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I would think that cost of living and proximity to the mainland (being "stuck" on a small island) would be the main reason. I've only visited Oahu twice and loved it, but to be stuck on land that I can drive "cross country" in a couple of hours is claustrophobic. Plus, the cost just to fly to go somewhere is expensive.
I've heard that argument a lot, but I never really get it. In general, wherever I've lived, I get into a comfort zone of routines and nearby places that I enjoyed. When I lived in new york city, I never went to new jersey. When I lived in Minneapolis and Portland, I almost never left the city limits.
I think anyone with a strong desire to drive 200-300 miles a day, must be living in a really small town with any kind of worthwhile amenity a few hundred miles away.
I've heard that argument a lot, but I never really get it. In general, wherever I've lived, I get into a comfort zone of routines and nearby places that I enjoyed.
I think anyone with a strong desire to drive 200-300 miles a day, must be living in a really small town with any kind of worthwhile amenity a few hundred miles away.
While 200-300 miles each day is off the chart extreme - one has to remember, Oahu is an island of approximately 40 x 20 miles, that is it.
Let me put that in perspective just how small of an island this is, to go from San Francisco to San Jose is a further drive than going from Hawaii Kai to Waianae (for those geographically challenged with the island of Oahu, that is the east to west sides of the islands). Think about it - people commute SF to San Jose all the time - go to hockey games in San Jose, Great America, even Santa Clara to watch a football game is further. Its a common drive.
Other things one can do if they want to jump in the car in SF - Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Napa/Sonoma - here on Oahu, you are essentially stuck unless you want to jump on a plane.
I've heard that argument a lot, but I never really get it. In general, wherever I've lived, I get into a comfort zone of routines and nearby places that I enjoyed. When I lived in new york city, I never went to new jersey. When I lived in Minneapolis and Portland, I almost never left the city limits.
I think anyone with a strong desire to drive 200-300 miles a day, must be living in a really small town with any kind of worthwhile amenity a few hundred miles away.
I agree. One of the nice things about living in Honolulu is you don't have to drive far to enjoy life. People that move here from many parts of California say how the North Shore from downtown is a short "every day" drive. Apparently they've all been conditioned in a car-centric society to think 1-2 hours/50+ mile drives is just a normal part of life. Thank goodness I haven't been conditioned to accept that.
I agree. One of the nice things about living in Honolulu is you don't have to drive far to enjoy life. People that move here from many parts of California say how the North Shore from downtown is a short "every day" drive. Apparently they've all been conditioned in a car-centric society to think 1-2 hours/50+ mile drives is just a normal part of life. Thank goodness I haven't been conditioned to accept that.
To me a 1 hour drive is long. I think it's amazing that people think of Oahu as a paradise because the beach is an hour away from where they live. Does that mean San Antonio is paradise? Houston?
To me a 1 hour drive is long. I think it's amazing that people think of Oahu as a paradise because the beach is an hour away from where they live. Does that mean San Antonio is paradise? Houston?
North Shore is the boonies beach for the overwhelming population on Oahu. It's a long trek for most locals. However, most people in town, Kailua or East Honolulu have access to the beach inside a 15-20 minute drive.
While 200-300 miles each day is off the chart extreme - one has to remember, Oahu is an island of approximately 40 x 20 miles, that is it.
Let me put that in perspective just how small of an island this is, to go from San Francisco to San Jose is a further drive than going from Hawaii Kai to Waianae (for those geographically challenged with the island of Oahu, that is the east to west sides of the islands). Think about it - people commute SF to San Jose all the time - go to hockey games in San Jose, Great America, even Santa Clara to watch a football game is further. Its a common drive.
Other things one can do if they want to jump in the car in SF - Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Napa/Sonoma - here on Oahu, you are essentially stuck unless you want to jump on a plane.
When I lived in SF, I didn't like leaving the city. I went to Oakland twice, went to SJ a few times just to confirm that I really had no reason to go there. 99% of the time, I had no interest to leave SF. I had my routines right in the city itself that I enjoyed. A routine of driving open highways on a regular basis generally involves an existence of small-town living with nothing to do in your town.
If and when I did go on a big road trip from SF, I planned it 6 months in advance, and it wouldn't be much different than flying to the place and starting it there.
Anyways, to me, Oahu has a ton of great road trips. I've driven all over the Island, and you can spend an entire day of it. If Oahu is 40 x 20 miles, that's around 120 miles going around, which is enough for me, particularly with all that is packed and available in Honolulu offerings alone, let alone the Island.
Last edited by Tiger Beer; 07-25-2015 at 12:24 PM..
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