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tdpm

Hawaii is truly an amazing place to live. I have been here for about 15 months and am having a spectacular time. Some things you should be concerned about before moving here though.

- Cost of living is very high ($7 for a gallon of milk)
- Two seasons: rainy and dry (hard for people used to winters and falls)
- Hard to get a job - most pay minimum wage
- Expensive to move/leave - have to pay to ship everything across the ocean
- Traffic is really bad if you are anywhere near Honolulu
- Expensive to visit relatives (airfare) though many will probably visit you!
- Shipping is very expensive and some companies won't ship out here.
- Some companies don't have branches out here.
- Time difference from East Coast (5-6 hours).
- Maybe culture shock - A LOT of Asian culture here. (I love it though.)

Aside for the above, Hawaii is fabulous! It is beautiful year round with great weather, wildlife, etc. With the exception of cost of living, it really isn't that expensive. There are tons of "nature" activities to do that are free. Surfing, snorkeling, hiking, etc. don't cost a dime and are the true Hawaiian experience. Also many tourist companies offer "locals" discounts if you have a HI drivers license.

marnonyahoo

I live on Oahu about ten years ago and LOVED it. You are so lucky! I never had any problems on Oahu or any of the other islands. I haven't traveled there recently, but have had several friends who have. They did not have any problems. If you can, you should visit before you decide to move to make sure you like it. Military housing is very nice if you're in the military. They even have more private beaches. If you are going to like on Oahu, be prepared that Honolulu is a BIG city. Lots of traffic and tourist. There are, however, many area on the island where you can escape this. Good luck!

vtpatbrat

all i know is that it is very expensive to live there but otherwise i'd like to visit myself

Hula girl

Wrong! A gallon of milk cost $7 only if you're dumb enough to go to a convenience store or not plan ahead. At Costco a gallon of milk costs $3.59.

Yes, everything is expensive due to the islands being in the middle of the ocean. Currently on Maui gas is $3.52/gallon. Everything has to be brought over by boat (cheaper) than air freight (very expensive). It's the cost of living in paradise as people say. And Hawaii truly is paradise even as we adjust to changes.

Like anywhere else, you have people who are nice and some who aren't. What offends locals is the people who move here that want to change our lifestyle. Visitors say we're 'backwards' but whatever! Works for me. I'm not in a rush to go anywhere. I live on a rock - where would I go?!? The hot issue right now in the islands? Locals unable to afford buying a place in the place they were raised. Housing market is insane. A lot of people born/raised here have left the islands. A good friend of mine just moved to Colorado. I still don't understand how he can just leave his Mom, Dad and sister. I know he can always just pick up the phone to call but the distance! Most who leave the islands want to enjoy a more financially comfortable living. They had to do what they felt was right for themselves and their families. They all miss the islands. My mainland co-workers tell me I'm lucky to live here. I have to remind them there's a difference between living here and visiting here.

Time zone? Not a problem. No one cares what Hawaii thinks and that suits us just fine. We have all of 2 electoral votes during election years. Big whoops. I had a friend visit from New York and he couldn't get over the fact that by the time we woke up in Hawaii, New York was already halfway through their day! Drive him crazy! He enjoyed his visit but couldn't wait to get back to the 'mainland' as we call the continental US.

Currently Hawaii has the lowest jobless rate in the nation. There are jobs available other than the visitor industry contrary to popular belief. We have banks, law firms, retail stores just like everyone else. I work as a medical claims auditor. Lots of opportunity in the medical field as technology changes and people get sick!

The islands are a wonderful place to live if you can handle the 'slowness', especially on the outer islands. Yes, I am absolutely biased. I am born and raised Hawaiian. I could not imagine leaving my island home. I thoroughly enjoy visiting the mainland and seeing a building taller than 9 stories (like on Maui) yet I am more than happy to get back on the plane. This is where I am at peace and feel content. Yes, sometimes it's a financial struggle but look where I get to live....

Lucky

On our last visit to the Big Island, we stood at twilight and watched glowing red lava flow into the ocean just a short distance away. It was a close-up look at the way these islands were formed -- and the way they are still forming.
With volcanoes like Mount Kilauea squirting out new land like toothpaste out of the tube, Hawaii, quite literally, is growing. In fact, there's an expanding volcano near the Big Island that's still a few thousand feet below the surface of the ocean. One day, in a few hundred or a few thousand years, it will become the newest Hawaiian island. In fact, it already has a name: Loihi.

