This photo makes me think it's a picture perfect world living in Hawaii. There are a few things to consider before moving here. I came up with 10 reasons why Hawaii may not be a good retirement spot for you.
#1. You like to spend most of your time inside. With Hawaiian housing being more compact, people tend to spend more time outside enjoying nature. This is especially true on weekends when most of the locals head to the beaches or parks.
#2. You like the four seasons. I think Hawaii has about two seasons… Spring and Summer. Hubby and I joke about how easy it is to be a weatherman here. "Today's high in the mid 80s with a light breeze" is usually the weather forecast. It does get to 90° on occasion, usually in August.
#4. You have a specific medical need. If you have a medical issue that requires a specialist, check to see if Hawaii has what you need before moving here.
#5. You plan on having a large home. If you want a house with a large yard and a three car garage when moving to Hawaii... nope-- not going to happen on a retired person's budget unless you recently won the lottery. The average home on Oahu is about $700,000. And I mean average. This amount is for a 1500 square-foot, two carport older home with no yard, air-conditioning or view.
#6. You don't like tourists. Most locals don't venture into Waikiki unless they live or work in the area. It is crowded with tourists all year round. This doesn't mean we dislike them. Tourists are the mainstay of the Hawaiian economy and very important to the state.
#7. You don't like diversity. Hawaii can best be described as a melting pot of nationalities. This is where the "aloha" spirit is evident. No one cares what your lineage is, and for the most part everyone gets along just fine.
#8. You are a big gambler. Sorry, Hawaii doesn't have any lottery, bingo, casino, scratch off tickets, nothing. That doesn't mean there isn't some betting going on in back rooms of businesses. Perhaps this is why Las Vegas is the number one destination for locals.
#9. You need to travel often for business or family visits. If so, in Hawaii may not be for you. It's a five hour flight to the West Coast and longer – much longer if you're headed to Asia.
#10. You don't like to fly. The islands of Hawaii are surrounded by water, lots and lots of water in every direction. If you are uncomfortable about flying – especially over water, Hawaii may not be the retirement spot for you.
For all the wonderful qualities the islands have to offer, these are some areas to consider before making a move to the 50th state.
Next time. Fun And Cheap Activities on Oahu.
Hi, Debra my retired dad who lives in Minnesota shared your blog link with me. I'm an English teacher with 25 years to go before I can retire. I've been to Hawaii twice and there is just something about it...both times I have returned to Minnesota I have fallen into depression and I am honestly home sick for Hawaii. Our last trip was just last March and already I am searching for any fix... Contemplating running away to Hawaii, and no one laughs because they know I am serious. Anyway, so glad I found your blog, keep it up so I can have a little piece of your paradise everyday. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteHawaii is actively looking for teachers. If you are serious about living here, see if you could work out a budget to make it work and look into teaching here!
DeleteHi Jennifer. I spent most of my years in the Midwest, and although I do miss the fall season, I don't miss winter. My advice is to keep teaching to get that teachers pension....you'll need it wherever you end up. Also, when you retire, make sure your teaching certificate is still valid. Substitute teachers with a valid teaching certificate get paid $165 a day in Hawaii.
DeleteI definitely agree for the most part but some things apply more to Oahu than the other islands. Big island definitely has no shortage on wide open spaces (easier to find bigger yards) though it's a trade off, the other islands have even more limited access to specialists and definitely fewer options for music and theatre!
ReplyDeleteYes, most of my perspective is from living on Oahu. I have been to the outer islands several times and will be writing a post about what makes each island special in the future. Thanks for reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply. Unfortunately I teach for a local community college, and I have job searched a number of times in Hawaii. My children are still in high school, we have family living here, so I have to come to the realization I can't move to Hawaii... just not yet anyway. Sometimes we work so much it doesn't matter what it looks like outside which I am thankful for when it is 30 below, but the outdoors of Hawaii may be just too much of a distraction for me. I babble... thanks!
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