[ForStarters]

Ohhhh Hawaii... Been there a few times. Second best state in the union behind Michigan, IMO of course. I really dig Honolulu, but but Maui is awesome too! I must say I'm a little jealous... I remember Hawaii as a magical place; gorgeous sunsets, the smell of the ocean air, banana leaves, hammocks tied to palm trees, frozen cocktails, hula girls, bonfires, and sandy beaches. Enjoy it my friend!

[dreamsailor]

5 interviews in 2 weeks? wow! I almost want my husband to have a look lol. He's a chemist too.
I understand it could be a bit scary to go to a drastically different place than where you've been comfortable with. I'm struggling with that issue currently too, but so long as you see it as an experience or adventure, you'll feel better.

[Luzette]

I would love to visit Hawaii. My brother lives in Honolulu and wants to come back to Michigan. No one believes me when I tell them this, but he is a big outdoors guy who misses the kind of things we have here. He doesn't like big city life or the hot weather. I think he is more the exception so I hope you love it there, and I wish you the best of luck!

[DaniellaG]

Would your marriage last if you did not move?
It is normal to have mixed feelings with any move. There is a lot of unknown especially with no job lined up and not being familiar with the area.
I hope things work out

[kma2]

Well, having moved from Southern California to Detroit Metro (Plymouth) a year ago, I would tell you that no matter where you are, as long as you're with the person/people that you love, you will be fine. My husband came out here a month before I did, and I was a little worried/excited myself.

One tip to mention, if/when you do move, love the place you are going to for what it is. Don't constantly compare it to where you are from. I found myself doing this for the last year, and it's very unproductive, and an easy way to get down. Beleive me, there's a lot to compare btw CA and MI!

You have an opportunity that many people in the Detroit Area, or other areas for that matter, would never get. Good luck!

[jmlowman]

You might want to cruise the Hawaii forum on City-Data, if you haven't done so already. We are retired and are looking seriously toward a move to the Big Island.

I'm really surprised that your wife not only found a teaching position there, but also is getting a relocation stipend? Teachers are employees of the state, rather than the individual school districts. When my wife was at a conference at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, the participants were mainly K-12 teachers. I heard a comment made by the facilitator that two teachers, married to each other, would not be able to afford to own a home in Honolulu. That doesn't sound like good news.

The two main reasons that people who have moved to Hawaii move back to the mainland seem to be "island fever" and missing friends and family back on the mainland. You will occasionally see comments about the locals being unfriendly to mainlanders, but if you don't act like a tourist, you should be fine.

We've visited six times and have loved each of the three islands (haven't been to Maui yet).

Best of luck with your relocation!

[Debbie SE MI]

Been their and if given the chance would be HAPPY to live their, I have a neice that moved their about 5years ago and loves it. Your young enjoy the adventure with your wife, sure you will both have a wonderful time.

[Tyryztoll]

Not many folks get the chance to experience Hawaii on a full time basis. It'd be hard for me to turn down an opportunity like that. Michigan aint goin' anywhere........come back if things don't work out.

[Jwo85]

I have not found really one good thing about Novi all this summer. I'm sure there is more stuff to do in Oahu than Novi.

[Giesela]

You don't have to stay forever but I think its important to really leave home in a big way and experience other places at least once. So regardless of Detroit's status etc. I think its a good thing. Make the most of it because futures are uncertain.