I lived and worked in Hilo (UH Hilo) for 13 years - We never took a direct hit from a hurricane the whole time that I was there - although we did have several Hurricane Watches/Warnings and one time we got winds up to 75 mph. The largest Tsunami was 5. something feet, and we used to walk out to the lava flows to watch it oooze along its chosen path. That being said, Tsunami's have wiped out a good portion of Hilo on at least two occassions in recent history (1948 & 1960) and Lava flows have wiped out some small towns, village, and settlements twice since 1983. Earthquakes have been relatively mild compared to California. That being said, the risks described here are real. It rains 120 -125 inches of rain a year, which means that it rains almost every day, but the son shines almost every day too. I love Hilo, I did not want to leave, but my wife wanted to move back home to be near family -- so we left (it was her turn, she moved with me all over the U.S. and Western Pacific in my 22 years of active Marine Corps Service and work at the University. Hilo isn't for everybody, but *I loved it there*. I consider it my hometown - even though I was born and raised in California.
I lived on the Hilo side In Keaau, Paradise Park area right outside of Hilo. Had friends with land up in Hawaiian Acres, Mountain View. And a few down near me in Orchid land. Back then Pahoa was a tiny little village If that. Known as the hippie areas. Pahoa area Is always threatened by lava flow. This was the late 90's and just as you mention, I was forced to leave after a year because I could not find work In the area. Many of the shops were family owned and family ran. Very few jobs and even fewer that paid above minimum wage. It did rain a lot but you can get use to It and unlike many mainland areas, you are rarely a day without plenty of sunshine. The rain is almost guaranteed at night and usually only short bursts of It during the day. Forget hairspray, hair gel or a bunch of hair products or face make-up If It is not waterproof. Hair straightening Is a joke. The humidity will kill all of It within an hour. As I read the comments I see things remain the same as always with people thinking they can buy some land and build that "vacation home" there. Many, many before you have tried. I would say more than 80% have failed. Hawaii Big Island Is like going to another country, more closer to 3rd world In some areas and some ways. The thing you need to know about owning property In this area Is unless you intend to live there year round, or you are rich enough to pay people to live there when you are not there, you will not make a go of it there. Once you get through all the time and money It will take to build even the most modest home.( Hawaii has big building codes and numerous inspections required all the time. )If you leave you home unattended, even for a vacation, you are likely to come back to an empty home and possibly only a shell of a home. They do not steal cars In Hawaii but they do steal homes and all their contents. When I say contents I mean everything, appliances, kitchen cabinets, sinks, showers, tubs, carpet, doors, windows. A week before I flew out to come back to the mainland, I met a guy who owned land up the volcano. Left to go visit family for a month and came back to nothing. He even offered to sign over his deed lock stock and barrel to me that day. Was going to just give It to me. Once I saw there was nothing but a shell of a house left I had to say no thanks. Before you say It, no he was not the only one I met while I was there. It Is well known on that side of the Island and house sitters are In hot demand. My friends neighbor left for Japan to visit his family for 3 months. He came back to nothing left but the foundation. And this is out in the jungle up on the volcano. The locals own or get ahold of flatbeds and every member of their family come and dismantle it. No one will stop them If they do they will end up missing. So beware paradise comes with its thorns. Poverty Is real on the Islands. People live in shacks and sit on floors some only have dirt floors. Even the abundance of used goods that we have on the mainland, Is not there. Everything Is used till It cannot be used anymore and then likely recycled Into something else or rusts away from the salt in the air. With all that being said, I have lived In many places In my life and never felt more welcomed by the people than I did while I lived there. I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to leave and that heartbreak remains with me all these years later. I have regrets that when I was left jobless that instead of taking the last of my money for a plane ticket home, I should have bought a tent and cook stove and went to live In the bush. The Volcano Goddess Pele Is said to strip you of all the worldly bullshit when you live on the Island. If you resist she will burn It from you.
Very true, I was born and raise on the Big Island, surfed a lot of places from Honolii, Bay Front and all those other places. Black sand beach had the best long rides for the island but the old Black sand beach out wiped out by the volcano. Now due to the drugs esp ICE and stuff yes you need to lock up your stuff or have it watched if you leave the island to go to the mainland or some other country for a week,months or what ever because your stuff will be stolen. I was surprise to learn that where I grew up which was Lanakila housing near the Hilo Police station and St Joseph school that my old friends said you had to take your clothes off the clothes line before night fall or else your clothes would be stolen and your washer and dry if left on the out side better be chain down or else it would be carried away. Drug use will do that to a poor environment. If any of you guys want to learn more about the Big Island you can contact me and I’ll give you the scoop. I left the Big Island for better opportunity on the Mainland. CiscoJ@aol.com
I live in Keaau, which is 6 miles from Hilo. Keaau has three schools, gas stations, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Foodland, laundry, several mom and pop restaurants, Subway, Tea and Coffee shop, Longs Pharmacy. I live 8 miles from the shops in HPP, Hawaiian Paradise Park. I work in Hilo, I really like living and working here. It does rain a lot. I haven't been here yet for summer, so I don't know how hot it will be. I came from Florida.
libraryelf123 I cant decide between oahu and hilo. Been to both big island and Oahu. I want to get away from crowds but I'm afraid I cant find a job. I have no degree and not much skills but have a lot of money saved up. I like the slower pace and energy in hilo. When I was on oahu it was super busy. Didnt like traffic but found making friends easy and also was offered 2 job interviews in the medical field. Unsure what island to move. Help? I'm looking to move soon for at least 6 months to a year. Love both islands as their beautiful in their unique right.
