Moving to Puna stories

[surfdude]

Hi to everyone from sunny London, UK. Only kidding, it is rainy, hehe.

I have visited Hawaii on three occasions, and have been on Maui, Oahu and Big Island. Out of those three, me and my wife liked Big Island the most, even tho I felt somewhat dissapointed when we landed in Kona. All I could see were wide rivers of hardly weathered lava, and no vegetation.

Once we reached Hilo, our final destination, things looked more promising. People were asking us why we were going to Hilo, as Kona coast was sunnier and more popular with tourists. My 'Lonely Planet' guide to Hawaii tells of Hilo as the place where largest rain drops were measured in the whole world .

Well, I was glad I went there. Scenery is much more varied and rewarding, and as for rain, well, how else do you keep landscape so green and lush.

Anyway, we both grew to love the place, the more we explored it. At the end of our journey in Jan 2004 (1 week in Oahu, 1 w in Maui, 1 week in Big Island and 1 week in Breckenridge skiing), we concluded that windward side of the Big Island was the highlight of our whole journey.

But now, the best bit. In May 2004, I flew from London for a week. Reason - looking for a plot of land. I got a word from a friend that land prices were on the upward move, and it would be a good time to buy, since I have mentioned to him that I would love to do so.

I spent many hours searching the net, but have made a decision to come in person and have a look at different subdivisions etc.

To make short story longer, I made offers on three plots in Leilani Estates. Each plot had multiple offers, all of them higher that the asking price!!! At that stage I thought everything was going Pete Tong (cockney; read 'wrong'). Within my last 30 minutes on the island before I had to leave for the airport, I got word of two plots being up for sale in Leilani. They were not on the market as yet, as seller was hoping to sell them privately (former realtor). So without wasting any time, I was taken to Leilani and shown plots in question. I made an offer on one, sorted last minute deposit, went on to the airport, got back to London, cancelled offers on three original plots I was interested in, and within weeks, escrow deal was closed. Man, it felt good - still does.

And for what local people are like, all I can say is 'awesome'. On my first visit in January, I was a tourist, with no contacts there. In May, I met sooooo many great people, I was treated as if I knew everyone all my life, I was invited to peoples houses, parties etc. Wow! Time of my life, and all crammed in six days.

Now that I'm proud owner of 1 acre plot in Leilani Estates (Malama Street), I am looking to build a nice house in next few years. Will I move to the Big Island? I'd love to, but I will take one step at one time.