Typical reasons people move to the mainland or back to the mainland (Honolulu: condo)

[Dthraco]

We have plenty of conversations on here about people asking about moving here, but I didn’t see anything fresh on why people move away. Thought it might be helpful to point out the common reasons people move away. I’ll Start:

Cost of living
Be closer to Family
Tired of the compromises
Duty Station reassignment / job transfer
Long term impact on retirement

[prospectheightsresident]

I see your location is still listed as Honolulu. Do you still live there/plan to return?

For me, I moved to Oahu in March of 2016 for work (military officer here). I moved away in August of 2019 in a duty station reassignment to the east coast.

I plan to move back to Oahu next year (won't know if this will happen until August 1st of this year, though it is all but certain to happen) for work.

There are many things that I like about living in Hawaii, to include nice weather, slower pace of life, good food, nice people, higher pay (even considering the higher cost of living compared to many places) given the higher housing allowance and COLA I get paid out there, etc. I do not like how far away it is from friends and family on the mainland, though.

[Dthraco]

Still in Honolulu, been here for 10 years now. Have had tons of friends leave over the years though.

You bring up a good point - Military. Being Military has some huge advantages that the general public does not get. COLA, and use of the Commissary are HUGE.

[whtviper1]

Let’s not kid ourselves. Downsizing to an under 1000 sq ft place at half your pay isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll likely not get visited. Realize living here isn’t a vacation. Understand it’s a small island. You are probably a minority - and not everyone adjusts to that.

[Futuremauian]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Let’s not kid ourselves. Downsizing to an under 1000 sq ft place at half your pay isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll likely not get visited. Realize living here isn’t a vacation. Understand it’s a small island. You are probably a minority - and not everyone adjusts to that.

I moved from 4 bedrooms in California to 1 bedroom in Maui and wouldn't go back for anything. The fact that my condo is so close to the ocean that I can toss in a stone from my lanai makes up for the loss of square footage. I never get tired of that view! I've also found a retirement job I enjoy and made some good friends here.

If I ever leave it would likely be for advanced medical care. It is pretty limited here.

[prospectheightsresident]

Originally Posted by Dthraco

Still in Honolulu, been here for 10 years now. Have had tons of friends leave over the years though.

You bring up a good point - Military. Being Military has some huge advantages that the general public does not get. COLA, and use of the Commissary are HUGE.

Oh, it's huge. If I return to Hawaii next year as planned, I'll be getting at least another $12,000 (and possibly 50% more than that) a year when you factor in increased housing pay and COLA. And all tax free.

I definitely shop at the commissary more frequently when I live in Hawaii vs. when I live on the mainland as the price differences are more stark.

[Dthraco]

Some good input! Update to the list on why people choose to leave is below. Note that most military members experience a different lifestyle due to the benefits that are provided which make life here easier (rightfully so), and they typically don’t have as much say on coming to or leaving the islands. This list is more focused on people who choose to leave:

Cost of living
-Smaller housing for the money as compared to mainland
-Lower income for the same type of work

Be closer to Family
-If visited here, those visits drop off over the years

Tired of the compromises

Job transfer

Long term impact on retirement

NEW:
Unmatched expectations
-Expectation that vacation lifestyle is similar to local lifestyle

Island Fever
-The island is only so big. At some point you will have visited most things to do several times over.

Cultural Differences
-Because the primary race/culture is Asian/Polynesian some people do not adjust or choose not to

Medical Care
-Advanced medical care is not as accessible here

[prospectheightsresident]

I like the list! I'll just add that military moves are important to discuss in my view as many of us do have a say in getting stationed in Hawaii. And many of us choose to come in the first place, refuse to come back, decide to leave, or fight like hell to come back for a host of reasons. Note, more than a few also decide to stay and retire on the island, whether that's an official military retirement or just staying on the islands after otherwise separating.

[mxg67]

School, career, more pay, lower costs, more excitement or things to do, lifestyle.