Topic: RE: OT:Thinking of Moving to Hawaii? Hi Kathy,
Well I've lived here since 1982 and wouldn't live anywhere else. I think being non-military has something to do with me liking it here so much. The prices here are expensive, but like most families on a budget, you have to look to see where the sales are. We have a great publication here called the MIDWEEK which we get here on the leeward side of the island and that's my "bible" for grocery shopping for the week. Some deals are even cheaper than the commissary and/or Costco or Sam's Club.
Costco is a real money saver for gas also. When I filled up on 8/24 the price was 2.989, which is one of the cheapest places on the island. Even though things are pretty expensive here, I kind of see it as a trade off for the things I don't need in some places on the mainland, like, snow tires, heavy wool coats, oil for heating my home, etc. I love this place for its ethnic diversity, fun people, and the warm weather--a place where I can wear t-shirts and shorts everyday...haha. Like Marie said though, we are not without homeless people, crime, etc., but I think you'll find that in any major metropolitan city in the mainland, so no surprise there. Traffic is my biggest complaint, that and massive takeover of land from developers out to make the almighty buck. I hate having to plan my day around traffic, but we do have idiots (as with any other city) running our government here who could care less if it takes someone 90 minutes to drive 20 miles.
Our beaches here on the leeward side don't get near as much man of war or jellyfish as waikiki and east side beaches do, but we did have an unusual influx this past month of box jellyfish. Usually the jellyfish influx occurs on south shores on a monthly basis. They usually come to shore like clockwork 8 to 11 days after the full moon. More can be read at either the Honolulu Advertiser or Star Bulletin websites.
Just another perspective on life in these beautiful islands,
Carmen