A few days ago, I unwittingly took on the role of "Pessimistic Pete," listing all the potential drawbacks of life in Hawaii. My name is once Pessimistic Olivia, but today I'm Optimistic Olivia, and I'm here to tell you why you should move to Hawaii.
Many people move to Hawaii despite its high cost of living and meager employment possibilities, while many native Hawaiians choose to stay or return after living elsewhere.
It's true that not everyone would thrive in what amounts to a tropical paradise like Hawaii. Still, Hawaii is a great destination to visit if you're the type that enjoys a laid-back vibe, loves being near water, and can't get enough of island holidays.
Hawaii is a great area to live because of its beautiful weather all year round. It doesn't matter where you reside in the country, the beach is always within easy driving distance.
I've taken the effort to make a case for why you should seriously contemplate a move to Hawaii. Let's go right in then, shall we?
Location is ideal for raising a family
Indeed, many of Hawaii's public schools could benefit from some upgrades. Furthermore, a Caucasian kid at a school with mostly non-White kids can face some racism and difficulties there. However, for parents who are able to place their children in the best possible school, Hawaii can be a wonderful place to raise a family.
Because of the pleasant weather and abundance of parks along the coast, kids are more likely to spend their time swimming, bicycling, surfing, skating, or simply strolling with their friends instead of watching television or playing video games, two activities that have been linked to an increased risk of obesity.
Because of the close proximity of homes on Hawaii's islands, people know each other and are more likely to interrogate the parents of suspicious children.
Children who have the opportunity to experience Hawaii's rich cultural heritage gain important life skills, such as learning to accept and appreciate the perspectives of those who are different from themselves.
Family fishing trips are one of the many low-key activities offered in Hawaii.
Moreover: Take a look at some Hawaiian shirt styles for your great vacation
Activities that won't break the bank
Housing, groceries, and gas are just some of the things that may add up quickly in Hawaii. However, one area of your budget that can be greatly reduced by moving to the islands is your entertainment spending.
The pleasant weather makes the many outdoor activities, such as swimming or bodysurfing at a beach, having a picnic or barbecue in a park, going for a hike, cycling around the city, exploring a state or national park or botanic garden, going to a cultural event, and so on, even more enjoyable.
Because of the state's liberal beach access policies, it's not unusual to see a large group of people from different families enjoying a weekend BBQ and swapping anecdotes under a party tent at a beach park. Hawaiians place a high value on these mundane pleasures.
Free cultural education about Hawaii can be found at the Royal Hawaiian Center and Mana Hawaii in Waikiki, as well as free concerts, fireworks shows, and outdoor film screenings; these events are open to locals as well as tourists.
Almost everywhere in Hawaii that requires payment will give you a kama'aina (resident) discount if you ask for it and show your driver's license or state ID card. Locals can save $3 on admission to the Waikiki Aquarium, for instance.
The perfect place for retirees
The population of Hawaii is getting older; by 2020, according to projections of the state's Executive Office On Aging, 25% of the population will be 60 or older. Although this is a major problem for a state already facing a chronic lack of nursing home beds, it has numerous positive outcomes for seniors who are able to keep their health in check.
Retirement income from the federal government or private employers is not subject to state tax in Hawaii, and homeowners 65 and older pay lower property taxes.
In addition, there are a variety of assistance programs for the elderly that can help with costs associated with everything from public transit to home maintenance to grocery shopping to medical care.
Because of these factors, as well as the traditional reverence shown to kupuna (wise and loving ancestors), Hawaii is a great place to retire and continue leading an active life.
Perfect weather throughout the year
The weather here is fantastic; have I mentioned that? The average annual temperature in Honolulu is almost about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It does rain every day, however the showers usually only last a few minutes before the sun comes back out.
It may rain more or less heavily at different elevations and latitudes in Hawaii, yet it's never really cold outside. This is something I really enjoy; to me, it's like having summer all year round.
The proximity of Hawaii to the equator results in a more consistent amount of daylight throughout the year compared to the rest of the United States. Leaving for work in the dark and returning home in the dark used to really get to me every winter in California.
Since I've moved to Hawaii, I no longer have to worry about this. The sun rises and sets at roughly the same times in the winter and summer. Thus, there is no need for Hawaii to participate in Daylight Saving Time.
