The dock on the right-hand side is no longer there and was flowed over by new lava in 2018
Na’alehu, on the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawai’i, although not my “Hometown” It is to my wife who was born and raised there for 32 years and a place that I continued to return to for over a decade, until I ultimately met her 3 years ago while on vacation, looking for a “Local” to get me closer to the lava flows because no one would let my rental jeep past the security checkpoints.
Na’alehu is part of a “district”, the largest on the island named Ka?u, one of the original six districts which really, in all honesty, is my suggestion for a new location. This is my favorite district on the island as it contains almost all of the Hawai’i Volcanos National Park and some outrageous beaches, many accessible to tourists but many that require local knowledge and a serious 4?4 to access.
Ka?u holds in my opinion, some of the most beautiful places and beaches I’ve ever seen such as Punalu?u Black Sand Beach, Papakolea (Green Sand) Beach, and Kamilo Beach. Punalu’u was completely changed in 2018-19 with new lava flows that created a new shoreline and an awesome tide pool.
The district of Ka?u contains 922 square miles and is home to the largest subdivision on the planet known as Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (H.O.V.E.). This subdivision is comprised of Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, Kahuku Country Gardens, Kula Kai View Estates, Kona Gardens, Keone’s Ranchos, and Kona View Estates.
The development consists of 10,697 1 acre lots that span 36.8 square miles and range in elevation from 1,500 feet to 5,000 feet above sea level. I personally lived on one of the highest points where all day it was encompassed by clouds, high winds, and nothing but black lava all the way to the water. The clouds got so thick that I installed a rope between my main house and the guest (Ohana) house so I could find my way without tripping!
I love the Big Island of Hawai’i for reasons so numerous that if I were to list them all this would turn into a 45 min read. I’m not alone however, Celebrities, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and other’s (possibly even you) who can afford it flock to the Big Island for its unmatched beauty, amenities, recreation, and a local vibe that will fasten itself to your soul and fill you with love, like a hug from your grandma.
Amazing addresses, tourism & recreational business opportunities, and beautifully designed tropical getaways await all Uplanders on the Big Island of Hawai’i, specifically in the district of Ka?u.
The view from his back lanai (Porch in Hawai’i)
To the developers and staff of Upland: Thank you for such a wonderfully developed, and thoughtfully produced world to play in. I can't wait to see what gets added and see how the game progresses. Keep up the great work guys!
~Justin V (Upland ID: Landerson)
