There is no better time to be on the lookout for real estate bargains, especially for land in some of the most desriable locations like Hawaii. Hawaii seems to be a major target for people from the US and other countries to purchase homes. The Big Island of Hawaii actually offers more land area than the other islands combined, and there are some very nice areas of widely divergent weather and geography. Here’s a source for a discussion comparing differences in climate, water temperature and even economic factors between Hawaii and California.
On the rainy side is the historical town of Hilo. The nearly daily rains give this part of the island a very tropical feel. The major county government departments have their headquarters in Hilo. Check with a Realtor in Hilo for help in locating Big Island real estate opportunities in that district.
On the west side of the island is the Kona District. Because of the direction of trade winds, much of the moisture is squeezed out of the incoming air when it passes over the numerous volcanoes. Consequently the Kona side is much drier. Most people seem to be inclined to the dry side, since there is more sunshine on average in Kona than in Hilo.
There is some excellent Hawaii land available in the Kona area, where coffee orchards are found at the higher elevations above Kailua-Kona. It is possible to find large estate homesites at prices that are way below the peak in 2006. If you spend any time on the Big Island you will notice a more relaxed atmosphere than you’ll find on Maui or Oahu. This might be a good time to look at Kona real estate if you are in the market for a second home.