Hilo Means New Horizons for Hawaii Life

Last month, Hawaii Life finally ventured past the center dividing line of the Big Island and hired our first salesperson in Hilo, Wailana Herbst, R(S). Wailana is a 3rd generation Realtor born and raised in Hilo who knows the area like the back of her hand, is connected to just about everyone in town, and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors (HIBR).

This means Hawaii Life continues expanding our leadership to yet another Realtor Association in the state. Welcome to Hawaii Life, Wailana!

One of a few oceanfront listings we’re working on securing…

Wailana’s working with us gives me the opportunity to spend more time in Hilo, Puna, and along the Hamakua Coast. It also gives me the opportunity to see amazing property and consider taking listings that otherwise I might not, given the 2-hour drive one-way from Puako Beach, where I live on the West/Leeward side of the island. If you’ve driven around this very large Big Island, you know first hand the differences in the look and feel of all the various climate zones and districts.

I say “if” because there are people who live on—and even more that visit—this island and have never been to the other side! That sounds a little nuts until you realize, as Wailana told me, that the Puna District is as large as the entire island of Maui. Oh. That puts the Big Island’s size into perspective, especially given that Puna is home to one of the largest subdivisions in the country.

Restaurant move alert! For those of you who have loved eating Thai food at the Garden Snack Club, note their move to the Bay Front, 168 Kamehameha Avenue, and name change to Tina’s Garden Gourmet Cafe. Obviously, I’m enjoying my trips to the leeward side of our island home already, and looking forward to many more!