Have you been considering moving to Kona? Is residing on a tropical island your dream come true? Then there are some facts you have to learn. The district of Kona is a preferred destination for many tourists, and if you’ve been here on a vacation, you know how beautiful it is. But, moving internationally here isn’t the same as being on a two-week trip. Let’s find out what life looks like after moving abroad to this stunning area.
It’s no secret that moving to Hawaii means relocating to a paradise on Earth and that each place you can go to and visit is breathtaking. Living here has so many perks that it might seem impossible to say that you don’t want to reside there, but it’s actually very likely that you’ll feel that way. Living on this island has a cost and certain things that go with it. Is being a Hawaiian in Kona the right choice for you? It could be the move that will improve your life tremendously.
The Differences Between Moving to Kona and to the Hilo Side of the Hawaii Island
When you hear “Kona,” it could mean the whole district that includes towns like Honalo, Holualoa, Keauhou, Hōnaunau, and Kealakekua. This term is also used for the biggest town on the island – Kailua-Kona. This is the dry side of the island or the “leeward side,” while the Hilo side is the wetter one. Kona is sheltered from the tradewinds, so it doesn’t have that lush vegetation, but dry, sunny, and beautiful beaches. The Hilo side has the University of Hawaii, while Kona has that touristy spirit. You should definitely visit both before making the decision about where you would prefer to reside because the contrast is apparent. The Hilo side is more attractive to those who love being left alone in nature, while Kona is the busy one.
Kona Side on the Hawaii Big Island Gives You a Bit of Everything
You will be able to have any kind of lifestyle you want because the Kona side has a more lively pace. Hawaiian culture is relaxed and slow, but you can still find bars, restaurants, shops, and commerce. Here are the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, Kona Inn Shopping Village, shopping center, Costco, Target, and so much more. People from all over the world reside here, and they are all very friendly, so you won’t have to worry about finding expat communities. If you speak English, there will be no breaking of the language barrier, but try to learn some of the phrases in native language before you go. It’s just like coming to some of the friendliest countries in the world – locals will greet you, smile whenever they see you, and make sure you feel comfortable.
Is Kona a Good Place to Live?
Hawaiian islands are far from the mainland – five to sixteen hours of flight, to be precise. It’s just like moving across the world because of the many differences between life here and in the US mainland. This is definitely a good place to reside in, and it will impact your life to become better in so many ways. You will eat healthier, spend more time outside, be more physically active, and thus, you will be happier. Your body will be so grateful for the change. A healthy lifestyle also helps Hawaii to rank as one of the best places to live abroad with family. Communities here are some of the best vegan cities because of the plethora of fresh fruit and vegetables, but there’s also delicious meat. The soil is very fertile, so there are many farmers. You can even plant some food of your own.
It’s Not Easy Being Isolated from Everything You Know
As we said in the intro, residing on islands isn’t easy. You will be far away from your friends and family (unless you’re moving with kids or moving to another country for love.) Flying back home will be expensive, and anyone who wants to visit you will also have to pay quite a sum for the plane ticket. So learn as many tips for how to keep in touch with friends and give your best to stay in touch with people you love, but keep in mind that you won’t see them as often as you would wish. Even though your mental health will be improved from the life you will have here, this problem can still happen. Be a hundred percent sure that you can endure being isolated from all that you’ve known so far and that you really want to change your life for good. The most important thing is not to expect from islands in the middle of the Pacific to be the same as your hometown.
Things You’ll Want to Know About the Cost of Living Here
How much does it cost to live in Kona, Hawaii? The cost of living in Hawaii isn’t low by any means, and even the cheapest places to live in Hawaii are still expensive for many people. For example, according to the specialized website Numbeo, the costs in the Kailua Kona are pretty expensive, and real estate is the biggest cost. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center is $1,800, and it’s $400 less expensive outside of the city center. If you want to buy a home, the price per square foot downtown is almost $500.
