A State Better than Hawaii

[Pomai]

There's no question Hawaii is increasingly becoming THE place to move to and call home.

Can anyone claim another state in the U.S. you think is BETTER than Hawaii to call your permanent residence? It would be preferable if you've actually LIVED in Hawaii (not just visited) and the state you're comparing it to.

Consider all the pros vs. the cons of that state and sell us on it! For Hawaii, the former far outweigh the latter.

[Miulang]

There's no question Hawaii is increasingly becoming THE place to move to and call home.

Can anyone claim another state in the U.S. you think is BETTER than Hawaii to call your permanent residence? It would be preferable if you've actually LIVED in Hawaii (not just visited) and the state you're comparing it to.

Consider all the pros vs. the cons of that state and sell us on it! For Hawaii, the former far outweigh the latter.
Pomai, I ain't touching THAT one with a 300 lb. Samoan! :D EVERYPLACE has good and bad points.

Miulang

[kimo55]

ok:

"everyone wants to move to Hawaii.
What state is better than Hawaii"


huh. I... wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole, either.

[nachodaddy]

There's no question Hawaii is increasingly becoming THE place to move to and call home.

Can anyone claim another state in the U.S. you think is BETTER than Hawaii to call your permanent residence? It would be preferable if you've actually LIVED in Hawaii (not just visited) and the state you're comparing it to.

Consider all the pros vs. the cons of that state and sell us on it! For Hawaii, the former far outweigh the latter.

A little state I like to call Catatonia, cuz nothing can affect you......

[Pomai]

Catatonia = California? lol

Thanks Nachodaddy for that rather derogatory (catatonic) way of summarizing (me and) this thread. :(

My girlfriend's sister (Maui girl) will soon be receiving her doctorate in Oregon, where she's been attending college throughout. She just loves it there and will probably end up buying a home and settling there.

[Miulang]

Where are the Texans who lurk on this board? I think they're the only ones I've ever heard express any regret at having left their home state. :)

Miulang

[manoasurfer123]

I liked the dairy prices in washington when I left better than Hawaii .99 cents a gallon compared to 3.99 a gallon.

I like Washington apples better than Hawaiian Apples...

However, Hawaii has the most beautiful people in the world and not just talking about looks!

So Hawaii can't be beat!

However, I seem to be in the state of confusion most of the time :p

[nachodaddy]

Catatonia = California? lol

Thanks Nachodaddy for that rather derogatory (catatonic) way of summarizing (me and) this thead. :mad:

My girlfriend's sister (Maui girl) will soon be receiving her doctorate in Oregon, where she's been attending college throughout. She just loves it there and will probably end up buying a home and settling there.


No get mad. No hate here. Nothing directed towards you. Jus' having fun. ;)

All states (the 50 at least) have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's take your Oregon for example. Half of the population in the state lives within 30 miles of Portland so you can kinda equate Portland as being Oahu and the rest of the state as being the other islands. Portland is the microbrew capital of the world. It also has the most amount of strip clubs per capita (a little known fact). It has light rail, no sales tax, $20 to register your car for a year, a nice waterfront, Nohos if you are feeling homesick for local food, Powells Books, and an incredible restaurant scene (better than Seattle, again IMHO). Fishing is better in Hawaii. Hunting is better in Oregon. If you get out of Portland proper, housing and land is pretty affordable.

So which one is "better" or "worse". It depends. :)

Trying to keep up with the pbp for UFC 61. I'm cheap. Stevenson just took out Edwards. Brutal GnP.

[Pomai]

Oregon for example. ----- which one is "better" or "worse". It depends.Exactly what most will probably reply to with this thread.

"Best", "Better Than" or "Favorite" tend to be used in thread titles alot around here (I admit to have fallen for it), which is a rather ultimate statement. There's so many variables, as mentioned above.

At the least, this could be an interesting thread to evaluate life in other states in comparison to Hawaii through the eyes of those who live it.

[nachodaddy]

That's cool. Get rid of all the qualifiers and this could be an interesting discussion.

You want to know more about Oregon or do you have another state in mind????

[Pomai]

O.K. then, well just add a lateral title to this thread:

IF YOU HAD TO MOVE AWAY FROM HAWAII, WHICH STATE WOULD BE BEST SUITED FOR YOU?

For me, it would have to be a coastal state. I NEED to be near the ocean or I'd probably die of depression.

[tutusue]

[...]For me, it would have to be a coastal state. I NEED to be near the ocean or I'd probably die of depression.
oh...Oh...OH...I soooooooo hear you! Negative ions rock! ;)

If I absolutely had to leave Hawaii and I had no financial restraints, I'd move to Carmel Ca. Back-up locations would be Tiburon or Belvedere, both across the GG bridge from SF.

Champagne taste...Kool-Aid (ade?!) budget! :rolleyes:

[manoasurfer123]

I've heard from family members that Carmel CA is beautiful....