Meanwhile, there's already enough beauty and activity in Hawaii to fill more vacations than we could ever take. With so much to choose from, first-time visitors need to be selective. Our recommendation is to settle first on the Hawaii you want to see. It might be beaches, luaus and nightlife; it might be rare orchids and hikes in the rain forest; it might be quiet countryside, small towns and scenic drives. Whatever the combination, there will likely be an island or islands best suited to your desires

Magnificent Maui

Many people have remarked upon the verdant Valley Isle's resemblance to a woman. Whether you see it or not, this island certainly nurtures plenty of men, women and children from various parts of the world.

West Maui:

The jolly, busy resort town of Lahaina resembles Main Street Disneyland in many ways. Front Street, the main drag area, is wall-to-wall art galleries and fine restaurants. Dozens of pleasure cruisers and fishing boats set sail from the harbor daily, carrying vacationers to nearby coves and reefs. Lahaina is also the hot spot for shopping and nightlife.

About 10 minutes' driving distance from Lahaina is the resort community of Ka'anapali, famed for its golf courses, beaches and fantasy hotels. The golf courses are easy to spot; as you drive down the Honoapi'ilani Highway, the rolling greens stretch for acres along the landbound side. The coast side is bordered by famous Ka'anapali Beach. While its golden glory has been much diminished by over-enthusiastic land developers who built hotels as near to the shorebreak as possible, the beach is still quite lovely. The water is warm and clear, and landmark Black Rock dominates the skyline.

Further down the coastal highway one will find the charming seaside towns of Kahana, Kapalua and Napili. The golf courses of Kapalua are also widely renowned; serious golfers may choose to fly into the Kapalua airport, stay at the Kapalua Bay Hotel or the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, and completely bypass the rest of the Maui experience.

South Maui:

Approximately 30 minutes from West Maui is the other main tourist area, known as South Maui even though it's actually further west than south. The uppermost segment of South Maui is Kihei, site of many mid-priced hotels and swimming beaches. This is a very popular spot with families; it's affordable, safe, and offers all kinds of diversions. Locals also frequent the South Kihei strip, particularly the Kamaole Beach Parks and the Azeka shopping centers.

South of Kihei is Wailea, one of the most breathtaking resort communities in the world. The air is perfumed with island blossoms, the beaches (all of them public-access) are white sand, and the resorts are architectural wonders. Marvel at the palatial Eastern-themed Kea Lani Resort or the understated elegance at the Four Seasons Resort. The last hotel on Alanui is the Maui Prince. After that, the road travels along through a few miles of dry underbrush and weeds that give some indication of what South Kihei looked like before it was developed. About five minutes down the road are the three turn-offs to Makena State Park, thought by many to be the world's best swimming beach.

Upcountry:

The tiny towns in Upcountry Maui are the opposite of Wailea and Lahaina in every way. Laid-back, local, simple and friendly, they are populated by an odd mix of islanders, white locals, eccentric recluses and passionate nature lovers. Protea farms, cattle ranches and botanical gardens thrive on most of the land, while the "towns" are usually comprised of a few streets with a handful of stores and a couple of restaurants. Makawao and Pukalani are the two largest upcountry towns. Nestled in the mountains is the town of Kula. Most Haleakala downhill bike rides begin or end in Kula, as do many roadtrips to Hana. Olinda and Haiku are "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" towns, worth visiting only if one prefers birdsong to human conversation.

(One thing to keep in mind when visiting Upcountry is that as the elevation rises, the temperature dropsâ€”so bring a sweater.)

Haleakala/Hana:

While Haleakala and Hana are two of Maui's major tourist attractions, almost no tourists stay in either of the areas. Hana has a couple of hotels, but it's impossible to lodge at Haleakala National Park; most of it is volcanic crater or scientific research zone. These regions are undeveloped and somewhat dangerous. It's fine to drive the main roads or to explore backroads with a guide, but venturing off alone into the Hana rainforest or the Haleakala crater is one of the silliest things a person can do.

Still, no trip to Maui is complete without a Hana or Haleakala experience. The twisty road to Hana is as famous as the epic waterfalls at journey's end. The sunrise over Haleakala is truly inspirationalâ€”as any fan of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" knows. People who can't get enough of Hana's beauty might opt to stay in the tiny jungle town. In that case the lodging options range from the inexpensive Aloha Rainbow Cottage to the world-class Hotel Hana Maui.

