Hawaii imports $5 billion worth of oil every year. 30% for jet fuel, 30% for ground transportation (cars and busses), and 40% to make electricity. Staggering numbers. Can you imagine not being reliant on that system? Creating your own power through solar and/or wind to completely satisfy all of your needs?
Living Off-Grid in Hawaii
It is possible, and there is a growing movement in Hawaii for this type of off-grid living. “Off-gridders” as they’re called, live in the same way as people who are plugged in, they are just more intentional about everything they do. There are also more options when your life is more intentional, and you are creating your own power. It is not uncommon to start growing your own food if you have space and invest in an electric vehicle if you create more power than you use, and have a robust battery storage system. Advancements in battery technology, photovoltaic panels, and wind generation make this possible at a much lower coast than ever before.
A good primer for possibilities, tips, and advice is the Real Goods Blog for Off-Grid Living. Real Goods has been a supplier for everything “off-grid” for more than 40 years. They actually sold their first photovoltaic panel in 1978, and have offered everything from inverters and lithium batteries to well pumps and full PV systems and installation. Real Goods also offers the Real Good Sourcebook, now in its 14th edition. This was written by Real Goods founder John Schaeffer. This 463-page book offers knowledge gathered from years of building and maintaining off-grid homes, and a valuable tool, with thousands of indexed photos and instructions.
Off-Grid on the North Shore, Oahu
Sean Ginella and I have a 17+ acre parcel that would be ideal for an off-grid farm. Located high above the North Shore of Oahu, the property sits on a wooded hillside with 4.5 acres of flat usable land for building a farmhouse and growing crops or raising animals. The parcel also has 2000 feet of stream frontage, which borders the bottom of the lot in a lush valley. Access trails to the stream have been cut through the forest, and continue on through the lower portion of the property. Hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle trail riding can be had out your back door! The property is 10 minutes to H-2 in one direction, and 10 minutes to Haleiwa Town in the other. Ocean and mountain views await!
Want to Know More?
Contact me and let’s talk about the possibilities and a personal tour of this stunning property. Bring your hiking boots!
Gina
July 8, 2021
Good article John!
Jim Reed
July 8, 2021
Hi John, I’m interested in this property: Off-Grid Living Above the North Shore. Could you pls email the mls #?
Thanks, Jim
John Climaldi
July 8, 2021
> Aloha Jim. MLS is 202116162, and the property can be found at https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/off-grid-living-above-north-shore/. I can also provide a Topo map and aerial view maps as well. Shoot me an email and I can get those to you.
Tracy S Stice
July 8, 2021
John, this is well written and a good information is included. Getting access to enough water is always tough and 4 acres is going to take a lot of water. My farm just had it’s spring dry up and I don’t get enough rainfall for catchment for the house and farm. Drilling a 35 foot deep well took 4 years with all the permitting , so it is not easy.
You will find a buyer. There a lots of people tired of freeways, crowds and grocery store madness.
John Climaldi
July 8, 2021
> Aloha Tracy. As always, thank you for your input and expertise. I hope all is well on Maui!