Should i move to hawaii

The island paradise is how Hawaii is often described, but moving to Hawaii is very different from vacationing there. Hawaii is home to just about all possible subtropical climate combinations.

The southern and western leeward sides tend to be drier. Living in Hawaii can be expensive, but there are smart ways you can move to Hawaii and save money once you get settled in. There are also secondhand stores and re-use centers where you can find affordable household items. The well-developed parts of Hawaii tend to keep up their roads fairly well. Cities like Honolulu and Wailea and historic towns like Hilo and many of the places found in Hawaii County also have an abundance of publicly accessible trails, pathways, and walkways.

The main cities are also served well by public transportation. Everything on this list is basically the opposite on big Island. People are sweet, minimal traffic, plenty of space, lots of road trips and weekend adventures. Not a fair list at all. As you can tell by the many comments negative and positive comments posted here, I generally speaking will repost most comments but not all. Your email address was flagged as spam and your comments were blocked — not by me.

I happened to catch this one. Watch the video on my YouTube channel: can you afford it and is it worth it. There has always been power in population. Every population of culture has racist tendencies. I will close and just say that I am white and what I see is world wide culture on the islands. We just came back this week from a week vacation.

Everything you said I felt would have said in your exact words! Excellent description you did. There was not a single store that the prices were cheap. The place is beautiful. It also appeared there were hundreds of empty hirise buildings. The people seemed nicer than the Bay Area and the drivers much more polite.

I could see people working jobs to support their families. I forgot how big Honolulu is probably about the size of Los Angeles. Vacation come and go yes. Live there no. I believe prices are high to make up for less sales. I still liked my vacation. Thank you for giving me the reality check.

Some things on the list do not worry me. I am a naturalized American citizen, born in Brazil. My husband is American and my son was born here, but we lived for 7 years in Rio and he loves diversity, we call his group of friends the UN. But some things do make me worry, like health care, and affordability.

Also tsunamis and earthquakes. I am used to hurricanes in FL, where we know beforehand and leave if needed. On commercial fishing boats. We just like being home relax and enjoy the winding down of life we r 53 and 55 my wife still likes to work bartender….

Thanks have a great weekend! Richard aloha!!!!! Go to my YouTube channel and search for the video Hawaii can you afford it and is it worth it. Watch that and let me know what you think. We retired to the Big Island in October It has been a big adjustment and I felt depressed and anxious most of the time.

Costco, Target, and Walmart all have prices comparable to the mainland and like the mainland, you wait for the sales. It is crowded, but not so different from any major city. Middle class living is at a level lower here.

For the first several months, I would pull out the cushions on the sofa and chairs on a weekly basis looking for those darn eggs, because if they break, they leave a bloody mess. We went through and really sealed our house. People will be downright mean to you and for no reason. I stood outside a butcher shop waiting to pick up my Thanksgiving turkey, standing 6 feet from the guy in front of me who was getting waited on at the time.

He turned around and gave me a sour look. The people nearby were horrified. He was dark and I look like I came directly from Iceland with my pale skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Talk about racism. This was not a one-and-done either. It will likely happen to you if you do not look like a local, so you have to get used to it. And the road rage here is terrifying. Forget about waving or throwing a shaka. True, most people who live here will appreciate it and let you in. Others will hold their hands on their horn, flash their bright lights at you, and drive up and back on your bumper.

Then there are the trucks and motorcycles with the illegally enhanced exhaust systems who will rip your eardrums, even at a. So be prepared that this is NOT paradise. If you can tolerate the bad and keep it in perspective, it will go a long way to helping you to adjust. Just remember to be kind to everyone ;. Hi Karen, do you have family in the Mainland? How was it living on the Big Island during the pandemic? We are considering retiring in the next 5 years and looking at the Big Island as a possible place.

Living on the Big Island during the pandemic was a sobering experience since everything was shut down and for a good reason. I take it you are also from the Mainland. May I ask where? Hi Karen, we all live in California.

I can only imagine how harsh it was during the pandemic. Being separated from my children under that situation makes me pause. I grew up on Oahu as a haole and actually feel I benefited immensely from the diversity and the lack of white privilege. By growing up in Hawaiian culture, I learned how to relate to anybody all over the world.

