Living on Big Island Realty

Expertise on the East Side: From the Hamakua Coast to Hilo to Volcano Village.

Living on Big Island Realty helps buyers and sellers across Hilo and East Hawaiʻi with friendly, knowledgeable, local support. Whether you are looking for a neighborhood home close to town, a quiet property at higher elevation, or land with room to grow, we will guide you with honest answers and clear expectations. We also bring specialized insight into off-grid living, catchment and solar systems, agricultural lots, and Big Island microclimates. Our goal is to be the best real estate office in Hilo by helping you find the right fit for your lifestyle and your budget.

Total Commitment to Your Real Estate Dreams

Buyer Representation

Guiding you through every step of the home-buying process, from property search to closing, with expert advice tailored to your needs.

Seller Representation

Maximize your property's value with strategic marketing and negotiation expertise, ensuring a smooth and profitable sale.

Rental Property Management

Offering reliable management services for long-term rental properties, ensuring peace of mind and optimal returns.

Investor Support & Market Insight

Helping buyers and property owners understand Hawaiʻi’s real estate trends, rental potential, and local regulations to make informed decisions.

Off-Grid Living Solutions

Specializing in sustainable and off-grid properties, offering guidance on legalities, utilities, and lifestyle adjustments.

Community Integration

Helping newcomers connect with local communities, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of island life.

Steps to Buying or Selling a Home on the Big Island

Buying Steps

1

Research the Market

Begin by exploring neighborhoods and property types that fit your lifestyle and budget. Consider factors such as proximity to amenities, climate, and community vibe.

2

Find a Knowledgeable real estate broker

Choose a real estate broker with local expertise who can guide you through the nuances of the Big Island real estate market and help you find the perfect home.

3

Secure Financing

Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your financial options and limitations.

Selling Steps

1

Understand Your Home’s Value

Start by researching recent sales and current market trends in your area to accurately price your property and maximize your potential return.

2

Partner with an Experienced real estate broker

Select a real estate broker who specializes in Big Island properties to expertly market your home, attract qualified buyers, and navigate negotiations smoothly.

3

 

Prepare Your Home for Sale

Boost your home’s appeal through strategic staging, minor repairs, and professional photography to showcase its best features and attract strong offers.