While the adorable seaside town of Paia is not in Hanaâ€”or anywhere nearâ€”it is probably the town that is most often passed through on the way to the rainforest. This town is a destination in itself. It is arguably the world's top windsurfing location. It's also home to some fabulous art galleries, clothing boutiques and restaurants. Anyone who wonders what ever happened to the '60s should visit Pa'iaâ€”it seems to be stuck in them.

Central Maui:

While some travel writers rave about the untouched-by-tourists appeal of Hana, the truth is that Hana's main industry is tourism. Central Maui is the place that offers authentic local color. Compared with the rest of the island, it's decidedly un-lovely. Even semi-touristy Kahului is choked with asphalt and chain link, while Wailuku is, at first glance, a cluster of dilapidated buildings that seem to be under a constant black cloud. However, Kahului is the closest thing to a city that Maui has, and Wailuku is the county seat. Across the Mokulele Highway is Ma'alaea, an up-and-coming town known for its picturesque harbor and its near-constant winds.

Perhaps the main appeal of Maui is the way it manages to have a little bit of everything. It is simultaneously an undeveloped jungle and a bustling town. By offering the perfect combination of secluded natural beauty and sophisticated commercial appeal, this little island manages to touch a special place in everyone's heart.

North Shore: The North Shore of Maui offers a refreshing change from the ordinary vacation. Between exotic recreational opportunities, a peaceful and natural setting, and a diversified cultural environment, this is not your typical vacation spot. The North Shore (encompassing Paia, Kuau, Sprecklesville, Haiku and Huelo) has both pros and cons compared to the more popular west and south areas. On the positive side you will enjoy a relatively unspoiled tropical setting and be close to rainforest hiking trails, waterfalls, world class windsurfing, and uncrowded beaches. While there are plenty of shops and restaurants, there is a welcome absence of commercialization and high-rise development. Accommodations will be small-scale, privately-owned B&B or vacation rentals, where you can become acquainted with your hosts and have more access to an authentic experience of island culture. You will be conveniently situated for a day trip to the remote jungle village of Hana, or a visit to the crater of the dormant volcano. Unfortunately, few north shore properties offer direct beach access, so it will be a short drive to reach the white sand. For those of you who must have your creature comforts and round-the-clock service, North Shore will be roughing it. Imagine, no 24-hour room service, no night life within walking distance, and it will rain! (after all, it is a jungle). Maybe you'll find North Shore a hardship, but if you are tough enough then this is the ideal island getaway. Check out Maui Tradewinds for accomodations on the North Shore.
Things to do: Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Island Soap & Candle Works, Honolulu Zoo (The), Honolulu Harbor, Manoa Falls, E Noa Tours, Magic Island, Premier

I work with a man that came from there. There are no jobs unless you want to work with the tourist;waitress, motel help, gas station, etc.

donald.holland5238@sbcglobal.net

If you are not born there you will always be a howley and not one of the island people never

~â˜¼â™¥Danielleâ™¥â˜¼~

I've never actually BEEN there, but my Dad went skydiving there. I'll probally be fun, ya know, learn ta surf, look at the lava, explore. It MIGHT get boring, but I think I'll be cool. You should vist a few weeks, see if you like it to live there.
Hope i help :)

dottielasvegas

You will be living on an island. Everything is expensive!

â™¥tropicalparadice29â™¥

I think it sounds like a cool place to live, but I think that it is soooo hot there.... my friend said that her grandparents live there and when they came here they were wrapped in blankets freezing in 100 degree wheather!

miketatz

I live in HI for the last 6 years and been here before that many times. I think it is great. Depending on what you are looking for you need to choose your island. I live in Oahu. It's a little bit pricey, but you have good infrastructure. I also bought large acreage in Puna (Big Island) really cheap. I'm going to move there soon. It is totally different than Oahu. No stress, quiet, super friendly people, more laid back.
Anyway, just a small taste of paradise for you!!
Does that sound like a bad place to live or what?

okayokayokay

No jobs, real expensive

rushspeaks

if u Live in wacky wacky cement city ( Waikiki) the only careers are in the service industry.
It is very expensive food is shipped in so that cost is factored in.
Hawaiian people are great but very few come to waikiki they feel unwelcome.
Hawaiian spirit of Aloha has gone by the wayside In Waikiki.
Beachwalk, Lewers, saratoga Streets all under construction for more cement structures.
We have been visiting on Oahu since 1994 for a few months each year during our winter season. Hotels rates are out of most peoples reach. Other Islands are more Aloha but rapidly becoming just tourists destinations money machines

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