How Do I Determine the Best Area to Live on the Big Island of Hawaii?
If you’re thinking about buying on the Big Island, this is usually the biggest question:
“Where should I actually live?”
Because here’s the truth…
There is no “best area” for everyone.
There’s only the area that fitsyou.
Why This Decision Matters More Than the House
Most buyers start by looking at homes.
But on the Big Island,location matters more than the property itself.
You can change a house.
You can’t change:
Climate
Lifestyle
Distance to town
Overall feel of the area
That’s why getting this right upfront is so important.
Step 1: Decide What Your Daily Life Should Feel Like
Before looking at homes, think about your day-to-day life.
Do you want:
Sunny, dry weather?
Lush, green surroundings?
Quiet and rural?
Close to restaurants and shopping?
This one decision alone narrows things down quickly.
Step 2: Understand the Major Areas
Kona Side (West Side)
Sunny and dry
More amenities, restaurants, shopping
Popular with second-home buyers and retirees
Hilo Side (East Side)
More rain, very green
Strong local community feel
Slower pace
Waikoloa Area
Planned communities
Golf courses and amenities
Lower maintenance options
Puna District
More affordable
More rural
Greater variation in infrastructure
Each area attracts a different type of buyer.
Step 3: Think About How You’ll Use the Home
This changes everything.
If you’re:
Living full-time→ convenience and community matter
Part-time / second home→ weather and ease of use matter
Future retirement→ long-term comfort matters
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Step 4: Consider Travel and Accessibility
The island is larger than most people expect.
Driving times matter.
Ask yourself:
How close do I want to be to the airport?
Do I want easy access to shopping and services?
Am I okay with longer drives?
This becomes part of your daily life.
Step 5: Visit With a Purpose (If You Can)
A lot of buyers visit… but don’t evaluate.
When you’re here, pay attention to:
Weather differences between areas
Traffic and driving
Noise levels
Overall feel of each location
If you can’t visit, working with someone local becomes even more important.
Real Buyer Example
A couple from California thought they wanted Hilo because of pricing.
After spending time on both sides of the island, they realized:
They preferred:
Sunshine
Proximity to restaurants
Easier access to the airport
They ended up buying in Kona.
That one shift completely changed their long-term experience.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Choosing based only on price
Not understanding climate differences
Underestimating driving distances
Not thinking about long-term lifestyle
So… How Do You Pick the Right Area?
Start with this:
What does your ideal day look like?
How often will you be here?
What matters most… convenience, weather, or privacy?
When those answers are clear, the right area usually becomes obvious.
FAQ
Is Kona better than Hilo?
It depends. Kona is sunnier and more developed. Hilo is greener and quieter.
What’s the best area for retirees?
Many choose Kona or Waikoloa for weather and convenience.
What’s the most affordable area?
Puna tends to have lower prices, but it’s more rural.
Next Steps
If you’re trying to figure out where to live on the Big Island, the best thing you can do is narrow it down based on your lifestyle first… not just listings.
Julie Wettstein is a trusted real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a focus on helping off-island sellers, second-home owners, and real estate investors navigate the unique Hawaii market with confidence.
With over 30 years of real estate experience, Julie provides expert guidance on pricing strategy, marketing exposure, negotiation, and the complexities of selling property in Hawaii—including HARPTA, FIRPTA, short-term rental regulations, and island-specific property considerations.
Known for her concierge-level service and strong negotiation skills, Julie helps clients maximize value while removing stress from the selling process—whether they are on-island or managing their property remotely.
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Big Island of Hawaii or want a clear strategy to get top dollar in today’s market, Julie is a trusted resource for expert advice and results-driven marketing.
Julie Wettstein, Broker RB-21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Big Island, Hawaii
(808) 345-6934
BigIslandDreamHomes.com
[email protected]