And the part about Hawaiians not being American? People here are the best part of America and an example of what the future looks like. And yes, check your history. Hawaii was illegally confiscated by business interests on the island and the push of America in the Pacific.

And who celebrates statehood in their state? Your lucky to live in Hawaii. Yes, there are challenges, but it is the state in the US, hands down. I think you are commenting on the wrong article. All I read was racism at it best Hawaiian style.

This is quite accurate but not all of the reasons apply to all of the islands and there are more reasons the author did not touch upon. I have lived on the Big Island for 12 years. Healthcare is in a crisis on the Big Island. Newcomers arrive here and find no doctor will take new patients. Electrical costs are x higher than on the continent because Hawaii is the only state that generates electricity with expensive diesel.

Skilled workers are scarce. Need a plumber, contractor, electrician? You will pay premium prices, if you can find one at all, for typically below average work quality.

Ordinary shipping costs to the continent are crazy high. Think you can rely on Amazon Prime free shipping. A handful of families and old timers control these islands and they are self-serving. One was already in operation ports were being constructed. Of course, they claimed it was all about the environment. I was hanging out with friends on the CA Central Coast and some surfers standing nearby were loudly complaining about Haiwaii.

The young white guys were so shicked. I cracked up, almost in hysterics. Absolutely doubled over with gut busting laughter. I have GOT to move to Haiwaii!!! The young men did not get it at all. And why should they? They directly benefit from these things, largely unconsciously, every single second of every day. The hate in the mainland US is literally boiling over right now. I have lived in a few areas of the USA that are majority minority populations — places that are incredibly diverse ethnically and racially.

White neighbors in New Orleans wanted to know me. That was the draw! Not — oh I really want to live on a tropical island and — wait! As someone who regularly fears for her safety and her life living in the mainland US, I find the complaints in this article and thread about being a minority in HI pretty lame. When I see the numerous unarmed black people murdered by cops it tears my heart out. Rachel, I am very sorry for what you have to go through.

As Don Lemon says, we need to make friends with all races so we can better understand each other. Probably not in my lifetime, but hopefully soon.

It is an interesting experience in Hawaii. We have hapa family there. I understand why they hate what I represent. Some of us were born with the aloha heart. Marla, you sound like a racist. In fact, white people are killed far more often than black people despite the latter committing far more violent crime.

Your virtue signaling is laughable at best and atrocious at worst. No, you would not have been shot if you were black, checking your sons car. Keep your racism elsewhere. I feel bad for your employer that hires a racist like you.

I feel sorry for folks like Rachel, subjected to racism their whole life to the point where they themselves would perpetuate the sick and sinful concept that others deserve to be treated poorly because of their race aka racism. I hope she can find the path to her better self rather than be envious for revenge against others simply because of their race, her apparent desire for a race to the bottom rather than the top.

Others of us subjected to lifelong racism and bigotry have the opposite reaction, we seek the best for others, not for things to be equally bad. I must say, though, I really appreciate when people that judge others by their skin or other immutable attributes speak out, it makes them easier to identify. That has got to be the best response to the racist-based expressed hurt of others. Absolutely extraordinary!

Thank you so much for sharing that! Insightful article! Part of the reason I moved to Hawaii was because it feels alot like living in another country. But we have several native Hawaiians friends that I made prior to moving here that have been very welcoming, even if my husband is a haole.

Back home, just my couch cost that much. And sometimes, I do all 3 in the same day. Oh and my back yard here is incredible. If you read even the comments, you passed the test. I came across this site while looking for voices of actual residents and transplants, and considering my own future plans.

I realize this is several months old, but I think this is worth highlighting. Rather, she would prefer to live in a place where white privilege was held in check, like a majority minority state like Hawaii.

I think some of the following commenters interpreted the lack of empathy she expressed toward their hurt feelings as condoning the treatment that had hurt them. People who have suffered pain may not express this in the most positive ways, that should not take our focus off of the very real causes of pain. Many of the comments regarding racial discrimination appear to be rooted in personal interactions. These are a symptom of deeper institutional ills plaguing and dividing our society. I see Hawaii as a bellwether of what the US might be like as a majority-minority nation.

