General Contractors in Hawaii
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Hammers and nails. Taps and pipes. Shingles and siding. Paint and trim. Our homes are intricately designed to provide a safe place to sleep at night and create memories that will last for years to come. And at the forefront of creating homes in Hawaii are general contractors.
What can I hire a general contractor in Hawaii to do for me?
You may be wondering, “What do general contractors do?” A general contractor’s primary responsibility is to safely coordinate and manage all aspects of the construction process. For any job – large or small – Oahu general contractors can do the following:
- Price and purchase of materials
- Provide labor or hire subcontractors for actual construction
- Providing equipment such as vehicles and tools
- Apply for a building permit
- Recycle construction waste
- Control the construction budget
- Management of construction plans and stages
People hire a general contractor in Hawaii to do a number of construction jobs:
- Construction of new houses. (Read more about the cost of building a home in Hawaii here.)
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
- Installing floors or drywall
- Home additions such as new master suites or porches
An Oahu general contractor is a general contractor, which means they are qualified to handle almost any home project for you. They can do the work themselves or hire subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers or roofing specialists to complete the projects.
Who can be a general contractor in Hawaii? What are the qualifications for Oahu general contractors?
The State of Hawaii regulates general contractors, and in Hawaii they are required to obtain a license by submitting a comprehensive application, passing an examination, and then paying licensing fees.
General requirements for obtaining a contractor’s license in Hawaii include the following:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity and integrity, as determined by, among other things, a credit report.
- Have four years of supervisory experience within the last 10 years as evidenced by notarized certificates of experience and a list of completed projects along with the contract amount.
- Pass an exam on the appropriate classification, which includes questions on business and law, as well as on a specific trade (general engineering, construction, or other trades such as electrical, elevator, landscaping, masonry, plumbing, swimming pools, etc.).
- Be hired by a licensed contractor, meaning you must have worked in the construction industry before becoming a contractor.
After initially obtaining a Hawaii contractor’s license, these construction professionals must take steps to continue to maintain a Hawaii contractor’s license, including the following:
- Maintain ongoing liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Renew your license every two years on September 30th.
The state of Hawaii has fairly strict laws to become a general contractor, so people who hire a general contractor in Hawaii can rest assured that the state regulates these important builders. Additionally, the client may file a complaint against the contractor with the Hawaii Contractors Licensing Board.
Who are the best home builders near me?
Luckily, there are many quality Hawaiian home builders on the islands. Here are some of the most popular “Hawaii home builders near me” in different areas of Oahu, Hawaii:
- Pearl City. Roman Electric & Construction
- Waipahu. Wave Builders LLC
- Downtown Honolulu. Josh Design Build
- Kailua. PFC Remodeling & Construction
- Hawaii Kai. Acumen Builders
- Kaneohe. O’Donnell Construction
- Mililani. Prominent Craftsmanship Builders, LLC
What should I consider when choosing a new home builder in Hawaii?
If you are ready to remodel, update or build a completely new home. You will most likely need a contractor. But how do you choose the perfect Hawaii home builder? Here are some tips.
Tip #1. Ask family and friends.
Did your friend just finish building a new home in Hawaii? Ask them about their experience with the contractor.
- Was the work completed on time?
- Did the contractor listen to their needs and wants?
- Was the contractor licensed, bonded, insured, and received the necessary permits?
- Would they use the contractor again?
Take a look at their finished build to see the details and overall design.
Tip #2. Make a list of general contractors to call.
After interviewing family and friends and searching Hawaii general contractors online, call each of your top contractor contenders and ask these common questions before scheduling an appointment and quoting:
- Are they building houses in your area in Hawaii?
- Can they make the repairs you want?
- How will you make payments?
- Can they show you examples of previously completed work similar to yours? Do they have links?
- Do they hire subcontractors? If so, for what parts of the job and are these subcontractors licensed?
Tip #3. Meet an Oahu general contractor at your home or on your property.
After making phone calls to about five general contractors, schedule a meeting with at least three of them.
Before your meeting, give the contractor a list of your needs and wants. Link to photos of your style and desired look if you have them. If you’re building a new home in Hawaii, you may need to discuss architectural plans with a general contractor; note that you may choose to hire an architect and a general contractor separately, or the general contractor may subcontract the architect or designer.
When you meet, look around the room. Give the contractor time to answer questions and propose construction plans. Ask more questions and evaluate whether you are comfortable with the contractor.
Tip #4. Choose the best home builder in Hawaii for your project.
After meeting with at least three general contractors and receiving bids, review the bids.
- What are the deadlines?
- How do change orders work for this contractor?
- What’s included and what’s not? What about cleaning?
Hiring the right Hawaii home builder for your job requires some detective work. Be patient and be as thorough as possible. Ultimately, choosing the right general contractor for your Hawaii home building project can be the key to making your home building dreams a reality.