However... if I left Hawaii after moving here...... I think it would be back to washington the state... or somewhere in Nevada...

However, with my wifes close ties to the islands.... I don't see us leaving

[Pua'i Mana'o]

O.K. then, well just add a lateral title to this thread:

IF YOU HAD TO MOVE AWAY FROM HAWAII, WHICH STATE WOULD BE BEST SUITED FOR YOU?

For me, it would have to be a coastal state. I NEED to be near the ocean or I'd probably die of depression.

I think I could do Michigan. I need water, but it doesn't have to be salt water. The Great Lakes will do fine, and I recall learning somewhere that Michigan, after Alaska, has the most coastline of any state.

Talk to me in the winter, tho. Different answer, guarrans.

What would be hard for me would the lack of ethnic diversity that I am used to. Unfortunately, Utah and CA pale in comparison

[nachodaddy]

For me, it would have to be a coastal state. I NEED to be near the ocean or I'd probably die of depression.

I know what you mean, I grew up near a beach. In all my years, I have always been at least two hours from the ocean (with the exception of 6 months special training).

When I had to get a fix, we would pile into the car and head to the ocean. About 10 miles away, I would crack the windows, rain or shine, and try to smell the ocean before I actually saw it. I have travelled every road that can be travelled from the tip of Washington to the Mexican border and points beyond. I have fished SE Alaska, Kenai Peninsula, and the Aleutian Islands.

Having said all that, there are advantages and disadvantages with respect to the ocean if compared to Hawaii. Overall, the scales tip in your direction. :)

[Whitepoint3rchum]

New Jersey is the best state on earth...not.

I don't know about a better state than Hawai'i in which to live, but I'm contemplating that after I've lived in Nor Cal and done substantial research on the resident white sharks, I might move out of the USA and to another Polynesian island chain that is less crowded. Perhaps Tahiti; I could do some work with the reef/tiger sharks. Thats the plan any way. Hawai'i, although it is the creme de la creme, is just being innundated with mainlanders.

[Kelly0040]

I've lived in California, Wisconsin, Oregon, Ohio and Illinois prior to moving here.

Of those, I'd live in Oregon or Northern California again. Of those two, Oregon takes the cake.

Oregon is absolutely gorgeous. I lived in Salem, which is 45 minutes south of Portland, but if I were to move back, I'd live in Portland or Eugene - Salem is a town for old people :). Anyway...It's an hour from the snow and an hour from the beach. Lots of skiing (Mt Hood/Mt Bachelor), lots of hiking, camping, hunting, the beach normally is pretty chilly, but it has its quirks. There's green mountains, there's lots of sandy desert. (If you're an outdoor recreationist, the Northwest is your playground). Lots of quality beer and wines. People are pretty nice but can be totally crazy. The shopping available in malls/towns is pretty nice and if you can't find it there, you will find it in Seattle. It's about 3 hours from Seattle, 5 hours from Canada, 5 minutes from Washington :p Course there's the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, which is quite a drive, but worth it. OOooh and Oktoberfest in Mt Angel. The rain isn't as bad as it sounds, though the snow was a bit harsh the year I left (towns in the Willamette Valley arent really prepared for snow...maybe they are now, who knows). Ooooh and how could I forget? DUNGENOUS CRAB! It's everywhere. I love watching people fish for crab off the beach.

And Speaking of car registration - I paid $68 for two years for a truck ($213 here for 1 year). That's not a bad perk either :)

[lavagal]

New Jersey. Someone wanna mess with me?

[Whitepoint3rchum]

New Jersey. Someone wanna mess with me?



Aw hell naw girlfriend! New Joisee? Puulleeezeee. :p I've lived there in N. and Central Jersey. Central Jersey (Jersey shore, actually three blocks from the beach) sucks- to many WASPS and racists. No culture and very unwelcoming people. That was my experience anyway.

[Whitepoint3rchum]

I know what you mean, I grew up near a beach. In all my years, I have always been at least two hours from the ocean (with the exception of 6 months special training).

Oh jeeze... Prof. K, after having sat through his forum lectures, is quite possibly rubbing off on me. The horror, THE HORROR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You ment to say I have always been at MOST two hours from the ocean, yeah?

Don't hurt me, that Prof. K ingrains a need to nitpick any grammatical error whenever one is apparent. It doesn't matter if it's within the body of a formal written document of on an informal, online, who-cares-what-the-heck-you-write-and-how-you-write-it, forum. Oh jeeze. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[lavagal]

South Jersey to be specific.

