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Aloha! On a recent visit to the BI, my husband and I toured Puna, thinking that we'd possibly find a place to live. We're back at home now, putting our plans in order, and are most interested in Orchidland. What can anyone out there tell me about that area? We'd love to have the "inside scoop" I was just looking at the community association website and found out that flooding may be a problem...? What about future development? Any comparable areas that would have 3+ acre plots? Recommendations?
Many thanks!
KB
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Joined: Dec 2004
I have 6 acres in Orchidland and enjoy it to the fullest. The only reason I am not there now is because of the public school situation. The association is active and they are striving to improve the Subdivison for all owners. They have put together a plan to pave the "major" roads into the area but I guess some law suit has stalled out the effort to complete that. Anyway, I think it's all positive for the Subdivison and the "upside" is endless. I say jump in now if you still want a "deal". We bought our place in Oct. 2003 and I always say we "stole" it. The property sat on the market for more than 7 months and I would look at it daily on the "net" and dream. I took the "plunge" without the bosses (wife) knowledge and it has been nothing but positive. Goodluck in your search and I hope you get to have your dreams come true.
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We bought 3 acres in Orchidland Estates in may and are planning to build next spring. The flooding you are tallking about happens up around 40th and Pohaku. I have asked questions for the Orchidland association and they have been very responsive. Where else can you get this much land for such a good price? Also it's still at a low enough elevation to be warmer and dryer.
Glenn
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Thanks for your responses, Nate and Glenn. Another couple of weeks closer to the big move (which will happen in June). My husband is visiting Puna mid-January to hopefully buy a piece of land. We're so excited, but very nervous as well. It's a long way from Colorado. Our questions now mostly pertain to buying real estate. We've heard that land goes fairly quickly right now, and usually for more than the asking price. Does that sound right? Any tips on getting a good deal?
Hope you all are having happy holidays. Our last "white Christmas" was a great one, but I'm looking forward to something more tropical next time.
-KB
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Aloha Kelly,
Land is going fast but you will still find great bargains. Land is not going more than the asking price most of the time. Bidding wars happen more with home sales than land sales. It helps if you have a good real estate agent who knows the area. There is a big difference between Orchidland and the other areas such as Hawaiian Acres and Fern Acres etc. Do you want a referral for a real estate agent?
Glenn
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Glenn -
Thanks again for your response! We've got a couple of real estate agents whom we met while we were visiting last summer, but a referral would be wonderful. Also, what exactly do you mean when you say that there is a big difference between Orchidland and Hawaiian Acres, etc. (We figured that if we couldn't find a place in Orchidland, we'd look in some of those areas...)
Mahalo!
KB
Posts: 36
Threads: 4
Joined: Dec 2004
Kelly,
There are differences between the subdivisions. The thing to note is the lacation. The higher the elevation the cooler and the grayer/wetter it is. It's not uncommon for it to be partly sunny in Orchidland or Hawaiian Paradise Park and for it to be rainning in Hawaiian Acres. This may not be a big deal for some but if you are wanting to minimize the cold and rain than stay as low as possible in elevation. We're moving from Seattle and I'm getting a bit tired of the constant gray so I want to maxamize the amount of sun I can get and still be in Puna.
Also the roads aren't as good in some of the higher sub divisions.
We used a wonderful realtor, Mark Cox from Daylum Realty. He and his partner drove us all around to look at properities, thery were very helpful without being the least bit pushy. I know they don't get a very large commision from just selling land but you wouldn't know it from the service they gave us. They even bought us our meals! We called with several questions over the time from offer to closing and they were very quick to get back to us with answers. He can be reached at 808-935-0399
Glenn
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I've heard Hawaiian acres called all sorts of things and not one of them is good..except the land prices. Some of the locals that live there are fiercly private. The roads are blocked with old junk cars, tree logs and "tire poppers". It's not an area where you want to pick up an unseen property hoping you just found paradise because you might be in for a real eye opener. I've seen in the past some properties there that were absolute gems but it all depends on the area. Anyway, good luck and keep us informed
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Thanks again, Glenn and Nate -
What you've mentioned reinforces the impression we had of hawaiian acres/fern forest - it's possible to get lucky on a plot, but overall, the areas seem a bit more sketchy - and chilly! We'll be in touch with the realtor you mentioned, and will hopefully find a place soon!
Thanks,
KB