Featured Airbnb in Hawaii: What’s Legal and What’s Not?
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As an Airbnb host, you have the opportunity to welcome guests from all over the world, share the aloha spirit, and earn extra income.
But are short-term rentals, also known as AirBnb or VRBO, allowed in Hawaii? Airbnb’s operation on our islands is subject to several regulations, many of which currently make it difficult for Airbnb to host legally. While this information is not comprehensive or legal advice, and is current only at the time of writing, below are some legal considerations to consider when you’re thinking about becoming an Airbnb host.
Zoning laws dictate whether a property can legally be used as a short-term rental and vary on each island.
Oahu: Are short term rentals allowed in Honolulu? Can you rent an AirBnb on Oahu? House Bill 89, also known as Proposition 19-18 , signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on June 25, 2019, will place a cap on the number of bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations on the island. Specifically, no more than 0.5% of the total number of residential units in each community in the State of Oahu may be used as bed and breakfasts. These are 1,699 B&B rentals on Oahu; 183 B&B with legal permits at Koolau Poko (Kailua, Waimanalo, Kaneohe).
(Oahu short term rental permit limits vary by area)
No more than 0.5% of the total number of residential units in each Regional Development Plan Area (DPA) may be used as B&Bs.
The new laws also stipulate that new B&B owners can rent out two bedrooms to guests, and the owner of the property must legally live with the guests.
Other important changes:
- Ordinance 19-18 would allow approximately 1,700 bed and breakfast permits to be issued. Although the online lottery system for a legal B&B permit on Oahu is expected to begin in October 2020, it has not yet begun due to the passage of Ordinance 20-30, which modified Ordinance 19 -18. and was signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on September 17, 2020. Therefore, the adoption of administrative rules and the start of registration of new bed and breakfasts have been delayed while the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reviews the registration process.
- Illegal B&Bs will be subject to hefty fines (think $1,000 to $10,000 a day!). As of June 4, 2021, the City and County of Honolulu had received 2,133 short-term rental complaints and issued 568 notices of violation (NOV).
- Specifically, for North Shore bed and breakfasts, with the exception of Kuilima, no new permits will be issued in the area under the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan. However, for now, legal bed and breakfasts on the North Shore can accommodate guests until Oct. 1, when the city will begin issuing these new licenses.
- Kuilima Estates East and West , next to Turtle Bay Resort and Golf Course, now allows bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals. The decision was made on February 10, 2020 by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) because Kuilima Estates East & West is within 3,500 feet of a resort area of over 50 contiguous acres. See the map below for the permitted zone.
Maui: Can I rent an AirBnb on Maui? As of July 2019, there are over 16,000 apartments that are legally allowed to rent out homes for short-term rentals (less than six months) without the need for a bed and breakfast or conditional permit. These are typically found in hotel zones, but homes not included in the pre-existing criteria may be legally allowed to operate; as of November 2018, 353 vacation rentals had permission to operate outside the hotel zone.
As of June 2021, the Maui Meadows region of the Kihei-Makena Community Plan and the Paia Haiku Community Plan region have reached their permit limit for short-term home rentals, or AirBnbs.
In Maui County, homes with a short-term rental permit can be rented without the owner present. To apply for a short-term home rental, you must complete an application through the Maui County Planning Department , which must also include a zoning and flood verification form. The planning department processes these applications and usually takes several months.
(Maui short term rental permit limits vary by area)
Kauai: Are short term rentals allowed on Kauai? Airbnbs are legal in certain tourist areas (VDAs) or areas zoned for hotels. There are between 3,000 and 4,000 vacation homes in these areas, and Kauai no longer allows short-term rentals outside of these designated areas. If the vacation rental received a certificate of non-conforming use before March 2008, then the rental was transferred.
In short, any short-term rental for less than 180 days of a room in a house or an entire house or apartment is not permitted. Additionally, there is no application to apply for an AirBnb on Kauai unless you own a property in a Visitor Destination Area (VDA). The County of Kauai and its Planning Department regulate short-term rentals on the island of Kauai .
(Kauai short term rental permit restrictions based on visitor destination zone – VDA in red)
Big Island: Under House Bill 108, short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island or Hawaii County are now defined as a residence with no more than five bedrooms, rented for 30 consecutive days or less, in which the owner does not reside. on the spot. New short-term vacation rentals are not permitted in single-family residential or agricultural zones and are only permitted in hotel, resort, commercial and multi-family commercial zones.
House Bill 108, also known as Ordinance 2018-114, also made it possible for existing short-term vacation rental properties to apply for a Certificate of Nonconforming Use so they could continue to operate in a generally unpermitted area. The County of Hawaii Planning Department is tasked with administering and overseeing AirBnbs on the Big Island.
