Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, known as HOVE, is located on the West Side of the Big Island about an hour’s drive south of Kailua-Kona. It’s the largest population center in the Kau District. HOVE is one of six subdivisions in the town of Ocean View, the others being Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, Kahuku Country Gardens, Kula Kai View Estates, Kona Gardens and Kona View Estates.
HOVE elevation ranges from about 1,500 ft (460 m) up to about 5,000 feet (1,500 m). HOVE receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and some kind of precipitation 124 days a year. The July high temperature is around 78 degrees while the winter low in January is around 56 degrees.
HOVE has a uniquely beautiful terrain
Some regions of HOVE have a lunar landscape with sparse vegetation.
Oxidation of iron in hot lava flows created the amazing array of colors seen in this quarry on the outskirts of HOVE.
Some regions of HOVE are lush and green.
HOVE has an abundance of Ohia Lehua trees. Ohia are the first form of vegetation to grow in areas covered by lava flow. Ohia Trees have special meaning in Hawaiian folklore.
HOVE has 157 Miles of Roads
HOVE was first developed by the Crawford Oil Company in the 1950s. It is said to be the largest subdivision in the United States at eighteen square miles with roughly 11,500 one-acre lots. HOVE has 157 miles of roads!
HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation
Owing to the rugged individualists that inhabit HOVE, the roads are maintained without assistance from the County or State. The HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization established to maintain the roadways. For details see the HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation. You can reach HRMC by phone at 808.929.9910.
Ocean View Community Association
The Ocean View Community Association Inc. (OVCA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation established staffed by unpaid volunteers. OVCA is not a homeowners association, but rather a venue for the community to gather for various events, education and camaraderie.
HOVE Facilities and Amenities
Ocean View has a post office, hardware store, grocery stores, restaurants, tool rentals, hair salons, medical offices, veterinarians, auto parts stores, vacation rentals and a few gasoline stations. The town also has a high speed internet service.
Attractions Near HOVE
Local attractions include the Kula Kai Caverns, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and South Point – the most southern part of the United States.
Rainwater catchment in HOVE
Municipal water is not available to all lots in HOVE so many homes have rainwater catchment systems. For more information about rainwater harvesting in Hawaii check out my article, Buying a Home with a Rainwater Catchment System in Hawaii.
HOVE is more affordable!
Off the beaten path and miles from the tourist destination of Kailua-Kona, HOVE is one of the most affordable communities on the West Side of the Big Island.