Living in Kona: Real Insights into Life on the Big Island
I’ll be addressing some of the most common and interesting questions and comments I’ve received about living in Kona and moving to the Big Island of Hawaii. We’ll explore topics ranging from local fishing rules and wildlife to real estate tips, lifestyle expectations, and the unique experiences of island living. Let’s dive in!
Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about what it’s like to live in Kona, how to move here, and other interesting topics. Some of them really made me think and do a bit more research, which I love! So, let’s get into it.
Comment: “Kona is the only place in the world where blue marlins over 1,000 pounds have been caught in every month of the year.”
This is such a great comment! It’s awesome that the person who wrote it caught one of those massive marlins. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kona is famous for its world-class fishing. I’ve been on a couple of charters myself, and though we hooked a marlin once, it got away. But it was still such a fun experience. We’ve caught tons of fish and even spotted humpback whales, sperm whales, and countless dolphins—Kona’s waters are truly special.
What I love most about fishing in Kona is that you don’t have to go far to get to the right depth. Unlike other places where it takes an hour or more to reach the fishing grounds, here you can start fishing within 15 minutes. If the waters get rough, you’re not stuck too far from home.
But, while I was researching for this video, I found out something new! As of February 2024, fishing rules have changed. Now, only non-residents over the age of 15 need a saltwater fishing license. Residents and military personnel are exempt, which is great news for locals and visitors alike.
Comment: “Kona is a tourist trap. It used to be nicer with fewer people.”
I get this a lot, and while I understand that there are more tourists than before, I wouldn’t call Kona a “tourist trap.” Kona is a beautiful destination, and yes, it attracts people from all over the world. But it’s still an amazing place to live. For me, it doesn’t feel like the tourist presence negatively impacts my life. I love that people come to experience the beauty of Hawaii, and I believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy it.
Comment: “Kona has bugs—mosquitoes, scorpions, and centipedes.”
Yes, there are some pests, but honestly, it’s not as bad as people make it out to be. I’ve lived here for years, and I’ve only seen one live centipede in my house during that time. If you live in higher elevations where there’s more rain, you might deal with more mosquitoes. But for me, at sea level, I haven’t had much of an issue. Scorpions? I’ve never seen one in Hawaii, so if anyone has, let me know in the comments!
The one thing I do want to mention is termites. They are common here, and most home inspections will find some evidence of termite activity. It’s just part of living in Hawaii, and most homes will need treatment at some point.
Comment: “The Big Island is boring.”
This one makes me laugh a little because it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want nightlife, clubs, and concerts, then yeah, the Big Island might seem boring compared to places like Honolulu or Las Vegas. But if you’re into outdoor activities, nature, and a more laid-back lifestyle, there’s so much to do here. From hiking to snorkeling, to exploring volcanoes, I don’t think it’s boring at all.
Comment: “We’re thinking about building a modern home on a lot in Hulualoa. What do you think about this lot?”
If you’re considering building a home in Hawaii, the first thing to check is whether there’s a Homeowners Association (HOA) for the property. HOAs often have design guidelines, and they may not allow very modern homes, so you’ll want to check that first. Also, look into the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for the property. Even if there’s no HOA, CC&Rs can still dictate the design and landscaping of homes in the area.
If there’s no HOA or CC&Rs, you’ll just need to follow local zoning guidelines, which are pretty flexible when it comes to modern designs. So, in that case, you should be able to build whatever you like!
That wraps up today’s questions. If you have more questions about living on the Big Island, real estate, or anything related to Hawaii, feel free to drop a comment or get in touch with me. I love helping people learn more about this beautiful place.
Aloha! 🌺
Thinking of moving to Kona? Contact me today to explore real estate options on the Big Island!