COVID-19 has added additional restrictions for Hawaii Airbnb, especially on the island of Oahu.
The question of whether Airbnb is legal in Hawaii has persisted throughout the coronavirus pandemic and adds further restrictions for many Hawaii vacation rental owners and travelers who want to experience paradise outside of a hotel.
Hawaii’s Airbnb laws have become more complex on Oahu and other islands during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayors of Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai restricted vacation rentals in March 2020, but on June 16, 2020, they allowed legal Airbnbs to operate again. Legal short-term holiday homes can now operate; however, Hawaii State’s travel restrictions and other COVID-19 related mandates remain in effect, and Governor Ige has stated that these rules will remain in place until Hawaii’s vaccination rate reaches 70 percent.
Airbnb listings – legal or illegal – must comply with Hawaii tax laws.
(1) Certificate of registration. Airbnb hosts must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Hawaii Department of Taxation as required by Hawaii State law . Upon successful receipt of a Certificate of Registration, Airbnb hosts must post the TIN on their online listing.
(2) Temporary Occupancy Tax: After registering and receiving a tax identification number, Airbnb hosts are ready to pay taxes to the government! The temporary residence tax applies to stays of less than 180 days. From January 1, 2018, the tax on temporary housing is 10.25 percent.
(3) General Excise Tax: Hawaii has no sales tax; instead we have a General Excise Tax (GET) , which is levied on all business activity, including short-term lettings. The current GET is 4.712 percent on Oahu.
(4) Property Tax: Property taxes in Hawaii vary by county.
Effective July 1, 2021, the City and County of Honolulu, which covers the island of Oahu, has a new property tax class: Bed and Breakfast (Class J). A legal Hawaii Airbnb on Oahu will likely fall into this class, and the tax is 0.65% of the assessed value. Read more about property taxes in Honolulu here . In short, a bed and breakfast is defined as a rental of less than 30 days where the homeowner or other operator is present during the stay, which is ultimately the definition of Airbnb in Hawaii. A typical B&B would be when someone rents out a room in their own home where they live. Short-term vacation rentals (TVR) are defined as “unhosted” or “whole house” rentals of less than 30 days when the owner or operator is away; TVRs are taxed in the hotel and resort class at a rate of 1.39%.
Property tax rates in Maui County, which includes the island of Molokai, are $11.08 per $1,000 of net assessed value for “short-term rentals” such as Airbnb, and $10.70 per $1,000 of net assessed value for zoned properties.” hotel and resort. as of July 1, 2020.
In Kauai County, the 2021 property tax rates for short-term occupancy are $9.85 per $1,000 of net assessed value for “vacation rental” properties and $10.85 for “hotels and resorts” zoned properties.
There are no taxes on residential rentals or short-term rentals in Hawaii County or the Big Island. The tax rates that may apply to Airbnb in Hawaii County are the hotel/resort property tax, which is $6.15 per taxable building valued at $1,000 from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Building laws and neighborhood regulations add additional rules to Airbnb listings.
Building and Housing Standards: The Oahu Building Code and Residential Code define minimum construction, maintenance, and health and safety requirements. Codes vary between residential and non-residential properties and by island, so refer to the codes for more information.
Other rules. There may be other contracts or rules that govern your potential Airbnb listing, such as lease agreements, HOA rules, or co-op or condominium rules. Read your lease agreements or contact the appropriate parties if applicable.
Complying with laws and regulations is no easy task.
The Appleseed Hawaii Center for Law and Economic Justice estimates that there are 23,000 vacation rentals in Hawaii , many of which are illegal.
Inspectors on each island try to enforce zoning laws. But with thousands of Airbnb listings and fewer than twenty zoning inspectors in each county, enforcement is problematic. Online advertising does not provide sufficient evidence that the Airbnb listing is illegal. Inspectors must obtain information such as the visitor’s name, length of stay, and compensation documents. Once the inspector has enough evidence and issues a violation notice, the Airbnb host has 30 days to make corrections or face a fine.
It’s also difficult for states to determine whether Airbnb hosts pay state taxes. Due to privacy laws, the state Department of Taxation is currently seeking a subpoena to collect host information from Airbnb.
Finally, on December 23, 2019, the City and County of Honolulu published an online form asking the public to report any suspected illegal Airbnb rentals. So far there have been many reports of inspectors following up on leads.
While there are several controversial and potentially changing rules governing Airbnb listings, the benefits of being an Airbnb host may outweigh the bureaucratic burden. For more information, consult an attorney, accountant, Planning and Permitting Department, Taxation Department , or other county or state agency.
Featured What is the best Hawaiian island to live in?
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Beautiful beaches. Lush landscapes. Fresh air. Bright sunsets. Towering mountains. Majestic waterfalls. They can be found on each of the four main inhabited islands of Hawaii, but each of these islands also has unique features and even its own nickname.
