Home is home. I completely understand. I am Native American (San Carlos Apache) and I live on a reservation and I understand where you are coming from. I live in a rural area with less than 10 stores in the area. Moving to the city is ideal and a dream for most, we have to drive an hour out and back just to find a panda express lol. There's few opportunities here and no economical growth. We go to the neighboring towns (30 minutes to an hour depending on which way you go) just to go to Walmart or a dollar store, most of the time people aren't very friendly if you pay close attention. It's not entirely bad but, you know a bad vibe when you feel one.. moving away there's diversity and people interested in your culture, it's a nice feeling. Some people hear about or see the reservation and say "uncivilize yourself" as if we are still prisoners held against our will. But this land is all we have left, this is our history and culture. It's not always fun but it is my roots, it is family, it is home, it is what you make of it. Tough times happen anywhere you go. Family seems like a good reason to go home. Thank you, I appreciate your videos. Good luck. ✌️
I love love your story! Just not the rude ppl at times. I am also a percentage of Indian blood,born in Hawaii.lived mainland city's of San Jose, Denver and now Brisbane Queensland Australia.i have been trying to get back to Honolulu (birth) since 17 February 2019...shame how our native ppl are dying off to this new society of technology/science/$$$$. God bless you my Native Friend.
just left Oahu for FL 4 months ago... we rented a house in aiea heights for 2 amazing years... i miss the neighbors so much. they welcomed us w/open arms & bent over backwards for us, always inviting us over for aloha fridays, drinks, food, karaoke, etc... i miss the beautiful weather & trade winds whipping thru the house, the flora/vegetation, hikes, mountains, beaches, insanely blue water, diamond head views, etc. etc. etc. what an incredible experience. thank you, Hawaii!
Moved to the North Shore in 1971, Big Island in 1974 and stayed until 2010. Hawaii is the home of my soul but I nevah go back, got too small, too much pilikia...it was great in the 70's & 80's...hunt, fish, camp, any kine. Built my own home in a beautiful forest, got property but I still won't go back, sold everything...getting up in years now and I live hea now. Sometimes I get homesick, still listen to my Hawaiian music but I have my Hawaii in my heart and that's enough, everything is different now, shrinking planet plus, once a haole, always a haole no matter how you stay. Moving forward no look back...life is good.
I moved to the mainland back in 2004 to go to college. I had every intention on moving back but life happens. I grew up and as I came back year after year I started seeing hawaii in a much different perspective. It is still paradise and will always be home however, Ive decided to raise my family on the mainland. I'm now pretty established in my career, my kids in school and community etc and year by year it is getting harder to move back. Such a scary move to uproot your life to move back to a place that is much more expensive and in my opinion is ran by a bunch of crook politicians.
Same here. I moved to the mainland back in 1953 to continue my college (UH had only civil engineering, no electrical engineering). I had no intention of staying in Hawaii since jobs would be scarce; however, the changes Hawaii made in just two years being away, made it easier for me to leave the Islands. Hawaii was not the same. I do miss the food, family, beach and mountains.
@@HelloFromHawaii you’re welcome. Stumbled on you channel with your Hawaiian sun drinks and have been subscribed since. It’s cool to hear your perspective. I relate on a lot of levels. For the record pineapple orange is my favorite but pretty sure that was at the bottom of your list. 😂🤙🏽
Aloha, I left Oahu 3 years ago from the encouragement of my sister and brother in law, so me and my mom moved to Montana.. Low population and peaceful and cost of living is night and day compared... I am buying a new home.. mortgage is $1000 a month, 3 bedroom 2 car garage with big yard and they building now... I had to do it and stay because if I move back Hawaii I will be renting again... Yes I do miss Hawaii but it is so mello here and I like it... Oahu where I grew up is not the same anymore, over crowded and to expensive... inner cities with beaches... I can always visit
Qell I guess it's all perspective. Yep. Ocean is some people's paradise. Mine is having 90% income to travel and make memories and come home to owing nothing but taxes at least that's what I did.
Moved back to Hawaii in 2017 after being on the mainland since 2006. I definitely can't see myself living back on the mainland anymore (probably doesn't help that I had tons of drama when I was living there), sure Hawaii has it's issues, but it's home. My mom's getting up there too so moving to help her was one of the reasons. Luckily for me, the friends that matter (since hana butta days) have stayed here. And especially now with all the political craziness going on, the fact that we're so far away from it helps to somewhat deal with it.