Hilo is an interesting place, and I wish he had talked more about it. Briefly: on the downside is the crime (especially in the Wainaku area), which is much more violent and pervasive than it used to be. Rental rates are outrageous because very few new units come on the market, and a lot of people got priced out of the other islands and moved there. So a lot of people competing for a fixed number of housing units drives everything up. The economy is bad, there's the racism that has to be experienced to be understood, and the poverty rates are very high. The county has very little money to fix anything, and the poor bus system is so broken it may as well not exist. Then there's the rain and the vog, and the high cost of everything you can't find at the farmer's market. The upside is you meet some creative, non materialistic, non judgmental types that can be fun to be around, until they take off their rose colored glasses and go......yikes! Really, you cannot live on just bananas, mangoes and stuff like that. I liked the slow pace, and the friendly people, which were certainly not everyone you meet, were great. It is such a mixed bag. A lot of people come and stay 1, 2 or 3 years and leave, so it can feel transient. It sure doesn't feel like America, which swings both ways.
I'm moving to Hilo side soon. It's not as bad as you think..... I'm moving from Oakland. Absolutely beautiful and I prefer to live in Hilo side. The rain is immense but off and on throughout the day. Rarely all day. Plus your only an hour and some change from kona!!
jiba jabaj your pretty accurate on the population growth, druggies. but there's still that paradise side. I was born n raised on the south/west side. I lived here most of my life. but iv'e also lived on a few of the other islands n a few places in the mainland. it was mostly just visiting. I always ended up coming back home. to reset my mind n re-root my self. I was in nanawale just below pahoa high school when iselle hit. first time I have ever been thru something like that. never had that happen in kona. but I still love hilo side as much as kona. I've never had problems with theft in puna. got into a few arguments for good reason tho. but other than that I love my island. winter you can go from snow to the ocean in a few hours. sunsets are unlike any place I've been. I do agree on you saying that most hawaiian family's are generally great people. if you get to know them n respect one another. we take you in as our own. as far as messing with family? for me anyway. it depends on the situation. I'm a little more civilized n will give you another chance. if it happens again then your dis-owned. Mahalo for the vid!
Hilo has a wonderful park on the bay....and the best Diner on Hawaii. Fun to visit. My ancestors came from Oahu in the 40’s. Have family on both islands.
mikendi08 no need to be sorry I will be moving to the big island, off of the red road, in an off grid retreat center like place soon We will of course create a pretty awesome garden :) Cheers to sustainable living
I plan to do the same thing,i see you can buy land for 5k$. Is it possible to install septic tank without costing a fortune? Have been evacuated bcos of lava?
How's it? I met a guy who bought some land in pahoa and is looking to build a little living sitch out there. I responded to the add and as of now am planning to move out there to help him build and stay as care taker. But I've been having my doubts.. things aren't always how they seem, and all that grass is greener.. nah mean
If you are haole, don't go to Hilo side. You are instantly blamed for everything. Huge discrimination and passive aggressive things going on. Forget hiring anyone to do work on your house or anything else no matter how much you pay. My paternal grandparents, hapa haole, looked 100% Polynesian. Tall, dark, and my grams black hair down to her waist. They had no problems. My dad came out short, super fair with white hair, blue eyes and I took after him. My sister took after the Japanese side, no problems. I dreamed of living with my ohana on the Hamakua Coast my whole life. I spoke Hawaiian. Took 60 years of working double jobs on the mainland to save up and retire there. I loved the culture and people with all my heart. Didn't matter. My skin was white. After 5 years I sold out for a huge loss and will never go back. Fire ants have invaded from Pahoa to Hakalau. Worst pest you can imagine. Orchard owners sold out and fled ahead of them. Drugs are TERRIBLE. Bad everywhere but on the islands REALLY BAD. I'm an ER doc and the islands have a huge shortage so they and the anti-doctor policies are driving doctors out and keeping them from moving in. I never thought anything could make me leave but waking up every day to a hostile environment and insane politics was pupule. Hawaii is also destroying itself by doing things like blocking the TMT and VRBOs. Their handling of covid just hurt the economy more. There are better and cheaper places to vacation than a place that despises you.
I know two doctors working for Kaiser who have had great experiences working in Hawaii. Is there something different happening on the Big Island, specifically?
Been here a little under 2 years and TODAY we sign on a fantastic home in Wainaku area of Hilo - just 300 feet from the cliff and 100 feet up. When the cruise ships come in.....we have a 2nd row seat! 2nd row is actually better than 1st row because HWY 19 is blocked by the house below us!
Thank you for sharing this. I was planning to visit Hilo, and now I am happy I haven't booked my flight before watching this video. In a matter of fact, now I am not even sure if I want to go to Hilo at all!
