Pros and cons to living in Hawaii: Information before you make the move to the islands
Have you ever considered the move to Hawaii and wondered what it is really like outside of the fun vacations you’ve had to paradise? This quick guide will share all the pros and cons to living in Hawaii with a good overview of all the good and bad things you will find daily life to be like and if it really is for you.
I’ve lived on the islands for over 14 years and for me it is a wonderful life, but you do give up some things and a different quality of life that is more limited than the mainland USA. Of course there are pros and cons to living on the islands and we will share all of those thoughts below.
First the Pros of living in Hawaii
An easier lifestyle, friendly people, fresh food and produce, there’s so many good things about living on the islands.
Yes, you will live in Paradise in Hawaii
If you are looking for a tropical lifestyle with a warm environment, outdoor pursuits, friendly people and living the life you want to have here, then Hawaii really is paradise. With a variety of choices on where to live and enjoy daily life here, you can really carve your own pace and place in any community or island you are attracted to. Paradise in Hawaii begins with you, your ohana and feeling like you belong here. Each island affords different price entry points for rentals or owning a home so it’s up to you to research carefully what your piece of paradise should be.
Tip – join Facebook groups in communities you’re interested in and you can learn fron different topics and ask a variety of questions.
The weather is fantastic
With average temperatures in Hawaii around 75-85 degrees depending on the wet or dry season, you’ll always have warm weather to enjoy a daily life here on the islands. You can actually wear t-shirts and shorts year round and stuffy outfits and suits are not required for most daily activities including work.
The weather here on the islands fluctuates in little between the dry and wet seasons during the year and occasional storms. But, overall, the temperatures are pleasant but dryer and hotter on the western side of each island.
Tip – The eastern or windward side of the island tends to get the most moisture through the year and more so during the winter months or the wet season.
Aloha is alive here on the islands
You’ll be surprised to find the Aloha spirit here on the islands to be genuine and friendly. Simple things like people letting you cut in line and drive in front of them, friendly greetings with strangers you meet and warm smiles truely exists on the islands.
Know that the aloha spirit is alive and you will also want to share this unique and beautiful gesture daily in your life with everyone around you. Also, you get what you put into this spirit and lifestyle so make it real in your own mind and hearts.
More relaxed and easy lifestyle on the islands
You’ll find that the relaxed and laid-back vibe is real and appealing to living here on the islands. The slower pace of life, simpler living and Hawaii does offer a sense of tranquility and calm compared to more stressful situations on the mainland. This casual and relaxed lifestyle offers greater balance, harmony and quality of life.
Tip – enjoy a sunrise or sunset or have some new friends over for a bbq or potluck.
Pro: Strong commitment to the environment
In Hawaii it’s all about the Aina (land) and Malama Aina (Taking care of the environment. There really is a strong commitment to environmental consciousness is one of the many benefits of living on the islands. Fortunately, Hawaii has been a leader in terms of eco and sustainability efforts to protect all the limited natural resources of the island.
Taking the lead to combat climate change, the state government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use more clean energy by 2045.
Cons to living in Hawaii
With every positive, there is always a con to living here in Hawaii and we point out some of the not so attractive aspects of living here. You’ll get to understand all of these points below before you decide if this is where you belong.
Hawaii is very expensive
Everything seems to be a lot more expensive on the islands. With over 80 percent of products imported from the mainland, the costs of everything skyrockets. Also, depending on what area you are interested in living in, rents or buying a place is also very expensive. So, you do need to factor an increased cost of living on the islands.
Keeping within budget is important from shopping, groceries to eating out so always consider what you plan for each month or weekly budget.
Con: There is a lot of traffic congestion
The traffic is getting difficult not just in Oahu with Honolulu and Waikiki as the busy centers of commerce and tourism. It feels like the other islands are starting to get congested with just a few highways that skirt around the island. Nowadays most people have to time their commute or errands according to traffic patterns.
Tip – bunch up all your commute and errands need to be done where you have 5-6 different functions or needs to get done and save on time, gas and shopping needs.
Con: There are limited job opportunities in Hawaii
One major drawback to living in Hawaii is the limited job opportunites and the lower pay scale of jobs that are available. This limited job market makes it challenging for residents to find employment unless you are in a desired field typically medical, dental, services, tourism and retail.
It’s essential to thoroughly search the job market ahead of time or even bring your job or have remote work available before you decide to make a move to the islands.
Con: Hawaii is far from the rest of the nation
Being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it can be more difficult to travel and get back to the mainland. With long flight times and expensive flights, it makes it difficult to get out of the islands
The same can be said for goods and services which have to be done outside of the islands and costs more to do daily business and living.
Con: Hawaii is prone to natural disasters
There are some risk factors with natural disasters that come through the islands to include annual hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, Volcanic eruptions and Vog. The islands are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which involves volcanic and seismic activity and earthquakes.
In addition, Hawaii’s tropical climate can bring severe weather events such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides during the rainy season. In the summer season brush fires and open areas can be inundated with emergency fire situations in highly windy and flammable sourced areas. This definitely can lead to property damage, significant disruptions and effects on daily lifestyle.
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Conclusion
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