downside to a Hawaiian move (Hilo: real estate, landscaping, public schools)

[bloomingud]

We're thinking about a move to the Big Island, Puna area and have stayed there in the past, on vacation. Can anyone explain the biggest downside to Island living and what pushes people back to the mainland? We're landscapers and landscape maintenance people and are hopeful that there would be room for 1 more company on the Hilo side of the island. Any input is appreciated.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by bloomingud

We're thinking about a move to the Big Island, Puna area and have stayed there in the past, on vacation. Can anyone explain the biggest downside to Island living and what pushes people back to the mainland? We're landscapers and landscape maintenance people and are hopeful that there would be room for 1 more company on the Hilo side of the island. Any input is appreciated.

For Puna, the main drawbacks are the rain, the lack of infrastructure, the lack of access to quality healthcare, relatively poor public schools, and the local politicians. One reason that folks from the continental U.S. fail to adapt to Hawai'i is that they don't think of it as "home" and often miss the relatives, friends, and associates that they left "back home." Other reasons are the cost of living and the lack of affordable housing. While the Hilo side of the Big Island is one of the most affordable areas in Hawai'i, it's still relatively expensive in comparison to many continental U.S. locales.

As for starting a landscaping business, there's always room for one more. Simply show up sober and on time and do quality work for a fair price and you'll probably have more clients than you can handle.

Hope this helps,

Jonah K

[bloomingud]

Jonah ... Appreciate your input. Our school situation is for our granddaughter, who will be accompanying her parents in the move. She now (1st grade) attends a Monasori school, hopefully there would be something similar around the Hilo area. We're originally 4th generation Oregonians so rain is like 2nd nature to us, but without the warmth. I was wondering about brining antiques and a library along with ... not sure how they would adapt? Thanks again, Duffy

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by bloomingud

I was wondering about brining antiques and a library along with ... not sure how they would adapt? Thanks again, Duffy

You didn't say where you are coming from. If from Oregon coast, there shouldn't be that drastic a change in humidity, but if from a place like Phoenix, and you are talking about wooden antiques, threre could be some effects.

I have seen books mildew in Hawaii.

It's a tough choice. Leaving treasures behind is just as difficult.

Maybe someone here who actually lives in Puna will tell you their experience. Mine is all from Oahu.

Hank

[TEERAE95]

[quote=bloomingud;1132166]We're thinking about a move to the Big Island, Puna area and have stayed there in the past, on vacation. Can anyone explain the biggest downside to Island living and what pushes people back to the mainland? We're landscapers and landscape maintenance people and are hopeful that there would be room for 1 more company on the Hilo side of the island. Any input is appreciated.[I am from that area the only downside I would think of would be the high prices on the big island and also the persistant volcano other than that it is a very friendly place.. i hope that helps oh and also with all the volcanoes I am pretty sure they can use more landscaping companies like you

[joker816]

alot people move back becuase they cant get use to the slow paced lifestyle. and it helps to learn are culture and way of life. since you are in oregan,meet up with locals there and learn. there alot locals in the northwest like portland and beaverton

[KimoJimo]

Originally Posted by bloomingud

Jonah ... Appreciate your input. Our school situation is for our granddaughter, who will be accompanying her parents in the move. She now (1st grade) attends a Monasori school, hopefully there would be something similar around the Hilo area. We're originally 4th generation Oregonians so rain is like 2nd nature to us, but without the warmth. I was wondering about brining antiques and a library along with ... not sure how they would adapt? Thanks again, Duffy

Re the antiques.... When my partner and I moved to Kauai we brought along most of the antiques we had gathered over the years in CA. They did, in fact, suffer. Moisture is not good for them, and the damper weather also caused some problems with some books that I had brought (mold being the worst).

After several years on Kauai, Hurricane Iniki caused us to have to move back to the Mainland, and many is the night that I heard loud pops from the furniture trying to re-adjust to life on the Mainland! I honestly think you would be happier not taking antiques, but also remember that there are many who have successfully done it. You'll find lots of antiques going back to whaling days!

Good luck!!

[ziera]

joker816

What slow pace??
I live on Maui, and every time I take my car out on the road,
I've got a local up my *ass* continuously.

Yeah Yeah it's not the mainland...the only time you get a speedy local is when he/she is driving his car!

[Lambert]

Aloha,

My family moved to the Big Island just over 5 years ago from NJ. My husband is in Real Estate so we see a lot of people come and go. The ones that go are usually just not able to let go of their mainland ways. Uptight people who forget why they came here in the first place. Relax and just hang loose. I was a business woman in a fast paced world back in Jersey and it was very hard for me to get to the point where I can walk, not run, through life.