Living in Kona, Hawaii:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

Kona is on the leeward side of Hawaii and it is sheltered from the prevailing tradewinds. This means it is the driest part of the island with sunny beaches and mostly blue skies. The town is also the hub of tourism which has its own merits and downside.  If you are interested in a lively area with restaurants, bars and commerce, Kona is probably the right side of the island for you. If your dream is living in a house surrounded by lush nature while watching the waves from afar, I suggest other areas like Waimea or Hilo.  The town is divided into two districts, South Kona and North Kona. Within these districts you will find plenty of different neighborhoods with their own distinct personalities. South Kona is more busy but also more convenient with all the major supermarkets like KTA and Safeway located here. The north side has the airport which makes it a good choice if you are frequently flying back to the mainland. Rental costs vary widely depending on the location and amenities. Craigslist is a good site to start to look for a place to rent.