Aloha fam, we’ve been working with a lot of ohanas who are potentially thinking about moving to the Big Island. As you know, Team Alakai operates on both islands, helping your transition go very smoothly, and we can educate you on everything you need to know.
For many of our clients, the move to the Big Island is driven by the desire for more affordable housing options and the chance to own larger plots of land—something that’s becoming harder to find on Oahu. Whether you're seeking a more laid-back lifestyle, more space, or a deeper connection with nature, transitioning from Oahu to the Big Island can be an exciting and refreshing change.
This guide will walk you through essential aspects, from moving your car and pets to understanding the unique infrastructure and opportunities the Big Island offers. Here’s everything you should know before making the move to the Big Island.
1. Moving Your Car and Goods to the Big Island
When moving from Oahu to the Big Island, one of your first logistical concerns will be transporting your car and household items. Fortunately, there are several reliable resources for this:
Pasha Hawaii: Specializes in vehicle transportation, offering a seamless process to ship your car between islands. Pasha Hawaii #1 shipper of cars/trucks/SUV's b/t Hawaii & US
Young Brothers: If you have bulky household goods, Young Brothers provides cargo shipping services, perfect for larger items that can’t be sent through regular mail. Vehicle Process – Young Brothers Hawaii (htbyb.com)
PODS: For a more flexible option, PODS allows you to pack at your own pace. The container is then shipped directly to your new Big Island home, making it a convenient option for large or small moves. https://www.pods.com/
2. Understanding Water Catchment Systems
On the Big Island, many homes, especially those in rural areas, rely on water catchment systems rather than traditional municipal water. These systems collect rainwater, which is then stored and filtered for household use.
Home inspections on the Big Island often include a thorough inspection of the water catchment system to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely.
There are several types of filters available to purify your water, ranging from basic sediment filters to more advanced options like carbon, UV, and even quantum filtration systems, allowing homeowners to maintain clean, safe water.
In fact, many people who move from Oahu find that they prefer using water catchment systems. It brings peace of mind knowing exactly where your water is coming from and allows you to personally monitor and control how clean it is, giving you a greater sense of control over your water quality.
Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC offers services for cleaning, filtering, and maintaining your water catchment system, ensuring a reliable and clean water supply year-round. https://youtu.be/NL79JkXhRVE?si=OKowc5eIaz7nH1Ct
3. Cesspools and Septic Systems
Wastewater management on the Big Island is also different from Oahu, with many properties using cesspools or septic systems. It’s important to understand the differences:
Cesspools are still in use across much of the island, but they are being phased out due to environmental concerns.
If you're purchasing an older home, be aware of Hawaii's mandates to upgrade cesspools to septic systems by 2050. Wastewater Branch | Cesspools in Hawai’i (hawaii.gov)
Septic Systems are the more modern alternative, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to manage wastewater.
4. Moving Your Pets
If you’re moving with pets, you’ll need to be aware of Hawaii’s strict animal import regulations, even between islands.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy: Offers options for transporting pets in the cabin or cargo, but you'll need to ensure all vaccinations and paperwork are in order before flying.
Don’t forget to review the Hawaii Department of Agriculture guidelines for inter-island pet transport to avoid delays or quarantine issues. Animal Industry Division | Animal Quarantine Information Page (Updated) (hawaii.gov)
Lava Zones and Home Insurance
When moving to the Big Island, understanding lava zones is crucial, as it can affect both your insurance options and costs. The island is divided into Lava Zones 1 through 8, with Lava Zone 3 or higher being considered safer in terms of volcanic risk.
Lava Zones 3 and higher: Homes in these areas can secure regular national insurance coverage, and the cost is not affected by the volcanic risk. Insurance premiums in these zones average between $1,500 and $2,000 per year.
