01-22-2026, 01:15 AM
Just my opinion on what my husband and I did and considered when we planned and built our retirement home here 30 years ago:
1. Stay away from Lava zone 1 and 2.
Why?
Because.
Vegas will give you better odds on your money long term.
2. Do you now or anticipate needing medical care often? Meaning, for example, do you have diabetes? Other disabilities or medical conditions that might require above normal medical care? If you do, don't buy or build where you have a 20 to 30 minute "off rode" drive to get to a paved road. Also, and for example, a Paramedic response and transport to Hilo Medical from a residence in Hawaiian Acres is 3 grand. That's right, $3,000.00. Just saying.
3. Steps. Buying or building a house with the only ingress and egress is a flight or more of steps is a huge consideration. Maybe not right now, but picture yourself when you are 80 years old having to carry a trunk load of groceries up those steps. And every time you want to go outside, steps. Got dogs? Bang, bang, bang, up and down the steps they go! Every time they go out! And come back in. Only to go out. Again. Up and down. So, my opinion, NO STEPS!
4. Seclusion verses ocean/mountain/volcano views versus rooster/pig farm neighbors' verses automobile traffic. Choose wisely. Also, climate. In a short 60-mile radius from Volcano to Hilo, to Pahoa, Keaau etc., there can be several different climates you can be in. Hotter versus cooler versus rainier versus drier.
5. Moving the stuff you have there here. Consider this very carefully. Depending on where you are moving from, it may cost 5 to 10 grand or more to ship it here. That beautiful leather couch you have in New Mexico or wherever, will be a molded rotten mess within a year here. And the cost it might take to move that stuff here and then store it while you look for or build a house, can be much better used to buy some pretty cool brand-new or even used local made stuff that will last you a much longer time.
6. Everything else that CAN make your paradise a living hell. Think, research and ask lots of questions. Haste makes very expensive waste.
Whatever you do do, enjoy! And remember this isn't the mainland. When your fridge or stove goes out, be prepared to wait 2 to 3 weeks plus for your new one!
Good luck! And Welcome to Puna!
1. Stay away from Lava zone 1 and 2.
Why?
Because.
Vegas will give you better odds on your money long term.
2. Do you now or anticipate needing medical care often? Meaning, for example, do you have diabetes? Other disabilities or medical conditions that might require above normal medical care? If you do, don't buy or build where you have a 20 to 30 minute "off rode" drive to get to a paved road. Also, and for example, a Paramedic response and transport to Hilo Medical from a residence in Hawaiian Acres is 3 grand. That's right, $3,000.00. Just saying.
3. Steps. Buying or building a house with the only ingress and egress is a flight or more of steps is a huge consideration. Maybe not right now, but picture yourself when you are 80 years old having to carry a trunk load of groceries up those steps. And every time you want to go outside, steps. Got dogs? Bang, bang, bang, up and down the steps they go! Every time they go out! And come back in. Only to go out. Again. Up and down. So, my opinion, NO STEPS!
4. Seclusion verses ocean/mountain/volcano views versus rooster/pig farm neighbors' verses automobile traffic. Choose wisely. Also, climate. In a short 60-mile radius from Volcano to Hilo, to Pahoa, Keaau etc., there can be several different climates you can be in. Hotter versus cooler versus rainier versus drier.
5. Moving the stuff you have there here. Consider this very carefully. Depending on where you are moving from, it may cost 5 to 10 grand or more to ship it here. That beautiful leather couch you have in New Mexico or wherever, will be a molded rotten mess within a year here. And the cost it might take to move that stuff here and then store it while you look for or build a house, can be much better used to buy some pretty cool brand-new or even used local made stuff that will last you a much longer time.
6. Everything else that CAN make your paradise a living hell. Think, research and ask lots of questions. Haste makes very expensive waste.
Whatever you do do, enjoy! And remember this isn't the mainland. When your fridge or stove goes out, be prepared to wait 2 to 3 weeks plus for your new one!
Good luck! And Welcome to Puna!