The Big Island of Hawaii isn’t just one place—it’s a collection of vastly different microclimates, lifestyles, and communities. If you’re considering moving here, you should know that Kona is nothing like Hilo, and Waimea feels worlds apart from Puna. I used to live in Kealakekua, right in the heart of South Kona, and I’ve explored nearly every corner of this island. Let me break it all down for you so you can decide where you might want to call home.

 

The island is often divided into two major sides:

  • West Side (Kona side) – Hot, dry, and home to world-famous beaches and resorts.
  • East Side (Hilo side) – Lush, rainy, and filled with waterfalls, jungle-like landscapes, and a laid-back, local vibe.

Beyond this, each region has its own unique feel. Let’s explore them one by one.

Kailua Kona Hawaii

West Side of The Big Island of Hawaii

West Side (Sunny and Resort-Style Living – Kona & Surrounding Areas)

1. Kailua-Kona & Surrounding Neighborhoods

Kailua-Kona (or just Kona) is what most people imagine when they think of Hawaii—palm trees, sunny skies, and oceanfront dining. This is one of the most developed areas on the island, and it’s great for those who want a mix of convenience, sunshine, and beautiful beaches.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want sunshine almost every single day
  • If you love being close to beaches, bars, and restaurants
  • If you don’t mind tourists and some traffic
  • If you have a bigger budget (homes here aren’t cheap!)

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Downtown Kailua-Kona – Walkable, full of restaurants and shops, but can be noisy.
  • Keauhou – Quieter, with a golf course and easy access to beaches.
  • Ali’i Drive Corridor – Oceanfront homes and condos, but pricey.
  • Kaloko & Holualoa (Upcountry Kona) – Higher elevation, cooler temps, lush coffee farms.
  • Kona Palisades & Kona Highlands – Affordable neighborhoods with amazing ocean views.
  • Kealakehe & Lokahi Makai – Family-friendly, with schools and amenities nearby.

Things to Consider Before Moving Here

  • Traffic can be frustrating – Rush hour on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway is no joke and there’s no way around it.
  • Housing is expensive – Comparable to California prices in some areas.
  • It’s hot and dry – If you love rain and greenery, this isn’t your place.
Captain Cook, Big Island Hawaii

The Captain Cook Monument

2. South Kona (Captain Cook & Kealakekua)

This is where I started my journey living in Hawaii! South Kona is quieter and far greener than Kailua-Kona. This is coffee country, home to small farms, historic sites, and some of the most breathtaking ocean views on the island.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want to be away from the tourist crowds but still close to town.
  • If you love small-town vibes and a slower pace of life.
  • If you want space to grow food or live more sustainably.

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Kealakekua – Cooler temperatures, stunning ocean views, and a tight-knit community.
  • Captain Cook – Famous for coffee farms, history, and epic snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay.
  • Honaunau & Hoʻokena – Remote but with excellent beach access and snorkeling.
  • Miloli‘i – A traditional Hawaiian fishing village, very off-grid.

Things to Consider Before Moving Here

  • Groceries and gas are more expensive – Be ready to drive to town.
  • It’s very local – This isn’t a resort area; people have lived here for generations.
  • Lava zones matter – Some areas are built on lava flows, so check insurance rates.

 

3. Waikoloa Village & Kohala Coast

Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast offer a different kind of Big Island experience. If you love resort living, ocean views, and a drier climate, this might be your perfect fit.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want resort-style amenities but don’t want to live in a city.
  • If you prefer dry, sunny weather year-round.
  • If you want to be near some of the best beaches in Hawaii.

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Waikoloa Village – More affordable than Kona, with a strong community and golf courses.
  • Kohala Ranch & Kohala Estates – Gated, private, with large acreages and stunning views.
  • Puako & Mauna Lani – Luxury oceanfront homes with resort access.

Things to Consider

  • It can feel isolated – You’ll need to drive to Kona or Waimea for big shopping trips.
  • Home prices vary wildly – The closer to the coast, the higher the cost.

4. Waimea & Hawi

Waimea (also known as Kamuela) and Hawi in North Kohala are unlike anywhere else on the island. Think green rolling pastures, cowboy culture, and cooler temperatures.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you enjoy wide-open spaces and a more rural lifestyle.
  • If you want cooler weather compared to Kona or Hilo.
  • If you love farmers’ markets, small businesses, and historic charm.

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Waimea Town – The hub of North Hawaii, home to great schools and paniolo (cowboy) culture.
  • Hawi & Kapa‘au – Artsy, historic, tight-knit communities with ocean views.
  • Kohala Ranch – A gated community with privacy and jaw-dropping views.

Things to Consider

  • It gets chilly – Nights can dip into the 50s, so bring a jacket.
  • It’s remote – You’ll need to drive a good distance for big shopping trips.

5. Holualoa (Upcountry Kona)

Holualoa is where art meets agriculture. Nestled in the hills above Kailua-Kona, this small, charming town is cooler, quieter, and full of coffee farms and art galleries.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want a small-town, artsy feel but still be close to Kona.
  • If you love lush greenery and cooler temperatures.
  • If you’re into local coffee culture—this is Kona Coffee country.