Breathing Oceanic Air. Guava trees. Papaya, Lychee, Avocado, Mango trees. Mayna Birds. Pigeons cooing in the morning. Chickens declaring the mornings. The fragrance of the flowers fill the air. Foods; wea else Yu gon eat plain unsweetened mochi rice balls with kimchee, pork adobo, ahi chunks and steamed Pake porkhash topped off with malasadas & Kona coffee. Shorts & aloha pull-over shirt, 3/4-length cotton Summer halter-top muumuu, rubbah slippah, Island-Speech (Creole), laughs, joking, ackin up Local style, Music, Swim & take dip in da Ocean, play on da beach, house pahrties, eternal mornings (take fo'eva eternity to get to 11:00am), Speak Hawaiian, dip pipikaula in poi, Bon Odori, Pake New Year, visit all da Ilocano buddies house eat lumpia and pancit, look at the Stars at nite all sparkling clear, make hibachi at home all day Saturday, ............
Nice hearing your story man. I'm from the Philippines who migrated here in Denver 26 years ago and I know that feeling of always missing home. We will be visiting your beautiful state next week for 8 days. This will be our first time and so excited about it. Brw, we were just there at that L&L this past Sunday 😀
@@HelloFromHawaii thanks man! And there's another L&L that just opened in Parker and Chambers also in Aurora. Don't know if you're familiar in that area. Not that far from I-225 also.
In a way, Hawaii is like a foreign country compared to the mainland. When I moved to the mainland and back I noticed the only thing we have in common is the English language (at least nonpidgin kine) and the US Govt. Sure there's diversity like Hawaii depending the state you go to but I've noticed our diversity is very close and not as separated by highways and neighborhoods as the mainland. Helps to be an island(s) I guess.
@@islandvibez exactly. Sometimes I often wonder what would have happen if Hawaii developed on its own accord. I wouldn't mind a Kingdom of Hawaii passport haha
Thank you for another great video. With the Blue Zone shirt staring at us, I thought you would say a little about the concept of longevity and locations. Tie the concept to Hawaii's lifestyle. Okinawa is a Blue Zone, could relate the Ikigai concept. Hawaii isn't on the original Blue Zone list, but does have many centenarians. Sections of the east and north Big Island recently got Blue Zone certified. My aunt just celebrated and my grandmother was also. Great to mention about the lifestyle but could add more on the healthy living. Longer life and slower pace.
I will be moving back in four years after living on the mainland for over 25 years. I will be retiring and will be taking care of elderly parents. What I do not see in these comments is what local people leave behind on the mainland. I do not want to say Hawaii is a paradise, but neither is the mainland, particularly California. Yes, the cost of living is much lower on the mainland than Hawaii, but that is the fault of Hawaii lawmakers who refuse to break the Jones Act, which mandates all goods must first go the California then transported back. There are more job opportunities on the mainland, but you can expect lots of competition, cronyism, and discrimination. The last thing I want to mention and I have confirmed this with my long time California friends. People here are fake, entitled, hypocritical, use you, selfish, lie to your face, stab you behind your back, and racist. I cannot wait to leave the Golden State as the people here are the worst. No Aloha. People here feel no connection to others, to their community, to their culture, much less to their state.
Stuart Mori If you live CA, cost of living (real estate, taxes, gas) isn’t that much different. I sold my OC home & bought my Hilo home - no mortgage. Got my PV installed, only drive 1000 miles (both cars), no freeway stress. I’ll die here.
I live on the mainland now because I had to work 3 jobs to make ends meet for past 17yrs...too hard to live li dat but now I ste more relaxed wit 1 job
@@edsmith5848 until you're over 50 and have not a dollar to your name and cant physically work and eating dog food in 300 sq ft But hey... Palm trees lmao The grass isnt always greener on the other side.
RedLeg Outdoors I lived my life intelligently, saved my money & retired in HI. No regrets. Meanwhile my brother thought he was “free” doing drugs, living in the streets, going to jail at intervals & living off the kindness of donations. I tried SO many times in SO many ways. He got sober & was 6 months away from joining me here but he died last week w/ methamphetamine in his system. That’s what I know.
Nothing compares to Islanders and Aloha. Bad and good everywhere, but on the rocks people give more respect and help each other. To me the spirit lives in the air, Ocean, and Land. You see it in the faces and by actions. Never even close on the mainland. Its self that comes first, not Ohana.
I watch your videos from time to time. I've been on the mainland for 9 yrs now. mostly in WA state, but recently moved to Chicago. I love the mainland and I like you, I dont see myself coming back home. But every now and then I get impulse thoughts about waking up in my hometown, putting on my slippahs and going to 7-11 for spam musubi and a slurpee. So maybe someday soon I will be back, but had to say that these videos are really keeping things in perspective for me. Mahalo!
