The Big Island of Hawaii

CURiOUS ME asked:


My husband-to-be is in the ARMY stationed at the schofield barracks. He wants to get a house down there and start our life over there. I live down here in California. I really dont know how the living conditions are over there. cost wise or if its even worth it. I have gone over there to the islands 2 times both for spring vacation and it was BEAUTIFUL! But it was for vacation…not sure if it would make a good place to live?? I need some advise from someone who lives over there. Is it that expensive every where?? Maybe another island when he gets out of the army. Maybe thinking on the big island Hilo. Help!

8 Responses to “Is Hawaii a good place to spend the rest of your life with your husband-to-be?”

1. questionkid3 Says:
   December 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pm

   Nah. Hawaii is for the older folk. there is not alot of jobs and not alot of diversity. the next best thing to hawaii is St. Petersburg Florida

2. DAVE B. Says:
   December 31st, 2008 at 4:47 pm

   I know the cost of living is VERY HIGH there,because most of the stuff has to be shipped in. Was there 2 years ago & a Gal. of milk was as high as a gal.of gas.

3. Doggfather Says:
   January 2nd, 2009 at 5:05 am

   I say best place is either Miami or New York for a few reasons

   a)Lots of chances to make money
   b)Cheap places to live
   c)Its a REALLY good place to start making money (for example when my parents came here from egypt they where just getting married and had me in NY they rented a one room apartment and know they have about 5 or six houses 1 which is 2 stories and another which is 3 so yeah)

4. JYogi Says:
   January 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

   Its beautiful but its very expensive and lots of people get “Island Fever” from being stuck in such a small place.

5. cikc2007 Says:
   January 5th, 2009 at 2:35 am

   Since no one has really answered your questions, i will! Yes, Hawaii is very beautiful. I have visited Maui and the Big Island, and also lived on Oahu, which I plan to be moving back next year to finish college. Yes, alot of things are more expensive then some things are on the mainland, but that doesn’t mean living there is expensive, it all depends on YOU and YOUR LIFESTYLE. I’ve heard alot of people say Hawaii is comparible to some parts of California and New York (the cost of things). I hear alot of people talk about gas is almost 4 dollars a gallon, milk is 5 dollars a gallon, and eggs and bread are expensive. Where I live, gas has been rising about 2 times a week, right now its 3.50 a gallon, and milk is also 5 dollars here. It all just depends on what you think is expensive and what things cost where you live now. Military do make good money, but does he plan to retire there or to leave the military and get a civilian job?Some people get the chance to stay there all their life, while others are given orders to be stationed elsewhere after a few years. But anyways, Hawaii is wonderful, my father was in the military and I have lived quite a few places, and I just fell in love with Hawaii, that is why I am going back. Alot of people say the locals don’t like us people who come from the mainland to live, that isn’t really true. I guess it’s kind of like how we don’t like the Mexicans coming here, but the locals of Hawaii don’t dislike us, but SOME may just not like us buying their land, which is understandable. But the locals are very nice and welcoming, as long as you are nice and respectful to them and the islands. Hawaii is a great place to raise your children if you plan on having any, they will learn alot by living there, especially about different cultures. Some people get sick of looking out to water every day, or **** the fact the have to fly a thousand miles to get somewhere, but that all just depends on what you are like. I would suggest going and living with your boyfriend for a few months and see how you like it. Oahu is the most commercial island, and then Maui, Big Island, Kauai and so on. The big island won’t have as many job opprotunities, not as many businesses, and things MIGHT be a little more expensive (not very sure on that island but I do think the price of things such as gas is a little more expensive on Maui then Oahu) You could live on whichever island you want, if you get tired of it sometimes, take a break and hop over to another island for vacation time, there is something different to see on each one. Coming from experience, personal opinions, and a love for the Hawaiian islands, it is the most wonderful place I’ve ever lived and visited, if you choose to start a life there, you won’t regret it!! Good Luck! =)

6. boomer gal Says:
   January 6th, 2009 at 10:59 pm

   Not a lot of diversity???? I can’t imagine a place with MORE diversity, in fact that is one of the things I like best about living in Hawaii. There are so many ethnic groups living here, & everyone brings their own flavor to the islands. Well, it isn’t for everyone, & it is expensive, but I can’t think of a place I would rather live. The Big Island is very country, which may or may not be to your liking.

7. oahurealestate Says:
   January 9th, 2009 at 3:52 am

   This was my first duty station and my last duty station.
   It’s a great place to live. You will both be working, that’s for sure. Why Hilo though? That’s a huge change from California. I don’t think that would work.

   When you are ready to retire move to Hilo. Unless you grew up in Hawaii, that would be a hard to place to live.

   Prices here are about the same as San Fran for housing and I would say 25% more for food. Probably 30% higher than LA overall.

   Get out of California! I left there in 1980 and would never move back.

8. Hawaiian Dee Says:
   January 11th, 2009 at 11:01 am

   as long as he stays in the army and live on base… you guys will be fine…

   otherwise, you will each have to make at least $60K a yr to survive..especially now since the economy is getting bad.