This is a great time to be looking for real estate anywhere, and Hawaii is no exception. Many people have purchased homes for retirement or for a vacation destination in our fiftieth state. It’s easy to miss how large the Big Island is, with many different climate zones and a total land area that is bigger than all of the other islands in the state combined. Here’s a source for a discussion that contrasts differences in climate, water temperature and even economic factors between Hawaii and California.

On the rainy side is the historical town of Hilo. There is a reason that this area feels so tropical; it rains nearly every day. The major county government departments have their headquarters in Hilo. There are many qualified real estate agents in Hilo who can help you look at Big Island real estate in that area.

On the leeward side of the volcanic mountains is Kona, which is much drier than Hilo. As the tropical rain clouds pass over the mountains much of the moisture is squeezed out, and onto Hilo on the windward side. Consequently the Kona side is much drier. Most people seem to be inclined to the dry side, since there is more sunshine on average in Kona than in Hilo.

There is some wonderful Hawaii land to be found in the Kona area, where coffee orchards are found at the higher elevations above Kailua-Kona. It is possible to find large estate homesites at prices that are way below the peak in 2006. There is an atmosphere about the Big Island that is different than the other islands. This might be a good time to look at Kona real estate if you are in the market for a second home.