Hawaii’s high cost of living is the reason why I’m moving away after retirement. Hawaii’s homeless population has exploded mostly because other states ship their homeless to Hawaii, and the Hawaii state government is quick to get these homeless on food stamps, free healthcare, and rent stipend all the while the Hawaii taxpayers are expected to flip the bill. A new multimillion dollar homeless development is being built on the ewa side, and tax payers are paying for it. There’re good reasons why local people are moving to Arizona and Nevada.
I am born and raised in Hawaii. We moved back to the islands to help my parents 40+ years ago. When we retired we knew living there would continue to be a struggle. So we moved. Miss the islands but have no regrets. Life is easier. I miss my family and friends but don’t miss the very high cost of living.
Yup I couldn't afford to live there anymore and I'm in texas now, but I miss home so much. I am making my way back to the islands I have decided!! This year or next year!
I left for the mainland in 86’ to attend college and have never looked back. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. After graduating I ended up staying because of the opportunities. It definitely wasn’t easy but the struggle paid off. I’ve been in a career for 21 yrs, have money in the bank, own my home, met my wife and raised 2 beautiful daughters. Could I have accomplished the same things in Hawaii that I have in the mainland? TBH, I don’t think so. I say this because the median household income in Hawaii is slightly higher than the US average yet Hawaii has the highest cost of living. Unless you come from money or have a high paying job it can be difficult. There’s a lot that to be considered when moving back home from the mainland.
It's very caring of you to consider your older family members as a consideration to move back to Hawaii. It certainly hit me hard seeing my family members getting older when, as you said, think of them as being perpetually middle aged. I'd love to live on the Big Island, but at this point it does not seem feasible. I'm 55, can't wait too long, but it has to be the right time too.
Great Video! Not born in Hawaii...but my wife and I lived on O'ahu for 10 years ('05-'15)...we've been in the DC area for the last 6 years...we've already got our "moving back to Hawaii" savings started as we've had enough of the mainland. Hawaii isn't perfect, but I'd rather support and live among the community on island as it feels more like home than here. Most people on the east coast just work too hard and don't tend to enjoy the small things in life. Plus it seems in recent times, the island really needs people who want to help care for the land. Between the issues with Rail and erosion in Waikiki, there's a lot of work that needs to be done. The idea of "Malama The 'Aina" has never been so important, IMO.
Affordability is very relative, of course. Homes on the Big Island are cheaper than coastal California. A Hawaiian friend of mine moved back here from Las Vegas! Family size is an issue, because large homes are expensive in Hawaii. I also need to own my own home, but I'm in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and I think I'll be ready in about a year. I'm going to have a small house built on some vacant land I own. It's in a neighborhood, with power and water in the street. Mortgage interest rates today are insanely low and will probably never be this low again. Today you can borrow a quarter of a million dollars for less than what most people pay in rent. You can buy a condo by the ocean in Kailua-Kona for $250K or less. (it's impossible in CalIfornia!). Talk to a lender (or go online) to find out how much you can borrow at today's rates. Decide if you'll be able to find a job in Hawaii in your line of work, which pays enough to qualify for the loan. Roughly, your total monthly debt (house, car, etc.) should not exceed more than about 37% of your gross monthly income -- but some lenders can stretch that a bit. Most working couples have a good chance, when 2 incomes are involved. Because many Hawaiian houses have an "ohana" or guest room, 2 (or more) working individuals could buy a house together, even if they aren't in a relationship -- as long as both qualify and both are on title. You can always sell later when it's time to move on -- but at least you'll have your foot in the door of home ownership. You can then go online and shop for properties in Hawaii. Hawaii's market is hot right now, so anything you see online has probably already been sold, but this is just to give you an idea. Today's economy is weak and I think the housing market will be getting soft later this year, so you may find some opportunities. Good luck!
@@expatatlarge5286 Most people from anywhere would be miserable anywhere else. When you're talking about people who want to live away from their origin location, you're not talking about most people.
I'm a local moved out of Hawaii about 30 years ago but do visit Hawaii once or twice a year since my family is still in Hawaii. Looking forward returning to Hawaii permanently once I retire. BTW, my current residency is in Japan.
@@HelloFromHawaii Covid-19 situation is still unstable but looking at the brighter side when you and I can travel travel between Hawaii and Japan without worries.
