"Hey Guys!
 
I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise. Many thanks!
 
I note that in the body of earlier correspondence (around 2008) the real estate pricing was somewhat depressed and thus a good time to buy. In your opinion, what is the state of the market now? Are real estate values appreciating, flat or depreciating? 
 
I grew up on Oahu many years ago and am retiring. I’d like to get “back home!”
 
Mahalo!"

-- Craig C.

Aloha Craig,

Fortunately we are seeing an appreciation in prices. With the apparent uptrend it is safe to say prices won't be going down so it is a great time to buy. As you probably know, the Big Island has the most affordable properties in Hawaii. I highly recommend taking a trip to the Big Island to check it out.  

Check out this Big Island market report from a local Realtor. 

​Some interesting analytics provided by Trulia.

​Here is a good website with listings for the Pahoa area.

​-- Darrell

"My husband and I are looking to move in 2017 to the big island. We have no idea what we are doing we absolutely fell in love and want to pursue the island life! Can u help?"
​
-- Susie G.

Aloha Susi,

I would recommend coming out to the Big Island and spend some time getting to know the different parts of the island. I'm sure you will find an area that fits your needs. There are some books available that will help, some are mentioned on my web site. You should also start reading the local paper to get a feel for island life. I'm sure you'll have fun researching!

Good luck!​

"I came across your page about you moving to Hawaii.  My husband and I are planning to move to the Kona/Waikolo Village area and to be honest, I am somewhat terrified.  We are bringing our 1 medium sized dog with us, we have already started the quarantine process.  I am not too concerned about that.  We have a vet that has gone through the process and I have gone over the paperwork a hundred times at least to make sure we aren't missing anything.  What I am most worried about is finding a place to live, and with a dog.  We are planning to buy eventually but I am sure that will take 6 months minimum to be in a position to do that.  How difficult was it for you to find a place to live with dogs?  I feel that Hawaii is really not a dog friendly place.  I should also mention that while we have been smart and have saved in preparation to move, we are not prepared to spend $2000+ for rent.  I don't feel like we will have any trouble finding jobs within a month.  We are also exploring the option of coming over with family for a combined vacation and so we have a place to stay while we look for a house, but vacation rentals that allow dogs is another problem it seems. 

Any advice that may calm my fear would be appreciated.  Thank you."

--Mel

​Hi Mel,

The way we did it was to visit Hawaii on a vacation/house buying trip. By the time we brought our dogs over, we owned a home. Perhaps a preliminary trip before you move to do some house-hunting? You can also work with a Realtor to find long-term housing. One of your requirements would be dog-friendly.

Good luck!

"Aloha Darrell,

I have been reading about your rentals in HPP. My husband has just been transferred to Hawaii, and we are in the early stages of the moving process. We are going to Hilo in a few weeks to look for houses to buy, or land on which to build; but also realize we may or may not find just the right property at the time that we need it. In case we do end up needing to rent for a while, I wanted to check with you about Internet access on the Big Island. 

• Is high-speed Internet service available throughout the island?
• Is it reliable?  

I work from home and will continue to telecommute once we move, and my job requires that I have access to high-speed Internet.

Mahalo nui loa!"

-- Jennifer G.

Aloha Jennifer,

There are 3 main players that provide Internet access on the Big Island:

• Aloha Broadband
  
• Oceanic Time Warner Cable
  
• Microcom
  

Depending upon what part of the island you finally settle down, one may have better coverage than the others, but I think you should be able to have Internet access anywhere on the Big Island. 

Congratulations, and good luck with your move!

"I love your website! I plan on moving to the Big Island by December (with my husband, twin sister and our dogs) We already have their vet-work done, just waiting now. We want to live on the Big Island for a year and then Oahu. I know you said we need to look for a job before coming, it just seems like no one takes you seriously when applying from the mainland.  I'm worried about finding a place to rent with dogs. My babies are house trained and walked 2-3 times a day.  As for jobs, we aren't picky. Do you have any suggestions?"
                  
--Jack and Jill W.           

Aloha Jill,

As long as you have enough savings in the bank to cover your expenses and you aren't particular as to what kind of job you get, you could make the move. Have you thought about starting a business? There are lots of opportunities for people who have an entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness to work hard for themselves. 

The economy is improving so moving to Hawaii without any job prospects is less of a risk than before.  
​
Good luck!
---
Darrell 

"Hi Darrell,

How are you today? Hope all well. Thank you for your informative website.

We are hoping during summer School vacation we can visit for 2 weeks or so.

I think from your blog posts it looks like as far as employment you recommend we search in the Hilo or Kona areas??

Again I really appreciate connecting with you guys.

Thanks" 
​
--- Rob P.

Hilo is less touristy than Kona, so there will be more opportunity in the hospitality industry on that side. Hilo has a few hotels, but there will be more opportunity to find a job in Kona.

"Aloha Darell and Viv,

I was so happy to read the blogs on your website.

My wife and I are considerably middle age (38&34) and been planning the big move to Hawaii. Naalehue in particular.

I own my own business here but, graduated and worked for years in the hospitality field. My wife is a general dentist.

It started with us visiting during a time share stay with Whyndham resorts. We visited Hawaii about  8 times over 7 years. Yes we visited twice in 1 year!!

We made so many friends since we are regular visitors now.