Excellent video - I LIKE YOU, your to the point, precise and well spoken. I really appreciate your information. Considering moving to the big Island, I hate drug users, looks like on Hilo side I could have issues. Once again - thank you for sharing your knowledge
Hey JJ-I really like this channel cause u give people the straight goods. I am looking to get a place in Hawaii and after watching all you videos I think I am just gonna stick to waikiki and ship my vw bus over-I just dont like trouble-drugs are just a scourge on society and we dont have any of that problem in tokyo-thanks man
Jeff, I've learned a great deal from watching your videos & am very grateful for your time & effort. Do you think it's possible to find rural acreage (5 or more acres) anywhere on the big island that is suitable for growing (good soil, temps, low vog) & isn't infested w/ crime, hippies & junkies? .......Or would it be better to wait & save more $$ for safer space on Maui or O'ahu? Is there an imaginary line that exists between the "low crime areas" and the "high crime"? Are there areas that thieves & meth heads tend not to go? Also... Are you aware of any Island demographic maps or report stats, which actually shows the crime stats for any given area of the Islands? I appreciate any thoughts you might have. Thank you!
I love the Big Island, great info to know about the Hilo side, thanks for sharing. Important to add = the rain, 100 - 200 inches per year, a crazy amount (compare to Kailua-Kona) and VOG. I don't know how much VOG Hilo gets, but I do now that all the islands get hit by it and it is very toxic, very hazardous to your health. Some good in Hilo = UoH, Uncle Billy's and the Botanical Garden. But the rain, rain, rain ... too much, rain, rain... rain. Aloha!
I really appreciate your videos! They're really helpful! I have a question. Can you pick fruit in Hawaii? (Free, legally) like passion fruit. If so, are there certain areas that are best for that?
Jill Matthews what you are asking about is called foraging. People to forage in the forest but I do not know if it’s legal or not. I think that depends on who owns the land you are foraging. Big island has a lot of land for that. Puna and Hamakua
I'm coming to hilo next month with my friend who has a house up in the mountain..I am a bit freaked out now about the crime and possible natural disasters that cod occur. maybe we will just stay up there the whole time eating avocado and papaya.
I live in Hpp. Forget the lava, hurricanes..the THIEVES..HOLY HELL. in the past month. Ive had 2 vehicles stolen. Everytime i take in friends.. Eventually they steal. I have to keep my gate locked AT ALL TIMES. Squatters, meth..god..thinking about moving back to mainland.
6 of us will be in Maui November 3rd and 4th. 2018. We'll be on the Pride of America so our stay on each island is limited. Since some of our group can't do the trip to Hana. They want to do a shark cage. Ohau is out already booked. Open is Big Island Kona or Kauai maybe. Let me know which company to book with. Thx
I like your videos. Very informative. My spouse and I are looking to move to the big island and on our budget, it looks like south of Hilo is our best bet. Is there any area or community that has a reputation for being pretty safe? I like to be closer to the coast. Sounds like it's more druggie in the inland parts. Any suggestions of where to start our search? We plan to take a trip there in April for a week. Thanks.
So sad to hear about those Punaticks. I wonder how and who is providing those drugs to them. My husband's ancestors were Ali'i in the HIlo area and my ancestors were one of the first to come from Japan to the Onea sugar plantation there.
what's ur opinion of naheluu by Oceanview over by kula Kai caverns is that a nice area. I heard it gets in the high 90s have you been in Ocean view in general is it a good place to live.
@@FERMIMUSIC I think NaAlehu is really pretty; I live in Ocean View and it's not bad at all; better than Hilo, much drier. Crime isn't terrible in Ocean View, but we do have some. I don't know about NaAlehu's crime rate.
JJ I use to live in Kaaawa over on Oahu. I liked it because it was on the windward side. What area on the Big Island would be simular to Kaaawa? Oh, I do Comercial building maintenance and built and live in a tiny home so jobs and building codes come into play.
I remember thinking of moving to Hawaii a few years back and found the cheap land near Hilo. Did my homework and found out the same things you talk about. The one that really got me was the hate towards non-locals. It's seems like everyone pretends to be Hawaiian and say it's their land. They can keep it, I've found just as nice places without the asshole attitudes.
GoodieMike I totally understand why you would say that! but you have to keep in mind that these people don’t “hate” mainlanders but they are more defensive and there’s a reason for that! this is their land and people are constantly coming in with negative mindsets. if you’re moving to hawaii just be mindful of the fact that you are in someone else’s home. respect the island and her people and you will be respected.
I lived in hi for 13 years and never once had problems with locals. Probably called a haole a handful of times but I don’t mind it. The Hawaiians & Polynesians in general have gotten a raw deal. Happy to be moving back soon.
The rain rarely lasts all day and If It does It Is usually winter months like Dec or Jan. One reason for so much rain Is the clouds get hung up on the volcano. Rather than easily carried off by the trade winds they linger. It rains almost every single night and there can be rain bursts off and on In the day. I call them bursts because they happen like the cartoons. All sunshine and then you drive under a cloud and It dumps rain on you, then you drive out of It a minute later and sunshine again. You will see rainbows everywhere very frequently. Not wise to own leather furniture. Any shoes or belts made of leather will need special care because It molds up on you. Most of the houses have open closets to keep the air circulating freely. Most homes outside Hilo downtown area do not have dryers. So line dry Is your only option unless you go to the laundry mat. In this case, you don't want to let your dirty clothes pile up too badly. You don't want to run out of clean clothes because It can take several days for clothing to dry out on the line. Jeans are the worst. Even If your drying lines are under a car port as mine were, the rainfall and humidity slow drying time down a lot. The rainfall can be gotten use to and you will find some days you pray for it when the vog Is bad. Because It helps to knock the vog down out of the air and clean It.
