Hey there! So you’re thinking about moving to Hawaii? Let me tell you, it’s not all rainbows and coconuts like I thought it would be. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful here, but there’s stuff I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags.
First off, pick your island carefully! I landed on Oahu thinking it’d be all chill surfer vibes, but man, the traffic in Honolulu is no joke. If you’re into the hustle and bustle, great. But if you want that peaceful island life, maybe check out Kauai or Lanai. Just remember, fewer people means fewer jobs too.
Speaking of jobs, brace yourself for a pay cut. Yeah, you heard me right. I’m making less here than I did back on the mainland, and everything costs more! Like, way more. Almost all our food gets shipped in, so grocery bills are gonna make your eyes water.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on housing. If you’re planning to rent, a lot of places come furnished. Sounds great, right? Well, I wish I’d known that before I spent a fortune shipping all my stuff over. And let me tell you, shipping ain’t cheap or quick.
Now, let’s talk about timing. If you’re gonna make the move, aim for January to May or September to November. Trust me on this one. I moved in July and it was a nightmare — tourists everywhere, prices through the roof. Learn from my mistakes, people!
Transportation’s another thing. Some islands have buses, some don’t. I assumed I’d be fine without a car, but boy was I wrong. And if you do bring a car, make sure it’ll pass the emissions test. My buddy’s sweet ride didn’t make the cut and now it’s collecting dust in his parents’ garage back in California.
But hey, don’t let me scare you off! Living in Hawaii is amazing if you’re prepared. The beaches are insane, the people are chill, and the natural beauty will blow your mind. Just do your homework first, okay?
So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready for an adventure, come on over! Just remember to bring your sunscreen, a sense of humor, and a fat savings account. Trust me, you’re gonna need all three.
Aloha and good luck!
P.S. Don’t forget to try the poke. It’s life-changing!
