I have heard that it can be hard on mainlanders who move full time to the islands. In other words, the locals like you when you stay for a week or two and spend money, but the old aloha spirit isn’t quite the same when you talk about taking up permanent residence.

But then again, my wife has distant relatives who’ve lived in Honolulu for about 25 years and love it. Maybe it’s what you make of it and if you’re not constantly telling people how you did it back on the mainland, they’re nicer to you. I’m sure there are people from up North who would feel the same about moving to Alabama.

What part of the Big Island?

the deal has to be consummated

I’ve consummated a deal or two in Hawaii, if you know what I’m talking about.

…because my dad was stationed there. I graduated there, I’ve been back to visit lots. And it remains my favorite place on the earth (next to, of course, Bryant Denny on Game Day). Because there is such a HUGE military presence there you won’t feel like an expat at all.

The Hawaiian Style vibe is very laid back, very welcoming, very family oriented…sound familiar? My Southern self felt VERY at home there.

And oh, MY GOSH, the scenery there takes your breath away. The mountains, the ocean, the sunsets…Even just writing this makes me homesick for it…If you move there I sincerely hope you’ll post pictures here…

the frigid winters of 65F will chill you to the bone…

…lived there for a few years before moving on to Jakarta for his next adventure. If you want, I can send you his email addy.

never been tot he big island though. i heard that it’s both “the place to buy man, now’s the time” and also “thats where all the broke ass rednecks and tweekers are” i’d say go there and see it for yourself before you make anything close to a large investment especially if you plan on bringing your family there. schools are horrible, but the scenery and lifestyle are second to none. it’s freakin beautiful there. but Hilo and Kona are supposed to have there problem areas. just like b-ham and mobile i’m sure.

also they really dont take kindly to haoli investors who are just there to drive rent prices up and dont become part of the community. FWIW, my uncle was a hoali who is pretty much totaly accepted by the locals and has made friends all over the place. but it wasn’t easy and he had to work at gaining the the trust and respect of many of the locals. (he’s a carpenter and has built a small business out there after 15 years of working and meeting folks). my mom works at pearl harbor for the navy and lives in a suburb ont he windward side of oahu, it’s great but super expensive, and she’s not really too connected to the “locals” it’s more of a rich/retiree’s area where she lives. and thats basicaly for safety reasons. she’s not even trying to get involved in all that.