A Glimpse into Island Living on Hawaii’s Big Island
It all started with a simple question during one of my open houses:
“What do you do on weekends here?”
The question came from a couple visiting from Seattle who had vacationed here many times. They were starting to realize just how big the island really is and how different day-to-day life could be. That question stayed with me. It reminded me how important it is to think about how a home fits into your lifestyle—especially here on the Big Island.
When you’re buying a home in Hawaii, you’re not just buying a house. You’re buying into a lifestyle, a rhythm, and a way of being. Here’s a little glimpse of what weekends look like for us—and what they might look like for you.
Backyard Living: Where Island Life Begins
My home has always been my place to relax, let go, and just be. Having a great backyard with a covered lanai means I can enjoy that peaceful feeling on both sunny days and rainy ones. A covered lanai quickly becomes your outdoor living room—perfect for coffee in the morning, unwinding in the afternoon, or gathering in the evening.
For us, a fenced-in yard was also a must-have so our dog could roam safely. It’s these little things that make such a big difference. When you’re shopping for a home, it’s worth thinking about how your outdoor space will support your lifestyle. In Hawaii, it’s not just a yard—it’s part of your daily life.
Embracing the Outdoors: Hiking, Surfing, Boating, and Beach Days
Living on the Big Island means access to some of the most incredible natural beauty in the world. Two of my favorite weekend activities are hiking and spending time at the beach. My husband, who was born and raised here, is a lifelong surfer—so for him, weekends often start with early morning surf sessions.
A few times a year, we’ll rent a boat and head out for a day of fishing or snorkeling. There’s nothing like being on the water and discovering new parts of the coastline. That’s part of the beauty of life here—adventure is always just around the corner.
Time with Family and Friends
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to let time with loved ones slip through the cracks. Over the past few years, we’ve made it a real priority to spend more quality time with family and friends. Having a great backyard and a covered lanai has made it easy—and enjoyable—to host.
Whether it’s a casual evening with home-cooked food and local pupus, or a fun night of board games and laughter, our home has become a gathering place. These are the moments that turn a house into a home—and those memories are priceless.
Why It Matters When Choosing a Home
When people dream about moving to Hawaii, they often think about the ocean views and tropical breeze—and yes, those are incredible. But what really matters is how your home supports the life you want to live. How it gives you space to relax, connect, and explore.
So when someone asks me, “What do you do on weekends here?” my answer is this:
We live.
Fully, slowly, and with intention.
If you’re planning a move to the Big Island, I’d love to help you find a home that fits the lifestyle you’re dreaming of. Because when your home aligns with your values and your pace of life, everything else begins to fall into place.
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