Would you be able to get info to us on the public schools in Oahu? Elementary and high schools. My eldest daughter plans on going to medical school in Oahu but I've got a prek and 9th grader. Any info would appreciated. Thank you for your very informative videos.
or i know it rains a lot in hilo but is it mostly at night??? or like 50/50 and 2 out of three days just what because i hate to think the only place i can afford is here
cannabis is not a drug :P - you're absolutley right about puna/pahoa - when we stayed in puna in between leilani estates and kalapana at a airbnb we were smack in the jungle on a dirt road but the mass community did have paved roads - there were dirt raods in between each lot. Thick jungle but a great community for very cheap property. We meet great people for our 17 day stay. The punatics can def be a problem and you would only really get it if you were there long enough. We prob had the best place in that part of town - it was all handmade wood and glass tiling. I recorded so much and was suppose to record the whole property inside/out but ended up leaving in the middle of the night. I do love the area no matter - I would prob want property there for an airbnb and or for myself. It would be cool to make a club somewhere on the kona side but everyone goes to bed at 9pm lol - we stayed at Kona Seaside Hotel for a weekend - I had to come back to some videos I missed - Mainly because I miss that place so much but I'm sure living there would get old in puna after a year or so and that's why I would just get some property - and yes the whole airbnb was built on a lava bed so that is very scary since 2 miles up the road was flowed over these past months. You got great videos - keep doing what your doing. I miss your live feeds lately so I'm laying it down lol BTW places to go for entertainment/Food in the USA I been thinking: San Diego was a great place I lived for 38 years and I knew all the night clubs and I know a few still up and running. St Petersburg (Central Avenue and I know many hidden spots too within a 5 block radius) St Pete is kinda what San Diego used to be back in the 80s/90s. I currently reside here. A few in my interest would be; Louisiana - I have driven thru a dozen times but food/entertainment is a must - we all know that! New York - Because you have to :P Colorado - Ummm Dispensaries.
Hello! I am a young woman moving from the northeast in the mainland to Hilo for an internship opportunity within the next year. What are some good, and maybe even fun, neighborhoods to live within a 25 min radius of Hilo? Do you happen to know? Thank you for this video! Peace :)
I recommend if you check out up north of Hilo. I like Papaikou or even Honomu. If you go south in to Puna, its beautiful in Hawaiian Beaches or Hawaiian Paradise Park, but some one say there are some concerns about safety because of high crime.
I used to live in wainaku and it was beautiful but the crime was outrageous and if you are white you will get messed with and threatened and I was mobbed and mugged just walking over the bridge
This was painful to listen to/watch. This guy cannot/should not do a narration on why one should or should not live anywhere. I got to 3.29 minutes and had to stop it. before my blood pressure popped. I've only been to Hilo twice and obviously am not an expert on the town. I think I could probably do a decent job of describing Hilo in 3.29 minutes, even if I live far away on the East Coast.
I lived and worked in Hilo (UH Hilo) for 13 years - We never took a direct hit from a hurricane the whole time that I was there - although we did have several Hurricane Watches/Warnings and one time we got winds up to 75 mph. The largest Tsunami was 5. something feet, and we used to walk out to the lava flows to watch it oooze along its chosen path. That being said, Tsunami's have wiped out a good portion of Hilo on at least two occassions in recent history (1948 & 1960) and Lava flows have wiped out some small towns, village, and settlements twice since 1983. Earthquakes have been relatively mild compared to California. That being said, the risks described here are real. It rains 120 -125 inches of rain a year, which means that it rains almost every day, but the son shines almost every day too. I love Hilo, I did not want to leave, but my wife wanted to move back home to be near family -- so we left (it was her turn, she moved with me all over the U.S. and Western Pacific in my 22 years of active Marine Corps Service and work at the University. Hilo isn't for everybody, but *I loved it there*. I consider it my hometown - even though I was born and raised in California.
