Living The Big Island Lifestyle

Living the Big Island Life: Top Towns, Culture, and What Makes Each Unique

The Big Island of Hawaii is an island of contrasts and incredible diversity—from lush rainforests and active volcanoes to sun-soaked beaches and historic ranch towns. Here’s a guide to some of the most loved towns on the Big Island, along with their cultural highlights, the aloha spirit, and why people love calling these places home. In our next Blog we’ll feature the Kohala Coast and the resort areas North of the Kona Airport.

Where It’s At: East side of the Big Island

      Vibe: Laid-back, artistic, culturally rich

      Cultural Highlights:

• • Aloha ‘Āina (Love of the Land): Hilo is where you’ll find deep roots in Hawaiian traditions. The Merrie Monarch Festival happens here every year, celebrating hula, Hawaiian music, and the culture of King Kalākaua, who revitalized many Hawaiian customs.
  • Local Market: Hilo Farmers Market is the go-to for fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts—always a gathering spot for both locals (kamaʻāina) and visitors alike.

• Natural Spots: Think lush, green landscapes with Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Park, and even the awe-inspiring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park just a short drive away.
• Why Live Here: Hilo has that old-school Hawaii feel. It’s affordable, with a friendly, local vibe, and if you love rain and tropical greens, it’ll feel like paradise.

2. Kailua-Kona – Sun, Sand, and Coffee

• Where It’s At: West side of the island
• Vibe: Sunny, buzzing, beachy
• Cultural Highlights:
  • History Galore: Check out the Hulihe‘e Palace, once a getaway for Hawaiian royalty, and the Ahu‘ena Heiau, a temple built by King Kamehameha I. Kona’s history is full of stories that shape Hawaii today.
  • Ironman Vibes: Kona is famous for hosting the Ironman World Championship, where athletes from around the world test their limits in swimming, biking, and running.
• Beaches and Beyond: Kona is known for its incredible beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, or dive with colorful fish and green sea turtles (honu). It’s also home to some of the best coffee farms in the world!
• Why Live Here: If you’re into sunny days, ocean adventures, and a lively community, Kailua-Kona could be your dream spot. It’s bustling but still has that friendly aloha spirit.

3. Waimea (Kamuela) – The Paniolo (Cowboy) Heart of the Island

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• Where It’s At: North-central part of the island
• Vibe: Countryside, ranching, family-friendly
• Cultural Highlights:
  • Parker Ranch: One of the largest ranches in the U.S., Parker Ranch is at the heart of Waimea. Paniolo culture is alive and well here—Waimea even has rodeos!
  • Festivals: The Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival is a highlight each year, celebrating Japanese culture and adding a little splash of pink to the green hills.
• Scenery: Waimea is set against the stunning backdrop of Mauna Kea and open pastures, making it one of the greenest, most serene spots on the island.
• Why Live Here: With a cooler climate, a small-town feel, and a strong sense of history, Waimea is perfect for those who enjoy rural living with a Hawaiian twist.

4. Pāhoa – Artsy, Eclectic, and Offbeat

• Where It’s At: Southeast part of the island, in the Puna district
• Vibe: Bohemian, eco-friendly, quirky
• Cultural Highlights:
  • Community Music: The annual Puna Music Festival brings locals and visitors together to celebrate Hawaiian music and dance. It’s one big ohana (family) gathering.
  • Creative Scene: Pāhoa is a magnet for artists, with galleries, unique shops, and a chill café culture. The town has its own funky charm, where people truly embrace diversity and creativity.
• Nature in Your Backyard: Surrounded by rainforests, hot springs, and black sand beaches, Pāhoa feels wild and untouched.
• Why Live Here: With its relaxed, alternative vibe and affordable living, Pāhoa draws those looking for a simple, close-to-nature lifestyle. It’s all about community and living lightly on the land here.

5. Hawi – Small Town, Big Heart

• Where It’s At: Northern tip of the Big Island
• Vibe: Peaceful, artsy, eco-minded
• Cultural Highlights:
  • Art and Craft: This quaint town has a strong artistic community, with shops selling everything from local jewelry to handcrafted goods.
  • Kamehameha’s Legacy: Hawi is close to the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands. There’s a statue in town to honor him—a reminder of Hawaii’s strong history and heritage.
• Landscape: Near Pololū Valley, with dramatic cliffs, green hills, and scenic overlooks, Hawi’s landscape is beyond beautiful.
• Why Live Here: This is the place for you if you crave a quieter life close to nature, with a friendly community that values sustainability. Hawi has a special vibe that people find grounding and peaceful.

6. Kealakekua and Captain Cook – History, Coffee, and Nature

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• Where It’s At: South of Kailua-Kona
• Vibe: Historical, coffee-loving, peaceful
• Cultural Highlights:
  • Captain Cook Monument: Kealakekua Bay is famous for its monument honoring Captain Cook. It’s a top snorkeling spot, with pristine coral reefs and a marine sanctuary.
  • Coffee Heaven: Known as coffee country, this area is dotted with small coffee farms, many of which welcome visitors for tastings and tours.
• Outdoor Fun: With views of the bay and nearby trails, Kealakekua is a paradise for nature lovers, divers, and history buffs.
• Why Live Here: For those seeking a quieter life with a deep sense of place, this area is ideal. It’s close enough to Kona’s amenities but has a peaceful, rural vibe of its own.

Final Thoughts

The Big Island is a truly special place to live. Each town offers something unique, from Hilo’s rain-soaked landscapes and Kailua-Kona’s beaches to Waimea’s ranches and Pāhoa’s artistic heart. Living here means you’re never far from the land (ʻāina) and a community that embraces Hawaiian culture, values, and the aloha spirit. Whether you’re an adventurer, artist, or just looking for a simpler way of life, there’s a spot for you on the Big Island.