Nine Things You Should Know Before You Move to Hawaii
Hawaii is where many people go to escape their real life for a week or two. It is widely considered a paradise, full of natural beauty. So, it’s sort of amazing to think that people actually live there and get to experience it year-round. If you’re able to move there, congratulations!
There’s so much to learn when you move to Hawaii, from holidays like Lei Day and King Kamehameha Day to food made with Spam to what it’s like living in a place that’s warm all year long. Moving to Hawaii will be a big adjustment, but here are nine things that you should know before you go:
It’s Expensive
The median price for a house in Hawaii is $800,000, while the median price of a condo is $400,000. Meanwhile, the average cost to rent an apartment in Hawaii is $1,850 per month, and can be a lot more. Gas is also spendy, and your electricity bill will be high too.
It’s Hot
Be prepared to dress light, in shorts, sandals, and short-sleeved shirts. Hawaii is hot year-round. The average temperature is between 80 and 90 during the day, getting down to about 65 degrees at night. Yes, this means that Hawaii doesn’t have seasons. Summers get a little hotter, and there’s some rain during the winter, but you’re not going to see snow.
Wear sunglasses, make sure to put on sunscreen before you go out and stay hydrated.It’s Isolated
We know, this doesn’t sound optimistic, but bear with us. This string of islands is, in fact, isolated in the Pacific ocean, and you may feel this isolation at first. However, bear it out and enjoy what the area has to offer. Once you’ve adapted, you’ll start to feel at home.
The Ocean is Rough
Remember that the waves can be dangerous, especially if you’re not used to swimming in the ocean. Even if you’ve swam or surfed in the ocean elsewhere, make sure to learn about the local waves and currents before you rush in. And, when wading in the water, don’t take your eyes away from the ocean ahead of you.
You’re a Minority
That goes for everyone, including white people. Hawaii has a large mix of all ethnicities living in harmony.
Also, unless you of Hawaiian ethnicity, don’t call yourself a Hawaiian. That refers only to people of Hawaiian heritage. You will, in time, become a local, as explained next.
You Can Become a Local
When you first move to Hawaii, the locals will think of you as a mainlander. Many people who move to the Hawaiian Islands end up moving back to the continental U.S., so the locals may be cautious about becoming close friends with people why are going to leave, anyway. It will probably take two or three years before you’re considered a local as well. When people know you’re not going to leave, they’ll be willing to become better friends.
You’ll Get Healthier
In 2018, Hawaii has the second longest life expectancy in the U.S. The air and water are clean, the fruit and vegetables fresh and organic, and locals tend to be active. After all, every day has outdoor weather. It’s fun to go for a walk or visit the beach, and people tend to eat more healthful foods.
Life is Slower
People in Hawaii take life easier. This probably has a lot to do with the beauty, the fresh air and food, and the warm weather. So drive a little slower. Allow yourself to be more forgiving and accepting, and enjoy the new pace.
No More Daylight Savings Time
People all over the world complain about Daylight Savings Time. It forces us to get up an hour earlier than our internal clocks are used to, often when it’s still dark, and for what? An extra hour of daylight in the evening? Well, Hawaii simply doesn’t deal with it. You won’t have to fall back or spring forward here.
If all that sounds great to you, you will probably love Hawaii.
