10 Reasons You Should Buy Homes for Sale on the Big Island
Be it the warm climate, breathtaking natural beauty, or crystal-clear blue waters, Hawaii’s appeal continues to draw crowds from all over the world. Our recent trips to Oahu confirm that construction is booming and that real estate values are at an all-time high. However, with limited inventory and the growth-constraining effect of the surrounding ocean, it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy your slice of paradise. Now more than ever you should consider homes for sale on the Big Island. Below are just 10 of the many reasons you should consider buying homes for sale on the Big Island.
Our Biggest Island is the Cheapest
Homes for sale on the Big Island remain up to 40% cheaper than those on neighboring islands. The significant contrast in pricing is likely due to its comparatively massive size and sparse population density. Last time we were in Honolulu, we were shocked to see shabby houses listed for well over a million dollars. In Kailua-Kona, you can still find a decent 3/2 for under $600,000. Investors, recognizing the opportunities created by this price discrepancy, are honing in on homes for sale on the Big Island.
No Crowds or Traffic
If you’ve ever tried to make it from the airport to Waikiki after 3pm on a weekday in Honolulu, you know that traffic in Honolulu can be impossible. The Big Island, in contrast, offers an escape from the stress of crowds, traffic, and chaotic urban life. The Big Island boasts a low population density—45.9 residents per square mile in contrast with Oahu’s 1,586.7 residents, according to the latest census data. Thus, the Kailua-Kona side is host to the restaurants, activities, and events characteristic of a tourist destination without the burden of high population density.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the principal attractions for those looking to buy homes for sale on the Big Island. The 505-square mile park features two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, but it also offers endless other opportunities for adventure. Recreational activities include the Jaggar Museum of volcanology, the Thurston Lava tube, campgrounds, and several craters and trails to explore. A Tri-park annual pass is available for $30. Vacation Rentals in this area are always booked and home prices are lower. To learn more about the park, check out this article by National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/
Mauna Kea
The Big Island is also the home of Mauna Kea, a volcano that has been dormant for over 4,000 years. Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest sea mountain at 13,796 feet above sea level, and its peak is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Its height allows for some of the best stargazing and sunset-watching in the world, and it is home to the private observatories of several nations.
Outdoor Sports
The Big Island is a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts. For bikers, the Big Island features roads and trails that will please road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. Hikers have many trail options, ranging from those along the shoreline and over lava rock to the more mountainous trails in Volcanoes National Park. The Big Island is home to some of the best snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving destinations in the world. Other popular and accessible water adventures include fishing, boating, and kayaking. The Big Island hosts the annual Ironman World Championship, livening the atmosphere of Kailua-Kona in early October. For those who are not seasoned outdoor enthusiasts but are looking to become more active, there are several companies that offer lessons and tours.
Unrivaled Access
The Kailua-Kona area features luxury homes just 20 minutes from Kona International Airport. Homebuyers that are constantly on the move—either traveling or working locally—will find relief in the proximity of Kailua-Kona’s luxury homes to everything that they need. Additionally, living in this area means effortless access to some of Hawaii’s best beaches, including Magic Sands, Makalawena and Kua Bay.
Homes For Sale on the Big Island Have High Expected Growth Rates
Home values on the Big Island have been increasing at a considerable and consistent rate since 2012. In the past year, the value of homes in Kailua-Kona has increased by 3.1%, and the average sales price in the Kona real estate market is more than three times the national average. Experts expect a sustainable long-run increase in demand for new housing units in Hawaii. As demand increasingly exceeds supply in the housing market, we are expected to witness an increase in the value of luxury homes for sale on the Big Island. However, properties are still relatively affordable, as evidenced by the doubling in the consumer optimism number. Additionally, foreclosures comprise a notable portion of the market, creating incredible deals for homebuyers. Buying a home for sale on the the Big Island is therefore a great opportunity for reaping a high return on your housing investments.
Great Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Residents of the Kailua-Kona area are able to enjoy the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. There are over 20 dive operators on the Kona side of the Island. They offer guided tours and and certifications in some of the clearest and warmest Hawaiian waters. For the more adventurous types, some companies offer night dives and weeklong dives. Novice snorkelers can visit the tide pools of Kahaluu Bay, while more experienced snorkelers have a whole host of options available, notably Hapuna Beach Cove. The Big Island is the perfect place to pursue your underwater hobbies.
Diverse Climate Zones
The Big Island has what is possibly the world’s greatest concentration of climate types. Containing 10 of the 13 sub-zones in the Koppen Climate Classification system, each part of the island possesses its own unique topography and weather patterns. The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are considered Polar Tundra. In the right conditions, people are able to ski on Mauna Kea during the winter months. Lower elevations are classified as Continuously Wet Warm and receive anywhere from 60 to 150 inches of rain per year. Areas closest to the shore, in contrast, are considered Hot Desert Climate. These areas often receive less than 10 inches of rain annually. Kailua-Kona is the Big Island’s greatest tourist destination due in part to its comfortably warm, sunny, dry weather. Hawaii’s climatic diversity guarantees that you’ll never tire of the weather.
Farming Opportunities
The Big Island’s many climate zones also make it an excellent place to buy farming property. Plants native to hot, dry climates and cool, wet ones alike are able to thrive on the island. Since 80% of our food is imported, produce prices rank among the highest in the nation. Local growers benefit from these inflated prices when selling at farmers markets. With the emergence of agro-tourism and food trends such as “buy local” or Farm-to-table, we can expect to see arable land selling for premiums in the near future. It has never been a better time to buy homes for sale on the Big Island.