02-03-2009, 04:45 AM
Every area in Puna has it's good points and bad. We moved and retired here from a very isolated northern community (Alaska) also and settled in HPP. We looked at Hawaiian Beaches, Parks and Shores and Nanawale and decided that the lots were too small for us. But we didn't want several acres either like they sell in Upper Puna. HPP had mostly one acre parcels which for us was just enough space between neighbors while still having plenty of space to plant some elaborate tropical gardens... and it's in Lava Zone 3 which means being able to insure your home at a resonable cost.