I lived on the Hilo side In Keaau, Paradise Park area right outside of Hilo. Had friends with land up in Hawaiian Acres, Mountain View. And a few down near me in Orchid land. Back then Pahoa was a tiny little village If that. Known as the hippie areas. Pahoa area Is always threatened by lava flow. This was the late 90's and just as you mention, I was forced to leave after a year because I could not find work In the area. Many of the shops were family owned and family ran. Very few jobs and even fewer that paid above minimum wage. It did rain a lot but you can get use to It and unlike many mainland areas, you are rarely a day without plenty of sunshine. The rain is almost guaranteed at night and usually only short bursts of It during the day. Forget hairspray, hair gel or a bunch of hair products or face make-up If It is not waterproof. Hair straightening Is a joke. The humidity will kill all of It within an hour. As I read the comments I see things remain the same as always with people thinking they can buy some land and build that "vacation home" there. Many, many before you have tried. I would say more than 80% have failed. Hawaii Big Island Is like going to another country, more closer to 3rd world In some areas and some ways. The thing you need to know about owning property In this area Is unless you intend to live there year round, or you are rich enough to pay people to live there when you are not there, you will not make a go of it there. Once you get through all the time and money It will take to build even the most modest home.( Hawaii has big building codes and numerous inspections required all the time. )If you leave you home unattended, even for a vacation, you are likely to come back to an empty home and possibly only a shell of a home. They do not steal cars In Hawaii but they do steal homes and all their contents. When I say contents I mean everything, appliances, kitchen cabinets, sinks, showers, tubs, carpet, doors, windows. A week before I flew out to come back to the mainland, I met a guy who owned land up the volcano. Left to go visit family for a month and came back to nothing. He even offered to sign over his deed lock stock and barrel to me that day. Was going to just give It to me. Once I saw there was nothing but a shell of a house left I had to say no thanks. Before you say It, no he was not the only one I met while I was there. It Is well known on that side of the Island and house sitters are In hot demand. My friends neighbor left for Japan to visit his family for 3 months. He came back to nothing left but the foundation. And this is out in the jungle up on the volcano. The locals own or get ahold of flatbeds and every member of their family come and dismantle it. No one will stop them If they do they will end up missing. So beware paradise comes with its thorns. Poverty Is real on the Islands. People live in shacks and sit on floors some only have dirt floors. Even the abundance of used goods that we have on the mainland, Is not there. Everything Is used till It cannot be used anymore and then likely recycled Into something else or rusts away from the salt in the air. With all that being said, I have lived In many places In my life and never felt more welcomed by the people than I did while I lived there. I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to leave and that heartbreak remains with me all these years later. I have regrets that when I was left jobless that instead of taking the last of my money for a plane ticket home, I should have bought a tent and cook stove and went to live In the bush. The Volcano Goddess Pele Is said to strip you of all the worldly bullshit when you live on the Island. If you resist she will burn It from you.
Whisperwoman, beautifully written. Thank you.
Very true, I was born and raise on the Big Island, surfed a lot of places from Honolii, Bay Front and all those other places. Black sand beach had the best long rides for the island but the old Black sand beach out wiped out by the volcano. Now due to the drugs esp ICE and stuff yes you need to lock up your stuff or have it watched if you leave the island to go to the mainland or some other country for a week,months or what ever because your stuff will be stolen. I was surprise to learn that where I grew up which was Lanakila housing near the Hilo Police station and St Joseph school that my old friends said you had to take your clothes off the clothes line before night fall or else your clothes would be stolen and your washer and dry if left on the out side better be chain down or else it would be carried away. Drug use will do that to a poor environment. If any of you guys want to learn more about the Big Island you can contact me and I’ll give you the scoop. I left the Big Island for better opportunity on the Mainland. CiscoJ@aol.com
Whisperwoman ....beautifully written. ...think you have a great soul. Thank you for sharing.
which area do you recommend? kona side?
@@ciscojulian5552 wow. didnt know puna was bad...what area do you like? neighborhood? hilo? i heard hamuku area(north part of hilo) is good
I live in Keaau, which is 6 miles from Hilo. Keaau has three schools, gas stations, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Foodland, laundry, several mom and pop restaurants, Subway, Tea and Coffee shop, Longs Pharmacy. I live 8 miles from the shops in HPP, Hawaiian Paradise Park. I work in Hilo, I really like living and working here. It does rain a lot. I haven't been here yet for summer, so I don't know how hot it will be. I came from Florida.
libraryelf123 I cant decide between oahu and hilo. Been to both big island and Oahu. I want to get away from crowds but I'm afraid I cant find a job. I have no degree and not much skills but have a lot of money saved up. I like the slower pace and energy in hilo. When I was on oahu it was super busy. Didnt like traffic but found making friends easy and also was offered 2 job interviews in the medical field. Unsure what island to move. Help? I'm looking to move soon for at least 6 months to a year. Love both islands as their beautiful in their unique right.
Hilo is an interesting place, and I wish he had talked more about it. Briefly: on the downside is the crime (especially in the Wainaku area), which is much more violent and pervasive than it used to be. Rental rates are outrageous because very few new units come on the market, and a lot of people got priced out of the other islands and moved there. So a lot of people competing for a fixed number of housing units drives everything up. The economy is bad, there's the racism that has to be experienced to be understood, and the poverty rates are very high. The county has very little money to fix anything, and the poor bus system is so broken it may as well not exist. Then there's the rain and the vog, and the high cost of everything you can't find at the farmer's market.
The upside is you meet some creative, non materialistic, non judgmental types that can be fun to be around, until they take off their rose colored glasses and go......yikes! Really, you cannot live on just bananas, mangoes and stuff like that.
I liked the slow pace, and the friendly people, which were certainly not everyone you meet, were great. It is such a mixed bag. A lot of people come and stay 1, 2 or 3 years and leave, so it can feel transient. It sure doesn't feel like America, which swings both ways.
I'm moving to Hilo side soon. It's not as bad as you think..... I'm moving from Oakland. Absolutely beautiful and I prefer to live in Hilo side. The rain is immense but off and on throughout the day. Rarely all day. Plus your only an hour and some change from kona!!
jiba jabaj your pretty accurate on the population growth, druggies. but there's still that paradise side. I was born n raised on the south/west side. I lived here most of my life. but iv'e also lived on a few of the other islands n a few places in the mainland. it was mostly just visiting. I always ended up coming back home. to reset my mind n re-root my self. I was in nanawale just below pahoa high school when iselle hit. first time I have ever been thru something like that. never had that happen in kona. but I still love hilo side as much as kona. I've never had problems with theft in puna. got into a few arguments for good reason tho. but other than that I love my island. winter you can go from snow to the ocean in a few hours. sunsets are unlike any place I've been. I do agree on you saying that most hawaiian family's are generally great people. if you get to know them n respect one another. we take you in as our own. as far as messing with family? for me anyway. it depends on the situation. I'm a little more civilized n will give you another chance. if it happens again then your dis-owned. Mahalo for the vid!
