Find out if you can live in Hawaii
We get so many questions from people trying to determine if they can live in Hawaii that we decided to make a quiz about it. We took our livelong experience in living here and boiled it down to a few key questions. Try it and let us know what you think!
I received “Why aren’t you in Hawaii already?”
Well, I’m from the east coast. I went to university there ten years ago but currently pursuing career objectives and want to pay off student debt before I buy something in Hawaii.
I have a couple of college friends .One of my college friends grew up in Hilo, studied architecture and relocated to Charleston, SC after marrying.My other friend lives in Kailua with his parents- His radio career never took off but his parents own a business.
I feel a deep spiritual connection towards Hawaii like no other place I have visited so far. Granted, I still have not visited Costa Rica and most Caribbean Island to compare.
On the east coast, the average three bed house is $300K-$500K but in Hawaii the average house is $650K-$750K which makes me think I need to be making in the six figures , successfully self-employed or retired to make this a reality. I watched Hawaii Life, real estate show and those $360K condo apartments in waikiki were too small. I’m also not interested in the hustle/bustle in Honolulu as I grow older. Thinking of Kauai or Maui cottage/country style by the beach with my own garden backyard and lanai.
Right now, I need to focus on career and savings/investments; the rest will fall into place.
sounds like you’re thinking this all the way through.
Aloha Peter. . The quiz results say that moving to Hawaii would be a very bad idea for me. I am wondering if it is because I checked that I am rarely with anyone who isn’t Caucasian, and Hawaii is very diverse. The reason for my answer is that I live in Arkansas in an area that is 99.9% Caucasian. I have lived in big cities in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. I am cool with everyone. It is the heart that matters, not the color of someone’s skin. Do you think that could be why my quiz result said that? I also have little income. I heard a saying that says “I have done so much with so little for so long that now I can do practically everything with nothing.” That’s me. Here’s my situation. I am on Social Security Income for a mental disability. I am 55 years old. I receive housing assistance and food stamps. I have always felt drawn to Hawaii. I realized one day that Hawaii has housing assistance and food stamps, and I would still receive the same amount of Social Security income. I did some research into the social assistance programs there and found that there is also utility assistance available. My thoughts are why not live there where it is beautiful, the weather is great, my health would improve, and the “feel” of Hawaii is the “feel” of my soul. I would save up to have about $5 K before I moved. However, I also know that there are homeless people there. I don’t understand why homelessness exists in the US because we have so much social assistance available…I’m not “getting” it. Part of me feels like I would rather be homeless on a Hawaii beach than rich inland, lol, but I’m not in their shoes, so I don’t know. I do know it doesn’t take much to make me happy because I already have joy and mostly happiness anyhow. . I know I would love being around the true Hawaiian people, native or not, who are free spirited and cool and live with all of their heart. I have wondered if there are 55+ senior living centers that would accept housing assistance. I would enjoy the right kind, and a lot of them provide occasional day trips and rides to doctor appointments and such. I have no problem with public transportation like busses and stuff anyhow. A senior center or a studio apartment would be great. I want to attend a Christian church there…one that is laid back and into a relationship with Jesus instead of religion. I want to give a lot of volunteer service to those in need in the community. Just the thought of smelling the flowers is enough to make me want to live there, lol. After reading all of this, do you think I should come smell the flowers, or as Ann Landers used to say, “wake up and smell the coffee” and realize it’s not a good idea. Thanks for reading this and hopefully replying, Peter. I enjoy your website. Blessings and Aloha.
Aloha Terri and thank you for sharing your story. The quiz can only go so far to tell you about Hawaii’s suitability. From what you’ve shared I would say that without a local network here of family to help support you, you’re more in the “wake up and smell the coffee” camp.
Hi! I got that I should move to Hawaii. My fiancé is in the gems business and he is Asian so Hawaii is sort of like a halfway point, rather than diving in American culture I thought this would be great. I have no living relatives, I don’t own a home and We have just enough savings. Asian tourists are already used to purchasing gems the way he sells in other international markets so I thought Hawaii would be the best place to settle down with my foreign fiancé after his green card is processed. Do you think this is too big of a leap? Do you know of any other cities in America that would be a better place?
