The Big Island of Hawaii is undoubtedly a tropical paradise. If you’ve ever imagined waking up to stunning ocean views and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore, then building your dream home here is the perfect choice. In this blog, we will explore what it takes to build a house on the Big Island, from finding the perfect lot to the exhilarating process of bringing your vision to life. As a real estate agent specializing in luxury properties on the Big Island and with experience in home building, I am excited to have this opportunity to help you create your own piece of heaven. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Building on the Big Island
Before we delve into the details of the construction process, let’s explore the countless benefits of building your dream home on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Lots of Land
As the name suggests, the Big Island is big and boasts wide open spaces and ocean vistas. That means you can have a large enough property in a desirable area that will provide space and privacy and yet be close to the population centers, shopping, and amenities.
Stunning Ocean Views
The Big Island is renowned for its awe-inspiring ocean views. From golden sunsets to turquoise waters, you can design a home that takes full advantage of these captivating vistas.
Ideal Climate
The Big Island has a year-round warm and pleasant climate, making it a haven for those seeking to escape cold winters and enjoy outdoor activities all year long.
Healthy Lifestyle
Hawaii is one of the Blue Zones, areas where people live longest, and is in the top ten places with healthy lifestyles.
Outdoor Adventures
With its diverse landscape, the Big Island offers many outdoor adventures. From hiking through lush rainforests to snorkeling with tropical fish, living here ensures you’ll always have thrilling experiences.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Embrace the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and immerse yourself in the island’s unique traditions and customs. From hula dances to traditional feasts, the Big Island offers a vibrant community that celebrates its heritage.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Hawaii?
Building a house on the Big Island involves various costs and timelines. The total cost will depend on factors such as the size and design of your home, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the project. On average, the cost per square foot for construction on the Big Island can range from $300 to $500 or more, depending on the level of customization and luxury features.
Keep in mind that all the materials must be imported from the mainland and delivered to the site, contributing to a higher cost of building.
How Long Does It Take to Build a House in Hawaii?
As for the timeline, it typically takes around 6 to 24 months for a house to be built on the Big Island, from the initial design phase to completion. However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, permit processing times (these may take a while), and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the construction process (more on that below). It is important to work closely with your contractor to establish realistic expectations and keep communication lines open throughout the project.
The Construction Process: From Dream to Reality
Finding the Perfect Lot
Your dream home starts with selecting the right location. Hawaii offers an exceptional opportunity to build your sanctuary, but not all areas are created equal. Think about what climate works best for you, what kind of lifestyle you want to live, what amenities are essential for you, and what you want to do while on the island. Once you have that figured out, your real estate agent can help you choose the location that suits your needs.
Creating Your Plans
Once you’ve secured the perfect lot, it is time to bring your vision to life. Collaborate with an experienced architect and design a home that reflects your unique style, taking full advantage of the surrounding natural beauty and ocean views.
Finding a Contractor
Hiring a reputable and experienced contractor is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful construction process. Seek recommendations from trusted sources and interview potential contractors to find the right fit for your project. Your real estate agent can provide valuable insights and recommendations for reliable contractors on the Big Island.
Obtaining Permits and Clearances
Building regulations and permits are a necessary part of the construction process. Your contractor will guide you through the necessary paperwork, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. This step may take some time (sometimes up to a year), but it’s essential to ensure the safety and integrity of your dream home.
Construction Begins
Once all the permits are in order, construction can begin. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, building a house on the Big Island typically takes around 6 to 24 months. Your contractor will oversee the construction process, coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget.
Interior Design and Finishing Touches
As the construction progresses, it’s time to turn your attention to the interior design and finishing touches that will transform your house into a home. Collaborate with talented interior designers and select materials, colors, and furnishings that complement the natural beauty of the Big Island while reflecting your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer a contemporary beach house or a traditional Hawaiian-inspired retreat, the possibilities are endless.
Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
Enhance the allure of your dream home by creating inviting outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Landscaping professionals can help you design lush gardens, tranquil water features, and outdoor living areas where you can bask in the island’s beauty and entertain guests.
Final Inspections and Move-In
As the construction nears completion, final inspections ensure that your dream home meets all safety and quality standards. Once the inspections are passed, it’s time to celebrate and move into your slice of paradise. Unpack your belongings, settle into your new home, and begin embracing the unparalleled lifestyle that the Big Island offers.
Building your dream home on the Big Island of Hawaii is not an easy fit and may not be for everyone. Still, it is a remarkable journey that rewards you with unparalleled ocean views, a warm climate, and a vibrant island lifestyle. From finding the perfect lot to bringing your vision to life, the process may take time and effort, but the end result is a sanctuary that reflects your unique style and offers an exceptional quality of life.
Now, Here is the Opportunity, Check it Out!
If you are considering building a house on the island, this 3.12-acre Kohala Ranch Lot presents an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home on the Big Island.
The lot comes with plans approved to build a three bed/three bath plus office house, including pool and 2-car garage! No waiting through County and HOA Design Review; just pick your finishes!
In addition, the top local builder, Dean Bowman, has been involved since conception!
If you are unfamiliar with Kohala Ranch, it is a prestigious gated community on the Kohala Coast, conveniently located near world-class beaches, championship golf courses, upscale resorts, and charming towns. You will have easy access to various recreational activities, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Kohala Ranch provides exclusive amenities, including 24-hour gated security and riding trails. Residents can enjoy the peace of mind and convenience of a well-maintained community.
The property has Southern exposure over the entire coastline and is the best lot available in the Ranch! It offers unrivaled panoramic ocean views and breathtaking sunsets and provides a serene and private setting to create your dream oasis. Pueo Place is a small cul de sac in the Heathers section of Kohala Ranch, one of the best locations for views and close proximity to the gate!
PROJECT SCOPE
3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Study, Laundry, Storage, Garage & Covered Lanai
AREA CALCULATION
LIVING AREA: 2,532
COVERED LANAI: 772
GARAGE/STORAGE: 728
TOTAL 4,080 SF
Don’t wait any longer to turn your dreams into reality. See my listing here (https://www.jannores.com/listing-11) to explore this incredible opportunity. With its expansive ocean views, prestigious location, and exceptional amenities, this property provides the perfect canvas for your dream home.
Coming Soon
In the next blogs, we will cover Big Island’s locations and what you need to know while doing your research, how to find the right agent, what is comparative market analysis, and more.
Stay tuned for more straight talk with Jan Nores!
Ta Da!
Aloha,
Jan
Sharad Kalra
June 1, 2023
Great article. Love to see more of these articles in future on Big Island. Specially in Kohala Ranch area