Hawaii is a tropical paradise like no other. People from around the world come to Hawaii to visit and end up choosing to stay here. Tourists are not the only people, however, who set their sights on moving to the picturesque tropical islands. Homebuyers from the farthest corners of the world dream of making these idyllic islands their home and are already packing up to move. While Hawaii is, without question, a slice of paradise, there are some things you should know before packing up and setting out for our white sand beaches. All of that being said, if you do decide to buy a home in Hawaii, one of the most important things to remember is to find a knowledgeable and skilled realtor, such as Sharon Brown Compass Real Estate, to help you identify your dream home.
The high cost of living in Hawaii
One of the things Hawaii is well-known for, along with beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets, is the high cost of living. Everything from groceries to health care to housing and even entertainment costs more per capita in Hawaii than in their colder counterparts in the continental United States. This is partly due to the fact that almost everything has to be shipped or flown into the islands. All of these items will cost more due to the cost of transporting them, especially with the rising cost of fuel. In addition, Hawaii has very high-income taxes. In fact, their income tax is some of the highest in the country. Moreover, Hawaii has an estate tax on top of the income tax, which further drives the cost of living up in one of the most beautiful places in America. If you are considering a move to Hawaii, having an expert, such as Sharon Brown Realtor, can be of great assistance as you calculate the expenses of moving and honestly look at the opportunities before you and identify possible solutions.
The locals get discounts
After the dust has all settled on your move and you are ready to get out and about in the community, be sure to have your brand new Hawaiian driver's license ready to whip out and use for discounts. Local Hawaii communities often reward their documented residents with lower prices and discounts in many restaurants and stores throughout the community and even island to island. These discounts are called kama'aina discounts, from the Hawaiian word for local. You can just let them know you are a local until you feel comfortable asking for the discount by name.
The wildlife will take your breath away
There are few places in the world where nature is as up close and personal as it is in Hawaii. Wildlife, both on land and in the water, is a prevalent and beautiful part of everyday life. Hawaii is one of the "four most ecologically diverse US states" and boasts an estimated 21,000 species of wildlife that have been recorded in and around Hawaii, both on the ground and in the water. Much of the wildlife is indigenous to the islands and can't be found anywhere else. The Official State Bird of Hawaii, the Nene or Hawaiian Goose, is the perfect example of just such a creature as it is so rare that it is only found on the islands of Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. The wildlife in Hawaii is very present, very beautiful, and sure to make your day every day.
Special luxuries do require some planning
One of the challenging aspects of living in paradise is how to get the things you are looking for if they are not already on site. Specialty items and luxuries often have to be shipped from mainland America. This can take weeks or even months; therefore, planning when you may need something special will be required if you want to have your item within a certain time period. In some cases, items cannot make it to Hawaii, so remember to take this into account when calculating your ability to purchase and maintain a property in Hawaii.
Island hopping is quick and easy
While you can only choose one island to live on, it is easy and quick to hop on over to the other islands without any trouble at all. You will want to explore each island as you can, as each island has its own unique personality and charm. Ask the locals, such as your potential new neighbors or your real estate agent, which island to go to when to avoid the crowds and see the island when it is at its best. Locals will also have the scoop on how best to see the island, be it by helicopter, car, or another form of transport. Knowing these little details can give you the opportunity to see the authentic individuality of each island. Below is a quick sneak-peek at the islands that make up Hawaii:
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The Big Island (Hawai'i) is the largest island of the seven. This island has a smaller population spread over diverse landscapes. There is an abundance of natural wonders and historical sites to visit on the Big Island, making it an ideal place to visit with family and friends.
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Kahoolawe is the smallest of the seven main Hawaiian islands. The waters surrounding this water are not available to the public. The only opportunities to visit can be seen through volunteer opportunities.
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Kauai is known for its gorgeous beaches, lush vegetation, and a plethora of charm.
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Lanai is the island best suited for romance and love. It is more remote and quiet and perfect for setting the stage for the ideal getaway.
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Maui has a smaller population and is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and artistic communities. It is a lovely island that balances city and country, so everything feels just right.
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Niihau is an island that, most of the time, does not allow visitors. This private island is preserved for the native Niihauns.
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Oahu is the most populated island of all of them. It is perfect for people who like city life and prefer a more cosmopolitan feel.
Traffic can be a challenge
Another aspect of island life that many people forget is that islands, and island roads, are quite small. Two-lane roads are common throughout Hawaii, even in busy, urban areas like Honolulu. This means that a plethora of people are trying to get from Point A to Point B at the same time, causing traffic, delays, and frustration for all parties involved. There is public transportation in the form of public buses. However, most people prefer to drive their own vehicles.
Sunrises and sunsets are life-changing every day
Every day the people of Hawaii are given two gifts to start and end each day which are, of course, the sunrise and sunset. The sunrise and sunset in Hawaii are both breathtaking in a way that mere words can hardly begin to capture. People from around the world come to see the sunrises and sunsets that you will see for free all the time if you choose Hawaii to be your home.
Hawaii is a major contributor to science
Hawaii is a major contributor to our country's scientific research and development. This is especially true in the fields of climate and astronomy research. A great deal of the research data and information that Hawaii is able to contribute comes from the Mauna Kea Observatories. This Observatory makes the most of its positioning on top of Mauna Kea Mountain, which offers a prime seat from which to enjoy the celestial light show. Despite its status as an atmospheric research facility, Mauna Kea Observatory is in the midst of controversy due to the top of the mountain having sacred religious meaning to Native Hawaiians.
Moving to Hawaii can be expensive in its own right
As we mentioned earlier, living in Hawaii can be very expensive. That cost of living expense doesn't take into consideration the cost of the actual move to Hawaii. That's right, moving to Hawaii is an expensive process in and of itself. You will need to arrange for flights for everyone in your party; there is the cost, both in time and money, of moving your pet and, of course, shipping your goods. You will not be able to place things on a truck or in a car and just drive. Therefore, all of your things will require a shipping container which also contributes to a move that is costly, to say the least.
Hawaii is a wondrous and breathtaking place to visit and is even more so when you live there. That being said, it is good to remember that even paradise has its pros and cons. From the cost of living to the plethora of wildlife, Hawaii is full of tropical wonder, outdoor activities, and sunshine. Before you decide Hawaii is your paradise, however, it's important to have a top-notch real estate agent to help you navigate the journey of moving to an island.