Things to Consider

  • It’s pricier than you might expect – Since it’s an in-demand area, land and homes aren’t cheap.
  • Narrow, winding roads – Living up here means driving some steep and curvy roads.
Hamakua Coast

Photo by Josh Withers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-cliffs-at-the-hamakua-coast-big-island-hawaii-16611430/

East Side (Lush and Affordable Living – Hilo & Puna)

6. Hilo & Surrounding Neighborhoods

Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island, but it still has a laid-back, small-town feel. If you love rain, waterfalls, and a strong sense of local culture, this might be the place for you. Hilo is green, vibrant, and affordable, with a strong arts scene and a close-knit community.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you enjoy rainy weather and lush landscapes.
  • If you want a more affordable cost of living compared to Kona.
  • If you appreciate local culture, historic charm, and a slower pace of life.

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Downtown Hilo – Walkable, historic, with shops, restaurants, and the famous Hilo Farmers Market.
  • Kaūmana – Higher elevation, cooler weather, and great views.
  • Waiākea & Waiākea Uka – Suburban areas with good schools and local amenities.
  • Hilo Shores & Keaukaha – Oceanfront homes with beautiful parks and beaches nearby.

Things to Consider Before Moving Here

  • It rains—a lot – Expect over 100 inches of rain per year in some areas.
  • Not much nightlife – Hilo is quiet, so if you want a lively scene, this isn’t it.
  • Job market is limited – Most jobs are in healthcare, education, or government.

7. Puna District (Pāhoa & Hawaiian Paradise Park)

Puna is one of the most affordable areas on the island, known for its off-grid communities, lush jungle landscapes, and alternative lifestyles. It’s a place where you can buy acres of land for the price of a small condo in Kona—but it comes with challenges.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want affordable land and housing.
  • If you’re into off-grid living and self-sustainability.
  • If you enjoy a creative, alternative community.

Neighborhoods to Check Out

  • Pāhoa Town – Bohemian, artistic, with quirky shops and a strong community vibe.
  • Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) – Large, affordable lots, but minimal infrastructure.
  • Leilani Estates & Ainaloa – Lush, secluded communities with a mix of locals and transplants.

Things to Consider Before Moving Here

  • Lava zones matter – Some areas are in active lava zones, so check insurance options.
  • Infrastructure is lacking – Many areas lack paved roads, city water, and strong internet.
  • Crime can be an issue – Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, so research carefully.
Rainbow Falls, Hilo HI

Photo by Daniel Torobekov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/waterfall-in-rainforest-11258316/

8. Volcano Village

Tucked away near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village is cool, misty, and surrounded by rainforest. It’s a haven for artists, writers, and nature lovers.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you love quiet, peaceful living.
  • If you enjoy cool weather (it gets down into the 40s and 50s at night).
  • If you want to be near one of the most unique national parks in the world.

Things to Consider

  • It’s remote – The nearest major town is Hilo, about 45 minutes away.
  • It can feel damp – If you don’t like humidity, it may not be for you.
Volcano National Park

Photo by Jeison Mattos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cooled-lava-after-an-eruption-13096516/

South & Remote Areas (For the Adventure Seekers)

9. Ocean View & Kau District

Ocean View is one of the most budget-friendly places on the island, with cheap land and lots of space. However, it’s far from everything, so it’s best for those who truly want to be off the grid.

Who Would Love It?

  • If you want cheap land and don’t mind being far from amenities.
  • If you’re into off-grid living and self-sustainability.
  • If you enjoy expansive ocean views with no neighbors in sight.

Things to Consider

  • It’s VERY remote – The nearest major store is an hour away.
  • Utilities are minimal – Many homes use catchment water and solar power.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Community

The Big Island offers a little something for everyone, but the best place to live depends on your lifestyle, budget, and climate preferences.

  • If you want resort-style living and sunshine, go West (Kona, Waikoloa, Kohala Coast).
  • If you prefer greenery, affordability, and a local vibe, go East (Hilo, Puna, Volcano).
  • If you love cool weather, rolling pastures, and country life, try Waimea or Hawi.
  • If you want affordable, off-grid living, look into Puna or Ocean View.

Tips Before Moving

Visit first – Spend time in different areas to see what fits.
Check lava zones – Some areas come with higher risks and insurance costs.
Consider infrastructure – Not all areas have paved roads, internet, or city water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it expensive to live on the Big Island?
Yes, but it depends on the area. Kona and Kohala Coast are expensive, while Hilo and Puna are much more affordable.

2. Where is the best place for families?
Waimea and certain areas of Kona (Kealakehe, Waikoloa) offer good schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.

3. Is crime a problem on the Big Island?
Some areas, particularly in Puna, have higher crime rates. Always research specific neighborhoods before moving.

4. What’s the best area for retirees?
Kona, Waikoloa, and Waimea are popular for retirees due to the climate, amenities, and healthcare options.

5. What’s the biggest challenge of living on the Big Island?
The high cost of goods, infrastructure limitations, and geographic isolation can be tough. It’s important to be prepared for a slower pace of life.

Final Note

The Big Island is one of the most diverse places to live in Hawaii, offering everything from luxury resorts to off-grid jungle living. Wherever you choose, respect the land and the local culture, and you’ll find yourself welcomed into one of the most incredible communities in the world.