounded by Instagram-snapping, loud-talking, space-invading tourists?

Yes, you should absolutely go to downtown Kailua-Kona and have a Mai Tai overlooking the ocean, but once you’re tired of all the people, head to one of these lesser known attractions to beat the crowds and spend some quality time with the Big Island.

Getting Your Things to Hawaii

Getting Your Things to Hawaii

Moving to a new state in the continental U.S.? No big deal. Hire a moving truck and follow it down the freeway to your new home. Moving to Hawaii: Now that’s a bit more complicated. Finally making the decision to purchase property on the Big Island is certainly difficult, but it’s just the beginning.

Now, it’s time to figure out how to get all your worldly possessions to your new home in the Islands. As someone who has made the move, I’ll let you in on a few tips to help ease the stress of shipping your belongings to Hawaii.

72-1154 Hoopai Rd. Kailua-Kona

72-1154 Hoopai Rd. Kailua-Kona

Nestled into the beautiful Hawaiian mountainside overlooking the Kona coast sits this immaculate 3-bedroom, 3-full-bathroom home. It has been recently renovated to become the epitome of Big Island luxury. If you’re looking for a privacy without sacrificing nearby amenities, the location doesn’t get any better than this!

Bringing Your Pets to Hawaii

Bringing Your Pets to Hawaii

What’s moving to paradise if you don’t get to bring your best friend with you!? If you’re anything like me, my pets are my family. If I’m going somewhere, they’re going to be sitting right next to me. Unlike moving to a new home on the mainland, bringing your pets to Hawaii can be a bit more complicated. Before making the move, make sure you brush up on all the policies regarding the transport of animals to the Islands.

What's an Ohana?

What's an Ohana?

When searching for property on the Big Island, you might notice the term “Ohana” pop up every now and then. Hawaiian properties are unique and have special features not typically found on mainland properties, or at least, they aren’t called by the same names.

If you’re not sure what an Ohana is, you should probably brush up on your Hawaiian Disney movies. “Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind.” An Ohana, when used as a real estate term, is a place to put your friends and family when they come to visit. It’s a guest house!

Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

Get your grass skirt ready and start stretching out those hula hips because it’s time for the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival! The festival is scheduled for February 7-9, 2020 at the Mauna Lani Resort in Kamuela. The festival is being held to celebrate the grand re-opening of the hotel and the completion of its $100 million renovation project that’s been going on since October 2018.

Neighborhood Overview: Kohala Ranch

Neighborhood Overview: Kohala Ranch

If you’re looking for your own private slice of Hawaii, Kohala Ranch might be for you. Located in the northwest region of the Big Island, Kohala Ranch contains 3,500 acres of pristine mountainside with both prebuilt homes and undeveloped homesites available. Whether you’re looking for land close to the ocean or incredible mountain views at 3,000 ft, Kohala Ranch has a place for you.

Weather Around the Island

Weather Around the Island

“If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” Mark Twain famously said that quote regarding New England. If he had been in Hawaii, he might have said something like, “If you don’t like the weather, take a few steps to your left.”

The weather on the Big Island changes about as much as the landscape. In one area, it can rain every single day. Just a few miles down the road, it might not rain but a few inches all year! When you’re looking for property around the Big Island, researching the typical climate and weather patterns is just as important as picking out the most scenic view.