Is the Big Island a Good Place to Buy a Second Home in Hawaii?
Short answer?
Yes… for the right buyer, it can be an incredible fit.
The Big Island attracts people who want more than just a vacation spot. They want space, flexibility, and a long-term lifestyle option.
But it’s not the same as buying in Maui or Oahu. And that’s exactly why many buyers choose it.
Why People Choose the Big Island for a Second Home
Most second-home buyers I work with fall into one of these groups:
They visit regularly and want their own place
They plan to retire here in the future
They want a property they can use part-time
They’re looking for a slower pace and more space
The Big Island offers:
Larger properties
More variety in price points
Less density and fewer crowds
Different climates depending on location
What Makes the Big Island Different
The Big Island is not one single market.
Kona Side
Sunny, dry, resort-style living
Strong demand for second homes
More options for part-time owners
Hilo Side
Lush, green, more local feel
Better for full-time living
Less focused on vacation-style ownership
Waikoloa & Resort Areas
Planned communities
Turnkey condos and homes
Popular for part-time and seasonal use
Where you buy should match how you plan to use the home.
Can You Rent Out a Second Home?
This is one of the biggest questions.
The answer is:it depends on the property and location.
Some areas allow:
Short-term rentals
Hosted rentals
Long-term rentals
Other areas have restrictions.
Understanding this upfront matters more than anything else.
Real Buyer Scenario
A couple from Oregon had been visiting Kona for years.
They wanted:
A place to stay part of the year
Flexibility for the future
A property they could hold long-term
They ended up buying in a resort-style community.
Now they:
Use it regularly
Have a place that fits their lifestyle
Have a long-term plan for retirement
Costs to Think About
Second homes come with ongoing costs:
Property taxes
HOA fees (if applicable)
Insurance
Maintenance
Property management if you’re off-island
These are important to understand before buying.
Is It a Good Investment?
For most buyers, this is a mix of lifestyle and long-term value.
The Big Island tends to be:
Strong for long-term ownership
A good fit for part-time living
Less about short-term gains
If you’re thinking long-term, it can make a lot of sense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not understanding rental rules
Choosing location based only on price
Underestimating ongoing costs
Not thinking about long-term use
So… Is It Right for You?
Yes, if:
You plan to use the home regularly
You want a future option in Hawaii
You’re thinking long-term
Maybe not, if:
You’re unsure how you’ll use it
You’re expecting quick returns
FAQ
Can I rent out my second home?
Depends on location and property type.
Is Kona better than Hilo for second homes?
Most second-home buyers choose Kona for weather and lifestyle.
Do I need someone local to help?
It makes the process much smoother, especially if you’re off-island.
Next Steps
If you’re considering a second home on the Big Island, the key is getting clear on:
How you’ll use the property
Which areas fit your lifestyle
What makes sense long-term
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]