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I’ve been living on the mainland for 14 years. I love Hawaii but it’s so expensive to buy a house. My husband is from the East coast so we have no intention of returning. I still visit every year and my family comes to visit me. Hawaii will always be home to me. I miss the plate lunches and spending time with family and friends.
I’m not moving back, I want to move to Hawaii. Obviously, I’m from the mainland, I find the winter season too cold now for me. Also, enough with daylight savings time.
I'm in Hawaii right now. I'm from the mainland. I've been here for 2 months. I miss the mainland food. Home is home. Crazy how you can have the same feeling but reversed.
I'm from Chicago and have moved all over my whole life. Moved to Hawaii in Jun 19 and LOVE IT! Why...the spirit of Aloha and Shaka or hang loose. That sounds simple right. I say that because right now I'm so turned off by what I see in the mainland and again, peace for me is important. I've actually been able to pay bills and save! The whole world is expensive, so don't let that stop you.
I just moved back. I appreciate the mainland and what it taught me, but now I know why we try so hard to keep mainland riff raff out of our beautiful islands.
I grew up in Washington (state) but went to the University of Hawaii for my BA in the mid-seventies. I returned to Washington afterwards but regret leaving, especially every rainy cloudy winter here. Thoughts of moving back when I retired but the high cost of living makes me think twice. Housing is really getting expensive here in Washington too, though. I really enjoy your videos. They bring back a lot of good memories!
I’m in Washington now and moving to Hawaii in October 2024! Currently saving now as my job transfers ! I hate the winters here and the summers are too short and Smokey now 💨
I would love to move back to Hawai'i, but so many factors prevent us right now.... Me and my wife always joke that we would move if we won the lottery, but fo' reals that seems like the only way it would work out.
@@HelloFromHawaii Definitely. We were supposed to go to Hawai’i last summer (haven’t been home in over five years) but COVID. Hoping to make it back this summer.
I bounced around between mainland and hawaii for a few years in early adulthood and theres no place like home. Family is a big deal when considering where to live. Not sure I will stay here forever depending on how things change but right now, there isn't anywhere else. There could also be something said for the comfort of being in the same place you grew up. The familiarity of knowing every back road and passing by places and remembering old experiences. You can probably develop a similar feeling somewhere else but it takes time. Of course this only really applies if you didnt move around a bunch as a kid.
Born 81’ and grew up there till 94’ when my family moved to Seattle. I had such a great childhood! Still visit and have family there though I like Washington too and currently live there
I could relate to just about everything in your video. Ive been away from Maui for 20 years now. Still hoping to make it back, sometime soon. Thanks for sharing.
@@lilianabeltran9811 Los Garcias in Kailua and Taco Kabana in town cooked by Mexicans other than that don't waste your money locals have no clue how to make a taco lol...they think mexican food is taco bell
I'm moving to Hawaii in a few months... been planning this for 5 years. As a military member, I traveled to Hawaii many times. Love the culture, its people, vibe, music and weather. I've been living in New York City for more than 30 years... time to retire, cash out, buy land and build a green friendly house and relax. Lucky I have family in Oahu 🤙
I’d wait a bit before investing that much. The economy is tanking faster than average, and with the exodus of tax paying residents, whoever is left will see very large tax increases. New development in central Oahu wants 900k for a 1200sq ft house on a 3000sq ft lot.
I love my Oahu💕💕💕 it’s expensive but it’s so worth it. Anywhere you live there is pros and cons. But here there are so many pros🤙🏽. I lived in DC for 10 years I enjoyed living there butttttt now whenever I go to mainland I cannot stand it. People are beautiful here, they actually care. So yeah you pay for living in Paradise and you live once so might as well live somewhere like hawaii🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I really enjoy your videos. They must take a lot of effort to make, but they are really relevant to all the young professionals living or thinking of living in Hawaii.
When I left Hawaii, it was supposed to be a little while, a few years. Then it became 5 years. Then 10 years. Then 20 years. Then almost half my life. Now more than half my life. I live on the mainland now longer than Hawaii. Am I still “Local?”
Hale Sweet Hale. Incredibly satisfying video-thank you so much for making it! I moved to Vermont with my partner in 2015, 2 years later he told me for several years he had fallen out of love, and feels terrible he moved me away from my home. I have tried to fit in here as an artist, and it is lacking so much for me here. I miss my Ohana and gallery I used to paint at soooo much. My heart knows I need to return. It has been hard paying for all the bills when we used to split them. Logistically I have done to move and shipped my car, somehow I feel like I would be returning with my head down and defeated. The attitude of the east coast is cold & I am noticing I too am getting a hard shell. Thank you so much for your video, it covered all the feels and I miss the food, food here is just fuel, not soul satisfying. I thing I will cry at my first plate lunch when I return home. \!!!/ I miss shakas & surfing so much.
i left, however... look at the real estate costs.. and we know about the termites. got a million? My parents are there in a beautiful valley, my daughter moved to maui looking to buy a 500 plus lot !!
