A simple test to help you decide.

Everyone knows someone who wants to move to Hawaii. Maybe it’s you or someone you know who has been thinking it over for years. After all, who doesn’t want to live in Hawaii, with its matchless climate, gorgeous scenery, and slower pace of life? After all, the 50th state is often the first choice of people who could live anywhere in the world.

Hawaii is Different.
Before you take the plunge into the warm tropical waters do some research and planning. Hawaii isn’t right for everyone.  Moving to Hawaii is a big step, and it takes commitment. You can’t easily rewind and restart your previous life if it does not work out. So here are some tips to help you decide if life in the Aloha State is for you. See how these statements fit you, and just for fun, score yourself on each one.

Give yourself a between 0 and 10 points per statement, with 0 being totally false, and 10 being completely and enthusiastically true (or not applicable).  5 would mean you are “on the fence”.

1.____ I have an open mind about other people and cultures, and I don’t expect things to be like they are in the US mainland or elsewhere.
Hawaii is isolated, expensive, and can be infuriatingly mellow for Type A “I-want-it-now” people. We do things a bit slower over here, and we like it that way. We are all minorities here, and for the most part we get along. The slower pace of life, and easy-going attitudes and tolerance are among the best things going around here. It’s aloha in action, every day of the year.

So if you want things to be just like home but with beaches and perfect weather, stay where you are. Just slip on your favorite aloha shirt and add a plastic lei. Turn up the thermostat, put the fan on “trade winds” setting, and listen to the sweet sounds of Hawaiian music right where you are.

2.____ I can afford the higher cost of living in Hawaii, and will make any needed lifestyle compromises to move to Hawaii.
Don’t expect to live by plucking fruit from the trees and sleep  in a hammock slung between two palm trees on the beach!

The Hawaii cost of living is expensive. If you are on a strict budget, you need a reality check. Our homes are at least as much expensive as the prime coastal areas of the West Coast and some East Coast urban areas, but very expensive compared to many other areas. Home prices have remained relatively stable than most other areas, especially on the island of Oahu which has more diverse and vibrant economy. This will be true whether you rent or purchase a home. The Statewide median home prices can be found here Title Guaranty Hawaii Housing Statistics.   Almost everything costs more. Click here for a Cost of Living comparison  to find out if you can afford to live in Hawaii.

Of course there are compensating factors. These include lower utility bills (no heating or air conditioning in most cases), no need for a winter wardrobe, and plenty of free outdoor recreation. Property taxes in Hawaii are a pleasant surprise for most people, with residential rates generally at less than ½ of 1% assessed on the value of the property, and rates adjusting slightly each year.  Also keep in mind that costs are different on each of the islands of Hawaii.

So get the facts, do some budgeting, and see if it looks like a possibility. If you are flexible, and you are determined and resourceful, you can probably make it work if your budget numbers look reasonable.

3.____ I  know the Islands and the neighborhoods so I know where to live – or I will learn. 
Don’t expect to spend just a week exploring all the islands to pick the best area. That would take a month or more. Each island – and each neighborhood -  has its own character. On Oahu it is easy to drive around the island to get an overview, after looking at homes online. Try the RE/MAX Hawaii  website to search for properties in various neighborhoods. 

4.____ I will learn basic Hawaiian words, place names and pronounciation.
This will help you greatly in understanding both the culture and the neighborhoods. Waikiki, or Waikele? Kailua Beach or Kailua-Kona? If you have a mental block, you will have to get over it! On Oahu, the price range of each neighborhood is primarily determined by how convenient it is to the employment centers of downtown and Waikiki. Other factors affecting price are neighborhood features such as curbs and sidewalks, proximity to the beach, school reputation, underground utilities, views, and of course, the quality of homes. Here is one place where you can learn how to pronounce these words. It’s not difficult if you give it a try: http://hawaiian-words.com/places-2/.

Not to be confused with the Hawaiian language, here is a fun way to learn the other language of the Hawaiian Islands!

5.____ My home expectations are realistic.
"You Call THAT a House?" This is still the land of million-dollar fixer uppers so plan accordingly and be flexible. Hawaii has a higher percentage of condominium dwellers than the rest of the nation. Many families of all sizes live in condominium apartments or town homes so don’t rule these out.

Hawaii homes are smaller. We spend more time outdoors and on the lanai and as well as at the many beautiful beaches, parks, and trails. Floor plans are different. Master bedrooms may be much smaller than you are used to.  Large bedroom sets will be difficult to accommodate. We often dine outside on the lanai, so only the most spacious luxury homes are likely to have a  formal dining room.

There are other differences in our homes. Central heating is nonexistent, and air conditioning is not standard in most areas since the trade winds provide natural cooling most of the year. Most homes are sold with appliances including refrigerator, range, washer, and dryer. Think twice before paying to ship heavy items that you may not need here.  If you want to explore neighborhoods and homes, try this link  Hawaii Home Help.