Utilities are also expensive. You will have to pay around $300 for the basic ones such as electricity and water in your home. At least you won’t have to worry about heating – when you start to think about what to pack when moving abroad, you’ll pack mostly summer clothes. Keep in mind that the average monthly salary after the taxes (which are high) is $3,300. Buying anything that’s imported is very expensive because of the shipping to Hawaii. That applies to both furniture and groceries.
How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Hawaii?
We suggest you start saving as soon as you’re positive about relocating here and save as much as you can. You will need an income of over $50,000 per person to have enough. High prices here can cause you moving stress since the relocation itself will be quite pricey. Check out the video below to see how much money you will require for one month in Hawaii.
Where Should You Live After Moving to Kona?
Finding the place that suits you best here is not just about the neighborhoods and towns. After all, Hawaii is known for its microclimates, so if you have a chance, try to visit as many places as you can to see what the climate is like. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, try finding a place at Captain Cook – it’s also perfect for families.
On the other hand, Kahaluu-Keauhou is for those with a big budget. You will have beautiful coastal views and excellent snorkeling. The capital, Kailua-Kona, is for those who wish to be in a fun and vibrant community with many things going on and many tourists and shops. For the artistic souls, the perfect community is Holualoa. It will give you a small-town vibe, and you’ll have cooler temperatures during the whole year. All of these areas have incredible views of landscape, beach, and ocean, so you won’t have trouble with learning how to live in another country.
You Won’t Have the Same Abundance of Jobs You Had on the Mainland
One of the cons of living in an isolated community is that your employment options will be more limited than they were back in the state you’re in now. Give your best to find a job before you move and prepare all the relocation questions to ask the employer. Here are much more business opportunities than in other parts of the Big Island, so you probably won’t struggle when finding work. Tourism is big here, so if you work in that industry, you’ll find a job in no time. Other thriving industries are hospitality and food service, healthcare, education, retail, and construction.
Is it Safe to Live on the Big Island of Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the question of safety isn’t that much related to crime, as it is for the mainland states. Here, we’re talking about natural disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, and tropical storms. This is, after all, an isolated tropical island, and there are volcanoes, big waves, and lots of winds that dictate the weather.
You Will Have to Learn How to Prepare for These Events Before They Happen
Even heavy rains can cause damage, so you should know how to be ready before it happens. You can reduce the risk by placing your critical utilities in an elevated position. Your electrical panels, wiring, and sockets should be unreachable to the level of water that floods the area you reside in. Your basement should be waterproof, and fuel tanks should be anchored. If you’re moving to Hawaii with pets, make a detailed plan because many shelters don’t allow pets inside.
Things to Do After Moving to Kona
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Then you truly belong here. You will have so much to do in your free time – from swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving, to hiking and exploring the forest and volcanoes. Kona is known for its natural beauty, and the diversity of the ecosystem here will leave you speechless. You will see all kinds of wild animals both on the land and in the water. Hit the beach and soak up the sun and salt from the ocean, or get a backpack and take a long walk in the jungle – it’s up to you. Take a look at the following video to see how two locals spend their day in Kona
You Will Need a Good Overseas Shipping Company for This Venture
Finding a reputable international moving company means a lot when moving overseas. You will have to have somebody that can provide you with all the services so that you don’t have to deal with multiple companies just because you plan on shipping a car overseas or you require oversized freight. An overseas moving company you hire should be the one you trust, and that also provides you an affordable price for shipping overseas.
Make sure you have all options – international moving by sea and international moving by air, as well as overseas vehicle shipping because you’ll have to have a car here. If you require help with protecting your items for this long journey, you can ask for the company’s packing services and professional boxes and moving supplies.
Overseas shipping lasts longer than regular relocating across the States, so you might want to leave your items in a storage unit or to get custom crating for delicate things. Read the reviews online from the previous clients and pick the company that is professional and reliable to begin your life in Kona with a smooth and worry-free relocation.