How many Hawaiian Islands are there? There are a total of 137 islands in the Hawaiian chain. Hawaii is generally recognized by its eight main islands, seven of the eight of which are inhabited: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
When moving to Hawaii , you may be wondering which island to live on. Not only do each of the islands have different geographic features, but they also have different amenities, local governments, history, culture, and cost of living . Discover Hawaii’s five most populous islands—Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai—before deciding which island suits your lifestyle.
Why move to the Big Island (Hawaii Island)?
The Island of Hawaii, known locally as the Big Island, is the largest geographical island in Hawaii and the United States. It is the southeasternmost island and also the newest island with an active volcano, which continues to add more land to make the Big Island even larger. Potential buyers will find that home prices are lower on the Big Island and there is much more land available. However, changeable weather and lack of infrastructure in some areas can be a challenge for the less adventurous home buyer.
Nickname: Big Island Capital: Hilo Population (2010): 185,079 Area: 4,028 square miles Density: 45 people per square mile Highest point: Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020 yr): median $365,000 Condo sales price (April 2020): $349,900.
Fun facts
- Lake Waiau, located just below the summit of Mauna Kea, is the only high-altitude lake in the state of Hawaii.
- The Big Island has a green sand beach. It’s called Papkolea, Mahana Beach.
- Pele’s hair can be found on the Big Island. Pele, the goddess of fire, spews out lava, which in turn forms thin threads of volcanic glass. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea.
Story
Stories say that the legendary Polynesian navigator Hawai’iloa was the first to discover the island of Hawaii, hence the island’s name. Other stories say that the island is named after the kingdom of the gods and goddesses, Hawaiian.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, Captain James Cook, an English explorer, sailed to the Hawaiian Islands and named them the Sandwich Islands. After sharing his “discovery” of the Hawaiian Islands with his compatriots, he was later killed on the Big Island in Kealakekua Bay.
The Big Island was the home of Kamehameha the Great, who united most of the Hawaiian Islands in 1795 after years of war. He renamed the island chain after his home island of Hawaii.
Weather
The Big Island has eleven of the world’s thirteen sublimates, meaning whether you want it wet, dry, hot or cold—even snow—you can find it.
The Kailua-Kona side is hot as the vog (volcanic emissions of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases) from the active Kilauea volcano absorbs the sun’s rays. Additionally, Kilauea continues to erupt, leaving some homes that are often priced right at risk from lava flows. The leeward side is hot and dry, sometimes there are droughts and even forest fires. If you have breathing problems, it is not recommended to live on the leeward side of the Big Island.
The highlands and eastern part where Hilo is located have a lot of rain and mold. This side also has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Infrastructure
Hawaii County is the governing body of the Big Island. There is an excellent bus system that runs throughout the island and the roads are well maintained. The historic city of Hilo, as well as the popular tourist town of Kona, offer parks, bike paths, and convenient downtown areas with plenty of shopping.
Rush hour traffic is a problem along the 10-mile stretch between Keaau and Pahoa in Puna County, often exacerbated by construction delays. Additionally, with the exception of the main cities of Hilo and Kailua-Kona, most of the Big Island uses private rainwater harvesting systems, meaning that if it doesn’t rain, you may not have running water.
Some other infrastructure shortcomings are that Hilo and Kona do not have trash pickup or home delivery of mail. This means you’ll have to make trips to the landfill and the post office if you live in a rural area.
Safety and security
The Big Island is quite safe and there is nowhere for criminals to hide. Several major violent crimes occur, such as murders or armed robberies. The spirit of aloha is present on the Big Island, where neighbors look out for each other through Neighborhood Watch programs. However, the Big Island has a problem with drugs and petty theft. Home robberies are quite common in South Hilo, Puna County and the Hamakua Coast, as well as car thefts.
Why move to Maui?
The second largest and third most populous island, Maui was once home to sugarcane and pineapple plantations, but has now become an ever-growing island attracting tourists, with plenty of activities, beautiful beaches and scenery. The housing market on Maui is hot – with prices comparable to Oahu and few average days on market.
Nickname: The Valley Isle Capital: Wailuku Population (2010): 144,444 Area: 727 square miles Density: 198 people per square mile Highest point: Haleakala (10,023 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020 year): $754,523 Condo price (April 2020): $602,494.
Fun facts
- The road to Hana is 45 miles long with 59 bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns, as well as lush jungle and countless cascading waterfalls.
- Lahaina was the original capital of Hawaii until it was renamed Honolulu in 1850.
- Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano at 10,023 feet above sea level.
Story
Polynesians from Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands first arrived on Maui perhaps around 400 AD, although there is no exact date. Polynesian settlers followed the kupu system, as on most islands, and became farmers and fishermen.