6. ____I understand Hawaii’s “micro-climates” and know where I will be most comfortable.
Hawaii has a subtropical climate, with notable variations in rainfall over even a one-mile radius. On Oahu, a ridge of mountains going from northwest to southeast divides the island and is the primary determining factor in the climate zones. The prevailing trade winds from the northeast are almost constant, and bring rain and cool breezes. These factors create “microclimates” within the Island, with dramatic differences in rainfall and climate in just a mile. The Windward side of the island always has more rain, and the lush tropical appearance means that there is little need to water your yard. Some areas are known for daily rainfall, and frequently cloudy weather. Other areas are hot, dry and desert-like, and air conditioning will greatly increase your comfort level. If you have allergies or other special concerns you will want to consider whether a dry or moist climate is best for your health.

7. ____I know that I can find a job – or I don’t need one.
Living off the land sounds lovely, but most people need a job. Oahu, the Gathering Place, has a more diverse economy than the other islands. With all of the banking, insurance, government, education, and military headquarters here, there are far more choices than elsewhere. Many positions are in the tourist trades, which are the main driving source for the Hawaii economy. Other growing sectors include health care, agricultural, technology, and research. The military has a strong presence, with many jobs open to civilians.

If you don’t need a job, or you can find one in a smaller town on Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai, you have more flexibility. In any case, do your job research in advance of finalizing your moving plans.

8. ____I have found a school for my kids.
Hawaii public schools need improvement, and you may not be happy with those in most neighborhoods. The State Department of Education operates a gigantic state-wide school system that in the past has been slow to respond to the needs of students and expectations of parents. You can look at the Board of Education’s schools information here Board of Education , or get an outside opinion from Honolulu Magazine’s detailed analysis at  Grading the Public Schools .  If you can afford a private school there are many to choose from. 15% of Hawaii’s students attend private schools, higher than the national average of 10%. There are over 130 private schools statewide, including many church-operated institutions, prestigious and selective schools, and specialized schools to meet every need. You can check them out here Hawaii Independent Schools . There also ample choices for higher education as well, with the University of Hawaii dominating the scene.

9. ____I understand the arrangements I will need to make for my pets when I move.
If your best friend has fur or feathers, learn more before your plans are final. Hawaii is free of rabies and intends to stay that way. You will need to follow strict rules and begin the process months before you arrive if you want your dog or cat to avoid the dreaded 4 month quarantine. Check out the Hawaii State Quarantine web site for details, Hawaii Animal Quarantine. Most exotic and unusual pets are forbidden so that they don’t escape and become an environmental problem. This applies to reptiles and other wild animals.

If you wish to adopt a pet after you arrive, be sure to visit the Hawaiian Humane Society for an excellent selection of adoptable animals and a very helpful staff.

10. ____I will practice Aloha. Aloha is a beautiful Hawaiian word with complex meanings.  It can be a greeting, a farewell, or a salutation.  Aloha also means love, in the form of compassion, regret, longing, or sympathy. Literally, it is the presence of divine breath that we all share.

It is a reminder to strive towards gentler interactions with those around us in our daily lives, even with strangers. Examples are all around us. It’s still common in Hawaii to smile and greet people that you pass. In our cars, we tend to slow down to allow merging cars to enter the freeway– try that in Los Angeles. Don’t honk your horn – it’s considered very rude unless to warn of genuine danger. “Live Aloha” is a popular bumper sticker.

Even the Hawaii state government tries to “practice aloha”.  From their website:

"Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person.  It brings each person to the self.  Each person must think and emote good feelings to others...

"Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.  "Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.”

Frankly, I would rather they improve the schools and balance the budget, but maybe that’s just me! But it does tell you that this place called Hawaii, while not perfect, is very special and unique.

Scoring: Add up your points for each statement and see where you fit

Take the Plunge?
It’s not like where you came from. But if you want the adventure of a lifetime, are determined, and do your homework, Hawaii may be for you, too. You’ll never know unless you try. The “Aloha Spirit” here is as real as the fragrant tropical flowers and the smiles of the keiki, and every day when you wake up you’ll know that you are not in Kansas anymore.

As I see it, we are all visitors in the broad sense. Whether it was 5, 50, or 500 years ago, we all came from somewhere else. There may be a tiny minority of Hawaii residents who do not want to extend aloha to newcomers. Others are simply humor-challenged, which I consider to be a personal problem. For the flip side of moving to Hawaii, see my more controversial column "Don't Come" - to be read as it was written - with a light heart.
If you need further help please email me directly at stephanieg@remax.net.

Copyright 2011 Stephanie Gieseler, Honolulu, Hawaii. All rights reserved.