Just got back from taking my family there for my 30th high school reunion, and to introduce my two girls, who are 5- and 6-years-old, to my family and friends. Took them blueberry picking, peach picking, to Surf City, Long Beach Island for some fun in the sun and to go beach combing in the incredibly soft and white seashore sand, heck we even got to be in the 4th of July parade riding in my sister's restored Ford Falcon! The girls got to go horse back riding, we went looking for the Jersey Devil, managed to spot some dear, bunnies and discussed how Canadian geese are related to Nene. And then we got to shop at Target, TJ Maxx, Wegmans. I managed to consume three foot-long truly Italian hoagies with hot peppers and a Philly cheese steak from a shop in Marlton called Franco's, which puts any similar sandwich actually made in Philly to shame. The best part was visiting my family. I hadn't been back in six years. We even got to experience three electrical storms, but managed to avoid the flooding.

No doubt Jersey has some rough spots, as do all states, including Hawaii. But that's where I'm from. My living here for 26 years will never eclipse where I spent my childhood. It has shaped who I am. So that's why I write stuff like "...wanna mess with me?" hahahahaha!

[deneen15]

Where are the Texans who lurk on this board? I think they're the only ones I've ever heard express any regret at having left their home state. :)

Miulang

Hello,

I am a Texan living in Sarasota, FL. I do not regret leaving Texas. I used to live in Ewa Beach as well.

I am looking to bringing my sail repair biz to Oahu soon.

[Whitepoint3rchum]

Yep, honestly can't say much about South Jersey as the only times I've seen it were on my tips to visit family in Maryland and on trips to drop my friend off at Stockton College. Oh yeah, I almost went to a LAN tournament there in Milleville with a bunch of my clanmates. (I was 16 at the time, parents weren't home so I could only go to drop my friend off and wish my teammates the best of luck. They took second. I shoulda been there to help secure t3h win.) Central Jersey- Spring Lake, Belmar, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Asbury, etc. etc. sucks. And I'm not saying it's an eyesore. Life there just flat out blows, you'd have to have resided there to understand what I'm talking about. Northern NJ-Union, Elizabeth, and Newark usually get a bad rap but I have some fond memories of my childhood whenst I dwelt up there... California-The Bay Area: Benicia and now Berkeley; simply a great time. But I have to rep Hawai'i first and foremost! :D

[beaker]

IF YOU HAD TO MOVE AWAY FROM HAWAII, WHICH STATE WOULD BE BEST SUITED FOR YOU?


I can't decide between Minnesota, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Minnesota has the best weather and the city, Vermont has the best scenery, and Western Mass has the best towns and culture. Alaska is also very nice, but too far from the places I like to visit. However, I would be happy to live in any state that borders Canada.

[Jonah K]

There's no question Hawaii is increasingly becoming THE place to move to and call home.

Can anyone claim another state in the U.S. you think is BETTER than Hawaii to call your permanent residence? It would be preferable if you've actually LIVED in Hawaii (not just visited) and the state you're comparing it to.

Consider all the pros vs. the cons of that state and sell us on it! For Hawaii, the former far outweigh the latter.
Quite a few members of my 'ohana seem to prefer Southern California. Palm Springs, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Malibu, Bel Air, Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Rolling Hills Estates are all preferable to many places in Hawai'i. In terms of the "pros" of living in Southern California: more shopping options, easy access to top-notch healthcare, more entertainment options, numerous colleges and universities, decent weather, and a never-ending supply of cheap labor are a few. ;)

In terms of the "cons" of living in Southern California: crime, traffic, and the relatively high cost-of-living, are probably the biggest ones. :cool:

[Palama Kid]

Hawaii will always be "home." Honolulu is my birth place. I lived half my life in Hawaii.

But after having lived the other half in the SF Bay Area (the southern part, actually), I really, really like this place. Definitely not the entire state of California, just this area.

Today's not supposed to hit 80° (although 90° temps are forecasted for later this week) and unlike in Hawaii, humidity's rarely a problem for me.

Wineries are so accessible. Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz mountains, & Snapanoma (i.e., Napa / Sonoma).

I like food and the whole area is filled with fine restaurants. While attending San Jose's Japantown Obon Festival this past weekend, I found out (long story) about "Birrieria", a restaurant that specializes in goat meat (hence its name). Being only six blocks away, I of course had to check it out; I've had Japanese food a couple of times, but had goat meat rarely (once?). One word for its goat stew: GAWDFUNNITONOLICIOUS !!! Translation: it was pretty good.

In Hawaii, no matter what your likes and dislikes, you're not going to have the choice / variety of foods that's available here. And remember, San Francisco is less than an hour away.

BTW Hawaiian places (L&L, J&J, Ohana, Hawaiian Barbecue & Hukilau) are around, so I'm not hurting when it comes to local-type plate lunches. HB has killah lau laus with chunky fatty belly pork.

I enjoy driving. With not much preparation, I can be on the beach in Santa Cruz in less than half an hour (usually); spoiling my grandkids in Reno in about four; doing none-of-your-business in Las Vegas in about nine; savoring the Oregon coastline in a day or so; etc., etc., etc.

