Making the move from Hilo to Puna -- Wa'a Wa'a?

[Guest]

Hi everyone,
my newbie post here. I've been reading up and much admire this board for its spirit and information ... and opinions!

I haven't done an "intro to me" post yet (not in the mood right now) ... but to give a little info I've been on island for about 5 years, have lived in several communities but this will be the first in Puna, first on catchment.

I'm selling my house in Hilo (it's in escrow, WHEW!), and with what little comes from that am looking for something not too expensive for myself (55) and one of my sons (36), we want quiet and love plants, prefer more land as a buffer from neighbors' projects, don't want crime to seek us out. We won't be commuting. My son does tile/masonry/Mac tutoring, but nothing 9-5.

We are looking at Wa'a Wa'a, and would like any and all opinions on it.

What else? I don't want to get a guard dog or any dog. I'm fanatically devoted to my cats. The last time I lived off grid was 1972 on the Olympic Peninsula -- but that was without phone, cell phone, plumbing, electric, solar ... just propane for heat and kerosene lamps. I've done that but now I like my creature comforts.

The small house we're looking at has a decent solar system and back-up generator. It's planted with amazing array of species and was at one time a small contract nursery, but all that is potential to revive rather than a going concern.Opinions on this area?

Any recommendations on other subdivisions? We were looking at a place closer to Kapoho but have to pass on anything in Zone 1 because I need a mortgage and already know for my type of loan the lenders who will do it won't touch anything in Zone 1.

Sorry for the long question, just trying to explain some of the factors so as not to waste your time too much. Thanks in advance!

[Beachboy]

quote:

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why so far away? I saw a nice brand new home(3 bedroom /two bath-1113 sq ft) on three acres of land for $299K in Orchidland. Oh that's three square acres too!

With three acres you can grow veggies, fruit trees, etc,etc...

check it out: MLS#189171

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[ericlp]

Wa'a Wa'a... Well, unless you like the beach or you want beach front at a reasonable price then I'd move there.

If not, I second beachboys suggestion about moving to orchidland. If it's land you want... Why not look up at fern Forrest? Saw 3 acre lots there 5 in row for around 150K.

I'm not familiar with waa waa but I'd imagine since its so close to the beach that it hot and dry most of the time. I know the place has no utilities as power or phone witch would be a big turn off for me. Tho, if you have solar hot water and solar power it's getting better and better all the time to consider living off the grid. If it has decent cell coverage then I could live there... Dunno how you would get internet there one thing to start asking unless internet is not a big deal to you.

Helpfully someone that actually lives there will chime in with better info!

I'd also take things into consideration... Where do you shop for food? Do you like going to boarders, fish markets or restaurants, medical facilities ... Just remember it's gonna be a drive.

[punagirl]

Although Waa Waa has no electric service it is pretty accessible. You can get there quite easily from Hawaiian Beaches or down by Kapoho.

Be careful in buying close to the ocean. I have heard of a few people that had problems as they bought not knowing that there are graves thrugh the area.

In my opinion, Waa Waa is the most beautiful spot in all of Hawaii. Take a drive through there and just be quite and feel it. It is pretty magical.

Atlanta/Pahoa

[aline]

I stayed in a rental in Waa Waa,on solar. Loved the area,I too think it is a magical place and just so beautiful. But I like my creature comforts now as I get older. I used to live in Orchidland and while it rained more I never had a problem with thieves even when we were building and not staying there overnight. I had some nice neighbors who offered advice when I needed it but respected my privacy. I would have no problems being in Orchidland again but then I will have to commute and Waa Waa would be a trek everyday to Hilo.I guess you have to go where it feels right for you

[Rob Tucker]

Kathy, You really don't need power to have a nice hot tub soak. The wood fired Japanese style uforu is fairly east to set up and works without electricity. My neighbors fire theirs up most every day. You do need water and some fire wood. I have made wood fired hot tubs in the past that were up to 8 feet in diameter but there is a lot of efficiency in small, concise tanks.

[Rob Tucker]

I have made several hundred hot tubs in years past. The jst systems are nice and properly done are theraputic as well.

Considering your discussed energy situation I think that you definately should consider more passive tub experiences. Uforo or a quiet wood heated tub and be a very, very nice thing. Different than what you were used to but not necessary lesser.

Ufuros are generally refilled each time and so on catchment they are purposefully small. Larger tanks can
be heated by propane very efficiently or with wood fire too and there are ways to achieve filtering with low power use.

[Carey]

Kathy, Wa'aWa'a is magical. You may not know that travel times & traffic do increase when the school bus is in the area.
For travel into Hilo, I know there are some residents that bike over to the bus stops in Hawaiian Beaches & for $1 they put the bike on the rack & ride into Hilo (free if you don't take the bike)
There are solar hot tub packages, Real Goods (fairly pricey catalog) has this, maybe there is a kit on island that is more reasonable. http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/45-000
HPP, closer to the water, is also drier than the upper portions, generally - depending on the lot...but is not as secluded as Wa'a Wa'a

[jdirgo]

I second the motion that Carey makes -- Wa'a Wa'a is magical. If you can cope with its limitations (off-grid, somewhat rough roads, etc) -- its stunning.

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Island Trust Properties, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.hawaiirealproperty.com

[olin137]

With the fire heated tubs, what is the wood supply like on the island? Off your own property, buy from people, ??

As far as the Waa Waa potential neighbors, are there any issues with animals, noise, etc? I notice in HPP there are some chicken farms, some areas with regular dog packs running around, etc.

Olin137