The Walking Realtor in Honaunau Valley, Hawaii

I house sit and pet sit for many folks in the West Hawaii area. There are many rewards having this adventure in my life and one of those rewards is walking different areas in my community.

I was a runner for over 20 years, and when I arrived in Hawaii, I ran for several years and then one day I just stopped. It was like a Forest Gump moment, but I never stopped walking. I just adjusted the pace and what I found was how much more I saw of the areas that I walked in.

So, the house sitting and pet sitting arrangements I have offer me the opportunity to walk many new and different neighborhoods or trails in the area, or it offers easier access to my 2 favorite areas to walk in; those being Keauhou and Honaunau Valley. Besides noticing the loveliness that surrounds me, I always pay close attention to homes, lots, new developments, new landscaping projects, and most changes affecting property in the area. It is just second nature.

Shortly after the tsunami, I relocated to Honaunau Valley on Painted Church Road for several weeks. It is in the middle of Kona Coffee land, Kamehameha/Bishop leasehold land, just above National Park of Pu’u’honua o Honaunau, Kealakekua Bay, and close to the very famous Painted Church. I walk the National Park almost every morning and, once the tsunami hit, the park was closed for several days, but the park is now open in most areas.

The trail that runs by the ocean is closed for removal of rocks and debris, and it seems that new sites were uncovered that need the attention of the archeologists. The 1871 Trail is open and you can walk all the way to the end of the park, or continue on and walk along the coast to Ho o kena Beach. It is recommended that it be done early in the morning and to bring lots of water as it is mostly black lava rock trails. Outstanding ocean vistas are seen for the entire hike and the mountain views are just as spectacular.

Pu uhonua o Honaunau

Neighborhoods in this area are very diverse. There are many leasehold farms and most vary in size. There are several newer subdivisions (some gated) with outstanding views and larger lots which also vary in size and cost. Many lots in this area are larger as they are located in more rural areas.

There are also older (fee simple) subdivisions as well as oceanfront homes and even a few condo complexes. There is a small commercial complex that services this area that is very active with its anchor tenants being Choice Mart and ACE Hardware.

It also houses smaller local businesses and a well attended Farmers Market on Sunday where local farmers sell their harvest. There are also several small stores and gas stations along the highway as well as small cafes with fantastic views and quaint settings.

Shopping center in Honaunau Valley

It’s a special area. It is historic, rural, has lush tropical growth beyond belief, great access to the ocean for some of the best snorkeling in the islands, is very quiet, and real estate is reasonable—and is only about 12 miles to Keauhou and 15 miles to Kailua-Kona.

There seems to be something in this valley for everyone.