In the early years there were three kingdoms on Maui: Lahaina, Hana and Waikulu. There have been many wars and conquests over the years, one of the last battles being Kamehameha’s conquest of Great Maui in 1795 to unite the islands.
After English explorers mapped the Hawaiian Islands and shared news of Hawaii’s rich lands with the world, Maui became home to whalers and Christian missionaries. Later sugar plantations consumed life on Maui for nearly a century, with the last 36,000-acre Alexander & Baldwin sugar plantation closing in 2016.
Weather
Maui’s weather varies throughout the island due to its proximity to the coastline, varying elevations, and varying trade winds in the valleys and slopes.
Central Maui, with the cities of Kahului and Wailuku, generally has consistent warm temperatures throughout the year with dry breezes; Central Maui can also be sweltering at times due to precipitation. The downwind side, which includes Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua, is typically drier, with warmer daytime temperatures—up to 92 degrees—and the least precipitation. On the windward side, Paia, Haiku, Keanae, Hana and Kipahulu experience heavier rainfall and northeasterly trade winds. The northern part of Maui includes Makawao, Pukalani, Kula and the main mountain Haleakala. At elevations between 1,700 and 4,500 feet, temperatures are milder (70 to 80 degrees) during the day and cooler at night.
Infrastructure
Maui’s infrastructure, managed by Maui County, which also administers the less populated islands of Lanai and Molokai, was initially financed by sugar and pineapple plantations. The federal government helped build the county’s infrastructure from 1959 until the mid-1970s, and since then under state and county control, Maui residents have continued to desire infrastructure improvements.
Although Maui has sewage, water, roads, public transportation, parks, solid waste, police and fire infrastructure, much of it was built many years ago. Water supply infrastructure is in poor to fair condition, with many roads in need of repair. The Maui bus system is operated by a private company, Roberts Hawaii, and has a limited number of commuter services. Maui is in the process of constructing and expanding the Maui Central Landfill and developing new park facilities.
Safety and security
You might be wondering, is Maui safe? The island receives around 3 million visitors each year and is generally safe for both tourists and residents. It’s no surprise that the ocean environment is dangerous, especially on Maui, which has one of the largest waves in the world, Peahi or Jaws. People on Maui should be aware of rogue waves as well as strong currents. Maui’s trails, waterfalls, and vast landscapes are breathtaking, but also dangerous as people are known to get lost. Violent crime is not common on Maui, but like other islands, petty theft does occur from time to time.
Why move to Lanai?
As the sixth largest inhabited Hawaiian island by geographic size, Lanai is 18 miles at its greatest width. Only 2% of the island is owned by the state of Hawaii or private residents, and the remaining 98% is owned by Oracle Corporation founder and chairman Larry Ellison. Lanai is the island to live on if you’re looking for a small community with plenty of dirt roads, picturesque beaches, and the charm of old Hawaiian pineapple plantations. However, you need a little luck to buy one of the few RVs available!
Nickname: Pineapple Island. Largest settlement: Lanai city. Population (2010): 3,135 Area: 140 square miles. Density: 23 people per square mile. Highest point: Lana’ihale (3,366 feet).
Fun facts
- There are no traffic lights on Lanai. There is one K-12 public school and one hospital serving the entire island.
- Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Lanai was King Kamehameha’s favorite fishing spot.
- Lanai is known as “Pineapple Island” because it was once home to a plantation that produced 75 percent of the world’s pineapples!
Story
According to local Hawaiian legend, Lanai was once ruled by the god of nightmares for thousands of years. The reign of the nightmare god ended when the Maui teen leader killed the nightmare god. He then lit a fire to signal that the people of Maui could finally come to the island and settle it.
When Native Hawaiians inhabited Lanai, they established fish ponds and taro farms, and the people of Lanai enjoyed relatively quiet years until King Kamehameha I took control, killing many of Lanai’s former inhabitants.
In the early 1800s, Chinese farmer Wong Tse Chun used part of Lanai’s land to grow sugar. In the mid-1800s, a group of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints obtained a lease at the ahupuaa of Palawai on Lanai. In 1963, Walter M. Gibson bought the land for $3,000 and registered it in his name, using it for ranching and later sugar cane farming, which attracted hundreds of people from Japan to Lanai.
In 1922, James Dole bought the island and turned it into the world’s largest pineapple plantation, attracting workers from all over the world.
In 1959, when Hawaii became a state, Lanai became part of Maui County. With changing international economies and outsourcing leading to cheaper ways of producing pineapples, Dole Food Company’s plantations shrank and by 1992 the plantations closed.
In June 2012, Larry Ellison purchased Castle & Cooke’s 98 percent stake in Lanai for $300 million. He renovated the former hotel to create the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, which opened in April 2016. He also built a new water filtration system and reopened the public swimming pool in Lanai City, in addition to renovating and reopening the historic plantation. cinema. Ellison started hydroponic farming on Lanai and plans to create a sustainable community on Lanai.
