Common Rock Fever for Non-Islanders

When you step off the plane in Hawaii and walk down the indoor-outdoor corridor to catch a ride to your destination, the smell of beauty can overwhelm you. Flowers in this tropical climate exude sumptuous and fragrant scents. That is when the desire to move to paradise is cemented in your heart.

Less than a year later, newer residents are often rushing back to the mainland because they’ve caught a fever…Rock Fever. What exactly is rock fever? It is a condition caused by homesickness, claustrophobia, or the feeling of being stuck on a “rock” in the middle of the ocean.

If you can get over the rock fever, Hawaii is definitely a top destination for people who want to make a life in paradise. The islands offer great and affordable real estate, but be aware that prices rise as views become more desirable. You can choose from six of the eight islands to call home: one is off-limits (the Forbidden Island of Niihau) and the other is uninhabitable (Kahoolawe mandated to be for Native Hawaiian cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes only).

One would think that the Big Island of Hawaii would have the largest population, but in fact Oahu holds that distinction. Condominiums are delightfully affordable in Honolulu with prices starting at $29,000 for 300 square feet of living space. However, like anywhere you consider living, be sure to visit the neighborhood before committing to a purchase.

If you prefer to live in a single-family residence, Oahu real estate can be found for less than $300,000. These houses range from 1 bedroom to 4 bedrooms and are scattered throughout the island. However, if you have to dream of living in Hawaii, dream big. One of the best houses is in Kailua and costs almost $13 million. The stunning beachfront home has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, 6,452 square feet of living space, and views of both the ocean and mountains. On the island of Maui there is another favorite called Ualei Place located in Wailea. The home features stunning panoramic ocean views, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and terraces connected to each of the five bedrooms in the home.

If you’re lucky enough to afford a million-dollar Hawaiian-style house, I just hope you can keep the Rock fever at bay. Your spirit and soul will appreciate the sheer beauty of the islands that truly are paradise on Earth.