3 Things I Wish I HAD Known Before MOVING BACK to HAWAII

[@BraddahBruce]

I was born, raised, and grad from O'ahu, Hawai'i. Like you, I moved to Colorado and started my career of 20 years there. I wasn't planning on returning back to Hawai'i, but like a lot of locals, I came back to help take care of my aging parents. I can relate how some people feel like they failed if they return back to Hawai'i. Experience is never a failure. I know there were aspects of Hawai'i that I took for granted before my experiences of the "mainland." I really enjoy your videos and content. I don't consider myself as a KZbinr, but I do have a channel that I upload videos. You have a very interesting take on some KZbinrs. Me, I just like capturing what I experience. Things that I took for granted before my "mainland" experiences. 🍍😎🤙🥥🌴🌸🌈

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Keep making the content. At the end of the day, it's all about having fun and sharing what you love.

[@Fiawordweaver]

It’s all about heart. The islands always holds your heart ever so gently. So much genuine aloha.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Angela-uo4ur]

Beautifully said.

[@omfgitzcamille]

I am thankful for your channel SO MUCH. I’ve been back and fourth on the idea of moving back home. I’m here right now temporarily and I just feel this urge to really come back now at this point of my life. The first point really resonated with me.

[@TheSpoopyCat]

You are so incredibly articulate and authentic. It’s a joy to watch your videos!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@ashleylangas120]

You have this amazing ability to put into words exactly what I’m thinking on the inside, and I haven’t even moved back! I’m a local, born and raised on Oahu with deep family roots there, but moved to Southern California for grad school in 2010. I’ve been living here for the past 11 years and got subscribed to your channel because I struggle back and forth almost everyday about moving back. While I love the life I’ve built up here with my career and being able to travel more freely, nothing can replace the feeling of Hawaii

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for subscribing. Yeah, it's a tough decision. Eleven years is a long time. At least you're on the west coast so it's easier to come back and visit. If you make the move, get ready for a different Hawaii than back in high school.

[@lordkent8143]

It was getting off this rock and coming back to it that made me appreciate Hawaii. That is priceless. It's not failure it's about seeing pass the waters and oceans and then coming back and saying, "yeah I've done it and you know what it's not that bad and it's not that great either."

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great point. Leaving Hawaii is what helped me appreciate it more.

[@mariarohmer2374]

I really appreciate how deep and thoughtful you are. Not everyone cares to look beyond the surface of things.👍🏽👍🏽

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@rickchapman3051]

Moving back is not a failure. It enables you to share your experiences with others who might need to travel beyond Vegas. They might need that bump start. Great video really good perspective. Welcome back.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@vp3970]

I traveled to work in Vancouver, Washington for a year. I couldn’t take it, I really missed: blue skies; the ocean; rainbows; friendly faces; local food- plate lunches and the laidback life. What I don’t miss in my visit there: the cold , cold rain, racism, gray skies and noisy crows.

[@malama8981]

As a kid, I had dreams of going to a big name college and experience life outside of Hawaii. Now that I'm older and semi-retired, am really thankful I stayed home, went to UH, traveled the globe for work, enjoyed my family, friends and all Hawaii has to offer. In retrospect, I made the right decision for myself and my family. Sad to hear of Hawaii folks having to leave the islands and seek economic relief in Las Vegas, Texas, or Florida. The Price of Paradise is all too true. Luckily, we are in a good economic situation, however, it's challenging to see our family and friends struggle to make ends meet. Thanks for sharing your story...Aloha.

[@lorrinekaai7489]

If back home was' not so expensive I would' not have moved to the mainland but most of my families are now gone and I have only cousins left I have no aunties and uncles or parents to visit they are all gone😢

[@Golgibaby]

I was born and raised here. I went to college in the mainland after graduating high school 2002. After university and training, I returned home 2013 cause I was so dreadfully homesick. I agree with everything you've said in the video--absolutely I was so grateful for the perspective I gained. Especially the "heaviness" which I think is the pressure to hussle because of the high cost of living here... which I think is not getting better. I am hopeful concepts of ohana and the aloha spirit never die, but I have a very sad feeling that unless that "heaviness" does not abate, the aloha spirit we take pride in to look out for each other will be sacrificed.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, that heaviness is getting heavier. And I think you're right. It lowers the aloha spirit here.

