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Is Hawaii Truly the Ultimate Dream Retirement Location?
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Ed. Note: We got to know Darlene and Bill when we adopted their two cats before they made the transition to a Hawaii retirement. We’ve stayed in touch over the years.
Many of us fanaticize about living in Hawaii. We asked Darlene and Bill if they’d put some perspective on the reality of Hawaii living.
By Darlene Hughes
On the surface, this sounds like a no-brainer question. The truth is … it’s a very complicated question, and a very personal one, at that. While my husband (Bill) and I don’t understand how it’s possible – Hawaii is NOT for everyone.
When Bill and I used to brainstorm on the topic of retirement, the question was never “Where?” – but more a two-part question: “Can we afford it?” and “How soon can we get there?” We had a Hawaii living in our sites from the time we were married in 1971. We both had a dream of living on a beach with the palm trees swaying and the trade winds blowing. We vacationed on the various Islands as often as financially possible during our pre-retirement years, our first trip being in 1978. The beauty of the Islands, the Aloha spirit of its people, the blue skies, clear waters, and ideal year-round weather confirmed our decision. Hawaii was our retirement goal. But then the next question was:
Which Island?
Over the years, we visited each one – and ultimately decided on Hawaii Island (aka “The Orchid Isle” and “The Big Island”). It wasn’t hard to figure out that, for us, Maui was trendy and hip, and a top tourist attraction – but ultimately: too expensive. Kauai, while beautiful, is the northern end of the chain and subject to more severe weather than the others. Oahu? Honolulu is too reminiscent of Los Angeles (whose freeways and crowds we were trying to leave behind). Our dream was to retire … and enjoy what we felt was a well-deserved slow-paced life.
The fact that all of the other Islands could fit inside the Big Island was also a definite factor in our island choice decision process (lessens the chances of “Island Fever”). We were also impressed with the fact that 11 of Planet Earth’s 13 climate zones can be found on this one Island. Hawaii is the youngest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, and has “grown” 568 acres since 1983 thanks to the continuous eruptions of the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. What other island in the world can boast that?
We moved to Hawaii with an open mind. We didn’t expect it to be the same lifestyle as “vacationing” in Hawaii, nor did we want it to be. It was now up to us to enjoy this island paradise at our own pace, and not feel compelled or obligated to book every tour available – especially since much of the sightseeing can be done on your own – and on your own terms. Our frequent visits did lay the groundwork of places we wanted to explore, and areas we wanted to look into to find a home. We made a “buying” vacation trip the year before we actually moved over, and chose and purchased our home on that trip. We rented it for the year as we remained in California, and both of us can still remember the excitement we felt on our return flight to LAX, knowing the next trip over would be here “to stay.”
We miscalculated something very important, however. When we moved here we were both happy and healthy. Three months into our new life, Bill suffered severe discomfort – and we took him to the local Urgent Care Center (we had not yet looked into Doctors), where it was decided he needed to get to Kona’s Emergency Room. They admitted him to Intensive Care for nearly a week for an atrial fibrillation problem. The hospital referred him to a Cardiologist – who made arrangements for a procedure to be done at Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu. We failed to check into the medical facilities and choices of doctors before settling in … something the Big Island sadly lacks. If we had to choose a “downside” of living here in retirement – it would be the limited medical care and medical facilities that are available. The doctors and hospital staffs on the Big Island are all dedicated people, and totally competent – but for any complex procedure, the trip to Honolulu is pretty standard. To try to select the “best” and the “worst” things of living in Hawaii is very subjective. Everyone sees Hawaii through his own set of eyes. We’ve witnessed several situations that reinforce the theory that “Hawaii is NOT for everyone…” – as we’ve observed people moving here only to find (for whatever reason) that it’s not what they envisioned for their retirement. Sometimes they decide they can’t live without the grandchildren, or they try the “Snowbird” life and find it’s too expensive to maintain two primary homes.
Personally, we love the lifestyle we’ve created here … we’ve met many people who share our love for, and enthusiasm of, our Island home. We’re supportive of our Village Community and do volunteer work for several groups and organizations. Volunteer opportunities are endless. Bill has met great golf partners for weekly rounds of golf. We embrace the locals. We respect the Hawaiian heritage, culture and artifacts. We are getting proficient in giving directions like the ones we received to find the Cardiologist’s Office. The lady at the hospital told us his office was…. “Behind Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” Yes… these are legit directions, and are part of the Hawaiian way of life.
In reality we live on an isolated island that is over 2500 miles from the nearest land mass. We accept that, and welcome it. We keep track of the family and friends who have visited us during our five and a half years here by creating a “Visitor Wall” in our home with a photo of everyone who visits. At last count? We have 88 pictures on the wall … and that doesn’t include the 38 visitors from the Mainland during July for our daughter’s wedding. It’s been an amazing life for us, and one we thought we could only “dream” of. Moving to Hawaii gave Bill’s mother the opportunity to realize her life-long dream – not once, but twice. We’ve also provided the “excuse” for dozens of others to finally fulfill their desire of coming to Hawaii, as well.
Thinking about moving to Hawaii….? It’s an important, expensive, and life-changing decision. Can’t say it enough: “Hawaii is NOT for everyone!” We’ve witnessed first-hand folks who have moved here, but forgot to leave their “mainland mentality” on the mainland. Hawaii is a different way of life … and many times people want the same amenities, privileges, and prestige that they enjoyed in their other life. More likely than not, it isn’t going to happen. Not a lot of people here really care what or “who” you were on the mainland. Everyone here enjoys basic anonymity. No one looks for glory or recognition. And rarely (if ever) will you hear a honking horn. If you do, it’s most likely coming from a rental car.
Our advice to anyone considering a move would be: First off, “all” contemplating the move should be committed. The decision should not be made lightly. Don’t come with the mindset that you’ll “learn to like it here…” Probably isn’t going to happen. Prior to making the move, come to the island (whichever one you choose) and RENT for at least 6 months. See if this lifestyle fits you. When packing for the move …. You will be amazed when you actually live here how little you need! Pare down your possessions, and do a lot of garage-sales before you move. Are we experts? Certainly not … but trust us on this one -- we DO have 28 as yet UNOPENED boxes in our garage from our move in 2004.
Retirement in the Islands is a rewarding experience for years of hard work. Those who ultimately enjoy this life make the reward reciprocal.
It’s an awesome life --- but isn’t for everyone.
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