For me, this is pretty hard to beat.

[sinjin]

Quite a few members of my 'ohana seem to prefer Southern California. Palm Springs, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Malibu, Bel Air, Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Rolling Hills Estates are all preferable to many places in Hawai'i. In terms of the "pros" of living in Southern California: more shopping options, easy access to top-notch healthcare, more entertainment options, numerous colleges and universities, decent weather, and a never-ending supply of cheap labor are a few.

It's really tough to leave SoCal especially if you're born and raised here. Most of the annoyances I am used to and the benefits are quickly missed.

[Whitepoint3rchum]

But after having lived the other half in the SF Bay Area (the southern part, actually)...


Yeah baby, Bay Area represent.
:D

[nachodaddy]

It's really tough to leave SoCal especially if you're born and raised here. Most of the annoyances I am used to and the benefits are quickly missed.

I left in 1983 (born and raised) and have not looked back much except when my friends are doing reunion gigs and I can't make it. I grew up in VC which used to be primarily agriculture and is now LA North.

Miss the sun sometimes. Don't miss the traffic, smog, and the drive bys.

More power to ya. Everyone I know in SoCal due to work came from somewhere else. And they keep coming.

[sinjin]

More power to ya. Everyone I know in SoCal due to work came from somewhere else. And they keep coming.

I would leave to relocate to Hawaii if:

1. I thought I could earn a decent living from one job.

2. I didn't have to drive an hour or more every day to get to and from work.

3. I really believed my kids wouldn't suffer too much at the hands of the local keikis.

No place appeals to me other than Hawaii. I already find the SoCal winters too cold for my taste. :D I've wanted to live in Hawaii for going on 20 years. I decide to stay in Cali one year at a time.

[nachodaddy]

Keeping this on track, I HEAR that a lot of people from Hawaii move to Las Vegas.

I can't confirm it though..... It can't be for the water. Lake Mead is nice but it ain't no Pacific Ocean.

[Lei K]

I would leave to relocate to Hawaii if:

1. I thought I could earn a decent living from one job.

2. I didn't have to drive an hour or more every day to get to and from work.

3. I really believed my kids wouldn't suffer too much at the hands of the local keikis.

No place appeals to me other than Hawaii. I already find the SoCal winters too cold for my taste. :D I've wanted to live in Hawaii for going on 20 years. I decide to stay in Cali one year at a time.

You know I'm from O'ahu and I have the same 3 reasons. After college is FINALLY over, reason number 1 may not be an issue for me anymore. Reason number two is always a scary thought but maybe unavoidable if I want to move back home. And reason number 3, even though I myself am part Hawaiian and 100% local kine, my keiki are half haole and do look it so I'm back and forth on how they would be received by local keiki. I think I will take the leap and move though, I just hope it's the right decision for my whole ohana, not just me.

Best of luck on whatever happens with your future! :D

[tutusue]

It's really tough to leave SoCal especially if you're born and raised here. Most of the annoyances I am used to and the benefits are quickly missed.
I was raised in Laguna Beach as was my dad. Kamaaina Laguna, I think!!! As beautiful as that little village was and is, it was definitely not tough for me to leave it for Hawaii. Any other place, yes, but not Hawaii! I tried moving back to Laguna about 15 years ago. I didn't last long! ;)

[idvfilms]

One state I can think of is a Positive State of Mind.

[rhscare]

I wouldnt say better, but definitly a close second is Alaska. I know most people thinks its a complete opposite, but I lived there for 4 years and loved it the whole time. Its very similar in many aspects, the only difference is the weather. The people are great, and proud to be from there. Most people hear Alaska and laugh at the concept of living there, however most people have absolutly no clue what the state is about except for stereotypes. On the other hand, ask anyone who has spent any amount of time up there and you will hear a completely different story. I seriously have yet to meet someone who has lived/visted up there and wouldnt want to stay. Just my .02.

[kaneohegirl]

I have lived in Ca an Hawaii and now I have moved to MO.... I gotta say... I think Mo is Great! I live within 15 mins of 4 lakes and 20 mins from a major metro city. the cost of living is Awesome and the lifestyle is fairly laidback like in Hawaii. ppl are friendly and the schools are some of the better in the nation. so as far as raising a family I gotta say while I LOVE Hawaii there is no way in hell I would raise my kids there unless I was independently extremely wealthy that I could afford private school and tutors and have the kind of house I now live in.

[Manö'iki]

The dry heat of Arizona or the humid heat of Hawai'?

HUMID HEAT ALL THE WAY, BABY! At least the humidity was good on the skin and hair. This dry heat and hard water dries the skin and kills my hair.