I’m a Howlie who used to own a condo in Makakilo Hts. Back in 99.... lived there for 6 years or so and boy do I miss it. I moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to my aging parents and family. I truly miss the islands and miss my old friends. I doubt that I can afford to move back since the housing market is so high now compared to the 90’s. Libby’s Manapua!!! I still to this day make my own Loco Moco’s lol....
OMG.... your right! I just watched the local news clip on you tube about their last day back in 2019. That was my go to breakfast. 2021 is not looking good already lol. Take care.
Just Jeff you apparently don't know Hawaii. We are very aware of the very many cultures and NO we don't consider Mexicans haole lol, where you'd hear that? That's like saying Samoan and Tongans are the same. In Hawaii we respect each culture. So Jalisco Jalisco there is no "ignorance". And if you have that attitude about us, please stay away.
@@Sayerdify Yea rarely does somebody call me Haole lol, but when a local does I love putting them in thier place. And I love nobody out here can pronounce my Mexican surname :) A lill dose of thier own medicine is good for the lil racist ones
@@Lopezflies888...As in ANY culture, people experience different levels/types of racism/ignorance, depending on Your level acceptance/resistance to change. You want to be respected? Be respectful of those different from you. Being born/raised in this land, I am PROUD to call Hawaii "Ku'u Home!" I have meet the United Nations living here...Latino, S American, Polynesian, Micronesian, Oriental/SE Asian, African/Afrikaans, Middle/Central/Eastern European, Scandinavian. For the most part, those cultures are fun-loving, cordial, inquisitive, accepting & easy to talk to. Dunno what else to say except "Good Luck!"
I lived in Honolulu in almost every part of oahu from the mid 1970s till 2005 when I got a job as a lecturer on most of the major cruiselines. I started with NCL hawaii cruises and worked my way up to world cruises. The good things like being able to eat at happy hour complimentary at competing nite clubs existed many years. Just looking at how the stores changed in alamoana shopping center from being inexpensive for locals to now being high end expensive for tourists has changed things. Almost all of the nite clubs are gone. However Hawaii has the best overall it climate worldwide. I can compare this with over 200 cruise ports
@Olive Trees when cruise ships are running Honolulu is usually last stop before seattle on transpacific s from Asia or Australia . No passenger service is allowed between two usa ports because of the jones act.
@@HelloFromHawaii Yeah I remember the good ol' days. Liberty House, Joe Pacific Shoe Findings, Iida's, and ... Patty's Chinese Kitchen! Also I grew up along with the koi fish there, knew a lot of them individually. But they have some neat stuff there now like I guess in Shirokiya's they have a food court with $1 beers lol. Lots more Japanese stuff now.
@Olive Trees Yeah with you there. When I return home I'm considering either flying 1st class because all the time I was an elite athlete I never rode 1st 'cos humble li'dat. Or take a cruise that goes to Hawaii and jump ship.
@@HelloFromHawaii ICYDK. Ala Moana tried to boot Longs Drugs out the same way they originally booted Foodland out. Their reasoning was that Longs and Foodland were not representing the “luxury clientele” they are trying to serve.
I moved back several times. I preferred living on the continent. The last time I was back in Honolulu was 7 years ago. I spent two years taking care of my dad and working. The people and food were awesome. I had changed since moving to the mainland for college back in the 80s. I've moved back three times as an adult. I missed the free shipping, lower cost of living, and being able to travel and meet new people and hear different stories. I can find Hawaiian food and people everywhere. Some of my friends have moved back. I will be moving to NM. The people are simular, but not Hawaiian, its my home away from home now. I have lived in AZ, CA, OR, TX, NM, and CO. I like NM the best beautiful geology and cultures.
I have dreamt of retiring in Hawaii even when I was in my 20s. I made it happen sooner than I planned. I moved to Oahu in my early 30s and 14 years after, I have established a life here that I’ve always wanted. I agree, things have changed. My husband was born and raised here and even him said the same thing. Good for you for moving back, it wasn’t easy but home will always be home.
