Your Big Island Real Estate

If you're considering buying a home in a rural part of Hawaii, especially on the Big Island, you may come across something that is less common in many other parts of the country: a home that gets its water from the rain. For many properties in East Hawaii and other areas without access to municipal water, a rainwater catchment system is simply part of everyday life. Instead of relying on a public water line or a private well, the property collects rainfall from the roof, stores it in a tank, and moves it through a series of filters and treatment systems before it reaches the faucets. For buyers who have never lived with catchment water, the idea can sound unusual at first. But once you understand how the system works, it becomes much easier to evaluate. The important thing to remember is that a catchment system is much more than a tank sitting beside the house. It is an entire water system, from the roof all the way to the faucet. How Does a Rainwater Catchment System Work? The bas...

  Tropical Storm Lala Heads Toward Hawaii: What Travelers Need to Know Right Now Latest Update — Friday, August 14, 2026 Tropical Storm Lala is moving toward the Hawaiian Islands, and conditions remain subject to change as the storm gets closer. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center and Hawaiʻi emergency officials are continuing to update the forecast, watches, warnings, and expected impacts. If you have plans to travel to Hawaiʻi this weekend, the big question is understandably: What could Tropical Storm Lala mean for my trip? The answer depends largely on which island you're visiting and when you're arriving. Hawaiʻi is not one single destination. The islands can experience very different weather conditions at the same time, and the effects of a tropical system can vary significantly from one island to another—and even from one side of an island to the other. Below, I'll break down what travelers should know about Lala, including the potential impact on each island, flight...

  What a Moving Budget Checklist Covers Moving costs can add up faster than expected, and without a clear plan, the gap between your initial estimate and your final bill can grow quickly. A moving budget checklist helps you account for every phase of your move, from hiring professional movers to covering travel expenses, so you can stay on top of your spending from the moment you book through the day your belongings arrive. Local vs. Off-Island Moving Costs The cost of moving in Hawaii depends on several factors, including the size of your household, your origin and destination, and the type of move you’re planning. A local move within Oahu, for example, is priced differently from shipping your belongings off-island to the mainland. Inter-island moves also come with their own transportation and shipping considerations. Understanding these differences early can help you build a more accurate moving expenses checklist and avoid unexpected costs later. How Budgeting Reduces Moving Str...