Hawaii: What do you know?

[Apotheosis]

Now that I am finished with college, I am looking towards fulfilling some of the things that I want out of life.

Initially, I decided that I would move to a warm climate at some point in my life, (probably retirement), but I realize that since I don't have any serious financial obligations (save a very small student loan, thanks to being self employed), that I should just do it.

I mean, not much is holding me back, and I would like to relocate to Hawaii by the end of next year (2007), sooner if it can be helped, but I realize that planning and job searching is going to take some time.

I've been there once, and fell in love with the islands.

Anyway, seeing as though I am really tired of winters full of snow, and that, save for a sweet contract position that I took here in Michigan, I don't have any obligations left in this state.


Anyway.. Anyone live out there, have relatives, friends, or family? What is life like on this island as opposed to vacation? I have 1 friend who lives there, but beyond that, no one else.

[Artha]

I hear the natives can be pretty insular, and that it's a good idea to at least make an effort to learn the language if you're going to be there for a while.

[Shari]

Hawaii is a GREAT place...to visit. For my Honeymoon I will taking my sixth or seventh trip there. However, I haven't had many positive stories from those who choose to move there if you aren't of Hawaiian blood. Word is, the natives treat you like dirt unless you're a tourist pumping thousands of dollars into their economy, and then leaving in 2 weeks. :D

All that aside, Island fever can set in and you get sick of being stuck on such a teenie tiny island. Granted you can take a puddle-jumper from island to island, but keep in mind that tickets (at this moment in time) are 73 bucks a flight. We talked to people who live on the islands to see what THEY did on vacation...majority of natives said Las Vegas was their all time FAVORITE place to go. Crazy huh?

On the upside, Hawaii is a BEAUTIFUL place. Kauai by far being my favorite. I believe it is the oldest island, and therefore is covered by more lush tropical rainforest then the other islands. However, there is no highway that travels around the entire island, as the Na'pali coast is so mountainous there is no way to make a full circle.

Oahu is the largest island, and still has active volcanoes on it, which is crazy because you'll drive past large distances of jagged black rock.

Do your research, the cost of living on those islands is PHENOMINAL. We're talking over 5 dollars for a gallon of milk. Just for fun I was researching real estate there today and for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath was 250k. And the place was a friggen dump.

Ocean is beautiful, I can't even describe the fantastic expriences I have had in that water. And everything on those islands is just damned beautiful. Not to mention my obsession with mangoes and they're just EVERYWHERE. That and pinapple...mmm...pinapple, and sugarcane. <drool>

[kheldarin]

Hawaii is a GREAT place...to visit. For my Honeymoon I will taking my sixth or seventh trip there. However, I haven't had many positive stories from those who choose to move there if you aren't of Hawaiian blood. Word is, the natives treat you like dirt unless you're a tourist pumping thousands of dollars into their economy, and then leaving in 2 weeks. :D

All that aside, Island fever can set in and you get sick of being stuck on such a teenie tiny island. Granted you can take a puddle-jumper from island to island, but keep in mind that tickets (at this moment in time) are 73 bucks a flight. We talked to people who live on the islands to see what THEY did on vacation...majority of natives said Las Vegas was their all time FAVORITE place to go. Crazy huh?

On the upside, Hawaii is a BEAUTIFUL place. Kauai by far being my favorite. I believe it is the oldest island, and therefore is covered by more lush tropical rainforest then the other islands. However, there is no highway that travels around the entire island, as the Na'pali coast is so mountainous there is no way to make a full circle.

Oahu is the largest island, and still has active volcanoes on it, which is crazy because you'll drive past large distances of jagged black rock.

Do your research, the cost of living on those islands is PHENOMINAL. We're talking over 5 dollars for a gallon of milk. Just for fun I was researching real estate there today and for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath was 250k. And the place was a friggen dump.

Ocean is beautiful, I can't even describe the fantastic expriences I have had in that water. And everything on those islands is just damned beautiful. Not to mention my obsession with mangoes and they're just EVERYWHERE. That and pinapple...mmm...pinapple, and sugarcane. <drool>

I live here..and the Hawaiians don't treat you like dirt unless you're rude and ignorant. They care about their lands a LOT. The Big Island is the biggest island, obviously, it's real name Hawaii. The most populous is Oahu. But yeah, I've lived here for 17 years and the scenery is still breathtaking, and the weather is great. But you're right about the cost of living and uh, a normal 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house would cost you about 600-700k. Yeah, I'm not shitting you.

[Shari]

Keep in mind my "nasty natives" comment was simply hearsay. Every time I've been there everyone has been very nice and laid back. Since I will never be able to afford to move there, I wont be able to tell you if this is true or not myself. :D

And that one house I mentioned was total ghetto...looked like half the roof was caving in. I'D TAKE IT. Shit...live in Hawaii. I mean really, you only use a house to what, sleep and cook in, right? Nothing a really big tarp can't fix.

[Daniel]

I live here..and the Hawaiians don't treat you like dirt unless you're rude and ignorant. They care about their lands a LOT. The Big Island is the biggest island, obviously, it's real name Hawaii. The most populous is Oahu. But yeah, I've lived here for 17 years and the scenery is still breathtaking, and the weather is great. But you're right about the cost of living and uh, a normal 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house would cost you about 600-700k. Yeah, I'm not shitting you.


The building I live in for college is 550k for a 1 bedrom. I win.

[Caiylania]

I lived there for five years and loved it, but I did get island fever. No one could afford to visit me and I sure could not fly out very often.

Lots to do if you take the time to look; the people are just like anywhere else- some are really nice and some are jerks. Just have respect for the culture and you will be fine.

The stated obvious, it costs a lot to live there so be ready to live poor or find a very very good job that pays very well. Just remember a job that pays well in Hawaii still only allows you to live in moderate surroundings... the same paycheck you live on the goodside in a lot of other states. Be willing to pay big to have decent housing.

But goodluck and enjoy it, I regret not doing some things while there but I did explore a ton and island hopped a lot.

[Marl]

If you like the islands in general not just Hawaii, move to one of the third world islands :) ! Save up about 100k and live like a king down in fiji or somewhere similar. Of course you HAVE to learn the local language first.