2023 - Fern Forest Updates/Advice (Volcano, Keaau: renting, home, neighborhood)

[OhanaMaui]

Hi all..New to this forum. I was doing a google search regarding moving to Big Island - specifically Fern Forest (Ala Naualani Rd). It might be too late lol but we’ve just put an offer for a lot there. It’s going to be some time before we can even move or start building, but didn’t wanna miss the opportunity to scoop up a nice corner square parcel. We are in CA by way of Maui where we lived Upcountry. The move wouldn’t be anything we’re not familiar with. But the area is different as well as learning to build and keeping property safe while having vacant land and starting construction. I know how the roads are, read about all the neighbors we might have, the climate, catchment. We stayed in HPP for some time and enjoyed our stay on that side. I realize the elevation is different and more secluded right now. I’m hoping there will be high speed internet one day so I can keep my work from home job. I’ve been on the Fern Forest association page and all that. Wondering if anyone has input about the area and building there recently? 1. How was the building process 2. Did it take long to set up electricity. 3. We called the internet provider and they said they’re trying to work on it which can me a long time lol. How’s the cell service if any? 4. How are you liking the neighborhood 5. How’s the rain..i know it’s colder (i read based on the topography of the address, that this road is actually lower than the 2,000 or 2500 elevation and was closer to 1800..not too sure yet about that). 5. Abel to grow things well? 6. Any regrets?

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by OhanaMaui

6. Any regrets?

Nearly all the posters who packed up for the mainland rarely reappear in this forum so you probably won't get much regarding regrets. If you think a regret is possible - I recommend renting for an extended amount of time.

[Arktikos]

Originally Posted by OhanaMaui

.. How’s the rain..i know it’s colder (i read based on the topography of the address, that this road is actually lower than the 2,000 or 2500 elevation and was closer to 1800..not too sure yet about that). 5. Abel to grow things well? 6. Any regrets?

That's fairly close to Glenwood, aka "Gloom wood". Much cloudier and wetter than HPP. They average over 200 inches of rain per year.

Temperature wise, I'd recommend a wood stove for winter. It's been constant rain with highs around 70 and lows about 62 from Keaau to Mt. View for the past week.


Grow things? You bet, provided they don't mind a lot of rain. A very few ultra tropical fruits will not produce there because it's not warm enough.

Not many Puna regulars on this forum. Maybe try your luck at Punaweb.

[terracore]

Originally Posted by OhanaMaui

Hi all..New to this forum. I was doing a google search regarding moving to Big Island - specifically Fern Forest (Ala Naualani Rd). It might be too late lol but we’ve just put an offer for a lot there. It’s going to be some time before we can even move or start building, but didn’t wanna miss the opportunity to scoop up a nice corner square parcel. We are in CA by way of Maui where we lived Upcountry. The move wouldn’t be anything we’re not familiar with. But the area is different as well as learning to build and keeping property safe while having vacant land and starting construction. I know how the roads are, read about all the neighbors we might have, the climate, catchment. We stayed in HPP for some time and enjoyed our stay on that side. I realize the elevation is different and more secluded right now. I’m hoping there will be high speed internet one day so I can keep my work from home job. I’ve been on the Fern Forest association page and all that. Wondering if anyone has input about the area and building there recently? 1. How was the building process 2. Did it take long to set up electricity. 3. We called the internet provider and they said they’re trying to work on it which can me a long time lol. How’s the cell service if any? 4. How are you liking the neighborhood 5. How’s the rain..i know it’s colder (i read based on the topography of the address, that this road is actually lower than the 2,000 or 2500 elevation and was closer to 1800..not too sure yet about that). 5. Abel to grow things well? 6. Any regrets?

Your realtor should be able to answer most of those questions.

Ala Naualani is on the lower end of Fern Forest next to Eden Roc so your ability to grow tropical things will be better than if you lived on the high side near Volcano. You might even be able to find a type of banana that will fruit there. I was recently near that area and the elevation was 2,000 feet.

As far as the electricity question goes, do you know if the SSPP has been paid? (again, your realtor should know this). If not, you'll have to pay that off before they will talk to you about bringing electricity in.

Most of Puna has fiber internet now due to FCC grants. If the area doesn't have it currently, they probably will soon. Until then, you can sign up for Starlink or potentially use a cellular plan.

[OhanaMaui]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Nearly all the posters who packed up for the mainland rarely reappear in this forum so you probably won't get much regarding regrets. If you think a regret is possible - I recommend renting for an extended amount of time.

Thank you. I think I was more leaning towards ‘Regrets’ as in they wish they would have done something a certain way rather than what they actually did. Ie: Wish i didn’t plow my land so soon or wish I would have applied for electric way sooner..stuff like that

[OhanaMaui]

Originally Posted by terracore

Your realtor should be able to answer most of those questions.

Ala Naualani is on the lower end of Fern Forest next to Eden Roc so your ability to grow tropical things will be better than if you lived on the high side near Volcano. You might even be able to find a type of banana that will fruit there. I was recently near that area and the elevation was 2,000 feet.

As far as the electricity question goes, do you know if the SSPP has been paid? (again, your realtor should know this). If not, you'll have to pay that off before they will talk to you about bringing electricity in.

Most of Puna has fiber internet now due to FCC grants. If the area doesn't have it currently, they probably will soon. Until then, you can sign up for Starlink or potentially use a cellular plan.

I like the lot and location..my husband is doing a drive out to the neighborhood today. I know the roads are rough. SSPP is not paid so I know we’ll have to take care of that. Just wasn’t sure how long it takes to get set up.

Cable Co did say many areas have the fiber optic so that was promising. I haven’t completely looked into the Starlink just heard about it..TY. We’ve got some time so that’s good.

[OhanaMaui]

I read that you couldn’t get a container delivered out there ..myb bc the little roads? Anyone have a clue?

[Arktikos]

Originally Posted by OhanaMaui

I read that you couldn’t get a container delivered out there ..myb bc the little roads? Anyone have a clue?

I have a friend in Hawaiian Acres on a terrible road, really bad. Not only did they get a container dragged down this road it was also brought into the property on a narrow, muddy downslope driveway. This was a couple years ago.

[OhanaMaui]

Is it really that bad as far as crime/robberies. All i read are very old posts. Or is it just like ‘anywhere’ else and be vigilant about safety. TIA

[OhanaMaui]

Originally Posted by Arktikos

I have a friend in Hawaiian Acres on a terrible road, really bad. Not only did they get a container dragged down this road it was also brought into the property on a narrow, muddy downslope driveway. This was a couple years ago.

Oh man! That would have been interesting to watch! I gotta find out if like they’re not allowed to go down some roads or if you need permission. TY