Aloha Cheryl,
Honolulu is the most amazing Pacific/Asian fusion place on earth, in my opinion. As far as “too big a leap” – only you can answer that. I’ve got a ton of content on this site and YouTube to help you. I have a specific program made just for you. Get on my pre-registration for the Hawaii Islander Transformation program – the next cohort will be in the fall.
1) what were the hardest things when you jumped and went to Hawaii with only 6k –
2) Having no one (family, &friends, – etc.) that I really know on Maui or in Hawaii – will it be challenging – I am a very sociable person at times especially when it comes to new experiences – will being a Haoli & making the move change the way people treat me differently then just being a tourist because I’m there for fun, and relaxation and have money to spend – compared to being mainlander and actually moving in ? I follow the Golden rule everywhere I go will this be treated with the aloha spirit?
3) This is common sense in a way but will moving prepared and being more financially stable aka having more than the 6500$ i have saved aka maybe coming with 6 months pay (for safety net etc.) be more of realistic and smoother transition or is just diving in no pun intended more of the true Hawaii way – will i get more respect coming with the drive of having no money etc. ? I can try to clarify more on this if needed.
There’s probably so much more i have to chat about but for now thank you and aloha and thank you Maui for all your blessings !
Thank you for the quiz, but I’m a little surprised. The quiz told me it could go either way. I’ve dreamed about living in Hawaii since early adulthood. I hate winters, and I’m born, raised, and currently live in Ohio, as does our entire family. The thing is, my wife and I like to visit the city, but have no desire to live there. We’re country living people, and don’t enjoy large crowds for very long. In contrast however, we are also technology dependent! Fast internet is a must for us, which doesn’t come easy in rural Ohio, so I imagine it’s just as difficult in Hawaii. My wife is a family photographer, and I am a computer programmer who works remotely. I’m also a better than amateur wood worker. Our kids are grown and we’re looking for a place to live out the remainder of our working adult lives and retirement in paradise! Also… we’re liberals currently living in a sea of conservatives, which makes socializing around here difficult to endure sometimes. So, might Hawaii be the right place for us?
Ultimately that’s a question that only you can answer. If you entered your correct email address and making this comment, you’ll be in my newsletter. I’ve got lots of resources in an online community that helps people like you really figure out what is best for them. Welcome to my extended ohana!
I’m 51 year old teacher with 23 years experience. I can see why it is tough for Hawaii to attract experienced teachers as they do not make it easy. Yes, the pay is low…but hiring starts in April, and the first teachers hired are those living on the island. Out of state teachers may get hired late April, but most likely May or June. This makes it hard to sell a house and move a family with maybe two months notice. Irregardless, I am going to sell my house six months prior, possibly buy a place in Maui (maybe site unseen) and then hope to get a teaching position as I will be moving with my daughter who will start college there. It is quite a leap of faith, and a lot could go wrong, but if I already have a Maui address, hopefully that will help in securing a position. Many do not understand…but I feel drawn to the islands, and would regret not doing all I could to make it happen. Wish me luck!
James, I built this site and the it’s sister Islander Ohana just for you. If you put in your correct email address, you will get my weekly newsletter. Join us live next week Friday where I have the best Maui real estate agent in the business that’s available live.
Done. I’ve enjoyed your videos on youtube. The one that really spoke to me was you answering a question about ‘should I move now, or wait and save’. I am moving as soon as I can (when my daughter graduates next year. Glad to connect and looking forward to my move (Summer of 2022). FYI, While I am focused on Maui, if I am offered an early hire on Oahu, It would be hard to turn down. Not a bad consolation prize.
Not a bad consolation prize at all. Welcome to my ohana!
i’m from the Reunion Island , which is basically the French equivalent of Hawaii .
the main difference is that , thx to the french system , i can survive without having a job , i have very low life standards (already experienced being homeless once) and even manage to save money with the 600€ my government gives me . but that wouldn’t be possible in Hawaii .
Tho i’m certain that with a minimum of will and my skills i’d find a job , i’m 28yo fluent in french and english , know how to take care of myself and look présentable . i could work in a restaurant or any touristic related job that involved talking with strangers .
The question is … why would i live the island i already live on xD
Good question!
The quiz told me what I already know. So, it proved to me I was correct. I would need to spend some time in HI, month or 2, before deciding to settle there.
very cool.
Aloha Peter! Just found your videos this weekend. Can’t stop watching. Good stuff! By the way. You are 100% correct. Hawaii changes you. Wife and I went for the first time last year. Felt an awesome wave of spirituality dive deep into my soul. I have never felt something so powerful before. What a life changing experience!
Thank you Michael so much for sharing your story.
I took the quiz but was shocked to see that the result was negative. We are married, no kids, income over 100k, would be looking to downsize to a two bedroom condo from a home currently worth between 400 and 500k with well over 25k in savings. Oh, and currently I spend most of my days working from home, exercising and reading, but I love to be out in nature and we live in an incredibly diverse area with people of all races, so that isn’t a problem. Can you shed some light on why I got the result I did?
If you provided your email address, I sent you more details. Please read that email carefully including the disclaimer.
Tony from NYC, I enjoy your videos very much and thank you very much for so much information, helpful for making a budget
Thank you Antonio. You are very welcome.
The quiz is wrong. Peter says it often enough so I believe him.
LOL I didn’t say it “is” wrong. I said it “could” be wrong. It’s a quiz. And a simple one. It can’t possibly analyze the infinite possibilities of each individual and then give a 100% accurate answer. That said, it has been tested on both locala and people who once lived in Hawaii and gotten a 100% thumbs up. So it’s not a joke either.
We lived in Waialua in the early 70’s for a couple years. We got married a little church there that still stands today and would love to come back. Living was good back then.
For the last 30 years we have always lived in houses. I would not qualify for a mortgage there on 6000 a month income. I don’t like the idea of condo living ( i. e. hearing the neighbors loud tv or getting dings on my car from inconsiderate people opening their doors) and a monthly maintenance fee of 800 – 1100 on top of the mortgage is simply ridiculous. That’s why so many people are moving to the mainland.
David,
Depending on what you do, you could easily live in Hawaii. I moved to the Big Island and purchased 3 1/2 acres of property. Spent about $20,000 grading and prepping the land and am building a 1,400 sf off grid house for less than $200,000.00.
I thought the quiz was kind of silly…. I did it twice, only changed 2 or 3 answers (no family vs. “I know some people” ) …1st time got “very bad idea”, 2nd time got “why aren’t you here already?” There’s no option for single and newly supporting oneself (as opposed to “for years”), it seems to go from basically teen living with parents to *being* a parent or married… how much stuff you have doesn’t address how much stuff you *need* or are willing to get rid of (i.e. I have a “big house full of stuff” but want to majorly declutter it, while the question, I guess, assumes you want to bring it all)… I live in a 99% caucasian area so of course I don’t interact with non-caucasians… it seems to me you could do any of the all-day activities in Hawaii: does it change the result that dramatically that I said stay home & pursue hobbies vs. work in the garden? You might have a wonderful garden in Hawaii. Ah well… your typical internet quiz. Maybe now I’ll go look up what Pokemon character I was in a past life :P
The quiz also states “We could be wrong”. That said, it was developed thoughtfully along the many different ways and reasons why things don’t work out for people and it was tested with local residents. However, it is just a quick quiz and can’t possibly take into account the nearly infinite combinations of why things do or don’t work out for people.
Yea not a fan of the quiz . Lol, no matter determines move as a special education teacher with my two kids. We all are exited and working to get there. Any and all tips how how to have an easier transition is welcome. Looking forwArd to less things and more family and nature time. Already embracing the Aloha spirit❤️
Good for you! That’s the spirit! The YouTube channel will probably be very helpful for you
Funny how this quiz is based on stereotypes, my result couldn‘t be any more off :-))) Enjoying the videos, though, very cool camera! Mahalo.
What stereotypes do you believe it’s based on?
My new wife is Brazilian (I’m from Michigan) and it is her dream which also has become mine to live on Maui. We both love the outdoors – biking, SUP, watching the waves at the beach. I work in the airline industry so can live anywhere and we can fly for free. The quiz says it’s a bad idea for us. I want to believe we are the exceptions as we begin our new life together.
The quiz also says it could be wrong!
I’ve read about the teacher shortage in Hawaii. Would it be easy for certified teachers from NJ to find jobs on the big island? Every year around this time when the temperature hits single digits, we’re ready to leave.
Only one way to find out!
Your quiz said moving to Hawaii would be bad for me because it would be a drastic change but that is why we want to move. We already have property on the big island and plans to build. We have a wonderful support system already in place. We plan on starting a small hobby farm because I spent 5 years on a working farm/ranch when I was younger.
Most people have a difficult time making a drastic change and that’s what the quiz is based on. The quiz also said that it could be wrong. Don’t forget about that part!
The quiz also said it could be wrong!
I”m retired with $150,000 cash reserves and $52,000 lifetime guaranteed yearly salary. Am considering a look see trip to Hawaii for the purpose of taking a real estate license. I’m American from Ohio and speak fluent Japanese. Which island would be best to market the Japanese niche?
I’m planning to move e to Hawaii with an associates degree in criminal justice. I’m 53 and divorce.
I answered a3, b1, c3, d2, e4, f5, g3, h2, i2, I hope you understand that… lol. I’m not sure what is the right combination, it’s it just hard with kids?
It’s not any one answer. It’s a genuine analysis based on how much change you would have to undergo to live in Hawaii at a reasonable quality of life.
I am still in high school but the quiz said to pack my bags! I have family on Maui but I think I want to be on oahu. Any tips on earning money right now as a teen to be able to move there during or after college?
I took the quiz twice. First time the answer was it would be a very very bad idea for me. Took it again and the only two answers I changed were I said I made more money and had more money saved. My second answer was pack your bags and why aren’t you here already because you answered all the questions correctly. Really? Having and making more money is the difference???
If my weekly NET paycheck is between 1800-1900 per week.. that should do it financially, yeah?
well it depends but e.g. if you’re single and renting, yes.
My husband and I want to move to Maui. We’re mid thirties, Canadian, no children and my husband runs his own IT company. I have a teaching degree but am willing to work anywhere. What kind of red tape would we need to cut through to get there? I know this is the place we belong and can’t wait to meet my new Ohana. Any tips you have would be awesome.
You’re really asking an immigration question, not so much a Hawaii question and I’ve not researched what it takes to immigrate.
Peter thank you for your very honest assessment and you are right but I wanted to take the quiz. Thank you!
My results say it’s not a good idea for me. I have been preparing myself for this and this quiz just breaks my confidence by a little, I’m not scared of the risk at all I’ve actually got nothing to lose. I’m in the same situation you once where, less than 10k saved up and and no family in Hawaii …. if you can do it , why can’t i ?
You absolutely can do it! Just be prepared, like I was, to do whatever it takes and suffer any hardship and you’ll do it!
I am willing to do what it takes to live my dream life as you did . You are such an inspiration to me and i really love your videos it provides a lot of useful information although i really would like to know more about the culture before i get there , any suggestions?
Best thing is to take a short trip here. That’s what I did.
My results said I should stay where I am. I spent the first 10 years of my life in Honolulu. I would like to see how it has changed (but maybe not) I have such wonderful memories of the people there also. I lived there from 57-67. Used to live on Makuakane St. Not to far from Bishop Museum.
If you haven’t been here since then you would definitely be in for quite a shock. The land and people are beautiful but the state not so much.
My son and his wife and 2 dogs are moving to Hawaii early September, 2018. We will be paying for a private plane for them, and we would love to share the cost with anyone else that is looking for an awesome way to get to Hawaii! Contact me if you’re interested!
September 2018 may work for me too! Please express interest in discussing further.
Thank you,
Chad
I wish we were ready to pack up that soon! How on earth do you go about getting a private plane?
Looking for some good web sites for info about the island of Maui; annual weather, crime stats, cultural info, schools and communities. Your quiz answer suggests to me that I should take a serious look at the possibility of a relocation.
My result asked me what is taking so long? Pack my bags! Thanks Peter, this is exactly the confirmation I needed to make the move :)
Cool! Make sure you’re on my email list as I will shortly be announcing a solid program to help people move here AND get good jobs.
