Have you ever dreamed of owning your own home in Hawaii? If you've browsed real estate listings in the Aloha State, you may have encountered a small detail that says: "Land Tenure: Leasehold."  You'll often see this note in listings for condos, especially those in and around Honolulu. The other thing you'll notice is that these properties are significantly less expensive than comparable ones listed as "fee simple."  Initially, you might think the low price is a typo. That's not the case. When you agree to a leasehold arrangement, you're getting something a little different than an outright sale.  We'll show you exactly what it means to enter into a leasehold agreement—and who this unusual situation might be right for.  Understanding Leasehold vs. Fee...

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Whether you’re moving freight or household goods to Hawaiʻi, ocean freight containers are the workhorses that keep these shipments safe along their journey. 1.73 million TEU Hawaii State Cargo Volume in FY ’22 The state of Hawaiʻi saw 1.73 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo in Fiscal Year 2022. (That’s equal to 865,000 40-foot containers!) These numbers, which include shipments of both personal items and commercial items for sale, demonstrate just how heavily Hawaiʻi’s residents rely on container shipping to keep island life moving forward. Ocean freight containers, usually made of steel and painted with marine–grade paint in order to...

Last Updated: 9/13/2021 Between the beautiful beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle, it isn’t hard to imagine why so many people are drawn to the idea of moving to Hawaii. Whether it’s trading a hectic life in the city for colorful jungles and breathtaking waterfalls or leaving a stressful work environment for a more peaceful state of mind, Hawaii has a lot to offer its residents. However, this tranquility does come at a price. The cost of living in Hawaii is among the highest in the nation. In fact, by some calculations, Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S. If you’re considering...

Last Updated: 8/9/2024 Considering a move to Hilo? You’ll find this town on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, nestled in the South Hilo district.   Many people will tell you that Hilo is the rainiest city in the U.S.—but that doesn’t tell the whole story.   In fact, Hilo sits in the “tropical rainforest” designation of the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification System. In other words, there’s no dry season in Hilo. As a result, the landscape in the North and South Hilo districts is one of the most verdant on the island. Think waterfalls and plentiful plant life in vibrant shades of greens, pinks, reds, yellows, purples—almost every shade imaginable.   Additionally, Hilo holds the...

There’s a reason they call it the Big Island. As largest island, Hawaii clocks in at a whopping 4,028 square miles. (It’s almost as big as Connecticut, which measures 4,842 mi2!) In fact, the Big Island has more land area than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined.i   Considering the Big Island’s substantial size, visitors sometimes decide to focus their time in one area, such as the Kona side. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to move to the Big Island, you’ll have as much time as you like to explore!  If you’re spending your time on the Kona (or western) side of the island, you’ll find it hotter, drier, and sunnier than the Hilo (eastern) side. As a result, there are a several activities...

Last updated: July 29, 2024  If you're planning a move to the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, you're in for an incredible experience—especially if you love the outdoors. The Big Island is well-known for its dramatic and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. As you tour the island, you'll find cascading waterfalls, verdant tropical rainforests, 13,000-foot mountain peaks, and an active volcano. On the Kona side, you'll enjoy warm weather, plenty of sunshine, and long stretches of white sand beaches. To help you make an easy move to Kona, we've compiled the below list of must-knows. We'll give you a taste of what life in Kona is like, answer common questions...