Weather
In general, Lanai has pleasant, dry weather all year round. The island receives only about 37 inches of precipitation per year and temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees, with higher elevation locations like Lanai City averaging about 72 degrees during the warmer months. Coastal spots like Manele Bay are usually about 10 degrees warmer, so you can shed your jacket and enjoy the beaches more comfortably.
Infrastructure
No traffic lights, one public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and one hospital. The island is much smaller geographically and in population compared to the other Hawaiian Islands.
To get to Lanai there is an airport and a ferry from Maui. As for traveling around the island, you’ll need a four-by-four vehicle to get to most places. The city does not have a public transport system, but some hotels offer car or minibus services.
Although Lanai is not currently seeing much development, Larry Ellison proposed a plan to diversify the economy and add new jobs and residents in September 2019. Plans included creating a 200-acre industrial park near Lanai’s airport, as well as adding tripling the size of Lanai City – with a vision for a university, more housing, film studios and a tennis academy.
Safety and security
Lanai is an extremely safe place to live. With a population of only 3,000 people and mostly luxury tourism, it is difficult for crime to exist on Lanai. Lanai has a police station that is part of the Maui County Police Department.
Why move to Molokai?
Among the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is known as the Friendly Island, and those who live there would consider it the best island to live. Remote Molokai has many longtime families and few visitors, making it one of the most secluded Hawaiian islands. Long flat fields, sea cliffs on the “back side”, winding roads and small shops make Molokai a great place to call home. Most residents live off the land, growing food on the fertile soils, fishing and deer hunting.
Nickname: Friendly Island Largest settlement: Kaunakakai Population (2010): 7,345 Area: 260 square miles Density: 28 people per square mile Highest point: Kamakou (4,961 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) ): $250,000
Fun facts
- Kaunakakai Pier in the town of Kaunakakai is the longest pier in Hawaii. Continue to the end to see the reef and fish.
- Molokai has 4,000-foot sea cliffs that are the tallest in the world with secret coves and waterfalls.
- There are no traffic lights on Molokai.
Story
Polynesian settlers from the Marquesas, Tahiti, and other Pacific islands are said to have inhabited Molokai around 650 AD, with further migrations occurring in 700 AD. The neighboring islands of Maui and Oahu had little interaction with the people of Molokai in these early years, leading to decades of peace.
In the 18th century, internal conflicts occurred over fertile fishing groups, resulting in chiefs from Oahu taking control of Molokai. When King Maui conquered Oahu, Maui also came under Maui’s rule. Soon after, King Kamehameha the Great unified the Hawaiian Islands, including Molokai. King Kamehameha V had a country home on Kaunakakai Beach and a country estate with cattle, coconut groves, and deer ranching grounds.
The first Europeans to set foot on Molokai in 1786 were Captain George Dixon. Christian missionaries visited Molokai in the 1800s, and the first permanent missionary settled in Kalua’aha in 1832. Kalaupapa was a famous small town isolated by high cliffs on Molokai for people suffering from Hansen’s disease or leprosy. In 1873, Father Damien de Wester arrived in Kalaupapa, leaving a lasting legacy of caring for leprosy victims in Kalaupapa.
Molokai owned the Meyer Sugar Refinery for nearly 30 years, run by Rudolf Meie of Germany, who also produced wheat, potatoes, coffee, and corn for export and worked with King Kamehameha V to control the Molokai ranch lands and the Kalaupapa leper settlement.
Weather
Molokai has favorable weather all year round. The average temperature is around 75 degrees and rarely rises above 85. During the winter season, which typically runs from December to March, evening temperatures drop into the low 60s and there are often a few rainy days. Spring, summer and autumn have warm days with cool trade winds in the evenings. Without trade winds, the heat and humidity can be intense.
Infrastructure
Molokai has a small Molokai General Hospital, which is open 24/7, as well as a community health center and a family health center. Molokai has four public elementary schools and a public middle and high school. There is a charter school and one private school on the island.
Administered by the County of Maui, Molokai has county and state parks and protected areas, including Palau State Park, Molokai Forest Preserve, Halawa Beach Park, and limited-access Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
The island has one two-lane highway running east-west and a small bus network. There is also a small open airport with mostly 8-seater planes arriving daily from the neighboring Hawaiian Islands.
Safety and security
Molokai are small and everyone knows everyone. If you visit Molokai, people will notice. Although Molokai’s unemployment rate has historically been high and most people live off the land or work part-time, there are relatively low rates of crime or theft. People who live on Molokai or visit Molokai can rest easy at night knowing that their neighbors are friendly and crime is low.
Why move to Oahu?
