There are real estate bargains to be had almost everywhere, and that applies to Hawaii as well as the Mainland. The Aloha State has become a desirable place for vacation and retirement homes over the years. Hawaii’s Big Island provides a tremendous variety of climate zones, from arid to tropical and even mountaintop because it is so large. Here’s a link to a discussion comparing differences in climate, water temperature and other 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 county of Hawaii has its primary government offices in Hilo. There are many qualified real estate agents in Hilo who can help you look at Big Island real estate on the wet side of the island.
On the leeward side of the volcanic mountains is Kona, which is much drier than Hilo. 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. The sunnier climate tends to draw people, especially vacationers, to the dry side of the island, although Hilo has a substantial permanent population of residents.
There is some wonderful Hawaii land available in the Kona area, where coffee orchards are found at the higher elevations above Kailua-Kona. The last few years have hit Hawaii real estate very hard and it is possible to find some terrific deals on residential land. The feeling is different on the Big Island compared to Maui, Oahu or even Kauai. This might be a good time to look at Kona real estate if you are in the market for a second home.