Is Living in Kona Right for You? A Closer Look
The Big Island is a stunning and powerful place, with diverse landscapes including active volcanoes, tropical jungles, waterfalls, towering mountains, and beautiful beaches. It’s easy to fall in love with Kailua-Kona, but before moving here, there are some important pros and cons to consider. Missing these could lead to surprises after your move. Let’s dive into five pros and cons of living in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 2024.
1. Weather
One of the defining features of the Big Island is its diverse weather. The island has eight of the thirteen sub-climates, meaning you have a wide variety of areas to choose from depending on your preference. The west side, including Kailua-Kona, is typically dry, while the east side tends to be wetter. If you live in areas like Waikoloa, where black lava rock dominates the landscape, expect it to be very hot, as the rock absorbs sunlight. However, at higher elevations, the temperatures are cooler throughout the island. Ensure you are shopping for a home with someone knowledgeable of the Big Island and who can advise you on lifestyle in this location (like me :P).
Pro: You can choose from a variety of climates across the island.
Con: Regardless of where you live, you will experience hot and humid weather at some point during the year. Additionally, the east side can be extremely rainy for hours at a time, so it’s important to research the weather before you settle.
2. Cost of Living
Being an island, everything is imported to Hawaii, which naturally drives up the cost of living. The average home price in Kailua-Kona is around $1.3 million, and services like landscaping or pool cleaning tend to be more expensive due to a limited labor market.
Pro: Hawaii’s property taxes are low compared to the mainland, making it attractive for people who want to invest in real estate, even if the homes are unoccupied for part of the year. Farmers’ markets and local CSAs help residents reduce grocery bills with fresh, local produce.
Con: Living in Hawaii is expensive. Utilities are higher, though solar-powered homes can mitigate electricity costs. Water costs vary widely depending on your water source—catchment, county, or private water systems. Private water being the most expensive ($500 up to $1800/month).
3. Infrastructure
One of the things I loved after moving from Texas to Kailua-Kona was the lack of traffic, especially on the west side. The roads are generally much less congested than on the mainland, and public transportation options, like the free trolley in Kailua-Kona, are surprisingly good. The trolley takes people from top Alii Dr attractions like: Magic Sands, Coconut Grove to practical locations like Target, Walmart, and Hele On Bus Stops. It makes sense that the traffic on the west side is so much better than the east side, because Hilo is the third most populated city in the state (after Urban Honolulu and East Honolulu).
Pro: Minimal traffic on the west side and accessible public transportation options.
Con: On the east side, lots of traffic during peak hours. Also, since the island has only one main road encircling it, closures due to accidents or fallen trees can be frustrating, with few alternate routes if any.
4. Island Culture
Living in Hawaii means immersing yourself in a unique culture. Hawaii is part of Polynesia, and while it is a U.S. state, locals see it as culturally distinct. The local culture in Kailua-Kona is generally very welcoming and hospitable, and most people I’ve met here have been friendly and open.
Pro: Hawaiian culture is warm and welcoming. If you put effort into connecting with locals, you’ll be met with the same energy.
Con: If you come to the island closed off, or disrespectful of the culture, you might face some backlash. It’s all about the energy you bring with you.
5. Safety and Security
When it comes to crime, Hawaii generally feels safe. Major violent crimes are rare, and many neighborhoods in Kailua-Kona have safety measures like gated entrances or neighborhood watch programs (mostly for high end properties). For people concerned about their homes being unoccupied for part of the year, security is a key reason for gated communities.
Pro: The island is relatively safe. It’s difficult to commit a serious crime and escape, given the geographic isolation.
Con: There are some areas, particularly in the east and south, where crystal meth use is an issue. It’s important to check crime reports before purchasing a property to ensure you’re comfortable with the area.
In conclusion, the Big Island, especially Kailua-Kona, is a wonderful place to live, but it’s essential to come with the right expectations. Whether it’s the cost of living, the weather, or the local culture, doing your research and planning ahead will help ensure you’re prepared for life in paradise. If you have any questions about living on the Big Island, feel free to reach out to me for more insights!
Aloha! 🌺
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