Hilo has a wonderful park on the bay....and the best Diner on Hawaii. Fun to visit. My ancestors came from Oahu in the 40’s. Have family on both islands.
I was born in puna, now i live in hilo.
Thanks.
Earlier this year I purchased land in Volcano area and will be building an off grid self-sustaining farm. I enjoy your videos.
mikendi08 any chance you are working alongside robert?
nope dont know a robert, sorry
mikendi08 no need to be sorry
I will be moving to the big island, off of the red road, in an off grid retreat center like place soon
We will of course create a pretty awesome garden :)
Cheers to sustainable living
I plan to do the same thing,i see you can buy land for 5k$.
Is it possible to install septic tank without costing a fortune?
Have been evacuated bcos of lava?
How's it? I met a guy who bought some land in pahoa and is looking to build a little living sitch out there. I responded to the add and as of now am planning to move out there to help him build and stay as care taker. But I've been having my doubts.. things aren't always how they seem, and all that grass is greener.. nah mean
If you are haole, don't go to Hilo side. You are instantly blamed for everything. Huge discrimination and passive aggressive things going on. Forget hiring anyone to do work on your house or anything else no matter how much you pay. My paternal grandparents, hapa haole, looked 100% Polynesian. Tall, dark, and my grams black hair down to her waist. They had no problems. My dad came out short, super fair with white hair, blue eyes and I took after him. My sister took after the Japanese side, no problems. I dreamed of living with my ohana on the Hamakua Coast my whole life. I spoke Hawaiian. Took 60 years of working double jobs on the mainland to save up and retire there. I loved the culture and people with all my heart. Didn't matter. My skin was white. After 5 years I sold out for a huge loss and will never go back. Fire ants have invaded from Pahoa to Hakalau. Worst pest you can imagine. Orchard owners sold out and fled ahead of them. Drugs are TERRIBLE. Bad everywhere but on the islands REALLY BAD. I'm an ER doc and the islands have a huge shortage so they and the anti-doctor policies are driving doctors out and keeping them from moving in. I never thought anything could make me leave but waking up every day to a hostile environment and insane politics was pupule. Hawaii is also destroying itself by doing things like blocking the TMT and VRBOs. Their handling of covid just hurt the economy more. There are better and cheaper places to vacation than a place that despises you.
I know two doctors working for Kaiser who have had great experiences working in Hawaii. Is there something different happening on the Big Island, specifically?
Been here a little under 2 years and TODAY we sign on a fantastic home in Wainaku area of Hilo - just 300 feet from the cliff and 100 feet up. When the cruise ships come in.....we have a 2nd row seat! 2nd row is actually better than 1st row because HWY 19 is blocked by the house below us!
Thank you for sharing this. I was planning to visit Hilo, and now I am happy I haven't booked my flight before watching this video. In a matter of fact, now I am not even sure if I want to go to Hilo at all!
I became a fan today. Thanks for sharing info on the islands.
Hilo was basically a slum compared to most mainland cities. Waterfalls and Jungle was nice
Excellent video - I LIKE YOU, your to the point, precise and well spoken. I really appreciate your information. Considering moving to the big Island, I hate drug users, looks like on Hilo side I could have issues. Once again - thank you for sharing your knowledge
great info , thanks im thinking bout having a vocation home in hana.. thanks . your info is very reliable..thanks for sharing your views. god bless u
If I ever make it to the Big Island I want you to be my tour guide. 👍👍👍
Thanks a ton for this info. Trying to transfer to hilo soon.
Hey JJ-I really like this channel cause u give people the straight goods. I am looking to get a place in Hawaii and after watching all you videos I think I am just gonna stick to waikiki and ship my vw bus over-I just dont like trouble-drugs are just a scourge on society and we dont have any of that problem in tokyo-thanks man
Maui and Big Island would be awesome for a VW bus. Lots of cool safe spots on Big Island. Just a bit iffey on the south side.
thanks JJ--love the channel
I looked it up and big island hasn't had a hurricane since 1959
Yah they rarely get hit badly. Tropical storms but not hurricanes.
We love Hilo owner home there looking for retired some days soon thanks for video like too watch it
There is lower puna that you speak of and there's upper puna. Upper puna has a different vibe! Less dread lock hippies more working people.
Check a historic lava flow map. Hilo is always under threat. The military bombed the lava flow threatening hilo in the 60s
The guys at Lucky we live Hawaii podcast need to have you on there podcast. You have much knowledge they would love to have you explain. Cheeeehooooo
Ill have to check them out. Do they have a UA-cam?
They do mostly audio shows.luckywelive808.com I just got back from Hilo visiting family and plan to return in Jan or Feb to move back.
great information , thank you !
im planing to move to hawaii and Foster child with disability.
Christinna Odor have you picked your island?
You're a real master regarding Hawaii. I must watch the videos.
Carlsmith Beach Park for the turtles! Papaaloa Country Store & Cafe for the lovely sweet people and poke bowl!
