Finding the Right Commercial Space for Your Business on Hawaiʻi Island
- amy5864
- May 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
You might already have a space and need to move or renegotiate. Or you're just getting started. Either way, we can with finding the right commercial space for your business on Hawaiʻi Island
Hawaiʻi Island is a unique and diverse place to do business. From industrial zones to retail corridors to flexible-use properties in rural areas, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Which is why leasing a space can feel overwhelming. People can run businesses from many places, but that doesn't mean every space is right for your needs. That's where commercial real estate comes in.
What counts as commercial space?
Commercial space typically refers to property intended for business activity, such as offices, warehouses, storefronts, and restaurants. But on Hawaiʻi Island, it's not always that simple. Depending on the county's zoning rules and specific property use permits, business use is sometimes allowed in other zones, like agricultural or residential.
Some commercial properties even include a small residential component like a caretaker's unit or a live/work setup. For business owners or on-site managers, living where you work can save commute time, offer peace of mind, and make it easier to monitor things after hours. You often see this in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area, where zoning allows limited residential use tied to a business, making it a practical option for owners or on-site managers.
Why it's worth working with a commercial agent to find your business space
Leasing commercial space isn't always straightforward. Without expert guidance, it's easy to overlook key details, like zoning limitations, build-out requirements, or additional costs like CAM (Common Area Maintenance) fees. This is where Commercial Real Estate Agents come in. They are market experts, understand the complexities of commercial leases, and can guide you through the entire process, from supporting your needs to negotiating a fair deal once you find the right space.
Big Island Commercial Properties can help you:
Figure out what you qualify for and what's realistic.
We'll help you understand what spaces you may qualify for based on your budget, business plan, and goals. If you're launching a new venture or growing an existing one, we'll guide you through what's possible and show you realistic options that align with where you are today. (Curious what documents you'll need? Check out this post on what you need to know before leasing commercial space.)
Find a space that fits your business and your vision.
Once we understand your goals, resources, and current stage of business, we focus on spaces that truly support how you operate. We'll match your workflow, industry, and goals with properties that make sense, whether you need heavy equipment access, customer parking, high visibility, or something more unique.
Execute creative ideas.
If your business model doesn't fit the usual mold, that's great! We love working with unique concepts. Whether you're a surf shop with a shaping bay, a startup that needs an open, collaborative environment, or a small manufacturer looking for a warehouse with build-out potential, we're here to help bridge the gap between your vision and the available spaces. Sometimes landlords and tenants aren't immediately on the same page, but we're here to help. Whether it's researching zoning, exploring space modifications, or finding a flexible landlord, we'll work to see if your idea can take shape. Your success is a win for us and for the community.
Understand what you are signing. And we will negotiate the best possible deal.
You've found a space, the landlord is on board, and you're ready to move forward. We'll help you make it official. Our team will walk you through the lease step by step, explain anything you're unsure about, and ensure you fully understand what you're signing. Then, we'll negotiate the terms to secure a deal supporting your business and long-term success. Whether we're representing landlords, tenants, or both, we work to create a fair, sustainable fit for everyone involved.
We've helped many local business owners turn "I need a space" into a lease that sets them up for success. Ready to find yours? Contact us today!
