Know Before You Go
If you’re coming to the Big Island, especially for the first time, there are a few things you may be interested to know before you go. Whether you’re headed this way to enjoy a much-deserved vacation or are thinking of checking out a few properties, our Big Island real estate professionals think you’ll find the following information useful!
1. It Really Is Big
With a land area of 4,028 square miles and 93 miles across from one side to the other, the Big Island truly is big. Unless you’re staying for at least a week, plan on taking a lot of road trips, you probably won’t see the entire island on your first visit.
2. The Best Island?
It’s the best of the Hawaiian islands if you really want to get away from it all. The Kona/Kohala area is where you will find the best resorts and lots of beaches, but unlike some of the other islands, this one is largely undeveloped with plenty of pure “country” space. Great if you’re not really into hanging with lots of tourists.
3. Plan Your Big Island Bucks
Bring along a few extra bucks, everything is more expensive! You would probably expect it, but in Hawaii you will find that food, gas, groceries and almost everything else costs more than on the mainland. That said, you can find restaurants and accommodations that lean toward the budget side, and those on the luxury side. If you stay in a resort area such as Kohala, plan on spending more for everything including gas, restaurants and bars.
4. Hawaiian Style Dress
It’s pretty much casual, so leave the formal wear at home. Hawaii is all about relaxing and going at a slower pace! Flip-flops and shorts are allowed nearly everywhere you go, and ladies will enjoy wearing a nice cool sundress. Bring along your khakis, bathing suits and an aloha shirt, and you’re good to go.
5. Getting Around Hawaii
Plan on renting a car. You could spend a small fortune if you intend to take a taxi everywhere you go, and while resort areas are nice you will definitely want to explore more of the island. If you don’t rent a car you will likely wish you had!
6. Volcano of Course
Spend a day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. How could you not? It isn’t every day you can experience an active volcano in person, so take a day to hike, explore and check out the visitors center. We guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
It’s impossible to cover all there is to explore, enjoy and experience on this beautiful island. Once you get here, you will understand why those who choose to call the Big Island home love it so much.
Planning to make Hawaii Island your home or home away from home? Contact our Big Island real estate brokers today for help finding those properties that meet your criteria.