Jeff, I've learned a great deal from watching your videos & am very grateful for your time & effort.
Do you think it's possible to find rural acreage (5 or more acres) anywhere on the big island that is suitable for growing (good soil, temps, low vog) & isn't infested w/ crime, hippies & junkies? .......Or would it be better to wait & save more $$ for safer space on Maui or O'ahu? Is there an imaginary line that exists between the "low crime areas" and the "high crime"?
Are there areas that thieves & meth heads tend not to go?
Also... Are you aware of any Island demographic maps or report stats, which actually shows the crime stats for any given area of the Islands?
I appreciate any thoughts you might have. Thank you!
I love the Big Island, great info to know about the Hilo side, thanks for sharing. Important to add = the rain, 100 - 200 inches per year, a crazy amount (compare to Kailua-Kona) and VOG. I don't know how much VOG Hilo gets, but I do now that all the islands get hit by it and it is very toxic, very hazardous to your health. Some good in Hilo = UoH, Uncle Billy's and the Botanical Garden. But the rain, rain, rain ... too much, rain, rain... rain. Aloha!
How about those huge flood channels running through Hilo...that says alot right there.
I recently moved here and did not know about the Vog beforehand. It has caused my Asthma to flare up so bad I'm not sure if I can stay here.
@@dicktracy6745 Did you move to a different island? Has your asthma improved?
I really appreciate your videos! They're really helpful! I have a question.
Can you pick fruit in Hawaii? (Free, legally) like passion fruit. If so, are there certain areas that are best for that?
Jill Matthews what you are asking about is called foraging. People to forage in the forest but I do not know if it’s legal or not. I think that depends on who owns the land you are foraging. Big island has a lot of land for that. Puna and Hamakua
5 mountains!! Kohala, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa. Hualalai. Kilauea
I'm coming to hilo next month with my friend who has a house up in the mountain..I am a bit freaked out now about the crime and possible natural disasters that cod occur. maybe we will just stay up there the whole time eating avocado and papaya.
Great information!
What elevation do you recommend for building in the Hilo area?
Headed to The Big Island at the beginning of September
great video!, so the land is cheap there ?! is it the cheapest in the the state?
I live in Hpp. Forget the lava, hurricanes..the THIEVES..HOLY HELL. in the past month. Ive had 2 vehicles stolen. Everytime i take in friends.. Eventually they steal. I have to keep my gate locked AT ALL TIMES. Squatters, meth..god..thinking about moving back to mainland.
Hey Jeff I have a question, is having a 4 door dually a bad idea for living in our around Hilo and going to school in Hilo?
I am thinking of staying in Pahoa for half a year or longer. What are you thoughts on that area?
6 of us will be in Maui November 3rd and 4th. 2018. We'll be on the Pride of America so our stay on each island is limited. Since some of our group can't do the trip to Hana. They want to do a shark cage. Ohau is out already booked. Open is Big Island Kona or Kauai maybe. Let me know which company to book with. Thx
I like your videos. Very informative. My spouse and I are looking to move to the big island and on our budget, it looks like south of Hilo is our best bet. Is there any area or community that has a reputation for being pretty safe? I like to be closer to the coast. Sounds like it's more druggie in the inland parts. Any suggestions of where to start our search? We plan to take a trip there in April for a week. Thanks.
I'd say the higher up the mountain you go the safer it gets.
Thanks. So wanted to be near the water.
So sad to hear about those Punaticks. I wonder how and who is providing those drugs to them. My husband's ancestors were Ali'i in the HIlo area and my ancestors were one of the first to come from Japan to the Onea sugar plantation there.
what's ur opinion of naheluu by Oceanview over by kula Kai caverns is that a nice area. I heard it gets in the high 90s have you been in Ocean view in general is it a good place to live.
Did you ever learn more about if OceanView is a good place to live?
@@FERMIMUSIC I think NaAlehu is really pretty; I live in Ocean View and it's not bad at all; better than Hilo, much drier. Crime isn't terrible in Ocean View, but we do have some. I don't know about NaAlehu's crime rate.
JJ I use to live in Kaaawa over on Oahu. I liked it because it was on the windward side. What area on the Big Island would be simular to Kaaawa? Oh, I do Comercial building maintenance and built and live in a tiny home so jobs and building codes come into play.
Honolii and bayfront are the best spots on east side. Pohoikis reef is to young. Great waves but not consistently good!
You forgot earthquakes & high winds that pop up anytime.
Oh yeah. Fire ants.
I remember thinking of moving to Hawaii a few years back and found the cheap land near Hilo. Did my homework and found out the same things you talk about. The one that really got me was the hate towards non-locals. It's seems like everyone pretends to be Hawaiian and say it's their land. They can keep it, I've found just as nice places without the asshole attitudes.
GoodieMike I totally understand why you would say that! but you have to keep in mind that these people don’t “hate” mainlanders but they are more defensive and there’s a reason for that! this is their land and people are constantly coming in with negative mindsets. if you’re moving to hawaii just be mindful of the fact that you are in someone else’s home. respect the island and her people and you will be respected.
I lived in hi for 13 years and never once had problems with locals. Probably called a haole a handful of times but I don’t mind it. The Hawaiians & Polynesians in general have gotten a raw deal. Happy to be moving back soon.