Hawaii has more things I love than the mainland. The mainland's strong points are cheaper cost of living (housing, grocceries, fuel) and a better job market. Once I establish myself financially, I plan to move home. Sooner, rather than later. Preferably on Oahu, with a place back home on Kauai.

[blueyecicle]

Every state has their own education issues. I live in Oregon and it is OK but not great the great thing is the homeschooling resources here! I use them and whether I stay in Oregon or move to Hawaii my kids will be homeschooled all the way!

[Bard]

Hey, blueyecicle! Got some more Oregonians on here. :) My wife's been studying the homeschooling stuff quite a bit. We have no kids right now but it'll become an issue for us sooner or later.

[kimo55]

ok, Admins have just declared;

"issue" is now an illegal word here on HT!

[Leo Lakio]

ok, Admins have just declared;
"issue" is now an illegal word here on HT!
ISSUE sure 'bout that? How about when we are inquiring as to tutusue's whereabouts? "Is Sue posting anything today?" :p

[blueyecicle]

Been doing it for 6 years. Hopefully Hawaii will have resources like Oregon. Oregon has classes for homeschooled children and easy testing! Plus they don't monitor you 24/7 like some states. My kids are way ahead! I am sure when or if we move we will just continue to homeschool either way! Then no worries!
Maybe one day I can meet up with my soul in Hawaii again! :p

[Whitepoint3rchum]

^ Where in Hawai'i you originally from?

[blueyecicle]

I don't think I am considered "from" there I was born at the base in Oahu. I hardly remember. I don't want to step on anyone's toes! ;) We moved alot after I was 3. I have been back a few times and feel a gravitation to the island. Such beauty and grace there. Maybe one day!

[blueyecicle]

I've lived in California, Wisconsin, Oregon, Ohio and Illinois prior to moving here.

Of those, I'd live in Oregon or Northern California again. Of those two, Oregon takes the cake.

Oregon is absolutely gorgeous. I lived in Salem, which is 45 minutes south of Portland, but if I were to move back, I'd live in Portland or Eugene - Salem is a town for old people :). Anyway...It's an hour from the snow and an hour from the beach. Lots of skiing (Mt Hood/Mt Bachelor), lots of hiking, camping, hunting, the beach normally is pretty chilly, but it has its quirks. There's green mountains, there's lots of sandy desert. (If you're an outdoor recreationist, the Northwest is your playground). Lots of quality beer and wines. People are pretty nice but can be totally crazy. The shopping available in malls/towns is pretty nice and if you can't find it there, you will find it in Seattle. It's about 3 hours from Seattle, 5 hours from Canada, 5 minutes from Washington :p Course there's the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, which is quite a drive, but worth it. OOooh and Oktoberfest in Mt Angel. The rain isn't as bad as it sounds, though the snow was a bit harsh the year I left (towns in the Willamette Valley arent really prepared for snow...maybe they are now, who knows). Ooooh and how could I forget? DUNGENOUS CRAB! It's everywhere. I love watching people fish for crab off the beach.

And Speaking of car registration - I paid $68 for two years for a truck ($213 here for 1 year). That's not a bad perk either :)
Oregon! Cold and rainy!

[alohacandy]

I've lived in Illinois, Texas, Florida, California and Hawaii and the only other area I would consider living again if Hawaii sunk into the ocean might be the San Jose area for many of the reasons mentioned earlier....the climate, the proximity to the ocean, the proximity to wineries, the ability to get in the car and drive in less than a day to Vegas, Tahoe, San Diego, Oregon....just bout anywhere, the inexpensive fresh fruits and veggies....the negatives: the people aren't as nice and the traffic/drivers. (But I probably won't have to worry about Hawaii sinking into the ocean before California sinks so I'm OK)
:D

[Menehune Man]

One state I can think of is a Positive State of Mind.

I was going to write something close to this, but you already got it!
People either make the best of where their at, possibly hoping to move or bring their lousy attitude to the new place. Hawai'i is paradise, but it ain't perfect. If you're looking for perfect move anywhere but here, please!

[hawaiian_pride]

I liked the dairy prices in washington when I left better than Hawaii .99 cents a gallon compared to 3.99 a gallon.

I like Washington apples better than Hawaiian Apples...

However, Hawaii has the most beautiful people in the world and not just talking about looks!

So Hawaii can't be beat!

However, I seem to be in the state of confusion most of the time :p

I agree with you manoasurfer...but having been here.... I wouldn't come back just yet; I would rather only visit now rather than live there unless something drastic happens. but i'm here to stay.. I would have to agree with you, yes hawaii has the most beautiful people in the world.... Talk about diverse culture hawaii has it!!! like only hawaii can!

[Dale]

Either San Francisco or Colorado. But, after doing projects in both places, after a while, you gotta return home. Ya, Hawaii is expensive, but so it San Francisco. I think Hawaii is either ... you love it or you hate it. I had ex's that hated this place, and could never fit in, but the wifey visited once before (before we got married) and made a decision that yup ... this place is home!

