Raising Kids in Rural Hawaii — What You Need to Know Before Making the Move

From Suburbia to Homesteading — Rachael’s Story

Rachael didn’t grow up in Hawaii — she actually started out in Napa, California, living the classic suburban life: cul-de-sacs, bike rides to friends’ houses, all of it. But everything changed when her parents moved the family to a super rural town in Northern California. Think: 22 acres, off-grid living, solar power, even an outhouse. It was a huge shift — and it opened her eyes to a whole different kind of life.

It wasn’t always easy, but Rachael loved the sense of freedom and privacy that came with rural living. That early experience laid the foundation for how she wanted to raise her own kids. So when the opportunity came to move to Hawaii with her partner and young son, they didn’t choose the city — they chose space, quiet, and connection to nature.

Why Rural Hawaii? Why Not the City?

When people hear you’re raising a family in Hawaii, they often picture palm-lined suburbs in Oahu or condos in Honolulu. Rachael’s reality is very different — she lives in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, a rural subdivision made up of one-acre lots where neighbors are close enough to hear but not quite in sight. To her, that’s the perfect balance.

What drew her in was the lifestyle. The slower pace. The land. The ability to give her kids the kind of upbringing that involves dirt under their nails and stars above their heads at night. There’s something special about having room to roam and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think — and in Rachael’s case, that quiet has become a gift she passes on to her kids every day.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

If you’re imagining a back-to-the-land homestead full of goats and chickens — not quite. Rachael’s days start early, around 5:30 a.m., to get her kids on the bus to schools that are 30 to 40 minutes away. That’s just part of rural life here: everything’s a drive. Grocery runs, doctor’s appointments, extracurriculars — they all take a bit more planning.

She works from home as a realtor, feeding pets, taking client calls, and occasionally making the hour-plus trek to Kona for property showings. Afternoons are for greeting the kids after school and winding down — no mad rush through traffic, just a different rhythm entirely. It’s not flashy, but it works — and more importantly, it’s peaceful.

Community Vibes in Kaʻū and Ocean View

One of the things that surprises people about rural Hawaii is the balance between space and connection. Rachael lives on a one-acre parcel, and while she can hear some of her neighbors, she doesn’t see them unless she steps outside. It’s not a suburb — it’s not about manicured lawns and cookie-cutter homes. It’s more like having your own pocket of peace, with just enough human contact to feel part of something.

That’s the heart of Kaʻū — Hawaii’s most rural district. It’s not crowded, but it’s not isolated either. And for families, that’s a sweet spot. There’s space to breathe, play, and grow — but there’s also a strong sense of community where people know each other by name. You might not run into a neighbor on your morning walk, but you’ll definitely see them at the farmer’s market or the school May Day celebration.

The Perks of Raising Kids in the Middle of Nowhere

Okay, so it’s not technically the middle of nowhere — but rural Hawaii does feel like a world apart from mainland living. And that’s part of the charm. For kids, it means more freedom and fewer distractions. They spend time outdoors, they know their neighbors, and they get to grow up with a real connection to the land and the local culture.

There’s also a strong sense of safety and independence. Rachael says her kids can explore and play without constant supervision — something she sees as a huge advantage in today’s world. Plus, the slower pace allows for more family time, fewer pressures, and a more mindful way of raising children.

The Flip Side: Real Challenges of Rural Parenting

Of course, it’s not all sunsets and beach days. Living in a remote area has its challenges — especially with kids. When Rachael first moved to the Big Island, simple things like finding a pediatrician or dentist meant a trip to Kona — over an hour away. Groceries, extracurriculars, and even ballet classes often required careful planning and long drives.

The good news? That’s changing. As more families move into the area, local services are catching up. Today, there are community classes in Nā‘ālehu, more healthcare options, and even fun local events. But it still takes a certain mindset. You’ve got to be okay with stocking up, being flexible, and building your life around the pace of the land.

Culture Counts: Raising Kids the Hawaiian Way

Living in rural Hawaii isn’t just about geography — it’s about culture. And that’s something Rachael deeply values as part of her kids’ upbringing. When they first moved, her daughter joined a traveling preschool called Tūtū and Me, which incorporated Hawaiian language, songs, and values. Even though the program no longer runs in South Hawaii, the foundation it laid was strong.

Words like pono (righteousness) and kōkua (helping others) aren’t just abstract ideas — they’re values lived daily in local communities. From school to social events, children are surrounded by a culture that emphasizes respect, family, and interconnectedness. And for many families like Rachael’s, that’s a major reason to stay rooted here.

