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Please share what you think are the differences with as much details as you know for the benefit of those contemplating making the big move from the mainland.
I've heard that it's the most expensive state in U.S., but is it more expensive than New York City which is the most expensive place in U.S? Opinions seem to vary.
Also, is it Asian majority (not just Asian-Americans, but Polynesians, Samoans, and Pacific Islanders)? Again, ethnicity demographic seems to vary from island to island and from area to area in the archipelago, and opinions seem to vary. What I am hearing is that Asian population percentage is going down in the archipelago, which would like how Caucasian population percentage is going down here in Mainland.
Any thing else with any other details please?
I am hoping to hear as many opinions as possible from multiple angles, and make right decision at right time.
Isolation. We are 2,500 miles away from any large land mass. Loads of folks get "rock fever" and feel trapped. Loads of folks can't get the stuff they are used to or can't afford the price of the stuff they are used to after the shipping fees have been added on. Loads of folks miss their families left on the mainland. As one fellow said once "all the sunshine and alohas in the world can't compare to that one small little voice that says 'Grampa!' "
Browse around on this forum for a while (you might want to check out some other Hawaii forums, too - there are several), and you will pretty quickly get a feel for what different folks think are some of the key differences.
Hotzcatz did sum it up pretty well, though. Most of the differences flow from the isolation of the islands (e.g., costs, difficulty getting things and visiting people) and the tropical climate (e.g., critters). Some flow from the unique ethnic/racial makeup of the population (which in turn has come about due to the location of the islands).
Well, my observation is that there are isolation and isolated individulas everywhere even on mainlands, and there's no such thing as a "perfect" place on earth. I've heard that it's expensive in Hawaii, no one has really answered my initial questions.
1) Would you say Hawaii is more expensive than New York City. Why or why not? What is your reason(s).
2) One responder mentioned "unique" racial makeup in Hawaii. I've asked is it true that Asians/Pacific Islanders constitute the majority in Hawaii. If so, is it changing due to other races coming to islands?
I appreciate and need your opinions, but can anyone answer my two questions?
1) Would you say Hawaii is more expensive than New York City. Why or why not? What is your reason(s).
2) One responder mentioned "unique" racial makeup in Hawaii. I've asked is it true that Asians/Pacific Islanders constitute the majority in Hawaii. If so, is it changing due to other races coming to islands?
1. I haven't been to NYC in years...the housing seems more expensive there but I think groceries might be more here...BTW I just moved here 2 weeks ago so take what I say with a grain of salt. I was looking at places to buy and I could still find some decent condos for $300k (Waikiki/Metro area). I ended up renting a 2br for $2350 but it has tons of amenities and is located right off of Ala Moana...there were lots of apts/houses for less the further out of town you go.
2. Just based on pure observation, I would say yes that Asians/Islanders are definitely a majority. I'm Hispanic so I kinda blend in. The one thing I do notice here is that Caucasians are grouped into one lump category and Asians are all categorized: Filipino, Korean, Chinese, etc.
I think coming here knowing that you need to assimilate to the local culture also helps too...I've been received with gigantic open arms...I was actually overwhelmed with the kindness
It's definitely a different pace. I work downtown Honolulu for a major mainland corporation and the Honolulu branch definitely has their own sense of style/pace...but in a good way.
Well, my observation is that there are isolation and isolated individulas everywhere even on mainlands, and there's no such thing as a "perfect" place on earth. I've heard that it's expensive in Hawaii, no one has really answered my initial questions.
1) Would you say Hawaii is more expensive than New York City. Why or why not? What is your reason(s).
2) One responder mentioned "unique" racial makeup in Hawaii. I've asked is it true that Asians/Pacific Islanders constitute the majority in Hawaii. If so, is it changing due to other races coming to islands?
1. I have not lived in NY, but I lived in Washington, DC, for 20 years and have spent a fair amount of time working there and in other large cities. In my opinion, if you live in NYC and can afford to do everything you want to do, you will find your expenses much the same in Honolulu. Some things will cost more and some may cost less. I do not mean to say that you have to be rich to afford everything; I mean if you can afford a level that's personally comfortable in NYC, you can probably attain a similar level here. (Not true for Honolulu v smaller cities and towns and towns on the mainland, though.)
2. According to the US Census (2006), here is a breakdown of Hawaii's racial and ethnic population v. the US as a whole:
White 28.6% v. 80.1%
Black 2.5% v 12.8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.5% v. 1.0%
Asian 40% v. 4.4%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 9.1% v 0.2%
These are self-identified responses to the US Census. There are three other categories (two or more races, Hispanic/Latino, and white/not Hispanic) that people may report also. Hawaii QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
City-Data also has a breakdown of Hawaii's Asian population by country of origin as well as race at https://www.city-data.com/states/Hawa...ic-groups.html, but it does not include country of origin for Pacific Islanders.
Of course the percentages change as people move in and out. You can track the historic census data at the Census Bureau site to see which groups are growing and which are diminishing.
Last edited by whynot?; 09-14-2008 at 05:54 PM..
Reason: clarification
For me in Kauai, life seems a lot more affordable here than what my friends experience in NYC. Rent is about the same (maybe even cheaper, depending) and food costs are probably the same. For me the major difference is there is no where to shop (I am a HUGE shopper), nor is there a need to have lots of nice clothing, in the latest trends. Also, a lot of my friends have potluck cookouts and go camping on the weekends, versus going clubbing or drinking/eating at expensive places. I think I save a lot of money there. Plus, a lot of food is given to me when my friends have an overflow of their fruit trees or it is in my yard. I wouldn't imagine this being the case if I was in Oahu though...
1) Would you say Hawaii is more expensive than New York City. Why or why not? What is your reason(s).
2) One responder mentioned "unique" racial makeup in Hawaii. I've asked is it true that Asians/Pacific Islanders constitute the majority in Hawaii. If so, is it changing due to other races coming to islands?
I appreciate and need your opinions, but can anyone answer my two questions?
I haven't lived in NYC, so I can't compare the costs. How about if you post some general costs of living there and we can answer with what it costs here?
I have lived in the SF Bay Area in California, and to compare there for both questions, I can say the major difference here is - fewer choices.
While Maui and anywhere else might have homes at a wide range of prices, I think the sheer number of choices available in California (or NY) would make it easier to find some place you can afford AND that you like.
The same goes for normal purchases - In California I could find furniture for very cheap or very expensive. But in CA I could go to some place like IKEA or a local unfinished furniture store, and get something inexpensive that still looked fine. Here the furniture on the low end is either Walmart/KMart or used, and the high end is any of the ones in the furniture stores.
Food - I was spoiled in CA because there was so much produce and so cheap. Didn't realize that it was that area. Here are some prices, based on looking at recent grocery receipts. Some of the produce is organic, but not all. Receipts are from Safeway, Foodland, and a couple of the natural food stores.
Familia Swiss Muesli $7.99/box
Snap Peas $8.59/lb
Carrots $1.l59/lb
Zucchini $2.99/lb
Portobello Mushrooms $7.19/lb
Red Onions $2.29/lb
Apples Granny Smith $2.39/lb
Agave Nectar sweetener $6.19/bottle
Crystal Geyser Berry flavored fizzy water $1.16 on sale
Tomato Paste $1.59/can
White Flour Tortillas $3.39/doz
Linsterine Mint $6.99
Rice Cakes $2.99
Thai Coconut Soup $2.89/can
Frozen Brussel Sprouts $3.39/bag
How does this all compare to NYC?
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Would appreciate more details