This is a great blog. I moved to Hawaii from California in and lived there through my growing up years Honolulu and Kaneohe , then got a teaching degree and taught in Hawaii for several years before meeting my wife, who taught in Mililani.

When she moved back to the Mainland, I moved with her. We got married and had a bunch of kids, but always dreamed of going home. I have a lot of friends in Hawaii who continue to send me job leads.

I have applied for jobs, and have gotten offers, but none were economically feasible for us at all. The cost of housing is the main kuliana. I miss the life I had in Hawaii, the music, the culture, the scenery, the food. Where else could Frank Delima tease and stereotype popolos, portagees, haoles, pakes and flips, and no one gets uptight about it?

She serves up local-style music, dancing, and great food. Hundreds of former Hawaii residents come to enjoy the vibe, mingle, eat local food, and get little taste of home.

And why are all these folks in Texas when many have their families back home in the islands? Like me, I suspect the answer is just basic economics. Rachel, your bigotry may be presently politically sanctioned, but you are still owned by your own bigotry and base emotions, not to mention lack of any historical knowledge. It may feel good to feel and talk this way but ultimately you are becoming an ever-smaller person.

Do better. Rachel ,IAM very sorry for what people have put you as well as your family thru! Sometimes a fresher!? Start helps ,me being in the is Navy I learned that people are the same color, accent ,height, weight,I judge people on their character, dignity,and compassion!!! If everyone was blind? Hopefully maybe this helps a bit! May you and your family have happiness and peace as you move towards you goals!!!! Good luck Richard. As a Hoale born and raised on Oahu, I had one of my only trips to the mainland this summer.

All I can say is that Rachel spits facts. People of color are looked at the same way I am looked at on the islands. So many privlidged white come here and act like they own everything, then they run crying home cuz some local hit em with the facts. When you get cans thrown at you, racist remarks screamed at you, and someone chasing you down a street, then you can talk.

Rachel had every right to tell these privilleged boys off. Respect to her. I live on the big Island, I am a nurse. People read these comments about how there is no white privilege, that is true. The few African Americans or Black citizens that I have provided care to also are treated unkindly. The islands are beautiful but the general population, is not. I lived on Oahu for 5 yrs. Had to move away get an education BSN.

Now been on the big Island 2 yrs. They would rather hire a local without knowledge or skills. I have lived here since We are part of the forestland which is less than 20 feet behind our home We have a small undeveloped lot with a 2 bedroom cabin that is not up to code.

We have what is called a temporary power pole and internet. As with most of the folks who live in Tiki Gardens our household water is collected rainwater. It is free. Our drinking water comes from the water stations which is also free. I have indoor plumbing, which we installed ourselves. I build whatever I need, and I can make any changes that I want to my home. Add on to the structure or remodel. I have 3 dogs, 2 cats that keep the rats away and 2 chickens that give my all of the fresh eggs that I can eat.

I have everything that I need and am very comfortable. There is a huge meth and alcohal problem here on the Hilo side of the Big Island. Yes, it is expensive living here, but then it all depends on what you are accustomed to your style of living.

No where is perfect. But everywhere is wonderful when you are happy. Thank you Peter! We are in the process of looking for a home in Hilo. The only negative I have been able to find is the insects, like cockroaches. They treat me like a local, which pleases me. Mahalo, Angelic laughter. I live on Oahu — in Waipahu -what used to be one of the toughest neighborhoods on Oahu.

That all has changed. I asked someone once — what can I do to fit in here?? Thank you for writing this article Peter! You are spot on with every point and more folks should be aware of these dynamics before moving to the islands. I lived in HNL for many years in the very desirable Kahala area and worked as a professional musician.

You have to like sun, heat and high humidity all year round. The humidity improves with trade winds, but there are long stretches of time with no trade winds and the mugginess becomes unbearable. Food goes bad quickly because of the humidity so you end up throwing things out, yet another expense. The warm weather also means you wear summer clothes all year round; sounds exciting at first but boy do you ever get sick of the same season and wardrobe.

