Question about the US Mainland and Hawaii (Honolulu: for sale, neighborhood)

[Robertwiz]

Hello,

Just wondering the following:


Is there any location on the US Mainland, that is similar to Hawaii in terms of climate, attitude, and opportunities to swim in the ocean?

Additionally, if you have traveled to any foreign countries, what world city is most similar to Honolulu: quite developed/built up, but with nice climate and beaches for swimming/surfing?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Balad1]

To my knowledge there is no other place in the other 49 states with a climate like Hawaii; that's why many of us are here. Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Island would have a similar climate.

[hotzcatz]

Key West maybe. Or somewhere in the Florida Keys perhaps.

[Balad1]

The Keys would be the closest on the mainland. The humidity and temps are much higher in the summer though and cooler in the winter.

[winkosmosis]

Florida is almost tropical. Water temperature there is much warmer in the summer but cold in the winter.

[BigIslandBum]

Florida, even the Keys, aren't very close to the same climate as Hawaii. As others have said, they are much hotter and humid with greater annual temperature fluctuations. Being surrounded by the Pacific gives Hawaii a rather unique and stable climate.

[smoking357]

Nowhere. The Keys and the Caribbean possessions have brutal heat and humidity and are right in the middle of the path taken by the hurricanes from Africa to North America.

[nullgeo]

Robertwiz -- it is a fact that Hawaii is unique among the states ... the Keyes and Caribbean possessions are tropical with good water for swimming, but they really are miserable part of the year.

That said, there is one other location only a hop, skip, and jump from the States that, while not exactly matching Hawaii, is far more equitable than the Caribbean possessions: the Bahamas -- specifically the northern-most island group called the Abacos. If you are not familiar, you can fly to the Bahamas from many locations in the States, and from Florida it is like flying inter-island in Hawaii: 30 minutes can have you there from Miami. Bonus if you are a boater: given the right conditions -- which are very common -- you can motor or sail over in a day. As you go south along the approx. 700-island chain that stretches out for hundreds of miles in the Caribbean, the weather gets hotter and water warmer. But in Abaco you will actually experience slightly cool(-ish) weather for a few months a year that is influenced by storms from the northern States. Most people in winter find Abaco waters a little chilly for swimming at times. In summers it is hot but close to Hawaii temperatures, with a tendency to a bit higher humidity.

There are many scenarios under which Americans can own property in the Bahamas and live full time. It is near impossible, however, to get a work permit. There are lots of properties for sale at much better prices than Hawaii (LOTS!) -- so if you are in a retirement situation, it can be a great option to Hawaii as the Bahamas is very Americanized and safe and fun. Plus, access back and forth to the States is a snap. Hope that basic info relates to your curiosities.

Other world cities with similar climate? many in Mexico, including: Cabo San Lucas, La Paz (check this one out especially), Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Cancun -- all are well known and accomodating to Americans. Also Brisbane and Perth, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are modern and inviting with great climates. There are many many many other great spots the world over depending on your preferred levels of civilization and English-speaking and security concerns. Several countries in Central America are popular with Americans. There are some pretty safe ex-patriot favorite places in the Philippines, too. Lots of great spots in the Mediterranean, of course.

Enjoy dreaming of lying on the beaches of the world

[hotzcatz]

A friend of mine moved to Thailand and is really happy there. He says it is similar to Honolulu although a bit warmer.

[Robertwiz]

Thanks,

What is your opinion in terms of mainland cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. They do have surfing and beaches. Additionally, I have seen many scenes in movies of LA and San Diego and odly they look sort of like Oahu in some parts. For example, like the Ward Centre area as well as the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood.


In terms of foreign cities, how similar are Sydney and Cape Town South Africa, to Honolulu in terms of opportunities to swim and climate.