Activities You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Let’s talk about free time. What do kids do for fun in rural Hawaii? A lot, actually. Rachael’s family spends time at hidden beaches tourists don’t even know about. Her daughter’s involved in Girl Scouts. Her son is learning about traditional Hawaiian hunting — wild pigs, goats, and even mouflons (a unique goat-sheep hybrid found on the island).

It’s not your typical after-school schedule, and that’s the beauty of it. Nature becomes the playground. Beach birthday parties replace indoor trampoline parks. And with fewer digital distractions, there’s more time for real-world exploration and hands-on learning. It’s all part of what makes this place so unique for raising kids.

School Life: Public, Homeschool, and Everything In Between

One of the biggest questions families have about moving to Hawaii is, “What about school?” The good news: there are options — and they’re better than you might think. Rachael’s kids attend public schools in Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala, which are about 30–40 minutes from home. Yes, that means early mornings and long bus rides, but the schools themselves? Surprisingly great.

She’s seen noticeable improvements over the years — better funding, new programs, and a supportive school community. Her kids have access to drama club, robotics, and even cultural festivals like May Day. And for those considering homeschooling, rural Hawaii has one of the strongest homeschool communities around. Families organize group outings, curriculum sharing, and “huis” (learning collectives) that bring homeschooled kids together for social and educational enrichment.

Clearing the Air: Public School Misconceptions

Let’s be honest — you’ve probably heard the rumors: “Public schools in Hawaii aren’t great.” But as Rachael points out, that’s often based on outdated info. Her experience, and the experience of many others, has been overwhelmingly positive. The key? Parental involvement and community support.

Yes, rural schools come with their own set of challenges — like distance and limited resources. But they also come with dedicated teachers, tight-knit classrooms, and cultural richness. Rachael emphasizes that her children have never felt unwelcome, and the schools are doing more now than ever to support student growth, diversity, and opportunity.

Traditions That Bring Everyone Together

If there’s one event that captures the heart of rural Hawaiian community life, it’s the May Day (Lei Day) Celebration. Rachael describes it as the highlight of the year — a joyful explosion of Hawaiian music, dance, and pageantry hosted by local schools. Kids get dressed up, perform traditional hula, and families gather to cheer them on. It’s not just a school event; it’s a cultural moment.

Other traditions include local fishing tournaments and family beach parties. These gatherings help weave that sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere. In Kaʻū, it’s not about flashy events — it’s about showing up, being present, and celebrating life’s simple joys together.

What Rachael Wishes She Knew — And What She’s Grateful For

Looking back, Rachael doesn’t have many regrets. She moved to Hawaii before she had kids, which gave her time to adjust. But once kids entered the picture, she quickly realized how different — and special — the rural lifestyle could be. Her children have space to explore, time to grow, and access to a life that’s less about rushing and more about connection.

If she could offer any advice to her past self, it would be this: know what matters most to you. If that’s convenience, rural Hawaii might be a stretch. But if it’s freedom, nature, and community — you might find exactly what you’re looking for, and more.

Advice for Families Considering the Move

So, is rural Hawaii right for your family? According to Rachael, it all comes down to knowing your needs and priorities. Do your kids require special educational or medical services? Are you comfortable with long drives and limited access to big-box stores? Are you ready to trade fast-paced convenience for a slower, more intentional way of living?

It’s not for everyone — but for those who crave space, simplicity, and connection, it can be a dream come true. “You just need to ask yourself what you want out of life,” Rachael says. “Are you okay being remote? Are you okay not having everything at your fingertips?” If the answer is yes, rural Hawaii might just be the perfect place to plant new roots.

Final Thoughts From a Local Mom

Rachael’s journey isn’t a fantasy — it’s a real-life example of how fulfilling rural life in Hawaii can be for families. She encourages anyone considering the move to reach out, ask questions, and be open to the unexpected. “Hawaii is a beautiful and unique place to live,” she says. “Just come here with aloha, and you’ll find your way.”

Her story is one of freedom, community, and purposeful parenting. And it’s proof that raising kids in rural Hawaii isn’t just possible — it can be pretty magical.

Call to Action — Learn More From Local Experts

If you’re seriously considering moving to rural Hawaii with your family, don’t go it alone. Start by watching the full video interview with Rachael Conley at the top of this blog. You’ll get an authentic, unfiltered look at daily life, community culture, and the practical realities of parenting on the Big Island.

More of our most recent posts: