Do Outsiders Really Understand the Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii?

I made a video a while ago about the pros and cons to living in Hawaii. In it, I talked about what it was like to live in Hawaii from a local's perspective. Since then, it's been interesting to read other pros and cons to living in Hawaii articles and videos. I recently read an article by Travel Safe - Abroad that talks about their pros and cons to living in Hawaii and wanted to provide some commentary from a local's perspective.

Intro to Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii List - 0:00
Beautiful Scenery and Climate - 0:43
Outdoor Activities - 1:09
Surfing - 1:45
Educational Opportunities - 1:59
Shopping and Tourist Activities - 2:45
Nightlife and Entertainment - 3:32
Cultural Diversity - 4:18
Low Crime and Safe Living - 4:43
Hard to Find Jobs - 5:38
Housing is Expensive - 6:15
Cost of Living - 6:44
Tourism - 7:19
Ecological Toll - 7:56
Island Time - 8:32
Volcanoes - 9:59
Closing - 10:27

Filmed using the DJI Osmo Action at Ala Moana Beach Park.

#hellofromhawaii
#livinginhawaii
#hawaii

[HelloFromHawaii]

Just wanted to mention a couple of corrections. First, the pros and cons list was from Travel Safe Abroad. Safe Travels was Hawaii's travel program during the pandemic. Second, the original pros and cons list covered 18 pros and cons. I left out a couple of them in this video.

[okguy]

Interesting. I am from Puerto Rico but moved when I was 11 parents moved to California. Still live in Cali. I have cousins in PR. Island living is not for everyone. The local living is much much different than tourist. You are so correct. Very similar in Puerto Rico. But funny when you spoke about island time. In Puerto Rico you want someone over at 8….you better say 6 or 7. Haha! I been to Hawaii many times. Beautiful and the people, locals are the best. Wife and I try to hang out where the locals go. Oh my wife is Vietnamese. Many times we get asked if we are from Hawaii. It’s a compliment to us. There is a bond vibe I guess we have as folks from the tropics. Ok. Be safe. Mahalo! 🤙🏼🌴🙏🏼

[syedtaqi]

Great topic and excellent elaboration on the pros & cons of being in Hawaii. I pretty much agree to what you have stated. In my opinion, if one loves outdoor activities, the year round great weather, climate, and natural beauty, then Hawaii is the place to be at. It’s got the cultural richness, which is unique and offers a wonderful experience of being there. Yes, there are challenges of being in Hawaii, as you have stated correctly that there are plenty of jobs, but the salaries are not keeping up with the cost of living/inflation, and that’s the biggest challenge of being there. The crime has been relatively low, sure the murder rate is low and there are no major gangs running around, but there has been a spike in small crimes, like break ins and snatching, but it hasn’t hit large numbers. And talk about ecological damage, the number of visitors coming to the island is having an impact on the water resources, perhaps some damage to the reefs, excessive activity on the popular trails, beaches etc. One major area where I believe Hawaii needs to focus is becoming more self reliant on food and vegetables, the weather offers great opportunity to grow more stuff in Hawaii, and that might help alleviate some of the high cost of import of food items. I can write quite bit more, but I think I will stop. Mahalo and always waiting eagerly for your videos.

[mamafromhawaii]

So funny you mentioning the seasons thing since I’ve been thinking about that concept as well! Probably will do some sort of video on “fall in hawaii” or something with seasons. Nothing really changes here so there’s not really a lot of weather signs to tell us it’s fall or winter, which I think contributes to the more laid back culture here. Anyways, great video and it was a beautiful day at magic island!

[mmmpotstickers]

Laughed that the topic of surfing was followed by educational opportunities because in Junior High my English teacher was also a famous Big Wave surfer. A classmate had to point out that we got a substitute when there was a fantastic surf report in the morning.

[christopherturco]

Aloha, Chris! I'm surprised they, and you, didn't mention traffic as a con, particularly on O'ahu. The last time I was back was 5 years ago and I was stunned at how much worse traffic was! Whereas there used to be rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon, which coincided predominantly with people going to and coming from work and school. When I was there, it seemed like rush hour was all day and all night long. It was so bad that I went into Honolulu (from downtown to Hawaii Kai areas) all of maybe 3 times in the 3 weeks I stayed on O'ahu while staying at a friend's in Ewa Beach. I avoided the H-1 like the plague.

Concerning the seasons, I know when I first moved out to Hawaii to attend the UH, I felt like I missed the changing of the seasons. However, over time you realize there are seasons that are unique to Hawaii, and you use them to mark the passing of years. For example, Hawaii can claim a rainy season☔ (punctuated by the Punahou carnival HaHa!), mango season🥭, whale season🐳, high school carnival season🎢, etc. LUCKY YOU LIVE HAWAI'I!!! 🌺🌴🍍🤙

[bryanhull]

I've been to every state and nowhere else have I seen so many people who I was able to connect with. People in Hawai'i just seem to be more willing to share their authenticity with others.

[Shadbraw]

Chris, as always, is killing it! Happy Halloween by the way!

[Beavers]

Bro trust your honesty and I plan on moving to Hawaii for a year. If I love it there I might move there permanently. I’m from OR it’s very expensive here but my husband and I have great paying jobs so we don’t struggle. We’ll have to adjust to the weather and go from there. Honestly $3000 a month is average in OR. I rather live in a safe community ❤.

[catherinemartin]

I have lived in Hawaii. Since I was 10 and I left after 40 years. Because I got married and moved to Portland, OR. I always educate people about Hawaii. To respect the aina.

[michaelmaes]

I want to move to Hawaii so bad and I have to find somewhere to move in a month so why not I'm not trying to tour all though I will explore alot in my free time as I have done here in Idaho. Amazing state amazing fishing amazing mountains. I'll miss it but it's time for a new journey and chapter. Ty brother for this video. 🙏

[PH-hfbo]

Yes I still remember the test of a vog when I opened my mouth to talk. 😆 I think you know how was it right.😂 Back 16 years ago we had experience an earthquake there ( Oahu ) and that changed me because I put jeans on for bed time for a month and half to be ready in case I need to run.😂😂😂 Even now, life never stop being excited we still run down to our basement sometimes when we were warning about tornado in our area( Colorado). I love my life. 😊 Thank you for sharing. 🤙🏻

[opshn]

Seasons thing is something I don't think I will ever miss. I grew up without seasons so snow was just a vacation thing. Having lived as an adult in areas with snow, it was impressive maybe the first couple of years but after that I was over it.

[bw]

Aloha Chris. I left Hawaii as a child. I have gone back often over fifty years. Although, we lived in Kapahulu then, my first choice would be to live on Big Island. In my opinion, Hawaii locals are mostly warm, friendly, and easy to socialize with. In my golden years, I want warm weather and to be able to enjoy the outdoors daily. I do remember my mom saying what she didn't like was being around family too much. Everyone knew each others business and often played the comparison game. Mahalo for your channel....enjoy a young guy's take.

[meathook]

Gonna like this before I even watch it, cuz I know it's gonna be good!

[al-lryv]

Another great informative video Chris.

[charlesjones]

This was great! I appreciate your taking the time to do this, and your closing statement about how we view moving to a new location I really liked. Thanks!

[ssglopezvm]

Aloha Chris,
I've been following you - my friend for more than 3 years. Thank you for everything you do, good content information, honest advise, and sharing your Hello From Hawaii experiences with us🤙
My experience in Hawaii has been better than I imagined.
I moved to Hawaii a year ago from New York City. I was born in Puerto Rico and lived in NYC for over 30 years. I have no dependents here, make good living and recently bought a new home in Ward Village with a 50% down payment.

Pro's about living in Hawaii:
- Local Culture, Respectful and Kind People
- Remarkable Stable Weather, Beautiful Beaches, Sunsets and Nature.
- Low crime, violence
- Island Vibe, Music, Outdoor activities

Con's about living in Hawaii:
- None 🤟

Mahalo 🌺

[markwaters]

As to no season, we live at 3200 ft on the Big Island and because we have somewhat seasons, I'm able to grow strawberries and potatoes (granted it's in raised beds). Still wouldn't be anywhere else. Living here is nothing like living in Honolulu though, I think you addressed that in a previous video.

[HamRadioLiveShow]

Aloha, mahalo for the video. I’ve dreamed for over 30 years that I could retire ANYWHERE in Hawaii. The prices of properties, however, probably will crash my dream. It’s the only place I know if I’ve ever found true “peace” at. Subscribed! You present things very authentically. Well polished.