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Windermere / C and H Properties - Kona

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Big Island Facts

• We have the tallest mountain in the world!  Mauna Kea, at its summit, is 30,000 feet above the ocean floor, although the visible portion is 13,760 feet above sea level.
• South Point, the southern tip of the Big Island, is the southernmost location of the United States – about the latitude of Belize and Cuba.  (Alaska has the distinction of being the westernmost part of the United States)
• If the weather cooperates and you are in the right area, you can experience a “five volcano day”, which occurs when you can stand in one place and just by turning around see Kohala, Haleakala, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Hualalai.
• Hawaii County has the largest macadamia nut industry and the largest orchid growing business in the world – giving us the nickname of “The Orchid Isle”.
• Hawaii County is the major producer of coffee (yumm…Kona coffee!) and ginger in the United States.
• As our export industries expand in flowers, foliage, papayas and other agricultural products, we will soon have a primary Foreign-Trade Zone located near Hilo Airport.
• Our cost of living is considered high by comparison to other states; however remember that our temperate year-around climate offsets this by allowing us to do without heavy winter clothing, heating and air conditioning.
• Car registration, which includes a safety check, and proof of No-Fault Insurance, is required.
• The speed of travel for news is legendary, due to what is called either the “bamboo telegraph” or the “coconut wireless”.
• There are no hummingbirds in Hawaii, sad, but true.  This condition is offset somewhat by the fact that there is no rabies and there are no snakes in Hawaii.  Geckos, lizards, chameleons yes, but no snakes.  You will find out very quickly that our Department of Agriculture has very strict regulations controlling the importation of pets, animals, fruit, vegetables and live plants.
• For those of you who must stay “connected”, our cellular coverage is excellent except in the most remote areas, our access to the world wide web is the same as on the mainland, and depending on the supplier you choose, you can view all your favorite TV programs.
• The Big Island is home to two of the most powerful goddesses in the Hawaiian culture:  Pele is believed to reside in Halemaumau Crater in Kilauea Volcano, and her sister, Poliahu, is believed to reside in Mauna Kea.
• Fresh fish that you buy in the markets was probably still swimming that morning.
• Rural area life often offers the challenge of “living off the grid”, meaning that there are no power lines running to your property.  This offers one the opportunity to be creative in the development of alternative sources of power.
• Rural area life also sometimes offers the opportunity to life with a “catchment water” system.  Many of our areas collect water into a cistern and then purify it for domestic use.  This works very well because we generally have enough rainfall…but sometimes it is necessary to call the water delivery truck!
• History is rich on the Big Island.  Everywhere there are heiau or sacred places, ancient burial sites, petroglyphs easily visible, and the power of the Hawaiian monarchy is omnipresent.
• The Spirit of Aloha lives on the Big Island.  Friends help friends, the weather is perfect, the ocean is crystal clear, flowers are everywhere, and everyone smiles and says, “Aloha!”

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