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melissa Stone profile picture
melissa Stone
34 days ago
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An Exceptional Realtor and Truly Wonderful Person! We cannot say enough wonderful things about Dan and the experience we had working with him to purchase our home in Hawaii. Moving from Florida to the Big Island is a huge life change, and having the right realtor makes all of the difference. From the very beginning, Dan was knowledgeable, responsive, patient, and genuinely invested in helping us find the right home-not just making a sale. He went above and beyond throughout the entire process. Even though we were relocating from across the country, Dan made us feel like we were right there with him. He was always available to answer our questions, explain the ins and outs of buying a home in Hawaii, and help us navigate things that were completely new to us. What really stood out was how much Dan cared about us and what we were looking for. He listened, understood our priorities, and never made us feel pressured. His knowledge of the Big Island and the local are was invaluable, and we always felt that he had our best interests at heart. Buying a home is stressful under the best circumstances, and buying one from thousands of miles away while planning a cross-country move could have been overwhelming. Dan made the process feel manageable-and even enjoyable! We are incredibly grateful that Dan was the person who helped us find out little piece of paradise. We couldn't have asked for a better realtor, and we would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell on the Big Island. Thank you, Dan, for helping making our Hawaii dream a reality!
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Sharlene Velichko profile picture
Sharlene Velichko
34 days ago
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Dan helped us purchase an investment property on the East Side of the Big Island. Because he is a real estate investor himself, he really understood what we were looking for, and his knowledge of the local area was invaluable. His blog is a wealth of local information, including county zoning law considerations which can be very complicated! We have worked with many agents in the past, and not all of them understand the differences between someone buying a primary home vs an investment home, but Dan definitely does. His background as a project manager also means that he is extremely organized, efficient, and responsive and does a lot of the work behind the scenes that makes the whole process smooth and easy for his buyers. We highly recommend Dan!
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Caitlyn Evans profile picture
Caitlyn Evans
298 days ago
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Dan made the whole buying process easy, he simplified everything and made it a fun enjoyable experience. He sent my husband and I a ‘Moving to Big Island Hawai’i ‘ book that he wrote and it was incredibly helpful in our search for our perfect location. Thank you so much Dan! 10/10 recommend Dan for your Hawaii dreams.
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sascwach profile picture
sascwach
301 days ago
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Dan went above and beyond for my wife and I in the purchase of our Property. He has a depth of knowledge on the area to help you make an informed decision. He made the whole buying process fun, quick and easy. I would highly recommend Dan Tousignant.
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Chris Tomoko Hall profile picture
Chris Tomoko Hall
397 days ago
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My wife (Tomoko) and I (Chris) not only worked with Dan but also developed a solid relationship with him over the past several months while buying our home on Big Island. He patiently and thoughtfully provided guidance as we considered numerous properties from oceanfront to mountainside. His steeped knowledge in homes and land was invaluable as we finally found our luxury off-grid property. We wholeheartedly recommend Mr Daniel Tousignant to anyone considering moving to Big Island whether it cityside, oceanside, or mountainside.
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Eva Lee profile picture
Eva Lee
415 days ago
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Selling my home with Dan Tousignant was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From day one, Dan went above and beyond to guide me through every step of the process. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the housing market, pricing strategy, and local trends. His advice was always spot-on. What I appreciated most was Dan’s genuine care and commitment. He was responsive, proactive, and always a step ahead. He made a complex process feel smooth and manageable, and I always felt like I was in the best possible hands. On top of everything, Dan brought such positive energy — I honestly felt like he was my lucky charm! My home sold quickly and for a great price, and I know that’s because of his expertise and dedication. If you're looking to buy or sell (or a property manager), I can’t recommend Dan enough. He’s professional, honest, knowledgeable, and truly goes the extra mile. You won't find a better agent!
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Hatsue Asai Manoa profile picture
Hatsue Asai Manoa
436 days ago
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I highly recommend Dan as a realtor. If you are looking for a good realtor in Hilo area, he is the guy you need to have. My husband and I purchased a property in Kurtistown area in 2024. He was honest and very knowledgeable about the area. He does his homework! Dan also educated us with what to look for when looking at a property...condition of the catchment tank, water filter, permitted house or not, etc... things we would never even think to consider when buying a house. Moving from Oahu, that information was very valuable to us. If Dan did not educate us, we would've bought a renovation nightmare. Also, Dan was really quick to respond, which we really liked. He was amazing!
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Living on Big Island Realty Blog

Why Are 3-Acre Lots on the Big Island So Cheap?

Three-acre lots in East Hawaii can look surprisingly cheap, but road conditions, neighborhood, grid access, and site preparation can make two similar properties very different.

After Hurricane Lala, Are You Reconsidering Your Move to the Big Island?

Hurricane Lala was a reality check. Here’s what the storm revealed about choosing the right property on the Big Island.

What Big Island’s New Short-Term Rental Law Means for Property Owners, Buyers, and Hosts (updated August 2026)

Hawaiʻi Island’s new short-term rental law, Bill 47, takes effect Dec 20, 2025. See who benefits, who’s at risk, and how to prepare.

From Roof to Faucet: Understanding Catchment Water on the Big Island

Rainwater catchment is common in East Hawaiʻi, and it can provide excellent water when the system is designed and maintained well. The key difference is that buyers need to understand the full system: roof, gutters, tank, pump, filters, UV treatment, and often reverse osmosis for drinking water. Catchment takes maintenance, but it is also part of what makes it possible to live affordably in some of the most beautiful parts of the Big Island.

New Hawaii County Tax Rate for Big Island Long-Term Rentals

Hawaii County has introduced a new Long Term Rental property tax classification for qualified Big Island rental owners. The 2026-2027 tax rate is $7.75 per $1,000 of net taxable value, which may mean meaningful savings for eligible long-term rental properties. Owners must apply annually by December 31.

