Moving to Hawaii at 19...farfetched or unrealistic? (fit in, insurance)

[davidwebguy]

Read this post and thought I would throw my two cents in. I was born and raised in Hawaii (born in Honolulu, grew up in Kaneohe) and moved to Los Angeles 14 years ago (just in time for that big earthquake...). My parents still live in Kaneohe (on the Windward side of Oahu) and I go visit at least once a year. I know it's covered in other threads, but the idea of Island or Rock Fever is not much different than growing up in a small town and longing to experience the "big city" life and see what's out there. As a teenager and then as a young adult, I couldn't wait to get out of Hawaii and experience something new/different. One of the major charms of Hawaii -- that things move at a slower pace -- is hard when you're a kid, but very welcome as you get older :-) It's really true about anywhere that you move that you will get the most from it if you are open and willing to see things from a different perspective and respect and hopefully embrace the lifestyle of your adopted home. Moving here when you're young is probably the best time to experience what Hawaii has to offer... old enough to make it on your own but not too old to be jaded or have pre-conceived notions of what life in Hawaii "should" be. I personally think it's a great place to live as long as you're realistic about some of the extra challenges that you might encounter initially until you get acclimated to the weather, to the people, to the cost of living, etc. I originally moved from Hawaii because I was concerned about finding a job and making a living. Los Angeles is certainly not a walk in the park either and what I've learned is that as long as you pursue what you love to do, you can make it work wherever you choose. And, why not choose a place that's beautiful, with clean air and water, and friendly people?? It's not all paradise, of course, and every state has it's share of problems, but it goes back to being realistic about your expectations. You will never know if it was worth the journey if you don't at least take that first step, right?

Good luck on your adventure!

[NomadicChickenwings]

wow these are amazing posts. pls keep them coming

[Friend-in-Hawaii]

Aloha

Born and raised in the country (Kahuku) when i was 18 i long to see the world. In 1975 after graduating from high school (barely) i decided to join the army and left the islands to see the world. Went to basic on south carolina and training in georgia. I got stationed in Germany. I didnt know what to expect in the world but i took the chance and made the best of it. Ive had good experiences and bads ones with ppl in my travels but overall it was the best experience in my life. I grew up alot after seeing the world. and this is during the age with no computers or internet. No playstation or Nintendo. Ppl actually did activities or learned new ones. i know i did.

My point is that you'll never know it you dont take a chance. Dont be afraid of what you hear. Go for it and find out for yourself.

After 3 yrs in the army i decided that Hawaii was best place to live for me. I didnt have a job but i knew i would find one. Didnt matter at the time what kind of job it was but i world find one. After working 3 yrs at odd jobs i finally found a state job (prison guard) in 1981. I am now 4 yrs away from retirement.

So Take a chance in life. It may or may not work work out as you plan but the life experience you learn will last a lifetime.

Friend from Hawaii

[Adelaide]

I am on the other side of the fence from most of you guys.

I vacationed several times -both Oahu and Maui- and fell in love with the place, and finally made the big leap and moved to Oahu last year.

Having spent two years on a Caribbean island, I thought I was well prepared for what was to come, but o-boy, was I wrong or what.

In short, I can't stand it here. Prices are obscene, whether it's housing or food or entertainment (and I do have connections in the military, so it does help a lot, but still), people are NOT friendly (most of the time), there is a lot of prejudice (and I got called some pretty bad things while in the Caribbean, but here it's never to your face, always insidious and I can't stand it), and more often than not, work pays less here than on the mainland.

While I enjoyed Hawaii as a tourist, I certainly have a different opinion of the place now that I live here.

But I am heading back to the mainland soon, so I guess I'll be one less grumpy haole to worry about LOL

[NomadicChickenwings]

so i just got back from my lil visit that was from the 22nd to the 28th. i thought it was an amazing place. i did notice that due to my lack of sun tanned skin people seemed a little distant, however i know that many asain cultures seem cold and impersonal so that could be some of it i have not seen that mentioned but i think it could be a factor. i was at the north shore the entire time so i didnt get to see honolulu. i think honolulu would be my paradise. big city livin yet a 20 minute drive can land you in a forest. things here are very expensive. i finally know what they mean when its generalized that hawaii and "arm-n-leg" go hand in hand. i paid $3.86 for a chocolate covered strawberry in a mall. a $4 strawberry. i saw milk for $8.29, cereal was like $6 that i saw. basically i dont think its a good idea to shop at the local stores. believe you me id love to support the folks but its too outrageous to spend near $9 on milk. all in all money goes a lot less further there. on the flipside, its breathtaking. ever corner we came around was waiting to unveil a new veiw that was even more awe inspiring than the last.
something very important, though it is an island. the minute u leave the "city" u leave the city. its rural. my first day i took a wrong turn tryin to get to the beach and told by 5 nice rottweillers just which path didnt lead to the breakin of waves. but i mean, i dont wana paint a bad pic cause ive been chased by many dogs in many states, trick is never gettin caught. but yeah
i loved it so much that i put a deposit down on a room in a killer house on the north shore maybe 20 minutes to sunset beach n just omg soo many amazing things. walk out of the house in the mornin and its an amazing view of this mtn.

[kani-lehua]

took a ride out that way today. it was breathtaking. the water was pristine. friend picked up some shrimp at one of the many shacks out there. that is the ko'olau mountain range you speak of.

[Shnikee]

now i'm getting REALLY excited! we move there in early May! This is going to be the longest 2 months of my life! AHHH!

[Sweetbeet]

We're moving in July... as my son keeps saying, "21 weeks"!! Right now we're on our way back to the frozen north, snow on the ground, we're in Portland right now and it's raining, a cold rain. SO hard to leave the islands and come back to do all the packing and moving work. But our exploratory visit went so well - I have an incredible job opportunity awaiting me, my mom's health was better in Kauai than it has been in years, my husband made some good contacts for his business, and my son loves the school. So we are psyched to do all that work and get back to where we feel we belong.

[biggyboy]

its great to hear so many of your stories. but speaking of schools, Sweetbeet, you say your son loves his school..i hear many of them need vast improvement, however. is it difficult finding a good public school (whether its elementary/middle/high?) does anyone know which areas have the best ones? i have to think about my future so this would be important. thanks guys.

[Shnikee]

pearl ridge elem was good from what i read... othr than that I haven't found a whole lot of good elem. schools. On the up side, there are so many privates schools on the island that some aren't REALLY expensive. Some are kind of affordable! you'd have to go and check them out, but research private schools and give them a call!