[Konaguy]

I've lived in Hawaii my entire life, born and raised. To me there is no place
that ever will compare to Hawaii. Nothing compares waking up and seeing
the beautiful scenic scenery outside your window, driving around this island
see the wide open spaces of untouched land and beautiful scenery.

[Menehune Man]

Nothing compares waking up and seeing
the beautiful scenic scenery outside your window, driving around this island
see the wide open spaces of untouched land and beautiful scenery.

And although different on each island... "The Song Remains The Same"
Oh yeah and don't forget the ocean! :D

[Konaguy]

And although different on each island... "The Song Remains The Same"
Oh yeah and don't forget the ocean! :D

:D Whoops I forgot the ocean.The ocean view is so beautiful up in Kohala
and Ka'u :).

[kiyoshi.odo]

hahaha...I was born in Japan, moved to Hawaii when I was 3 years old...Basically I feel Hawaii is the best place to live in the world. Why? Because it is Hawaii! My feeling is Hawaii is...20% USA 30% Japan 50% Hawaii (yeah) and Protected by the hawaiian "Spirit of Aloha". Do I sound crazy? YES! Am I correct? YES!

[Jake's Ohana]

To me, Hawaii, will always be my home away from home...SoCal in da house!!! Hawaii will always represent to me a place for new discovery, spiritual rejuvenation, and getting in touch with the Aloha Spirit. (hopefully bringing some spirit back to da mainland). If I had a lot of money, I would want to live 6 months on the islandz, and 6 months in SoCal. There are a lot of different opportunities/experiences for each location. I guess I would want the best of both worlds. :D

[craigwatanabe]

I think I could do Michigan. I need water, but it doesn't have to be salt water. The Great Lakes will do fine, and I recall learning somewhere that Michigan, after Alaska, has the most coastline of any state.


I thought Hawaii had the most coastline of any state. Remember the Hawaiian islands extend deep into the pacific northwest.

[hawaiidreaming]

i dont live in any US state but if i had to say whats 2rd to hawaii to me califonia then florida

[rhscare]

I thought Hawaii had the most coastline of any state. Remember the Hawaiian islands extend deep into the pacific northwest.

No, Alaska has us beat. I remeber that was one of our bragging points up there. That, and you could cut Alaska in half, make two states, and Texas would still be the 3rd largest state. People often underestamate Alaska.

[pzarquon]

Yep. More coastline on Alaska than, I've heard, most or all other states put together. Thanks to the Aleutians, they can also say the extend further West than Hawaii does. Not that trivia like this (like the 'tallest mountain if you measure from the bottom of the ocean!' thing) amounts to much when determining a "better" state... except, I guess, on the grounds of "better trivia questions"!

[Fat Jeff]

I'm originally from Chicago, and have lived in Northern Kentucky (suburb of Cincinnati) and South Florida (Lake Worth...home of the newly wed and the nearly dead). Each place had something appealing, and of course growing up and moving several times my memories are colored by my age at the time. I lived in Florida during the population boom times of the early 80's when it was like the wild wild west. Miami Vice, drugs galore, and the Jamaican "Posses" running around Dade county shooting everything up (even the Columbians feared them).

March of last year, I took my wife with me on a business trip to my home town of Chicago. She was born & raised in Ewa Beach and at age 39 had never seen snow. We lucked out and got a perfect light snowfall in the city and got to make the sole footprints in it on our way back to the hotel. She loved the city life and how dining, shopping, entertainment, & transportation were just blocks from our hotel (Lincoln Park area). We saw the museums, and the observation deck of the John Hancock Center, and of course dined on a Chicago 3 course meal (stuffed pizza, Italian Beef sandwich, and a Chicago style hot dog). By the end of our trip she told me that "if life ever dictated that we leave Hawaii, I could live here and be happy". Now that's an endorsement if I ever heard one.

But for me, it is now, and will always be Hawaii. I've lived here for my entire "adult life". I've made my roots. My business is here. My wife's family and heritage is here. And most important, the people of Hawaii, the reason I stayed all these years. Jimmy Buffet sang it years ago...I have found me a home...

[LocoBoy]

Wow, three cheers for Jeff!! It was great reading your post and your experiences/relationship with your wife. I especially like the last two lines of your post the best....HAWAII NO KA OI !!

[kealiinaauao]

props to Jeff Too!!

I live on the mainland and would live in hawaii if I was very rich so I could buy up papakolea :) Anyways, I think everywhere has there advantages. Totally depends on your outlook. It will be positive if your outlook is positive. I live in Utah, which is ok. Not too bad a place to live.