Am Native American and ran into a Native Hawaiian yesterday in the grocery store who mistaken me for a Philipino.lol. But we had great respect for another, like a buddy of mine in the military who also was Hawaiian. Would like to travel there in the near future
I love Hawaii and it's been my home since 1986, but I'm within 4 years till retirement and unfortunately my wife and I are going to move to the mainland where we can actually buy a home and it won't cost us $780,000 and we'll have a better quality of life. Right now people struggle to pay their mortgages and other expenses and after all is said and done they have little left over for themselves..... literally living paycheck to paycheck. Sure we'll miss the people here.... some of the best in the world and the variety of cultures, but it's time to move on.
In Sept 2021 I will be a mainlander six years. I keep hoping to return to my beloved Hawaii nie. But when I go looking for rentals I just can't afford the rent - anymore. No way could I buy unless a leasehold but who in their right mind wants that trap? It saddens me that I may have to live on the mainland forever. Even considered outfitting my truck to live off grid on Kauai even tho I'm from Niu Valley on Oahu I understand that life is far behind me after my husband passed. I miss home greatly and not a day goes by I don't long to return. But as each day passes I clearly see the possibility slips farther and farther away.
I'm going to state the obvious, but is there a career change or business change you could consider to increase your income so that $1000-3000 rent or mortgage wasn't out of reach? You can literally learn anything, ANYTHING on the internet right now and level up your potential. RU-vid is at your fingertips, how can you shift your current situation and make some small changes to improve your tomorrow? I'm sad by hearing you admit feeling hopeless so just remember, you can take action every day for a better tomorrow. The sun always rises in the morning. 🌞
I want laulau now. I've been away 31 years and I wanna go home now. When I would come back from the mainland, fruends there on big island would say I was taking too fast
I enjoyed the video, especially for all of the local people contemplating the move back to the islands. I agree its a big decision going back to the islands or even leaving the islands to live on the Continental US. One has to determine what's right for the individual. Is the quality of the type of life one wants to live, the abundance of 'more' or what's satisfying? When I was younger, I wanted 'more' but then the doubts of self-worth/value kicked in. I finally landed a line of work that I was enjoying and had thoughts of seeing the 'world' but while away in training, I discovered contentment wasn't what I was doing but who I was doing it with. After that, working abroad wasn't as important anymore if I was without the people who made me feel content. I found my peace and while I have friends and family on the continental U.S, I think I stand to lose more of myself than I stand to gain by moving away from the islands. I'm satisfied for now. Maybe one day I'll feel different but for now its good. Stay healthy and happy back in the islands.
I moved from the mainland to Hawaii. Being hapa & raised my first 5+ years in Japan, not seeing Asians was strange. But in CA there were more, especially in Orange Co. w/ growing Vietnamese population. In ‘78, I bummed around HNL & felt “at home”. Fast forward to 2016 and I retired in Hilo. The stress/traffic on the mainland, the emphasis on expensive cars, jewelry, fashion & other symbols of wealth aren’t here. Instead of the middle finger, we throw shaka, instead of being cut-off in traffic, the other driver waves you through & I’ve only worn shorts, T-shit & slippahs most days. I could go on but the air, water, sea & land are just better.
@@HelloFromHawaii it wasn’t tough at all as with age I found out that all that crap owns you not the other way around. What Hawaii has is unlike anything in the world.
Hawai'i is the epitome of Uniqueness. The Culturally Grounded and Originated. The Geographic Polynesian Oceanic Individuality. If you're born and raised there; Kama'Aina or Native Kanaka/Vahine, The Local Islander Root within you *Never* *Ever* *Leaves* *You*
I moved away too when I was in my 20’s, and returned to Hawaii because my grandparents and family was here. Now. That they’ve passed away here, I’m thinking of moving back there because I want to buy and own a home, as I’m tired of renting an apartment here. Also, my aunty has moved to Texas and cousins moved to Las Vegas because it was just too expensive here.
I have a job offer for 45/hr with OT to move to Honolulu that is in an infrastructure based trade. I have a family of 4. All Los Angeles natives so high taxes, housing costs, homelessness, and crime is normal. But it is completely uprooting everyone to do this. I have no hobbies or a need to travel. I actually enjoy working. But should I do the move?
How old are your kids? Their education will be an issue. Private schools are very expensive. What about your spouse and her need to travel and her need for hobbies? The islands can be very lonely for a spouse even with a family. Having said that, you can always move back if it doesn't work out.
