This is a great time to be looking for real estate anywhere, and Hawaii is no exception. The Aloha State has become a desirable place for vacation and retirement homes over the years. It’s easy to miss how large the Big Island is, with many different climate zones and a total land area that is bigger than all of the other islands in the state combined. The SoCal Guru website offers a good comparison between Hawaii and the Golden State California in a number of areas important to vacationers.

You will find the quaint town of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island. There is a reason that this area feels so tropical; it rains nearly every day. The major county government departments have their headquarters in Hilo. Check with a Realtor in Hilo to obtain local professional assistance in locating Big Island real estate opportunities in that district.

On the leeward side of the volcanic mountains is Kona, which is much drier than Hilo. Because of the direction of trade winds, much of the moisture is squeezed out of the incoming air when it passes over the numerous volcanoes. That is why Kona is generally much drier. Most people seem to be inclined to the dry side, since there is more sunshine on average in Kona than in Hilo.

There is some excellent Hawaii land available in the Kona area, where coffee orchards are found at the higher elevations above Kailua-Kona. Prices are way down from their maximum levels in 2006 and you can find some amazing discounts on beautiful estate homes. The feeling is different on the Big Island compared to Maui, Oahu or even Kauai. Give some consideration to the Big Island, and especially Kona, if you are thinking about purchasing land for a vacation home.