Lava Zones 1 and 2: These areas are closer to active volcanic activity and only offer insurance through the Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA). HPIA policies come with coverage limits and much higher premiums, averaging around $4,000 to $6,000 per year. This can significantly affect your monthly payments, even if the property purchase price is lower.
Working with the right realtor and mortgage broker is critical to navigating these factors and ensuring you're fully informed before buying in these zones.
6. Up-and-Coming Areas on the Big Island
As Oahu residents search for more affordable housing options and larger plots of land, several areas on the Big Island have become more popular, especially around Hilo. One such area is near Puna, where it’s possible to find properties with 1+ acres of land for around $400,000. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to escape the crowded city and embrace a more rural lifestyle.
Ainaloa: This rapidly growing community offers affordable land and homes, attracting first-time homebuyers and investors alike. It’s also conveniently located close to Pahoa Town.
Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP): Known for its spacious lots and jungle-like feel, providing a quiet, more secluded lifestyle while still being relatively close to Hilo.
7. Wildlife and Outdoor Life on the Big Island
If you’re a fan of outdoor living, the Big Island offers a lot more wildlife compared to Oahu. On the East Side, particularly in rural areas, you’ll likely encounter wild boars. It’s important to have a strong hog wire fence around your property to keep them out—But if you’re feeling adventurous, well... maybe you’ll take up boar hunting and enjoy some fresh-caught dinner! (Jokingly, of course!)
On the West Side near Kona, you’ll often spot a surplus of goats roaming the area. These wild goats are part of the local landscape, offering a unique aspect of island living. Whether it's boars or goats, the Big Island guarantees plenty of interaction with the island’s wildlife..
8. Agricultural Land and Farm Animals
Much of the land outside of Hilo is zoned for agriculture, meaning it may have different regulations compared to residential areas. This zoning gives you the opportunity to embrace a more self-sustaining lifestyle, from growing your own food to having farm animals as neighbors. Don’t be surprised if your next-door neighbors include a flock of roosters!
Fertile soil and the space for gardens are often part of the dream for those moving from Oahu. Many new residents also use composting to reduce waste and create fertilizer for their gardens
8. Coqui Frogs on the Big Island
Another aspect of island life to be aware of is the presence of coqui frogs, which are particularly common on the Big Island. These tiny frogs are known for their loud, high-pitched calls, which can be heard from dusk until dawn. While some people may find the sounds charming, others might see them as a nuisance, especially if you live in more rural or jungle-like areas where they thrive.
There are ways to manage the coqui frog population around your home:
Regular yard maintenance and reducing moisture can help keep the frogs away from your living spaces.
Some residents use citric acid spray treatments to control their presence, which is an effective, eco-friendly way to deal with them.
Although they may become part of the background noise over time, it’s something to be mindful of when moving to certain areas of the Big Island.
9. Transfer Stations and Trash Disposal
While some rural areas on the Big Island don’t have traditional garbage pickup, there are private curbside pickup services available for a monthly fee. Alternatively, you can take your trash to a transfer station, which many rural residents do. These stations are located throughout the island and are usually open daily.
Here’s what you need to know:
No curbside pickup: You’ll need to haul your own trash, recyclables, and even green waste to a nearby transfer station.
Many transfer stations also have areas for recycling, where you can drop off items like plastic, glass, aluminum, and more. Composting can also help reduce the amount of waste you need to dispose of, while providing natural fertilizer for your garden
Composting: With so much land available, many residents on the Big Island also use composting as a way to reduce their waste.
It may take some time to adjust to this system, but it’s a simple part of life on the Big Island, especially for those who live in rural areas. County of Hawai‘i Solid Waste Facilities - County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management (hawaiizerowaste.org)
9. Fresh Farmers Markets and Local Produce
One of the best things about living on the Big Island is the abundance of fresh fruit trees and the thriving farmers markets. From avocados to papayas, the availability of fresh, local produce is a highlight for many new residents. Farmers markets are a great place to stock up on fresh, organic produce while supporting local farmers.
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