Hello Peter. I also just did the quiz and it said pack my bags … man, am I so ready! Turning 50 this year. My son is at UH and we already own a small condo in Waikiki. I would love to learn how to find a job. I am looking forward to hearing more from your experience.
Make sure you sign up for the newsletter as I use that to announce the jobs program that is coming up. Also, follow the link on the editors pick on finding a job.
It just a casual question descriving oneself thru the answer
Yes and I designed the questions based on Hawaii’s impact on Lifestyle
I wish I would have taken this quiz before we moved here over a year ago. I absolutely hate living here now. It is to hot, to many bugs, homelessness and we spent most of our savings on lazy handy men. If you do come, rent first before sinking money into a forever deferred maintenance home.
I think this “quiz” fingerprints (simply, albeit) what kind of a person you are. I might have added : would you sit in a coffeehouse all day and work under the internet occasionally just looking out onto the sea?). I am concerned about having enough income — as a veteran and a pension-veteran, that’s my only. I have heard veteran’s expenses are a bit relieved in Hawaii because the islands are conducive to vets.
I have a lovely new wife from Guatemala and we live here very cheaply. But are courageous, and she is finalizing her immigration papers as my wife, and is a very hard worker (with 4 degrees in computer programming as well as native-Spanish speaker). I’d like to buy a tiny house there (on any island) and just live…live…as long as there’s a small grocery story within a bus-distance or walking distance, we can do anything.
I too was a little taken aback when I saw my results, I even tried changing my answers and no matter what got same response, it’s difficult to understand how those few questions could depict whether it still be good or bad I think it depends on the person and actually two of the questions did not have a response that fit my situation I’m single with an adult child in college. I’m not bringing furniture do my stuff good in two suitcases. What does it matter that I don’t own a home…just thoughts. I’m considering Kauai because of a job offer.
Like I’ve mentioned to all the other similar comments, it’s impossible to write a simple quiz that is perfectly accurate for everyone in all cases and we could be wrong. However, the questions were written towards whether you could, as the survey says, live in Hawaii [for the long term], not just love Hawaii. No one question is weighed above the others. It’s a combination of all the questions. The quiz questions came from someone who moved here with nothing in the mid-80s and still lives here to this very day and has seen scores of people arrive here with dreams in their eyes only to leave after a relatively short while and in some cases financially devastated.
Not really feeling the whole quiz thing. No matter what answers I put in (even lies) it says I wouldn’t be happy in Hawaii.
I’ve done some experimenting with answers and it seems if you have elementary school age children Hawaii doesn’t want you. Is that it? Lol. Not sure what difference it makes how much stuff I have accumulated so far in life if I plan on selling it all before we retire anyway. Oh well. lol
No matter, my wife and I are moving to Maui in under 10 yrs. We decided this a long time ago after honeymooning there.
LOL thanks Todd for participating! Like the quiz says, “we could be wrong” and I’m sure you can understand that a handful of questions can’t possibly be 100% accurate to every possible situation. That said, the questions are based on the reality that people face when moving here. The quiz is designed to weigh in on how big the lifestyle change will be with the bigger the change, the higher the risk. Many people mistake their love of Hawaii with how well they will adjust after living here and those are two very different things. I know of many, many people that absolutely love it here but then after a short while must leave. That said, I ran through the quiz myself and got the correct result. Glad to hear you’re going to move here anyways!
I transferred here from Chicago 7 months ago and have adjusted well. The cost of living is very similar, thank god for preparation my moved went flawlessly, car shipment, etc. Good luck to all considering this awesome transition.
Awesome! You will miss the food, guaranteed. No stuffed pizza, Italian beef, or good Greek restaurants but also no insane winters.
What happened to Vern Lovic who used to host Aim for Awesome?
I purchased the site from him. We stay in touch and I consider him an honorable colleague.
i didn”t get an email
not sure what you mean
Thanks for the quiz. It sure would be helpful to understand why “Hawaii would be a very bad idea” for me based on my answers. Anything is negotiable but I’m left not knowing where to start. Maybe you could update the form when you have time? Cheers.
Tell me what your answers were and I’ll tell you what’s missing. Number your answers A1, A2, etc so I can comment appropriately.