Honoka'a neighborhood hula
I recently sold a home to a retired couple ready to move to our pretty little Waimea town after just a couple visits. Another family who asked me to help them buy a vacation home in Kona a couple of years ago is also getting ready to make the move to live in Hawaii full time. Both families just asked the same question: what tips can I share to help them settle into the community? I immediately began asking lifestyle questions. What activities do you currently enjoy? What volunteer work do you do? What have you always wanted to do? Right now, how do you spend your day?
Before moving here, my husband and I were actively involved in our tennis club. So the first thing we did was join the Seaside Tennis Club here at Mauna Kea Resort. Instantly we had 30 new friends. The other thing we did right away was adopt two little dogs. I had a goal of walking four miles a few times a week and I thought the dogs would help me meet my goal. They certainly did! Those walks are the highlight of the doggie day. There’s no way I can put off walking when those sweet, expectant little eyes have me pinned to my responsibility. Here’s what my Waimea friends are doing:
• Volunteering with Honoka’a Hospital and it’s long term care home; Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH); the Humane Society; the Kahilu Theatre; community or civic groups
• Training for the Lavaman triathlon
• Paddling outrigger canoes with the local canoe club
• Swimming with an open water group
• Growing vegetables, fruit trees and orchids
• Paddle boarding, playing mahjong, ballroom and hula dancing
For inspiration, use the internet to search “calendar of events Hawaii Island”. You’ll find calendars at Hawaii Public Radio, Go Hawaii, and Kona Web. After attending a few events, you’ll have lots of friends and plenty to do!
Tags: canoes, community, dogs, Hawaii, Home, Honoka'a, Kona, tennis, waimea