Hawaii... Here I come.

[Brinkleysmom]

nwcountrygal, I really like what you wrote regarding asking the Island if it wants you. It seemed on my first visit 6 weeks ago, everything worked out so well. I mean, I didn't even know I was able to go until one week before, and it's amazing how it all fell into place-getting time off from work, airline tickets, the dog kennel, ect. Then when I got to Kauai, I too fell in love with Hawaii and really felt at home. So, I've been looking for a sign that will tell me yes, I should move. I'm planning on being there the middle of November, and have schedualed my dog to have his 3-year rabies vaccine and get microchipped on May 1st. I know I'll do well because I live in a very remote area now, and as an RN I will probably be able to get at least a part-time job if not full-time, so employment is not an issue. I just thought what you wrote to Texascasey really spoke to me and thought I'd share that with you. When I get my sign, I'll let you know! Thankyou for your insight!

[missisha1]

I've been reading your e-mails..I also plan to move to Hawaii, but as a retiree with defined pension and I'm still nervous...My biggest concern is rent..what kind of pries have you found? Thanks. missisha1

Originally Posted by TexasCasey

Hello all, I just got back from my first trip to HI. Spent two weeks on BI. Had intended to get over to Kauai for a few days too, but ran out of time.

First of all, from everyone I talked to, it sounds like the last two weeks have been much rainier or overcast than normal for the entire island (all islands, from what I saw on the news). So, I am gonna try to be realistic about the fact that Kau District & Kona/Kohala side of the island are normally much more sunny than what I experienced.

My first impressions are simply... Wow, what a beautiful place... I mean the scenery, the people, the food, the traffic... everything that is important to me.

The scenery: Ok, be real, it is Hawaii - even overcast, do I really have to say much more. Got to Southpoint, Polulu & Waipio Valleys, Akaka falls, several parks/beaches on each shore. Even found a number of sandy beaches for snorkeling. Never did get up to the Vocanoes & never did any scuba diving. It was all that I expected & I know there is more to see.

The people: Met & made good conversation with a wide variety of people - from the recluse type up in HOVE, to 5th gen Hawaiians along hwy 11 from Hilo to Kona & up in Hawi, to transplanted locals all over the place, even talked story with a few 'bums' with their carts, wandering Alii Dr. All I can say is I never had any uncomfortable moments nor was I made to feel unwelcome. Usually asked how life was & told a little of my plans & for the most part thought I just met good people.

The food: Was surprised that the big fast food chains were not any higher than they were, I found any meal to be about a buck higher than at the same chains here in Texas. Loco Moco! Now that is my kind of breakfast! Ono! Now that is my kind of fish. I already loved teryaki, found that to be very popular - guess I should of realized that, but never thought about it. Tried a few mexican places - guess I really love "Tex-Mex"... will have to adjust my taste buds. I had kind of expected restaurant prices to be higher & was not disappointed. But overall, loved every meal I ate, except the Mexican.

The traffic: Wow, was extremely impressed with the taffic flow, even considering so many places, it is ony one path from point A to point B. Once I figured out a few main roads & a few side roads in the Kona area & the Hilo area, it was a breeze to get around. Found traffic jams a few times on Hwys 11 & 19, during rush hours, so I finally found ways to avoid those.

Okay, I just wanted to relay a few of my thoughts & just realized this has gotten away from me... So suffice it to say, my choice between Kauai & BI is only more muddied now! Do I just go to Kauai & check it out for a month or so, then move on to the BI, if that is what I decide??? Do I move to BI & just plan on several trips to visit Kauai??? Well, either way, I guess I am lucky that I will be traveling lightly & solo! Man, why didn't I go to Kauai the last 3 days? I knew I should have! But, I know why... Because I already feel in love with the Kona & Kohala areas & wanted to spend more time there.

Aloha evyone... see you in June!