Almost a million people live on Oahu. It has many neighborhoods, majestic scenery, and almost all the amenities of a mainland US city. Oahu has the world famous North Shore with its legendary surf sports, as well as Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, military installations and the main campus of the University of Hawaii.
Single-family home prices on Oahu are the highest of any island, and the housing market is incredibly competitive. With thousands of condominiums available, there are cheaper housing options for those entering the housing market. If you want to experience paradise with the amenities you’d expect, Oahu might be the island for you.
Nickname: The Gathering Place Population (2010): 953,207 Capital: Honolulu Area: 596 square miles Density: 1,597 people per square mile Highest point: Mount Kahala (4,003 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) .): $809,000 Median Condo Sale Price (April 2020): $450,000.
Fun facts
- Waikiki is Hawaii’s tourist mecca with more than 100 hotels.
- Kualoa Ranch has been the location for many Hollywood films, including Jurassic Park, and prime time television shows such as Hawaii Five-0.
- The NFL Pro Bowl was held at Aloha Stadium from 1980 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2015.
Story
Like the other islands, it is believed that Oahu was first settled by the Tahitians around 300 AD, although the exact dates are unknown. In 1795, Kamehameha I conquered Oahu after the bloody Battle of Nuuanu, unifying the Hawaiian Islands.
In 1845, the royal capital moved from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu, which remains the state capital. “Iolani Palace was built, which is still the only palace in the United States. With the arrival of Captain Cook in the Hawaiian Islands and the expansion of sugar and pineapple plantations, the monarchy became increasingly dominated by foreign interests. Queen Liliuokalani was deposed in 1893 and the island chain was annexed in 1898 by the United States.
Another important historical event that occurred on Oahu was the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor during World War II.
Weather
If your definition of great weather is sunny and warm, then Oahu has ideal weather conditions. Honolulu and Waikiki average about 80 degrees year-round with only 20 to 40 inches of precipitation. Along the Waianae coast there is less rain and temperatures may be slightly warmer. There is more rain on the windward side or on the east coast; however, it could be raining one minute and a stunning rainbow appearing the next.
Infrastructure
The County of Honolulu governs the island of Oahu. While traffic on Oahu ranks among the worst in the United States, the island boasts reliable infrastructure. The bus offers service throughout the island, and the Honolulu Railroad promises to offer convenient transportation from the west side of the island to “the city” or Honolulu. Water, sewer, and garbage collection are offered in every area of Oahu, with only some of the more remote locations having pit cesspools. Oahu has many parks, including dog parks, bike trails, and botanical gardens.
Safety and security
Like other islands, Oahu is also considered a safe place compared to other cities on the mainland. However, thefts are becoming more and more common, including car thefts and raids.
Since January 2020, robberies have increased by 52 percent compared to the previous year, with 79 robberies reported to the Honolulu Police Department in four weeks. Homicides are rare, but the same January 2020 report reported a 20 percent increase in gun crimes. In general, Oahu residents can feel safe walking most streets at night, but they should be vigilant in certain areas and neighborhoods and always take precautions to keep belongings safe.
Why move to Kauai?
The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, jagged Na Pali Coast mountains and cascading waterfalls. Quaint country towns add to the laid-back atmosphere of this less populated small island. Real estate on Kauai is competitive with single-family home prices comparable to Maui or Oahu, and supply is low. If you want to live the old Hawaiian lifestyle full of aloha and tranquility, Kauai might be the island for you.
Nickname: Garden Island Capital: Lihue Population (2010): 66,921 Area: 552 square miles Density: 121 people per square mile Highest point: Kawaikini (5,243 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) ): $725,000 Median Sale Price Condo Price (April 2020): $499,500
Fun facts
- Kauai is the legendary home of the Menehune, or the mythical Hawaiian race of small people who practiced construction and engineering.
- By law, buildings cannot be built higher than a palm tree, which contributes to the environmental friendliness of the island.
- Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee plantation in the United States.
Story
As the oldest island, Kauai has a unique history. The island’s first settlers are believed to have been the Marquesans and other Polynesians, who arrived around 500 AD, crossing the vast Pacific Ocean under the stars and trade winds. The first settlers lived off the land, growing taro, yams and bananas and enjoying abundant fresh water.
With the advent of Westerns in the late 1700s, Kauai became a common stop for sea travelers and missionaries. Kamehameha the Great had difficulty conquering Kauai and its neighboring island Niihau due to rebellions and disease outbreaks. But in 1810, Kamehameha and the king of Kauai, Kaumuali, came to a peace agreement in which Kauai joined the Kingdom of Hawaii with Kaumuali as its governor.
Beginning in the late 1800s, Kauai had many sugar plantations due to Kauai’s rich plains. In the early 1900s, pineapples came to Kapaa along with people from all over the world—Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, China and the Philippines—to work the plantations. Sugar and pineapples dominated the island for almost 100 years.
