There are real estate bargains to be had almost everywhere, and that applies to Hawaii as well as the Mainland. Hawaii seems to be a major target for people from the US and other countries to purchase homes. The Big Island of Hawaii actually offers more land area than the other islands combined, and there are some very nice areas of widely divergent weather and geography. Here’s a link to a discussion that contrasts differences in climate, water temperature and even economic factors between Hawaii and California.
On the rainy side is the historical town of Hilo. It rains almost every day, and this has created a very tropical environment. Here you will also find the government complex, although there are satellite offices in other districts on the island. Consult a real estate agent in Hilo for help in locating Big Island real estate opportunities on that side of the island.
On the leeward side of the volcanic mountains is Kona, which is much drier than Hilo. Because of the direction of trade winds, much of the moisture is squeezed out of the incoming air when it passes over the numerous volcanoes. That explains why the leeward side at Kona gets so much less rainfall. Most people seem to be inclined to the dry side, since there is more sunshine on average in Kona than in Hilo.
Kona and Kohala offer a great deal of Hawaii land with terrific ocean views and coffee orchards around 1,000 feet above sea level. It is possible to find large estate homesites at prices that are way below the peak in 2006. There is an atmosphere about the Big Island that is different than the other islands. This might be a good time to look at Kona real estate if you are in the market for a second home.