[pzarquon]

Some fresh trivia: A survey out yesterday from Harris shows that, if people could live in any state (http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/island_life/000419.shtml) besides their current one, most would pick California, Hawaii, and Florida. (Hawaii was third last year, second this year.) When the question shifted to cities, Honolulu came in sixth, ahead of Denver and Atlanta but behind Las Vegas.

[ojosverdesdegato]

Probably not really qualified to make judgement on this thread, because I am a Cunuck. . . BUT, I have visited many US states, and been to Hawai'i many times. I guess, if I could "not" live in Hawai'i, and had to choose another state, to live in, it would be Alaska hands down. Although both states, (Hawai'i and Alaska) are so different, they have so much in common.
Both have lots of coast line, and both states are removed from mainland USA. I find that people of both states are quite similar, ie) friendly, very individualistic, and are enriched with culture of Native peoples who were the original inhabitants. After living in the high Arctic of Canada, for many years, I miss the slightly crazy non conformist people of the north.
Hawai'i IS paradise, no doubt about it, but Alaska has such untouched beauty, and again. . .the "people", have Aloha, just like Hawai'i people.

Just my opinion,

Claudia

[sinjin]

Apparently Californication appeals to a great many Americans.

[tikiyaki]

Apparently Californication appeals to a great many Americans.

...just not KIMO :-)

Funny how California came in as top state, and NEW YORK as top city. I wonder how many people polled have ever lived in New York City...
I bet the stats would be different if they had.

I know the reality of living in Hawaii is way different than just visiting there, but if not California, it would be Hawaii for me. SoCal has some of the best weather for ME, as I'm not big into humidity.
That being said, in the "have my cake and eating it too" poll, I would choose living in both places, bouncing back and forth between them.

[sinjin]

...just not KIMO :-)

Funny how California came in as top state, and NEW YORK as top city. I wonder how many people polled have ever lived in New York City...
I bet the stats would be different if they had.

I know the reality of living in Hawaii is way different than just visiting there, but if not California, it would be Hawaii for me. SoCal has some of the best weather for ME, as I'm not big into humidity.
That being said, in the "have my cake and eating it too" poll, I would choose living in both places, bouncing back and forth between them.
I wonder how many people said Hawaii having never been there or having visited only once for a few days?

[Jonah K]

That being said, in the "have my cake and eating it too" poll, I would choose living in both places, bouncing back and forth between them.That's what I do. However, I spend slightly more time in Hawai'i than I do in California. :D

[tikiyaki]

That's what I do. However, I spend slightly more time in Hawai'i than I do in California. :D

Sounds good to me...how does that work out for you? Is your work portable ? (home/computer based) or is it you're financially set, so you don't have to work ?
Also, how long does it take to shift gears when you change from one place to the other? Do you own or rent in either place, and what about cars?

...if these questions are too nosy, feel free to plead the 5th...I''m just curious as I have a long term plan to do this myself, and I'm interested in how to make it work.

[Jonah K]

Sounds good to me...how does that work out for you? Is your work portable ? (home/computer based) or is it you're financially set, so you don't have to work ?
Also, how long does it take to shift gears when you change from one place to the other? Do you own or rent in either place, and what about cars?

...if these questions are too nosy, feel free to plead the 5th...I''m just curious as I have a long term plan to do this myself, and I'm interested in how to make it work.
Thanks to a few notable ancestors I was financially set at birth, so I don't have to worry about working for a living. ;) In terms of "shifting gears" from one place to another, it usually takes me a few days to adjust to the time difference as well as overall different pace of life. I own several properties in Hawai'i and California and I have a couple of vehicles at each place.

Overall, living in both Hawai'i and California has its benefits and drawbacks. The primary benefit is that I seldom have to deal with inclement weather. The main drawback is that it's somewhat difficult to be fully involved with any particular community. Elections, jury duty, community association meetings, ho'olaule'as, etc. in at least one place are often missed, unless I make special efforts to be present.

In terms of making it work, it requires a fair amount of capital, since it involves maintaining multiple residences (in addition to somewhat frequent travel). Although my 'ohana has balanced living in both Hawai'i and California for a few generations, most of us are starting to spend more time in Hawai'i than anyplace else.

Cheers,

Jonah K

[Peshkwe]

Yep. More coastline on Alaska than, I've heard, most or all other states put together. Thanks to the Aleutians, they can also say the extend further West than Hawaii does. Not that trivia like this (like the 'tallest mountain if you measure from the bottom of the ocean!' thing) amounts to much when determining a "better" state... except, I guess, on the grounds of "better trivia questions"!


Ok...ya got me curious....


Here's the official coastline stats:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001801.html

Alaska has the most with 5,580 miles of coast



I had to look up Michigan separately...it has:

"...and some 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of shoreline...."

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0859619.html


Folks surf in the lakes too:

http://www.vdpllc.com/surf_mi.htm

[Got2HaVKaYaNoW]

A State Better than Hawaii?


ummm...hmmm...lemme think....nope ~ sorry can't think of any.