Weather
Kauai’s climate is generally humid and stable year-round, with average temperatures of 78 degrees in Lihue in February and 85 degrees in August. Kauai’s mountain ranges, such as Koki State Park, home to Hawaii’s “Grand Canyon,” are cold, with a record low of 29 degrees. Kauai tends to receive more rain and has had floods and hurricanes in the past that have caused damage to homes and hotels. Annual precipitation ranges from about 50 inches per year on the windward coast to less than 20 inches on the leeward side of the island.
Infrastructure
The County of Kauai administers the island of Kauai, as well as the “Forbidden Island” off its shore, Niihau. The infrastructure on Kauai has remained stagnant over the past decades, despite the growth of tourism. Two-way roads, one-way bridges, small parking lots, and a small public transportation system—the Kauai Bus—make getting around Kauai difficult. But Kauai is a small island, so you don’t have to go far.
The island’s drainage system leaves much to be desired, as Kauai lacks a drainage master plan, which has led to flooding and home loss over the past decade. The water systems were originally built by sugar plantations and later expanded by the county. Wastewater systems are available in Waimea, Hanapepe, Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa, but public wastewater systems are not available in many rural areas such as Princeville, Kekaha or Koki.
Safety and security
With its small population and geographic area, Kauai is one of the safest islands. There is minimal crime on Kauai other than petty theft. However, the surf and one-way bridges create danger, so always be alert when swimming or driving on Kauai’s narrow roads. You shouldn’t visit remote waterfalls and hiking trails unless you’re prepared or don’t know the area, as explorers have gotten lost in Kauai’s lush landscapes in the past.
Why move to Niihau?
Niihau is an island that you need an invitation from the Robinson family to visit, hence the nickname “Forbidden Island”. Since Niihau is known to have stunning pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, it can be tempting to try to buy property there. However, there is no property to buy on Niihau, and it is almost impossible to even visit Niihau.
Nickname: Forbidden Island. Largest settlement: Puuwai. Population (2010): 170. Area: 69.5 square miles. Density: 1.9 people per square mile. Highest point: Mount Paniau, 1,250 feet.
Fun facts
Residents of Niihau speak almost exclusively Hawaiian.
No one knows exactly how many people live on Niihau, as the Robinson family is not required to report population numbers.
Former Niihau residents say there are many rules, including no alcohol or weapons, no long hair or earrings for men, and no church attendance on Sundays. Breaking the rules could mean eviction from the island by the Robinson family.
Story
Niihau was once ruled by Hawaiian ali’i or chiefs, and many battles and marriages have marked its history and established many rulers. Despite numerous attempts, Kamehameha was never able to completely conquer Niihau by force. In 1810, Kamehameha gathered many fighters, and rather than fight, Niihau’s ruler, Kaumauli, surrendered. And after Kamehameha’s death, his widow, Ka’ahumanu, married Kaumauli’i, further solidifying Niihau’s presence in the united Kingdom of Hawaii.
In 1864, Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair purchased Niihau from King Kamehameha V for $10,000 in gold. The king made the family promise that they would protect the island and its inhabitants from outside influence, and many generations later, the descendants of the Sinclair family keep this promise to this day. Brothers Bruce and Keith Robinson currently run Niihau.
Weather
Niihau is drier than the other islands, with less rainfall from trade winds due to its low altitude and location next to rainy Kauai. Historical droughts have been recorded on Niihau several times. Average temperatures are 70-80 degrees year round.
Infrastructure
In general, Niihau has no roads, cars, shops, restaurants, internet, electricity or indoor plumbing. Residents use traditional Hawaiian methods of hunting and fishing, as has been done for hundreds of years and passed down by their ancestors.
For employment, residents collect rare small red shells and turn them into expensive leis, while other people are hired to work at the Robinson Ranch, where they receive a salary and free housing.
Safety and security
Since access to Niihau is by invitation only and everyone who lives there is mostly family, there is no documented crime.
So which Hawaiian island is best to live in?
Each of the Hawaiian Islands is unique, offering varied weather, amenities and different cultures. If you like lush scenery and the laid-back old Hawaiian lifestyle, Kauai might be right for you. If you prefer convenience, city life and exciting surf, you might like Oahu. If you like rural life but also enjoy some amenities and tourists along with beautiful scenery, Maui could be your place. And if you want space and an adventurous spirit, the Big Island might be for you.
If you want to live in a friendly countryside and try an eco-friendly lifestyle, Molokai could be your island. However, if you want to experience the atmosphere of old pineapple plantations and are hoping for more sustainable initiatives from Larry Ellison, you might like life on Lanai. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and escape the outside world, Ni’ihau may be for you, but by invitation only.
Whichever island you choose to live in, the beauty of Hawaii and the spirit of aloha will reside there.
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