Big Island HI Palmtalkers. Waimea????

[MKIVRYAN]

My family and I are currently visiting the Big Island and have been considering a move here for a while. We have been spending a lot of time trying to find a location that best suits our young family's needs. I'm aware there are a numbers of Palmtalkers in Hilo but I'm curious if there are any in Waimea. I think Waimea suits our family's needs best but I'm a bit concerned about the growing conditions here. Being able to have a beautiful garden is a major part of our desire to move to Hawaii so we want to be sure that the area we pick can offer us what we want. I don't see nearly as many palms in Waimea as some of the others areas. Not sure if that's because it's a challenge or people are just not into that in Waimea. Any input would be great. Thanks.

[bgl]

Ryan,

I hope you and your family are enjoying your visit here on the Big Island! I am certain there are no PalmTalkers in Waimea and probably not even any HIPS (Hawaii Island Palm Society) members. You can certainly grow palms there even though conditions are obviously quite a bit more limiting than they are on the Hilo or Kona sides. I think the reason why you may not see many palms in Waimea is very simple - those who are into tropical gardening are just not interested in Waimea as a location and they pick places that are much better suited to what they want to do - have a lush garden and grow palms for instance. Also, keep in mind, there's a wet and dry side in Waimea, and that could also make a difference as to what's good to grow - and what's not.

Bo-Göran

[Dypsisdean]

The Big Island would have to be one of the most varied climatic terrains in the world over short distances. So you really need to do your homework when considering a place to put down your roots. Just a mile (or even a half mile) can make a huge difference in soil, sun, wind, rain, and temperature.

And it can also make a difference if you will have municipal water, cable, phone (cell service) and even electricity.

[MKIVRYAN]

Thanks for your guys input. I would love to be in Hilo but I don't think that will happen. If we do make to move to the big island we will rent for a while to figure out the right spot for us before we buy. I assume the limiting factor in Waimea is not enough heat and humidity.

[Kim]

Maybe if you explain what you like about Waimea, we can direct you to another more palm-friendly location that might have the same attributes? Enjoy your stay.

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

Waimea reminded me of West Texas.

[bgl]

Thanks for your guys input. I would love to be in Hilo but I don't think that will happen. If we do make to move to the big island we will rent for a while to figure out the right spot for us before we buy. I assume the limiting factor in Waimea is not enough heat and humidity.

Unless you specifically like Waimea, there are areas in Hilo with similar conditions. Head up Kaumana Drive, towards the Saddle Road, and as you get higher and higher, it gets cooler and cooler. About the limiting factor in Waimea (and this is only an educated guess), probably lack of heat more than anything. I'm sure there's more than enough humidity, at least in the eastern (wetter) part of Waimea, while the western (drier) side down towards the ocean along Highway 19 will generally be much sunnier, windier and I'm sure with less humidity. As Dean pointed out, small differences in distance can make a big difference.

[MKIVRYAN]

We will be in Kona next week checking out the south part of the island. As I mentioned we have a young family and schools are very important as well as a friendly community that is safe. It does seem like some of the areas are less receptive to mainlanders than others. Waimea seems very open and welcoming to us. My wife also really likes the cooler weather in Waimea compaired to Hilo and Kona, I know that is what the palms like, I'm from Phoenix so currently the tropical palms I can grow is pretty limited. So I think anywhere I move on the island will be a big improvement. I dont need to be able to grow the rarest palms but I would like to keep some less often seen ones. I'm wondering if my favorite the Bismark would grow where, thinking its not warm enough.

[MKIVRYAN]

BTW we went thru the Hawaii Tropical Garden yesterday just north of Hilo. Amazing!!!

[Dypsisdean]

Shoot me a PM with a phone number if you would be interested in checking out a unique area of Kona - the forest up mauka above 2000 ft. elevation. Plenty of palms here, yet cooler than most areas.

[Justin]

I really like Waimea, but it was out of our price range. Depending on whether you're in East Waimea (wetter) or West Waimea (drier), there will be different palms that may perform better. The elevation is high enough that the humidity is lower and the temperatures are lower. Think coastal Southern California, but without a winter. Also, because of the elevation, you can grow more temperate stuff that can't be grown in either Hilo or Kona, most notably a wide variety of Proteas.

Really, of all the places on the Big Island, I think Waimea gives you the most options and most variety. No, you probably won't have a thick rainforest, but you might have a varied garden with lots of different textures, colors, etc.

[realarch]

Each to his own I guess. We looked at Waimea on our house hunt and quickly decided it was a no go. Not only was it too cold and windy, it also felt isolated.

The theatre in Waimea is great and there are a couple of good gourmet food stores, but to live there just wasn't in the cards for us.

I love the warmth, vegetation, and the 'local' feel of Hilo and environs.

Tim

[MKIVRYAN]

Dean, I will send you a PM here in a few days when we get to Kona. Thanks! I agree that Waimea is not the best choice of location for palms on the Big Island. But with a family palm don't come first. I'm just happy my wife is considering the move to anywhere in HI as it's better than AZ. Thanks for all the input.