The Crest at Linton Hall
Bristow, Virginia
Kailua-Kona , Hawaii
What It Is Like to Retire in Kailua-kona
Kailua, often referrred to as Kailua-Kona to differentiate it from the city on Oahu of the same name, is located on the west coast of Hawaii, the Big Island. It is the center of the tourist industry on this island, popular for its beaches, scuba diving, fishing, etc. The famed Alii Drive is the big shopping district. Kona is famous for its coffee. The coastal area is flat with plenty of evidence of lava flows from the dormant volcanoes in the center of the island. As you go away from the coast you go up, up, up. But there are many nice neighborhoods tucked here and there. Kailua-Kona is home to the Ironman World Championship. This part of Hawaii was the home of Hawaiian royalty, their castles and vacation homes were built here. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia; Kona Bay by Travis.Thurston, and oceanfront near Hulihee Palace by Calbear22.
Where to Retire in Kailua-kona and Home Prices
Real estate is expensive, with the median home value at $556,949 in early 2020, according to Zillow. Property taxes in Hawaii are the lowest in the nation. There are resorts that have condos and homes. Then there are nice neighborhoods down by the coast or up in the hills to choose from. There are a number of little towns near here in the Kona District.
What Is Special about Kailua-kona
Did we mention Kailua is in Hawaii? The weather is about perfect year round. This is the drier side of the island so there is plenty of sunshine. Great beaches, tremendous golf courses, postcard scenery. Some of the nice golf courses include Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and the Hualalai Golf Course.
What Is Not Special about Kailua-kona
It is expensive to live here on Hawaii's largest island.
Who Will Like Retirement in Kailua-kona
People who want to live in wonderful year round climate near the beach will like it here. If you have too many connections to the mainland, however, such as grandchildren, frequent travel off the island could be wearing.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and agriculture.
Climate and Physical Environment
The climate does not change much from month to month. The average low and the average high only differ by a few degrees by month - usually from the high 60's/low 70's to the low 80's. Kailua is on Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, since it is by far the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Kailua is located on the west coast.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
As a tourist destination there is no shortage of interesting restaurants to try. Culture is less important here than the enjoyment of nature and the outdoors, but there are things to do.
Crime
The crime rate in Kailua-Kona is about the same as the national average.
Medical facilities
There are medical facilities here and in Hilo, the largest city on Hawaii, the Big Island. For more serious medical care you would fly a short hop to Honolulu.
Transportation
Kona International Airport serves the island, as does Hilo International Airport located on the east side of the island. Low cost island-hopper flights are offered if you are interested in visiting other islands.
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