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I wanted to update everyone on my move to Oahu. Let me start off by saying I have always loved Hawaii, I knew I would even before visiting. But, to appease family and friends I DID visit before moving here and it was everything I would have expected (I did TONS of research) and I am a pretty realistic, down to earth "hippie". I also came from sunny san diego, so it wasn't about getting out of the cold. It was more about connecting more with nature and being more "ohana minded". Okay, so yes I gave everything up. Sold my car, quit my job, packed a suitcase and half, said goodbye to family and friends (took my bf with me) said goodbye to my adorable dog (he will be joining me late august, oh but I miss him) and left everything I was ever familiar with to go on this journey. Hate to use the word, but I am Haole, and I've been here about 2 months and I gotta say its never bothered me. I chose to relocate to the North Shore (love it, soooo beautiful), even though I figured I would be working in town, but I knew I wouldn't be happy living in Honolulu. Finally got a job offer, makin more money than I did in the mainland, but I do have a specialized job in the retail field and that has helped me. I am sandwiched in between two of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen....seriously. And even though I will have to take a 2 hr bus ride to get to and from work (just until I can pay back registration on the car I do have here), I have a smile on my face. I have to say, its all about your expectations and how HUMBLE you can really be. Figure out what you want vs. what you need. I know for me, it was about simplifying. Getting away from the city, and just enjoying LIFE; I wont lie and tell you I wasnt shocked (like whoa, did I really just do this?) once I got out here, lol and certainly it comes and goes. Mostly I think bc I miss my loved ones, but you have to be proactive and go after what you want. Beautiful connections can be made here, and people are certainly friendly. Back home, it was impossible to wave hello to any and everyone, but here its awesome. Makes me feel connected on a deeper level. Nature itself is incredibly inspiring, I even started a photo blog hahaha. I wanted to come on here and give people a POSITIVE perspective considering when I was researching it seemed to be so far and few between. And as positive as it has been for me, I WILL say DO YOUR RESEARCH. And, its all about your ATTITUDE! Make sure its the right move for you. Because although the negative things people talk about over and over (ie: HUGE flying bugs, homelessness, drugs, race...blablabla) it will only consume you if you let it. But just remember, these things (maybe not the huge bugs lol) mostly exist everywhere and Im sure you dont dwell on them now. SO don't dwell on them here. Simple as that. Best of luck on your journey, wherever it may lead you!
Last edited by 7th generation; 04-08-2010 at 02:58 PM..
Reason: sorry but links to personal blogs is not allowed here.
That's awesome. I'm currently living in Carlsbad and moving the Big Island the first part of May (tickets are for the 12th). What part of San Diego did you live? (just trying to get an idea as you compare here to there and I'm curious about the differences as well).
I lived all around San Diego. I even lived near Carlsbad when I was going to school in L.A. But the last place I was living before the relocation was point loma, right on the bay near Shelter Island and the airport. Definitely an awesome location, didn't think it could get any better. But it did
Love to hear posts like this—makes me that much more excited for our upcoming move!
I get why Hawaii isn't for everyone, but I feel like we probably have similar attitudes on life that are maybe just a little more compatible with the islands.
LOL. I got to the point of "down to earth "hippie" didn't read any further and assumed you might soon be a neighbor of mine, here on the Big Island, Puna District.
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I like San Diego (especially the coast) so I'm hoping our exepriences are similiar. 
