When I first moved to the Big Island from Oahu I truly thought things would be the same with the exception of lava – lava everywhere. But I was wrong. Life on the Big Island happens a little slower than on Oahu (although to outsiders, even Oahu moves slow)… for which I am grateful. When I moved here from the windward side of Oahu, I landed in North Kohala. Coming from Kaneohe, I felt like I had landed somewhere that didn’t know the rest of the world had moved on. It was uncomfortable for a while. I had expected certain things like: sewer systems instead of cesspools/ septic tanks that needed to be pumped by the honeywagon.
There were 2 post offices – both of which did not deliver mail. There was no trash pick up – everyone gathered at the dump. There was only one movie theater, and it only sold candy bars. You were expected to bring your own refreshments. The roof was made of tin – so if it rained you could forget about hearing the movie. Everything closed by 1pm on Sundays. Traveling to Costco took about 1.5 hours and if you forgot your shopping list, forget it. There was no turning back.
Things have not changed that much in North Kohala. The movie theater is closed. The post office still doesn’t deliver. There is no sewer system, but we do have high speed internet! The post office and transfer stations (dumps) are still a good place to catch up on the latest news. The faces are changing. North Kohala’s fair is much bigger now. Lots more fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are offered. We have great restaurants like Sushi Rock. And there are some truly amazing historic homes on the market for sale, like this one listed by Hawaii Life: http://www.hawaiilife.com/property225119-1.html
O’ahu keeps building and developing. It is such a beautiful island with the Koolau range as a back drop. Aptly nicknamed the Gathering Place, Oahu now has over a million cars on the road. Freeways, via ducts, highways, buildings, cement everywhere. Life moves faster. I am happy to call the Big Island home. The price differential for property sometimes amazes people, you can buy so much more for your money on the Big Island than Oahu. For example, here is a starter home in Kapaau, on Kynnersley Road: http://www.hawaiilife.com/property227807-1.html It needs some TLC, but where can you find an old plantation home on Oahu for $275K?
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Erik Hinshaw RS | Oct 20th, 2009
All so true Lucy. Reminds me of a story a friend in Honoka’a told me. She had just moved over from Seattle and was driving to her new home on a small country road when the car in front suddenly stopped. Someone walked out to the car and the two began a conversation. My friend honked. She couldn’t believe how rude these two were. A year later while chatting from her car with a neighbor someone honked at her. She couldn’t believe how rude… This island changes you for the better.
Katie Minkus, R(BIC) | Oct 20th, 2009
Great post, Lucy!! North Kohala is such a special place on our beautiful island home!! Personally, I love going up there to practice yoga with Bobby Hoyt in Kapa’au. I’m still amazed when someone tells me, “Hey, the other day I saw your car parked in front of the pharmacy… are you okay?” (The pharmacy is next door to the yoga studio).
Cindy Stone | Oct 21st, 2009
That’s what makes North Kohala special. I also lived there when the movie theatre was open. It is the best community where everyone looks out for each other, especially the kids. I miss Kohala, you wrote about it so beautifully. I would love to live there again someday. I will call you when I am ready.
Thanks Lucy for bringing back some memories.
Kuuipo Mark, R(S) | Oct 21st, 2009
Lucy, this blog put a smile on my face. I went through this experience when I first moved to the Big Island and now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Good job with this blog, keep up the good work!
Dahl Young, RB | Oct 21st, 2009
Aloha Lucy,
You touched on the special aspects of the Big Island. Growing up in Hilo, we lived in a home with the metal toe-tung roof. When it rained, forget about watching television – this is before closed-captioning.
I have a few favorite spots in N. Kohala, one being Pololu Valley. My sister and took on the valley in record time. Once we were down there, we enjoyed the peace and calm of the beautiful black sand beach and the whisper of the pines.
