Farm Land for Sale in Ka’u Big Island

The American dream is alive and well in, of all places, Moaul’a, Ka‘u. Let me explain. With about 2,100 acres, Moaul’a is one of the largest farming communities in the state. Predominantly planted in coffee, there are also large parcels appropriate for ranching and other crops. Not a day goes by that I’m not asked about our listings and what’s happening in the area.

Initially offered to the tenant farmers to ensure they would be able to own their farms forever, many sales are reported as “sold before print.” Some farmers opted not to buy while a few were not in position to do so. This left a desirable handful offered to the public.

The farms were initially offered to the farmers at a yearly prorated financed price even lower than their yearly farm license. The sugar industry began in the 1800s, but once production ceased, coffee was there to provide an alternative for the farmers (predominantly residents of Pahala).

Why Ka‘u

Unlike the rocky soil of South Kona, Ka‘u lands hold moisture and the constant sunshine assures year-round production. Most farms average 10-30 acres, while several larger parcels offer the opportunity for cattle ranching, timber harvesting or future development. The lands are as beautiful and serene as you could possibly imagine. Each lot offers the opportunity (per county code) to build a residence. The county will also allow additional farm dwellings with an expanded application and appropriate work justification.

Located between 1,500 and 3,000 feet in elevation, several varieties of coffee are being grown. According to the current land manager, Ka‘u coffee first entered local cupping contests around 2007. By now, I think we all know that the farmers consistently score high year after year.

Master Planning

In order to accommodate the farmers, the current owner took an already approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) and reconfigured the lots to try to conform to existing farms. Old cane roads, originally about 400-800 ft apart, have serviced the area for years. The seller is currently in the process of paving most of the roads to ensure better drainage and improved access. Even though the PUD approval was already in place, it has still taken years and a ton of investment to get the lands to market.

Go Team!

We, at Team Nakanishi, are so proud to be able to assist the sellers in offering the American dream to the farmers of Ka’u. For the few who are able to jump in and participate as new owners, these lands offer the chance to own a piece of old Hawai‘i not yet tainted by development. We’re so excited to finally be closing sales and look forward to visiting the Ka‘u Coffee Mill knowing we’ve been part of the process and not part of the problem!

Watch Our Video

P.S.  Click here to learn more while enjoying a beautiful Team Nakanishi marketing team produced video. Thanks to my friend Kainani Kahaunaele for adding her beautiful voice.