Sometimes I get nostalgic but I feel like Hawaii I grew up in doesn't exist anymore. My family had lived in Hawaii for generations but we were the first to move away in '96 when I was in high school. My dad got a promotion and it required us to move. Finished high school, then went to college, and started a career all on the mainland and I've never had a realistic opportunity to move back. Since '96 all my childhood friends have moved to the mainland, most of them for college and they never went back. My parents retired and stayed on the mainland. Nearly every single member of my extended family eventually moved too. I've only got one auntie and uncle who still lives in Hawaii but their kids (my cousins) are in CA and they're looking to sell their house and move to be closer to them. I effectively have no friend and family left, and each time I visit the place changes more and more. The demographics are definitely different and while they're still plenty of Aloha, it's not the same Hawaii from when I was a kid. It's awesome some people can move back but in my experience most don't.
Sorry to hear that your family has mostly moved on. I suspect that will continue to happen to other families. Hawaii is pretty different from the 90s (when I grew up).
Aloha from the Big Island! We're actually from the mainland. We moved to Oahu in January 2011. After 4.5 years in Waipahu and Nanakuli, we moved to the Big Island and bought an acre. We lived in tents, with kids, for 5 years. This year, we finally built the first 20x20 section of our house. I have no desire to go back to the mainland, and can't imagine living anywhere else. I've lived/been in every state from Michigan to Oklahoma and west to the coast... Hawaii is the only place that ever felt like home. The mana here is incredible! The Islands stole my heart and saved my soul 💕
Miss home... hope to move home one day so my grandchildren can be raised with our culture and values. Sad to see all the changes foreigners are bringing, changing the landscape and driving up property taxes.
I think the cost of living is overblown in Hawaii. The cost living index shows it is only slightly higher in Honolulu by 2.8% compared to LA. I live in West LA and live half time in Honolulu. Costs are comparable. In fact, if one moves from SF or NYC then hawaii costs less. Only makes a difference if your coming from hicksville.
@@HelloFromHawaii my other comment was deleted. Basically the cost of living for 2022 found honolulu CHEAPER to live in than LA by 4.1%. The income in Honolulu is less than LA by 8.8%. Difference of about 4% for cost of living and salary accounted.
If I could I would. But the quality of life I have in the mainland is not possible for me to achieve back home. Maybe one day that will change, but its going on two decades since I've left. I just wish I could visit more often and stay longer each time, that would be perfect.
First off, get your Chicken Katsu from L & L Kamehameha Shopping Center, the best! Secondly, I just retired from a middle-class job. And although I'm settled in Hawaii, I find a good amount of my co-workers moving to the mainland upon their retirement. Although they made enough to make ends meet while living, working and raising a family here, it wasn't enough to live through a comfortable retirement. So I find many of them are choosing to leave to stretch their retirement finances and reside in comfort. Lastly, people need to do their research and plan accordingly. Living in Hawaii does take a lot of sacrifice, especially financially. Most people here can only afford an apartment or townhouse, whereas the same money would get you a three-bedroom house in many parts of the mainland. And most of them won't be able to pay off the mortgage before retirement. THUS REALITY . . .
I left CA at 19 with a skateboard and back pack, and have been in HI 20 years now. UH grad, ended up teaching there for a minute too. Had an amazing run at things as a townie in Waiks. Lots of surf across the street from my condo, paddled for a handful of years, one man’d, ocean swims and BBQ’s at Kaimana, running around Kap park, hitting the pull-up bars, Monserrat for good local grinds, Duke’s every Sunday, for two decades, to see Henry play, yoga in Leahi park after surf sessions at Tong’s, great hikes and trail running. Getting older sucked, cause all the fun stuff was ruined with traffic, crime, homeless, and sellout politicians that homogenized Waikiki, destroying all the local treasures to make it another elitist/globalist high end hell. First they killed The Wave, then Pipeline Cate, then the Dog House, then Magoos, then Red Lions, then Nashville’s. Too many I can’t even remember, not, now there’s nowhere for locals to afford a beer out with friends for entertainment. Then Waikiki got dangerous; stabbings, shootings, murders. Then it got dirty with homeless shooting up and pooping it up. Then the LA haoles came and tried to make it like Malibu hipsterville. I saw that decline over five years and moved to BI. Got lots of space in Kona now, and it’s like going back a bit to old Hawaii, but I miss my friends on Oahu, and the covid lie has basically ruined both places, so I see and here. I’ve been thinking of leaving, but when you say that in local forums, you get nothing but hate. But seriously, Hawaii can’t sustain this covid nonsense forever. If Oahu is struggling economically, outer islands times two. And when the nonsense started there was a constant threat of being fined for going beach cause everyone is brainwashed by the tv and can’t look at data nor understand it. But how can anyone ever live on the mainland after their entire adult life in HI? What the hell would you do, or look forward to? Driving? Even more people yet? More traffic? But sadly, a lot of the old Hawaii nostalgia that was a sort of unique sense of freedom; under tiki torches, the moonlight off the Pacific, balmy trade winds, and the faint sounds of live music coming out of each venue, have been crushed by megalomaniacs like Zuck and Gates as we’re no longer separate and free from mainland/global nonsense. :( We just pay more to endure the same drama brought on by greedy, sociopathic politicians like Ige, Green, and Caldsmell. I guess I’m just stuck watching old Magnum PI reruns if I want to dream about old Hawaii and how free it was.
