Many people dream of retiring in Hawaii. They picture peaceful mornings, ocean views, fresh fruit growing in the backyard, and more time to enjoy life.
Then the practical questions begin.
Will the tropical heat be too much? What if I am not interested in surfing, diving, and spending every day at the beach? What if I simply want a comfortable climate, friendly neighbors, a garden, a little privacy, and a peaceful place to enjoy my retirement?
Those are very reasonable questions.
When you leave the Kona airport and drive north, you pass miles of ancient lava fields. The landscape is dramatic, rugged, and beautiful. Along the South Kohala Coast, you will also find magnificent resorts, palm trees, golf courses, beaches, and some of the best ocean views in Hawaii.
It is an incredible place, but it can also be dry, sunny, and hot. That lifestyle is perfect for many people, but it is not perfect for everyone.
The wonderful thing about the Big Island is that you do not have to travel very far to experience an entirely different environment.
Continue north past Kawaihae, and the scenery begins to change. The dry lava landscape gradually gives way to rolling green pastures, mature trees, rich soil, cooler air, and occasional afternoon showers.
Then you arrive in North Kohala.
The Side of Hawaii Many Buyers Never Discover
The Big Island is famous for its extraordinary variety of microclimates. Hawi’s surrounding area generally experiences mild temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and deep, well-drained volcanic soils. USDA data for the Hawi soil region notes average annual temperatures in the low to mid-70s, with rainfall that supports pastureland and lush vegetation.
That comfortable climate is one reason Hawi can be so appealing to retirees.
You can enjoy the beauty of tropical Hawaii without feeling as though you are living under constant intense heat. Many days are sunny and pleasant, while gentle showers help keep the hills, gardens, and pastures green.
The air feels fresh. The landscape feels alive. There is enough rain for gardening, yet you are still on the sunny west side of the island.
Some people call Hawi the Shangri-La of West Hawaii. I understand why.
The Cutest Little Town on the Planet
I have lived on the Big Island for many years, and I cannot believe we have not talked more about Hawi.
Hawi is small, colorful, creative, and full of personality. Its plantation-era buildings are now home to independent restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, galleries, and small local businesses. Hawaiʻi’s official tourism website describes Hawi as a community of charming art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and colorful plantation buildings.
To me, it may be the cutest little town on the planet.
There are no giant shopping centers dominating the landscape. You will not find the crowds and traffic associated with Hawaii’s busiest tourist destinations. Hawi has visitors, of course, but tourism has not overwhelmed the character of the community.
People still stop and talk to each other. Shopkeepers know their customers. Neighbors help neighbors. Local events, farmers, artists, musicians, and small businesses all contribute to the town’s identity.
Hawi seems to attract creative people. Artists, craftspeople, gardeners, chefs, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking a simpler life often feel at home here.
There is a sense that people have chosen Hawi intentionally. They are not merely passing through. They want to be part of a real community.
A Small Town With Wonderful Food
A peaceful lifestyle does not mean giving up good food.
Some of my favorite places are located in North Kohala and nearby communities. I wrote about them in my previous blog. Gill’s Lanai in Kapaʻau is a relaxed local restaurant with tropical flavors and a friendly atmosphere. Cipriano’s Kitchen in Kawaihae offers a memorable combination of Italian and Peruvian influences. Motek Bakery in Hawi is the best place for Sunday brunch.
There are also coffee shops, casual restaurants, farmers markets, and small places that quickly become part of your regular routine.
That is part of Hawi’s charm. Going out for coffee is not simply about buying coffee. It’s a chance to see familiar faces, hear local news, and feel connected to the town.
History Is All Around You
North Kohala is not only beautiful. It is one of the most historically significant areas in Hawaii.
The region is closely connected to Kamehameha I, who was born in North Kohala and later united the Hawaiian Islands. The original King Kamehameha I statue stands in nearby Kapaʻau.
A drive south brings you to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site near Kawaihae. The great temple was constructed under Kamehameha’s direction in 1790 and 1791 and played an important role in the formation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Living in Hawi gives you a sense of connection to the island’s history, land, and culture. You are surrounded by places that carry stories much older than any modern subdivision.
Beaches, Resorts, and Everyday Convenience
Hawi feels wonderfully removed, but it is not isolated.
The North Kohala coastline offers ocean access, dramatic coastal scenery, and beaches within a comfortable drive. Kawaihae is about 20 minutes away, while the luxury resorts, golf courses, restaurants, spas, and beaches of the Kohala Coast are also easily accessible.
This is what I call the best of both worlds.
You can live in a quiet country setting, grow vegetables, visit local galleries, and enjoy a slower pace. When you want a resort dinner, a spa day, a round of golf, or an afternoon at a white-sand beach, those experiences are nearby.
You do not have to live in the middle of a resort to enjoy resort amenities.
Hawi Reminds Me of the Hawaii People Miss
Hawi reminds me of Laguna Beach when I was growing up about 60 years ago.
It had that same feeling of a small coastal town filled with artists, independent businesses, interesting people, and a genuine sense of community. Life felt personal. People had time for one another. The town had character that could not be manufactured by a developer.
Much of that old small-town atmosphere has disappeared in other places.
In Hawi, it can still be found.
I honestly do not know another town in Hawaii quite like it. Hawi has beauty, history, creativity, community, fertile land, cooler weather, and access to the ocean. Most importantly, it has heart.
A Hawi Home That Captures This Lifestyle
I currently have a wonderful property for sale just five minutes outside Hawi town at 55-3229 Akoni Pule Highway.
Offered at $925,000, this beautifully maintained home includes two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a den, a spacious great room, a lovely new kitchen, and 1,368 square feet of living space.
The home sits above open pastureland with sweeping ocean views and distant views of Maui. Its large, screened and covered lanai (sunroom) is the perfect place for morning coffee, outdoor meals, peaceful afternoons, and quiet evenings.
Both the home and detached workshop have new roofs. The owned photovoltaic system helps keep electricity costs remarkably low. There is also a one-car garage, a separate laundry room, a generous backyard, and wonderful gardening potential.
The detached workshop provides space for an art studio, home office, fitness room, woodworking shop, storage, and many other creative possibilities.
Retire in Hawi, Hawaii
This property offers something increasingly rare. It provides privacy, views, manageable country living, and close access to one of Hawaii’s most lovable small towns.
For someone seeking a retirement home with a comfortable climate, a peaceful setting, gardening potential, and a genuine community, this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Contact me for more information or to schedule a private showing. I would love to introduce you to this very special home and the Hawi lifestyle. Retire in Hawi, Hawaii!
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