Top 5 Reasons Why a Single-Family Home Might be a Better Choice than a Resort Condo

Are you exploring the possibility of retiring to the Big Island’s Kohala Coast? While the initial appeal might be the convenience of a condo, don’t discount looking at single-family homes as an option as well. Many newly-retired buyers are excited at the prospect of downsizing from their larger family homes and purchasing condominiums within the Waikoloa or Mauna Lani Resorts. Some end up loving the resort condo life, but there are others who after a year or so call me looking for a single-family home. Here’s why…

1) More Space

One thing everyone knows is that the minute you move to Hawaii…they come. Friends and family you never knew you had will be booking time to visit you in paradise. That spare bedroom (or two) can come in handy. Single-family homes are also pet-friendly: No HOAs prohibiting pets. No shared walls. Fenced, grassed back yards. Walkable streets.

2) More Privacy

Playing music, entertaining, and gardening are more easily done in a single-family home property.

3) Hawaii Beaches, Restaurants & Most Golf Courses (Even Most Resort Courses) are Open to the Public

From Waikoloa Village, it takes ten minutes to drive to Waikoloa Resort where there are dozens of shops and restaurants, A-Bay Beach, and 2 golf courses – all available to everyone. True, residents of the resorts enjoy some discounts at their respective communities. And, several of the hotels offer Local Resident Club memberships (available to all Big Island residents) for an annual fee to enjoy the facilities any time​. Notably, Waikoloa Village also has its own wonderful golf course, tennis courts, and community pool as well.

Click here for details of a currently listed Waikoloa Village single-family home (MLS# 273869)

4) Sense of Community

The majority of the population is year-round vs. short-term. Waimea has the strongest culture and identity of any small town I know. Traditional events like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the Waimea Ocean Film Festival, Waimea’s famous Farmer’s Markets (found nearly every day of the week), and the Kahilu Theater provide gathering spots for Residents.

Click here for details of a currently listed Waimea single-family home (MLS# 272968)

5) Climate

Waikoloa Village will be anywhere from 7 – 10 degrees cooler than the coast. Waimea’s temperatures can be downright chilly and moist, ideal for those who like to hang at the beach during the day and drive home to enjoy a fireplace at night (that would be yours truly). 

Click here for details of a currently listed Waimea single-family home (MLS# 274127)

Make Big Island Life a Reality for You

That being said, resort condo living can be absolutely fantastic with its low maintenance and island amenities right there at your fingertips. When you decide to make Big Island life a reality for you, just be sure to take the time to investigate your options and choose what works best for you. It’s all good!