I was happy to move back to the mainland again! The example was set by the mainland. Mahalo…i will save my time, energy, money, heart-ache, frustration, future suffering in paradise and buy a bigger home for 10 times less the amount in flagstaff AZ.

Thanks for the article, Peter. Thinking that perhaps after retirement living there for 6 months of the year or more and then going back to the mainland for the rest of the time. Thanks for the article I know young lady lives there with some roommates she came home to visit and told me the cost of living she in college she back and she loves it there.

Thank you for the info. I would visit instead. I have a vacation home on the Big Island, near Keaau. It is not crowded and compared to the SF-Bay Area the housing is reasonable, even good in some places. I must say the food prices are high. The people here are all very friendly for the most part.

Brian — how far is the closest good swimming beach, stores, etc.? We always visit the Kona side of the island Hapuna Beach. My understanding is that side of the island has better beaches, comparatively more expensive. I have heard that white people get beaten up just for being white.

I am wanting to move to Hawaii as a paramedic but i read so many stories about white people being accosted. It all depends on your attitude. I have had no problems. Treat everyone with the respect they deserve and you will be treated the same.

One note, Island time is slower than California time. Your right, the Hilo side does not have a lot of beaches. Much of it is volcanic cliffs dropping 10ft to the water. Around Hilo proper are several sandy beaches. Also, close to Hilo is Richardson beach which is a nice spot. If you follow the coast highway north of Hilo their are a couple spots where rivers empty into the sea and these are very nice beach spots.

Going south of HPP about 10 mi there is a new beach formed from the recent volcanic activity. I felt at home, and the best version of myself when I was there. Glass door and Salary. Some days I have doubts that I can make that move. Katie, I hope you have fun…. I accept that, but just amazed that is where things have come in some places. In Colorado you could be surrounded by mountains with 10 acres and sf for that, in Maine or Kansas you would have a acre farm with houses barns for that amount.

Just consider the market and the way regs are moving and what that could do to the market, timing in the next 3 years will likely have a huge impact on cost, then inflation relative to the market and wages will have a huge impact as well.

I hope you find a great place in HI and I hope you get a better deal than you expect! Its also known as, getting away from right-wing nutjobs. This is definitely a necessary reality check for me. Dreaming is good! Watch the videos I have on the YouTube channel. Thank you, and much respect, for the information that you share. When I arrive I will leave my bias and expectation at the border. Hatch R-UT , Nay. Everything Peter commented is true. Culture is very different, and I have experienced unbelievable rudeness without basic etiquette in some locals.

Once person told me to go back where I came from. Visiting is a lot better than living. Its very frustrating dealing with irresponsible vendors and services. There are still very nice simple and kind folks but the other half is scary. Once a person told me to go back where I came from. Very informative piece, I live in Chicago and have visited HI for vacation but this blog post has changed my mind on entertaining the idea of applying for jobs in Honolulu. Thanks for taking the time to share this!

Pretty much all American history books acknowledge that the Hawaiin monarchy was illegally overthrown and the US government issued a formal apology for it. All the reasons 14 listed are perfectly valid. I could add at least one more based on some of the comments.

Specifically medical care, or rather the availability of it depending on where you live. You have found a good General Practitioner. GPs and nurses are very valuable, underpaid and underrated everywhere. I would feel very lucky to find a practice which would take me and my family as new patients were I to move to Hawaii. Beyond the family doctor though— we tend to love our high tech and very expensive medical care which uses lots and lots of high tech equipment and specialists.

What happens if you need some of that care and its simply not available on the island you chose to live on? You can make an appointment with a specialist on Oahu and do a RT plane ticket. If an emergency transport is needed, often the timing is critical and you or your family member simply may not make it.

Or, maybe you are already at your financial limits due to the high cost of living in Hawaii. Even if you have insurance, go take a look at what the deductibles are on the policy, and what may be excluded. Yes, all of these things are true.

As a young teenager, I spent about 4 months living in Honolulu with my aunt and uncle, who ran a very prominent construction business. The lived there from about To me, living there was a life changing experience. I am now 66 years old and regret that I never returned, but it did whet my appetite for world travel. Your reasons for not living in Hawaii are excellent because they are accurate.