Moving to Hawaiʻi With Pets: What We Learned Doing It Twice

We have moved to Hawaiʻi with pets twice, and the biggest lesson is simple: start earlier than you think. The rules are manageable, but the timeline, paperwork, airport release, and island-specific details matter.

Should You Buy Your Big Island Home Under an LLC?

Buying a Big Island home under an LLC may sound smart, but it can cost you valuable homeowner tax benefits. Before you choose an ownership structure, understand how an LLC could affect your Hawaiʻi County homeowner exemption, tax class, and 3% assessment cap.

Homesteading on the Big Island: The Real Estate Reality Behind the Dream

Thinking about buying land, an off-grid home, or agricultural property on the Big Island? Here are practical answers to common buyer questions about zoning, financing, insurance, utilities, permits, catchment water, and the true cost of rural property in Hawaiʻi.

Tropical, Not Terrifying: The Truth About Big Island Bugs

One question that comes up all the time from people thinking about moving to the Big Island is simple: how bad are the bugs? It is a fair question. When people hear "tropical island," they often assume the bug situation must be intense. A lot of Americans also grow up...

East Hawaii Humidity Is Unavoidable, But Mold Doesn’t Have to Be

Humidity is part of life on the East Side of Hawaiʻi, but mold problems are often preventable. Learn practical ways to manage airflow, moisture, drainage, and building design

From Roof to Faucet: Understanding Catchment Water on the Big Island

From Roof to Faucet: Understanding Catchment Water on the Big Island

Rainwater catchment is common in East Hawaiʻi, and it can provide excellent water when the system is designed and maintained well. The key difference is that buyers need to understand the full system: roof, gutters, tank, pump, filters, UV treatment, and often reverse osmosis for drinking water. Catchment takes maintenance, but it is also part of what makes it possible to live affordably in some of the most beautiful parts of the Big Island.

read more
New Hawaii County Tax Rate for Big Island Long-Term Rentals

New Hawaii County Tax Rate for Big Island Long-Term Rentals

Hawaii County has introduced a new Long Term Rental property tax classification for qualified Big Island rental owners. The 2026-2027 tax rate is $7.75 per $1,000 of net taxable value, which may mean meaningful savings for eligible long-term rental properties. Owners must apply annually by December 31.

read more
Should You Buy Your Big Island Home Under an LLC?

Should You Buy Your Big Island Home Under an LLC?

Buying a Big Island home under an LLC may sound smart, but it can cost you valuable homeowner tax benefits. Before you choose an ownership structure, understand how an LLC could affect your Hawaiʻi County homeowner exemption, tax class, and 3% assessment cap.

read more

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What areas do you serve on the Big Island?

We are based in Hilo and primarily serve Hilo, Puna, Volcano, and the Hāmākua Coast. If you are looking outside East Hawaiʻi, we can still help or point you to the right local resource.

2) Do you work with first-time homebuyers?

Yes. We work with first-time buyers and can walk you through the full process from loan prep and neighborhood guidance to making an offer, inspections, escrow, and closing.

3) I’m moving from the mainland. Can you help me narrow down areas before I visit?

Yes. We can do a quick call to understand your priorities (weather, budget, lifestyle, utilities, commute) and recommend areas to focus on. We can also do virtual showings when it makes sense.

4) How do showings work? Do I need to sign anything first?

For most showings, a buyer representation agreement is required before we tour properties. We keep it straightforward and we’ll explain what it covers before you sign anything.

5) What are lava zones and should I avoid certain areas?

Lava zones are a risk rating based on historic lava flow paths. They are one factor among many, along with insurance, access, utilities, and resale. We’ll help you understand the tradeoffs for the specific areas you are considering.

6) What’s the best first step if I’m thinking about buying or selling?

A short conversation. For buyers, we’ll talk about timeline, budget, financing, and must-haves. For sellers, we’ll talk about condition, timing, pricing strategy, and what to fix (and what not to).

Contact Us

Ready to explore your real estate options on the Big Island? Whether you’re just starting research or planning a visit, reach out. I’m happy to do a quick, no-pressure call to help you get clear on areas, budgets, and next steps..

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Brokerage

Living on Big Island Realty RB-24564
Dan Tousignant
Principal Broker RB-24565
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