Big Island Property advice (Puna)

Hello everyone,

Looking to just connect with permies in the Puna District of Hawaii. I'm looking to purchase one of the three acre lots around Hawaiian Acres this fall as a longer term investment (permaculture not monetary). I've spent time on the island and am going back in October hopefully to view a few of the listings--not looking to clear and build right away, but i've outlined a few goals below.

1. clear pockets of the property to plant food forests to establish long term food production (1-5 years)
2. hand clear a small driveway for future build (3-5 years)
3.  Build outbuildings such as composting toilet, shower, kitchen (3--5 years)
4. Continue to interplant food systems (5-10 years)
5.  Build small home and live seasonally (10-15 years).

I'm knowledgeable of most of the hardships of this area, but the greatest issue I see is the lack of any sort of community in the area. Are there other permies living in the area willing to connect?

Aloha!  I’m over by South Point, so I won’t be of much help to you. But I do know there are plenty of homesteader types in Puna, and a well established permaculture-ish commune that offers public events, seminars, and such.  I don’t get to Puna very often. I keep myself busy in Ka’u.

The county and State are pushing sustainability here, and recently discovered the term permaculture. So you’ll find seminars, lectures, workshops, and grants to help food production.

Depending upon exactly where you buy, you may find it challenging to grow some particular crops. It rains a lot there in Puna, so people resort to using rain shelters, like a greenhouse or such. And you should be aware the feral pigs can destroy a garden overnight, so plan on some  good quality electric fencing, 3 strands. I control  pigs on my farm by trapping them, and using them as food for my local community. The bad tasting ones are used for dogfood for a local dog rescue group. My farm dogs alert me to when a pig starts snooping around. My main food gardens are either atop tables, in raised beds at least 2 1/2 foot high, in secure screen houses, or protected by pig resistant fencing.

Hawaiian culture is a bit different here than in the mainland. I love it, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Best of luck with your move. It should be a good adventure!

Buyer beware

Puna is entirely made up of land designated as Lava Zones 1-3, the most active zones

https://bigislandguide.com/puna-visit-guide

I'm not on the big island but maybe this can help you and other like you trying to blend into a new community...When I was there a decade + ago, Puna seemed to have nice soil and growing season (Windward side of the Island.)  The festivals at the south end of the island were more locals oriented and had rich culture of locally produced stuff (more interesting to me). Of course (west side) Hilo Hattie had the knickknack stuff tourist crave (less interesting to me, except for the less expensive chocolate & coffee selections). island life is a bit of a culture shock, and the network of friends & family will be very important to making it a paradise or prison. go to locals hang bring book to read while you listen to locals talk, buy a snack & drink . Be quite & reserved observe be kind but don't over share until you get the lay of the land. Find a respected elder member of the area and ask for some advice and then borrow something small from them, then later express gratitude of help when you needed it most & return the item along with something you made that they could use. barter is big in an island community, resources are limited so folks learn to share. Good luck with your island life plan, it sounds fun & exciting.

Hi Daniel,

I live on Papaya Farms Road and could connect you with some good people to meet and sites to visit. I also host events in Pahoa on the second Sunday of each month, at the Pahoa Urban Food Forest. The events run from 11 til about 2, with a class/discussion, tour of the developing food forest, and plant keiki (propagule) giveaway. Moosage me to talk more, and/or get on the event mailing list.