Slightly less hostile and frantic
Since relocating here, I've noticed that strangers are more likely to grin back at me. At first, I chalked it up to the rose-colored glasses I was wearing while still in the "honeymoon" phase of my relationship with my new house.
Is it just me, or do people grin more at one other and appear generally happy here?" a friend from out of town wondered. It dawned on me that my perception wasn't unique.
Although some of my fellow mainlanders may disagree, I have found that Hawaii inhabitants are generally friendlier, kinder, more polite, more patient, and less harried than those in other states.
There are still some jerks out there; I've heard vehicles beep their horns at others needlessly, and I witnessed a near-fistfight between two natives in Waikiki when one drove cut the other off.
On the other hand, there have been times when complete strangers have shown me tremendous compassion, such as when my cat went missing and I received dozens of comforting phone calls. The nicest aspect is that the spirit of aloha is alive and well in some towns here still.
Culture-rich Patchwork
Hawaii's status as one of the most ethnically diverse states in the United States is a long-standing fact. Tourists from all over the world add to the cultural diversity, and people from the Philippines, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Tonga, Samoa, Guam, and Micronesia are just some of the countries that have established permanent settlements there.
The long-term residents of Hawaii, known as kama'aina, have family trees that stretch back many generations. There is a wonderful mingling of native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Puerto Rican, Okinawan, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and mainland American cultures in these people.
Mixed-race people and couples are not at all out of the ordinary in Hawaii, according to the islands' extensive history of cultural exchange.
Hawaii's influence can be seen in the languages spoken there, the foods they eat, the holidays they celebrate, the festivals they host, the art they produce, the traditions they hold dear, and the celebrations they host.
Spending time learning about new cultures is not only fascinating, but also beneficial to one's overall comprehension of the human condition.
Beautiful Scenery
Hawaii has some of the most beautiful landscapes and seascapes in the world, and this is true despite the widespread construction of homes and businesses around the state.
Having my sense of wonder and awe elevated by the sight of such magnificent natural beauty as the lush mountains, the brilliant ocean, the resplendent sunrises and sunsets, and the vivid tropical vegetation is undeniable.
In times of stress or depression, I find that getting out into nature, whether by walking, swimming, or driving through beautiful landscapes, helps me quickly feel better.
Balance in All Areas of Your Life
Hawaiians appear to prefer "working to live" over "living to work," at least to a greater extent than their mainland counterparts. I think that people in Hawaii have more time for their personal life because of the state's moderate temperature, attractive beaches, and early working hours.
There is less of a desire to go straight home after work and listen in to the nightly news, with its coverage of the world's ills, when the sun sets around 6 or 7 o'clock, the temperature remains near 80 degrees, and the nearest beach is only a short drive away.
Instead, one could go to the beach to catch some waves, pick up the kids and take them to the park, go to canoe-paddling team practice, meet up with friends for pupus and drinks at a local cafe, or just sit on one's lanai and enjoy the sunset.
Location near several different parts of the world
You'll be thousands of miles closer to places like Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Polynesia, and Micronesia if you move to Hawaii from the mainland United States.
This relocation could open up new vacation options that were previously out of reach because of distance or cost. (I can't wait to take the short journey to Tahiti.)
Additionally, if you have regular visits to the Asia-Pacific region due to family obligations or professional commitments, moving to Hawaii will make those trips much more doable and convenient.
There is a steady increase in the number of nonstop foreign flights departing from Honolulu Airport; for example, on August 9, 2011, China Eastern Airlines will begin nonstop service between Honolulu and Shanghai, China.
Superior academic and professional prospects
Hawaii's tourism-driven economy, unique geography, and frequent volcanic eruptions create rare opportunities for work and study.
The University of Hawaii offers extensive marine biology and oceanography programs for those who are interested in pursuing careers or furthering their education in these fields.
Kilauea on the Big Island is one of the few active volcanoes that scientists from all around the world may study up close. The largest optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomical observatory on Earth is located on the Big Island's Mauna Kea. And it's hard to think of a place with more opportunities for people who work in the hospitality and tourist industries than Hawaii.
Final Thoughts
Without a question, Hawaii is a fantastic destination. The allure of Hawaii is understandable; whether it's for the laid-back lifestyle, the welcoming inhabitants, or the beautiful beaches.
I hope you've gained some useful information from this post and are ready to embark on the incredible journey that is moving to Hawaii.
