Post #114745 by dangergirl299 on Wed, Sep 15, 2004 5:36 PM

I don't live in Hawaii but I've stayed there extensively in my parents' condo, and my two best friends were raised there.

this is what I know:
they say if you're not a native, you get Island Fever pretty quick - these islands are awfully small and Mainlanders start to feel penned in while there long term.

everything moves at a slow pace, compared to the dizzying pace of most of america (which is not always a good thing). some locals don't like or appreciate Haole (white) and/or Mainlanders - but you get that sort of thing in many locations other than Hawaii. learn a lot about the culture - king kam, captn cook, Liliuokalani, and the history and language.

it's really hot and humid most of the time and the large bugs and critters are sometimes scary (poisonous centipedes, scorpions, rats). everything is overpriced, because it does cost a lot extra to ship everything to the islands. the humidity ruins anything you have that can rust (cars, etc). furniture should be made of wood and glass. electronic equipment (tv, vcr, stereo) sometimes has to be replaced once a year.

those are the only drawbacks. personally I'd probably at least give it a try - it is so beautiful and relaxing there. everyone I know who stays there for one or two weeks starts thinking about ways to move there. when you've established citizenship, if you're below income levels, health care is free (which is nice).

they have no rabies on the island, so if you want to bring a pet over, it has to sit in a quarantine cell for 1 or 3 months. you can visit it, but it's not a pleasant experience for the pet.

that is my perspective of a Mainlander on the Islands. this will probably differ from people who were raised there. Also, I mean no disrespect but am reporting any possible "cons" I have heard or experienced.