What if I don’t love living in Hawaii?

“What if I don’t like it?” This is a very valid concern. Moving to Hawaii is expensive! Not everyone is happy here, and you should do everything you can to make sure this is the right place for you.

Come multiple times, and stay in as many places on the Island as possible.

This is not as easy as it used to be, because of the new restrictions on vacation rentals. See http://livinginwaimea.com/2019/03/30/hawaii-county-restricts-vacation-rentals/ But if you can’t stay in as many parts of the Island anymore, at least make sure you spend as much time visiting each area as possible. Moving to Hawaii is a big deal, and it’s worth investing time and money to make sure it’s right for you.

Many people say, though, that while the place matters, it is the people they fall in love with.

I hear this again and again: the people here are so friendly and helpful. I am a bit surprised, because I think there are more unfriendly people here than there were 50 years ago, but I guess it’s all relative. Compared to many places on the mainland, the people here are wonderful.

If you come with an open heart, you are likely to be treated with aloha.

There are always exceptions-people who are so bitter or angry that they won’t give you a chance. But if you treat the people you meet with kindness and respect, most will repay you with the aloha our Islands are known for.

Some nuts and bolts information on moving to Hawaii.

There are many sources of information about moving to Hawaii, and living here happily once you’ve made that move. Your Realtor is a great source of such information. You should also check out https://portal.ehawaii.gov/residents/newcomers-guide/