We don't have kids but, we plan on so. 

So here are top concerns

- finding good paying Job opportunity.

- church 

- health care in general.

I know from reading your blog that you invest in rental vacation properties. Maybe you can feel me up about this. 

It will be great to stay connected with someone experienced like you. I hope you guys have a great holiday season.

May The Lord bring happiness and peace to all your family.
Mahalo"

--Bahaa ​M.

​Aloha Bahaa,

Sounds like you have been bitten by the Hawaii bug also. It's a great place to live.

When my wife and I moved, we had our own business so it made the transition much easier. Your wife shouldn't have a problem finding work as a dentist. If you need to find work, your experience in the hospitality field will benefit you.

Plenty of churches to choose from so I'm sure you'll find one you like.

There has been a shortage of general care doctors, at least in the Hilo area. It may be difficult to find a primary care physician. Hilo has a good hospital, and anything they can't handle, you can go to Honolulu for treatment.

Have fun with the move!

​"Aloha,

We are seeking a rental for a longer duration 1 year or more while we build and ran across your web site and thought I would send a quik note as your website is a good source of information. 

We have owned in Pahoa before and recently sold our home here in Washington state. We have family in Hawaiian Shores.  Having not rented in 13 years this is quite the task.

We are seeking something that is 3 bd and  that is pet friendly with deposit as we have family pets and will be relocating as of the first of August.  

Im not sure on what you may have in terms of long term rentals but thought as a member of the local community there you might have some advice on finding a rental.

Thank you for your time and for any information you can share!"

--Barbara

Aloha Barbara,

For a 1-year rental I would suggest working through a property manager. They will know what is currently available, which units are pet-friendly, and what is available in any particular location. My property manager is Tammy Medieros with Clark Realty: http://www.clarkhawaii.com/our_agents/info/tamara-l-medeiros/ and I highly recommend her! 

Good luck!
---
Darrell 

"Hi there, or Aloha,

My name is Deborah, I think I have questions you might not have had before. It's a different situation then yours as far as moving there to paradise. I visited there once for only 3 days at Waikiki, and that was enough for me. I have been wanting to move there for many years before I had ever been there, I thought it was a fantasy to ever go or live there. I'm very determined to live there, and I will live there. It's just taking care of the obstacles, that's going to take more then the average person who wants to move there. 


I'm a 50 yr old about to be empty nester, I have 3 grown kids. My youngest is about to finish high school and go into the Air Force. They know because of my health issues, the islands are the best climate for me. My doctor agrees strongly, it would be a way to get off my meds that are slowly killing me. 


So my biggest dilemma, is good old Money ! I'm on state disability here in Ca. So I have a lot of work ahead of me. I want to be able to buy not rent, and it seems there's a lot of kinds of assistance for disabled, low income etc. for some things. My goal is to move there within the next year, if not sooner. I need to find out about how to qualify for the home buying assistance programs there, through the HUD or section 8 programs. So I'm not sure if you have any info or know anyone with that kind of info ? 


It's a little harder doing the research from another state, but I will find a way. Before I go on any further, I didn't want to bombard you with all my info if you don't know anything about these type programs ? So please drop me a letter when you have a min, and let me know if there's any help you or someone you know can tell me where to start with this kind of situation. I love your page with all your info, I have it booked marked. So I can keep using it for references, and to get ahold of you.

I truly am forever greatfull for any help or leads you can direct me to help me to live a happy life like you."
--Deborah W.

Aloha Deborah,

I'm not familiar with the different public assistance programs in Hawaii, so I did some research and have included some links that should at least get you headed in the right direction.

Section 8 and Assisted Living
(I'm not sure if you want to live in Honolulu or an outer island. Honolulu is like any big city, while the Big Island is more rural and has a reputation as "The Healing Island". I've included links to both.)
www1.honolulu.gov/dcs/section8overview.htm
www.hcdch.hawaii.gov/faqs/section8.html

Aging and Disability Resources
www.hawaiiadrc.org/

Family Programs
69.94.124.155/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=1

Here is a link for the Big Island assistance:
www.hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-housing/

Good luck!

"We are planning a move to the Big Island in a couple years (I am a big planner...making sure that we have all our ducks in a row.). My big concern is schools. I know there are some decent private schools on the Big Island but what about public schools? From my research there is one good public school on the Hilo side and one on the Kona side in a district just inland and south of Kona. Am I wrong about this? Should I forget the Hawaii public schools and focus on private?

Any help as we get our lives together for this move would be appreciate.

Oh, our boys are six years old, FYI."
--Bart B.

Aloha Bart,

We don't have kids so this advice comes from information we have gathered from things we've read, and feedback from friends who do have kids in the public school system. The Hawaii public school system rates very low nationally. There have been stories written that local employers complain that kids who graduate aren't adequately equipped in the basics to be good employees. There may be some challenges with initial acceptance by the local kids of a student from the mainland. There is bullying, although I don't know how it is compared with other school districts.

If I had kids, and knowing what what I've heard, I would either home-school them or put them in private school. Two that I have heard good things about are Malamalama Waldorf School and St. Joseph School. Here are some good links to websites on private schools in Hawaii: www.hais.org/pages/4241_Home.asp
www.privateschoolreview.com/state_private_schools/stateid/HI

Here is a resource on Hawaii public schools:
www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/Schools/