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Why are there so few people on Big Island?

Many people don't live on the island due to the hazard of losing their home to an active lava flow. Or getting caught up in a hurricane or tsunami. When you live here, you take the risks of living on a volcanic island..we all do.



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Why is the Big Island so underdeveloped? The Big Island has been slow to develop, partly due to Hawai'i's complex land use laws, tight environmental regulations and the fact that there is often strong opposition from locals and Native Hawaiians.

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The great distances and unfavorable currents that separate Hawaii from its nearest neighbors almost completely isolate our local reefs from the potential colonization from elsewhere.

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Hawai?i's high cost of living and lack of housing opportunities were believed to be the top reasons. Researchers also found that almost 40% of the Native Hawaiians they surveyed have thought about or are planning to move from Hawai?i.

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The Big Island is cheaper than other Hawaiian islands due to its larger size, more affordable housing options, and lower population density. It's also sees far less job opportunities due to Oahu island being the state's major economic hub.

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We have among the highest income taxes and tourism taxes. Now, Hawaii also has a tax called the general excise tax, which is kind of like a sales tax, except it's on all goods and services at every step in the production process. So even though it looks small, it's actually really big by the time it hits the consumer.

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The Hawaii State Government. Of the approximately 4 million acres of land in Hawaii, the state government owns most of this.

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It's the biggest! Its massive size lends itself to an incredible diversity of landscapes and climates, from lush jungles and cascading waterfalls to high mountains, white sandy beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes with lava flows for as far as the eye can see.

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Kukio 8,000+ sq. Known to many as the billionaire getaway, Kukio is Hawaii's most exclusive community. Open only to homeowners and their guests – you can't enter the gates without the express approval of a homeowner.

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Big Island offers the widest variety of experiences for authentic Hawaiian experiences. Maui is perfect for you if you're looking for an island with a more miniature landscape but plenty of outdoor activities.

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Cost of Living The most obvious drawback to living in Hawaii is our cost of living. Because everything needs to be imported, the cost of goods is significantly higher than any mainland market.

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