I think another reason which is politically incorrect to say is the Democrat party is without accountability as a one party state. Republicans are not competitive which is disastrous. New York and California are also a disaster. Democracy does not guarantee good government nor a good education. I lived in Thailand for about eight years and loved it and the food and nearly a year in Malaysia and liked it, visited the Philippines and loved it.

But two trips to Hawaii for 4 and 6 weeks were not good. Beautiful but disastrous in many ways and getting worse from a friend who has been living in Honolulu for 12 years and may be leaving sooner than anticipated. The idea of Hawaii is irresistible but reality intrudes. Is Hawaii being ruined? And could you elaborate more on what you loved there, and in Malaysia, Philippines etc? Thank you so much! The big reason is the high cost of living. It would be much cheaper living and possibly a friendlier climate.

I could easily point out the same about Texas and other red states. Being an independent and living in California, there is a strong blend of conservatives in suburbs.

They all have their pros and cons. I can tell you living outside the big cities of Thailand, Philippines or Vietnam is living with virtually no modern healthcare. The same can be said about the people who live in America IE remote Native reservations and rural Appalachia.

Hawaii is a good place to live if you really like Asian and Polynesian culture and food. I really think before people decide they want to move to Hawaii they seriously need to research and see if this culture is compatible with them personally.

I moved to Hawaii due to work military. The first years were great after a period of adjustment coming from the gritty east coast. Why have I stayed so long? In less than 2 years I will be able to return to the mainland. No hard feelings toward Hawaii. Great story.

Perhaps Peter, you are striving for SEO recognition, maybe you are just a jerk. Moving to Hilo is amazing, and no, not rich……. I do like on the ocean though as a digital project manager working globally. I think I know…. Does the jerk comment apply to all the other locals that commented in agreement on this thread too, or just me. I think for some, statements of observation or fact can come off as negative. We can all assume many reasons why, but I just had to say…Peter is clearly doing a service by having honest public dialogue about far off places that many dream of coming too.

If everyone thinks the world is rainbows and their responsibility to keep it that way, we will stop seeing real rainbows. It would be cool to see her well thought out and invested blog on Hawaii for comparison. I had put together a very carefully constructed and respectful reply to Katherine and I was almost done and then I got a call and stupidly walked away from my computer without making a copy somewhere I might retrieve it should said computer decide to be an a-hole and refresh this page which deleted the whole thing!!

I absolutely plan to resurrect this reply cause it should be said but I gotta jet. You need someone to talk to, shoot me a note, I do regressions and all kinds of self-illuminating paths to growth.

We can uncover your hidden hurt before it continues to spread. Sadness kills. This list is not only accurate, but well-written. Road trip for the win! I mean, loss. The only adjustment I would make to your list is to the pecking order. Not that I tried to get in to Kamehameha or claim some Homestead or anything. Aloha Karissa and huge mahalos for taking the time to write one. Love the feedback.

I lived in Hawaii. Almost always felt I am a haole. Yes, there are even discriminations, sometimes at work at public handling. It eminded me locals first, asians second haoles and of the line. Take a look of the names of representatives in the State Capitol, Japanese.

Japapnese and locals run the islands. Check out our Hawaii income tax calculator. Birds, whales, turtles and tropical fish are all present in the Aloha State and you can get out on the water or into the mountains to look for wildlife. But you might not need to go out of your way to see Hawaii wildlife. If you think moving to Hawaii will provide an escape from traffic, think again.

Traffic in Hawaii can be quite heavy, both in busy urban Honolulu and in less densely populated parts of the state. Two-lane roads are common in Hawaii and can easily become filled with cars. There are public buses, but most people get around in their own vehicle. Hawaii sunsets are a daily and free! Expect your Instagram to fill up with beautiful sunsets that will make your mainland-dwelling friends desperate to visit you. You might be tempted to take up surfing after moving to Hawaii.

More power to you! Surfing is much harder than it looks, though. And in Hawaii surfing spots can be jealously guarded.