06-23-2012, 05:33 AM
One thing to remember is don't bring mainland expectations to the BI regarding roads and development layouts, just adapt, be happy. Kahakai is essentially the only road into Beaches and Shore. It is a busy road and it must be noisy for the houses along its length. Your scooter or moped idea should be just fine if you aren't thinking of daily hauls to Hilo or something. There appears to be what looks like good metro bus transit all the way down Beaches, never tried it. You almost need something like a scooter or moped for the Puna triangle (much like the Bermuda triangle except on land). It will also be good for most of the Beach road although the real thing for that is an ATV. Both Malama and Island Naturals grocery stores in Pahoa are high quality. Some prices are sky high but with careful shopping, a grocery bill shouldn't end up a lot more than the mainland. In some areas of Shores, the houses are so close together, it is possible to hear multiple household conversations, especially in the evening. I have two rooms with air conditioning that are almost silent, even to coqui, if the doors and windows are closed, so neighbor and dog noise isn't any problem.
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*