Bobby Hoyt, Lighthouse Liquors | Oct 21st, 2009
Lucy!! So glad to finally hear your stories over the internet!! I’ve only lived in Kohala for 6 years, so no movie theatre, but loads of fun things. Kite Days, Tuesday night ultimate frisbee, the farmers market on Saturday, the NEW Lighthouse Liquors…oh it’s all good! Keep on blogging, you definately have a follower in me!
Aloooooha
Sara Geber | Oct 21st, 2009
Hi Lucy,
I wasn’t sure what I would find when Katie sent me the link to your blog, because I have seen some pretty bad blogging since I returned to the mainland – and from people who ought to know better. But you go girl!! You are a very talented writer. The way you put voice to your thoughts is quite compelling. You are better than 80% of the blogs I read on a regular basis. Keep it up! Hope to see you the next time I visit.
Sara
Julie Keller | Oct 21st, 2009
Lucy, I am so happy you chose the Big Island to call your home. Thank you for for sharing our hawaii life experiences and please keep sharing them. You represent the true spirit of Aloha! I LOVE LUCY!!!
Erika Ginnis | Oct 21st, 2009
Lucy!!
Aloha you wonderful woman. I love your stories about Kohala, I haven’t been up there for many years, but I do remember having an afternoon with some friends (who live in Kona) and hiking down into some really amazing pools. So beautiful! I keep meaning to drive up there LOL, but I am loving Pahoa so much these days I don’t go that far from home. Keep up the writing!! Maybe some time down the road you will want to publish some stories in a book (hint hint) look me up when you want to do that :)
I was thinking about you a couple of days ago. Did you realize it was a year ago this last Sunday/Monday that you and I were sitting on the lanai of this house, just because we liked the energy so much (even though I didn’t think I ever be able to buy it) we just had to come back the next day as well?? I love life! It’s been 10 months now since we moved into that awesome house, and I love being here more than words can say. I adore this island. And I adore you, you helped me realize a life long dream. You are truly a blessing.
DavidPaul Doyle | Oct 21st, 2009
Thank you for sharing all of that, Lucy. My wife used to live on the Big Island. We would love to get back there one of these days. It’s such a different pace of life than most people ever get to experience. And I love that the prices are so low right now! Sure makes it enticing. With gratitude, DavidPaul
Sandy C. Shore | Oct 22nd, 2009
I love my Hawai`i life! Lucy, living in Puna for a year now; your story warmed my heart and put a big smile on my face. We choose where we are in this big world for many reasons – and the 1 reason it will take more than a D9 to get me outta of Hawai`i is because I love my life here!
When we were kids in Puako – we had TV (only 3 channels)and AM radio, but who gave a rip – we had the ocean and it’s wonders as our front and back yard. Next to a National Geographic magazine, the wonders of our world were under rocks, hiding in the warm white sand sprinkled with green olivine and in Kiawe trees. Scooping up fish in our little red nets, smashing pipi`i for bait to use on our bamboo poles, always some kind of fish shell or crab in our buckets. I have fond memories of Doi’s store, those darned monkeys and of course a strawberry Icee – it doesn’t get any better than that!
Of course I did “my time” on the mainland and Oahu, but I had to come home. And I did when my daughter was a year old. It was very important for me to raise her in a community where you know who your neighbors are – you know when there is new baby born, a birthday celebration and graduation, when someone is sick and when someone dies. I wanted her to feel the grass under her feet, to have pets (you don’t find animals in zoos) to have a garden, play in the streets all day and night and never get hurt.
Sami and I lived in Waimea for 17+ years; then Pahoa beckoned. Wow – no Starbucks, Blockbuster or high speed internet! We were on dial-up Baby! Remember that?
Puna has become a favorite for me it is now home for us; a place of beauty and wonder, time doesn’t matter here.
Thank you Lucy for reminded me why I love my Hawai`i Life!
Ke Aloha ~ Sandy
Matt Beall, PB | Oct 22nd, 2009
Clearly, “Talking Story with Lucy” needs to be a regular segment. I can’t wait for the next installment. I’m ready for the real ‘dirt’ to come out. ;-) Thanks Lucy!
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