@@HelloFromHawaii it’s more laid back for sure, but there’s zero good grinds here Kona side. None. You have to get used to mediocre food. :( The only thing cool is avocados and papayas are free. People give them away. I miss food on Oahu most; Sweet E’s, Pioneer, Bogarts, Fresh Catch, Banan, Olive Tree Cafe, Diamondhead Grill, Jimbo’s, Do’ Ne, Bangkok Chef, Duke’s, Sansei Happy Hour :( Oh, and Iriefuni...but that’s been gone maybe 7 years now. :( Food was sooo good before town went hipster.
Right now, 10-day quarantines on all arrivals -- strictly enforced! -- unless you test negative within 36 hours of your flight, and re-test negative on arrival. This goes for returning residents and for inter-island flights as well! The rules change a lot and each island has its own separate policies, so verify before you book a flight! After vaccines become available it should loosen up considerably.
Hawaii has ALOHA, and although it's fading, it's still a real foundation for our society. The food is amazing too, so many different types of great food thanks to the mix of cultures here. If you want a mainland vibe in Hawaii just visit SALT in Kakaako and you'll feel like you're in LA.
Sup brah, after 50 years of living exclusively in Hawai'i, recent events in 2020 & COVID has forced me to the point of considering moving to the Mainland. Lost my job here on 'Oahu and there's little options for replacement jobs in the restaurant sector (and tbh little interest to jump back into that sector after 30+ years in it). Want to start over again but at 50, 51 in a couple weeks, not much options are left. Mulling my choices...
@@HelloFromHawaii That's what I'm currently starting to look into now (since the beginning of 2021). It's a learning process as I've never had to do this before, so I'm figuring out things as I go on. The tricky thing is not stepping into scam traps. Almost fell into a few, so now my primary email has been spammed quite a few junk emails (couple hundreds DAILY). So watch where ye submit yer email addy, buddy. :( Better yet, get a separate email addy for web email submissions. I'll let ye know how it goes tho.
I have the impression that many many people moved to Hawaii. In this posting, you said there are less people in Hawaii, I’m. Senior, maybe I am taking it in a different way.
Agreed, home is home, but I just can't do it. We left after retirement in 2007 and yeah sure, there have been many discussions on this topic at our kitchen table here in Arizona. We come back every few years or so and it's just so .... everything! Expensive, overly crowded, the poverty, the isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean-you're a captive audience ... I'll stop there. But on the other side of the coin, there's all of the aforementioned, like DA BEACH!!! The food, the people, family, lifelong friends, the Aloha, the beauty, the easy-going lifestyle ... mainland folks don't get it. Yes, I miss home DESPERATELY, but ... my retirement check goes sooooooooo much father here on the Mainland.
I know that it’s a terrible idea but I would love to move to Hawaii to teach. Im also in my late twenty’s and we don’t have any connections out there, but I have felt this in my heart for a few years. Do you have any thoughts you can share? If it ever worked I would most likely try Hawaii or Maui. Oahu seems unattainable just due to cost and my wife and I not loving big big cities (ie town) and we actually stayed in Waianae before and loved it but being white we don’t think I’d ever be accepted there. I love your channel and all your videos.
Actually, the population (residents) does not affect Hawaii's taxation - more residents = less tax or vice versa. Because Hawaii's #1 industry is tourism. The tax revenue from that alone is $2 billion and income tax revenue (working-class) average only $7 million per year. That's a HUGE gap in between which makes you wonder - *Why tax the working-class earned income?* It doesn't make sense. If Hawaii hits a deficit. Then the Government itself is too large for a small island to afford or they have a spending problem. I mean $2B?!! Other than that, Hawaii is definitely a great place to live and there's no place like it🤙...