[awakecreate]

Aloha...
Well St Thomas U.S.V.I. is not a state but it is an American territory and it is very beautiful. At 13 miles x 3 miles it is the same size as Manhattan but with far less people and no snow! The sailing is the best. 12-15 steady easterly trade winds, safe waters, hundreds of anchorages between the US and British Virgin Islands, and clear water. The temperature is 75-85 all year long 24/7. :cool:
It is day 2 for me now here on Oahu and it is looking great so far.
Chinatown is next and hopefully a sailboat ride! ;)
Aloha
Awake...

[kumukulanui]

It's a territory not a state, but has anyone spent any time in American Samoa? I always wondered what it was like.

Peter

[Got2HaVKaYaNoW]

It's a territory not a state, but has anyone spent any time in American Samoa? I always wondered what it was like.

Peter

Yea, I've been to Amer. Samoa ~ HuBby's from there...lemme say its like Kahalu'u and Waianae in one, but there's only Big Samoans & little Koreans running the liquor store.<not trying to offend anyone>

My HubBy's G-Pa, owns like choke land, the airport PPG and a golf course sits on the lower portion of it ~ then there's the familys area, I thought it was pretty cool ~ 10 houses to the left and 10 houses to the right of my Mother-in-laws house was owned by all of G-Pa's children(13) + all the G-Children so choke houses, but any way the bestest part was in the middle off all the homes ~ there's a liquor store!! LOL, he leased it to a Korean couple , long time ago,

My HubBy said when they were kids, they would try to steal candy, when the owner told G-Pa ~ They got dirty lickens...LOL..anyways when my HuBY took me to visit, he introduced my to the liquor store own & she started talking Samoan to me..I was triping out. Then I said I'm not samoan & she said,"oh, so you speak english" I felt like a complete foolio!
But any who I could go on foa days, its a beautiful place.

[kamana]

Personally my opinion is that every state and or/country has so much to offer. Different cultures, food, people, enviroment, ect. Its what suits you and your needs at a time in your life. I think when your young you should spread your wings and experience different places and culture.

[Mokihana]

I've lived in California, Wisconsin, Oregon, Ohio and Illinois prior to moving here.

Of those, I'd live in Oregon or Northern California again. Of those two, Oregon takes the cake.

Oregon is absolutely gorgeous. I lived in Salem, which is 45 minutes south of Portland, but if I were to move back, I'd live in Portland or Eugene - Salem is a town for old people :). Anyway...It's an hour from the snow and an hour from the beach. Lots of skiing (Mt Hood/Mt Bachelor), lots of hiking, camping, hunting, the beach normally is pretty chilly, but it has its quirks. There's green mountains, there's lots of sandy desert. (If you're an outdoor recreationist, the Northwest is your playground). Lots of quality beer and wines. People are pretty nice but can be totally crazy. The shopping available in malls/towns is pretty nice and if you can't find it there, you will find it in Seattle. It's about 3 hours from Seattle, 5 hours from Canada, 5 minutes from Washington :p Course there's the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, which is quite a drive, but worth it. OOooh and Oktoberfest in Mt Angel. The rain isn't as bad as it sounds, though the snow was a bit harsh the year I left (towns in the Willamette Valley arent really prepared for snow...maybe they are now, who knows). Ooooh and how could I forget? DUNGENOUS CRAB! It's everywhere. I love watching people fish for crab off the beach.

And Speaking of car registration - I paid $68 for two years for a truck ($213 here for 1 year). That's not a bad perk either :)

Ditto... Oregon is absolutely beautiful. I am so happy living here. Yes, I miss home... but given the revised question, I answer Oregon too. All of the above answers, plus:

Wonderful changing seasons
Lots of local peeps live here
Easy to get local kine grindz
Rivers and lakes in abundance
Friendly people
Uncrowded country roads

to name just a few...

even if people still have pilikia pronouncing my name!

[Mokihana]

Hawaii will always be "home." Honolulu is my birth place. I lived half my life in Hawaii.

But after having lived the other half in the SF Bay Area (the southern part, actually), I really, really like this place. Definitely not the entire state of California, just this area.
For me, this is pretty hard to beat.

Not putting you down in any way; I'm glad you like SJ. We lived there for awhile and I just hated it. After Hawai‘i, it was so brown and dry in the summer. The heat killed me. I hated the brown hills all summer. We would drive to Santa Cruz whenever we could (scary drive over Hyw 17 tho!), or up to Boulder Creek, just to get out of town and into some relative green.

We did love driving up into the Napa Valley and up to Tahoe. But trying to get out of town was the pits, esp on a Friday night. Over 2 hours to get over Carquinez! Traffic is a killer there.

I think SJ has some things going for it and I'm glad you like it. You make some good points about living there. But I couldn't wait to leave!