The question can be answered in part by referring to the needs of a tropical farm: adequate rain, some soil, clean air, affordable, not too cold, and finally, access to community (for support, plant material, trading etc.)

In the state of Hawaii, the Big Island is the cheap island to buy land. If you are wealthy, you might consider Maui and Kauaii. On those islands, it is possible to have your life as a farmer without losing the sense of being connected with urban culture. The land prices are astronomical, though.

Get out your map and follow along: On the Big Island, some people farm in Kona, but I consider that too polluted from the volcanic gases, and much of it is too dry. Kona is sort of the urban side of the Big Island. I would eliminate the anything south of Volcano village due to dry conditions. In fact, the entire western side of the island is too dry except for South Kona. Generally, anything over, say, 3-4,000 feet is too cold and wet. Personally, anything over 1,000 feet is usually too wet for me, though there are many exceptions. By far, the most beautiful and productive land can be found in parts of Hawi, Waimea, Hamakua, and Wood Valley, but they are usually too pricey for the average person. Some parts of the island have annoyingly persistent tradewinds, like parts of Hawi and Hamakua. I know very little of these four locations, except that there are areas with abundant soil, lots with waterfalls, and some beautiful land. I don’t know where one finds access to community in these areas. So, if you have more money, and you don’t care for the sustainability subculture, you ought to check out those areas.

Most of the sustainable farmers move to the Puna district, due to the relatively affordable land, good climate, and high concentration of like minded folks. Puna is what I know, and where I live. Our farm is located near Kapoho, at about 300 feet elevation, near the Eastern tip of the island. Land below 1,000 feet usually has less rainfall; say, 60-140 inches per year. The land over 1,000 feet gets wetter and less sunny, and the land gets cheaper and wetter as you go upslope. That is true in Puna, as well as in the rest of the island, with many exceptions. Prices have changed dramatically in the past 10 years, but as an example, in 1996, one could find a 3 acre lot up in Fern Forest for $4,000 compared to $40,000 near sea level. As a result, some people choose to live upslope, and deal with the mildew and drizzle because that’s what they can afford. A few thinkers say global climate change will dry the island, and assert that upslope will be the only productive land in the future.

So, if you know you need the cheapest land, then you might consider Hawaiian Acres or Fern Forest. Oh, yes, I almost forgot to mention building codes. Many parts of Puna are forgiving about this. In Puna, larger lots (3 acres and up), especially when hidden from the road, are often ignored by the county, unofficially. Many areas of Puna are strict about codes, such as Leilani, Paradise Park, Nanawale, Kapoho Beach Lots, Vacationland, Hawaiian Beaches, and anything very visible. This is more or less the way of things. You see, the county knows that there are thousands of uncoded structures in Puna, and that most of the residents of these homes would become homeless if the codes were strictly enforced. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

When considering buying a particular lot, there are many things to consider that are unique to Puna ie: What lava hazard zone are you in? Is the road county maintained? Is there electricity, water, sewer? Access to phone and internet is often a challenge as well. (We are on dial-up, having run a half mile of our own phone wire through the trees). Historically, Puna has been deficient in police service, fire service, school system, hospital care, care for elderly and youngsters, road maintenance. When you buy land in Puna, sometimes all you are getting is the land itself. In a high lava hazard zone, you may not even end up with that!

In most parts of the island, the rainfall, soil, and human culture varies wildly within a few short miles in any direction. Ultimately, you need to do your own research to discover whether a particular spot will meet your needs. If you want to know what the condition of the soil is, look up. What is the color, size, type, and density of vegetation? Use your powers of observation (or hire me as a consultant). As you are looking around, focus on asking around. Talk to people. Find a realtor who is experienced with vacant land. Ideally, live where you are considering buying land. Experience the climate. If you fall in love with a particular lot, bring a tent and camp out overnight.

Two acres is enough for a family to live and eat. The reasons to have a larger lot are: pasture for livestock, more residents, a space consuming business venture (like woodlot or orchard), and privacy. Take note, sound carries much farther in humid air, many people have screened buildings, and generators and dogs are abundant.

then, try searching the following organizations: ECHO, ATRA, CTAHR,

then, find: “Hawaii Homegrown Start up Guide” at http://www.agroforestry.net

If you had to pick any place on the Big Island for self-sustainability, where would you choose?

Thanks,

Mel

Electricity, fertilizers, and irrigation systems are fairly short in supply. Crops are needed for daily consumption and storage ability.

Thank you for your gracious assistance.

Michael Nadel