Do You Live In Hawaii Or Have Been There?

Question

If you live or visited Hawaii, what's it like? Be descriptive.

Only those people who live or visited Hawaii answer this question.

Answer 1

I was born and raised in Hawaii, and lived there for 17 years. Since moving away, I've returned to visit my parents about once or twice a year on average.

What's it like? Hmmm....

The Big Island is pretty low-key, by "mainland" standards. The pace of life isn't as frenetic on the Big Island. People are still very friendly, even to strangers, and are generally willing to lend a hand to those in need. You'll notice the "aloha spirit" particularly on the road, where you'll see cars yielding to others that don't have the right of way just to be nice. That's definitely something that's rarer to see on the mainland.

Hawaii is culturally diverse. There's a much larger Asian population in Hawaii than there is in other areas of the U.S. (in general). Lots of Japanese, especially. Many residents are mixed-race. There's a little bit of prejudice against "mainland haoles" (white people from the mainland) from some locals who feel that the white people from the mainland aren't as considerate as the locals and don't respect the culture. The white people that were born and raised in Hawaii, or who do show respect to the culture, are welcomed as easily as anyone else.

The job market in Hawaii isn't that great. You don't earn very much there for a given education level...double your earnings just by moving to the mainland...and there isn't much in the way of choice when it comes to jobs, unless you live in Oahu. Much of Hawaii is focused on tourism, and there aren't as many computer-related or non-tourism based professional service occupations available to job seekers.

The cost of living in Hawaii is high. Housing is expensive taking into account salaries, but it's not that expensive relative to some areas in the U.S. That's why people that made a lot of money from their jobs on the mainland retire in Hawaii...they find that their dollars stretch further to buy a nice house there. But the locals end up getting crowded out.

Hawaii is developing. More and better jobs are coming. People are still friendly. The schools are ok. The weather and climate is fantastic. It's warm year-round, and there's always a beach within reasonable driving distance. There are so many different microclimates in Hawaii, and so much beauty to see in the way of trees, grass, and flowers. Definitely not something you appreciate until you move away!

The food in Hawaii is also great. Since the cultures are so diverse, you get a diverse selection of food, too. I wish I had a plate lunch and some shave ice right now...;)

That's all I can think of for now.

Answer 2

We visited Oahu a few years ago, it was beautiful.
Very mountainous, lush green valleys, truly spectacular.

Answer 3

Yes l have.
Beautiful but a bit expensive.

Answer 4

No Not yet but its on my list

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

nope

Answer 7

No

Answer 8

no

Answer 9

I'VE BEEN THERE