ONE DAY THE WHOLE BIG ISLAND 🏝 IS GOING TO BE COVERED WITH LAVA 🔥
How soggy is the land in puna/mountain view. Rainfall map shows 200 inches per year. Is it cloudy most of the time?
The rain rarely lasts all day and If It does It Is usually winter months like Dec or Jan. One reason for so much rain Is the clouds get hung up on the volcano. Rather than easily carried off by the trade winds they linger. It rains almost every single night and there can be rain bursts off and on In the day. I call them bursts because they happen like the cartoons. All sunshine and then you drive under a cloud and It dumps rain on you, then you drive out of It a minute later and sunshine again. You will see rainbows everywhere very frequently. Not wise to own leather furniture. Any shoes or belts made of leather will need special care because It molds up on you. Most of the houses have open closets to keep the air circulating freely. Most homes outside Hilo downtown area do not have dryers. So line dry Is your only option unless you go to the laundry mat. In this case, you don't want to let your dirty clothes pile up too badly. You don't want to run out of clean clothes because It can take several days for clothing to dry out on the line. Jeans are the worst. Even If your drying lines are under a car port as mine were, the rainfall and humidity slow drying time down a lot. The rainfall can be gotten use to and you will find some days you pray for it when the vog Is bad. Because It helps to knock the vog down out of the air and clean It.
Would you be able to get info to us on the public schools in Oahu? Elementary and high schools. My eldest daughter plans on going to medical school in Oahu but I've got a prek and 9th grader. Any info would appreciated. Thank you for your very informative videos.
or i know it rains a lot in hilo but is it mostly at night??? or like 50/50 and 2 out of three days just what because i hate to think the only place i can afford is here
I live in kona as well. What do you do for work
Kevin Fenus what kind of work do you do? What made you choose kona?
cannabis is not a drug :P - you're absolutley right about puna/pahoa - when we stayed in puna in between leilani estates and kalapana at a airbnb we were smack in the jungle on a dirt road but the mass community did have paved roads - there were dirt raods in between each lot. Thick jungle but a great community for very cheap property. We meet great people for our 17 day stay. The punatics can def be a problem and you would only really get it if you were there long enough. We prob had the best place in that part of town - it was all handmade wood and glass tiling. I recorded so much and was suppose to record the whole property inside/out but ended up leaving in the middle of the night. I do love the area no matter - I would prob want property there for an airbnb and or for myself. It would be cool to make a club somewhere on the kona side but everyone goes to bed at 9pm lol - we stayed at Kona Seaside Hotel for a weekend - I had to come back to some videos I missed - Mainly because I miss that place so much but I'm sure living there would get old in puna after a year or so and that's why I would just get some property - and yes the whole airbnb was built on a lava bed so that is very scary since 2 miles up the road was flowed over these past months. You got great videos - keep doing what your doing. I miss your live feeds lately so I'm laying it down lol
BTW places to go for entertainment/Food in the USA I been thinking:
San Diego was a great place I lived for 38 years and I knew all the night clubs and I know a few still up and running.
St Petersburg (Central Avenue and I know many hidden spots too within a 5 block radius) St Pete is kinda what San Diego used to be back in the 80s/90s. I currently reside here.
A few in my interest would be;
Louisiana - I have driven thru a dozen times but food/entertainment is a must - we all know that!
New York - Because you have to :P
Colorado - Ummm Dispensaries.
You would think if you know so much, you should first learn to pronounce the names correctly.
You are very accurate in your description. Hilo side just has more desperate people barely getting by. I live in Kealakekua Kona side.
Hello! I am a young woman moving from the northeast in the mainland to Hilo for an internship opportunity within the next year. What are some good, and maybe even fun, neighborhoods to live within a 25 min radius of Hilo? Do you happen to know? Thank you for this video! Peace :)
I recommend if you check out up north of Hilo. I like Papaikou or even Honomu. If you go south in to Puna, its beautiful in Hawaiian Beaches or Hawaiian Paradise Park, but some one say there are some concerns about safety because of high crime.
Hilo, is a jungle full of fire ants.
How is the vog over there?
esceleto vog is mostly on in volcano and saddle road
Pronunciations is making me cringe sooo hard
There are earthquakes also
I used to live in wainaku and it was beautiful but the crime was outrageous and if you are white you will get messed with and threatened and I was mobbed and mugged just walking over the bridge
WOW I LIVE ON OAHU BORN & RAISED I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE BIG ISLAND GOT THAT TERRIBLE AS FAR AS IM CONCERN YOUR A LOCAL YOUR A BIG ISLAND RECIDENT
Is the drug problem on the Hilo side more in town or towards the south side of the island?
Erik Stephens hilo and puna
Its a presence here in hpp
HiLo.
We know we know already
This was painful to listen to/watch. This guy cannot/should not do a narration on why one should or should not live anywhere. I got to 3.29 minutes and had to stop it. before my blood pressure popped. I've only been to Hilo twice and obviously am not an expert on the town. I think I could probably do a decent job of describing Hilo in 3.29 minutes, even if I live far away on the East Coast.
Sorry to hear about your blood pressure.
nice tattoo
Haole
your my hilo
you're
@@krimbii just what I was coming to do
new tats ?
😂🤣😂🤣😆😴😴😴😴
😪😪😪😴😴😴BOOOORING!!
Can you do better???? If not, STFU.