[@droplever73]

Born and raised in Honolulu (Kalihi - Kapalama Heights)and then the opportunity to go to college in LA was a great experience. I moved to Texas with my wife to start a family and have been there ever since. I like it here but Hawaii is still home. Opportunities on the mainland allowed me to own and operate a successful business and financially, I can move back to Hawaii to maybe semi-retire there. I have to find something it do if I come back but avoid getting caught in owning another business or working as hard as I do now. Your channel is a true breath of fresh air compared to other You Tube reviewers of Hawaii. You tell it like it is with both a mainland and local's perspective and the emotions you share with us offers the REAL DEAL of Hawaii life. Your street creds are spot on!! I share "j g" 's comments totally.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad you found opportunities elsewhere, but Hawaii is always home. Hope you get to visit often. 🤙

[@liula540]

Mahalo nui for sharing your story. I totally get it! I’ve experienced the same thoughts over the last 5 years since my husband and I moved back home. Your story comfort me that I’m not alone. Mahalo.💕😇🙏🏻

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you can relate. Always great to move back home.

[@eddieunutoa592]

I love your videos. You bring so much mana to your audience and your experience that you share is beautiful.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo! 🤙

[@kennoma7998]

As an Asian minority on the mainland to becoming part of the majority in Hawai'i is a great thing for one's mental health. Having shoyu at a local diner was a reaffirming experience. Enjoy your insights.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Oh yeah. Shoyu at the table is nice. Forgot the mainland doesn't have that.

[@5StarAlcatraz]

I moved to the mainland (Cali) with my family during senior year of high school & went on to college, career, marriage, raising a family, etc. I used to come back to visit every year or so but as life went on, the visits became more & more infrequent. Family members who stayed passed away or also moved to the mainland but Hawaii was always gone. I recently went back to attend a funeral (after

[@A-TeamJapan]

Just moved to Florida from Maui, definitely missing Hawaii but this video made me feel better. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@alexcarter8807]

Florida/Caribbean/Tons of Pacific Islands are "Lower Budget Hawaii" you can move to any of those places and it's tons more easy to buy a house etc. I wish more people discovered those places instead of all trying to cram into Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Far move. Hope they have plate lunches there. 😁

[@Flying_turnip187]

Wow....you moved back to Hawaii from Co? Me also. We may have some of th same groups we know. I moved back to Hawaii in 07. It was nostalgic for about 1 month...then reality hit. The feeling of regression....seeing the former friends and former classmates doing the same things they were doing when I left...seeing all the successful friends that left...and all the places were the same ...but different. I actually outgrew Hawaii a long time ago and it showed. I finally moved to Japan in 2016....and really never looked back. For me, it was good to know when its time to really "Leave" Hawaii. For me , even though I was born and raised there...I never was a local. Its better to move where your heart is...rather than were you think you need to be.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I graduated college in CO in '07, but moved to OR for a year. Definitely understand that feeling of seeing former friends doing the same things: beach, karaoke, drinking. 😆

[@DrBangBang]

Welcome home and hopefully everything goes well for you and your family and love one. I'm from China but i lived here for almost 11 years. I really miss home

[@travelandmore808]

No place like home.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@phongphong4640]

This is a deep and insightful expression of your own feeling. Honest and brave! Self-knowledge is wisdom and power. It's a blessing to have lived in both mainland and Hawaii. It naturally widens and enrich your mind. I live in New York City for over two decades. I also lived in west coast (Las Vegas and LA) for 2 plus years. Whenever NYC drives me crazy, I can use my west coast perspective to view my NYC life. And it opens up my mind and soothes me. I also pay extended visit to Taiwan every 5 years or so. Being in Taipei makes me cherish my American life even more for I am a lousy conformist to survive in any Asian society.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing

[@glennhattori5464]

Thank you for sharing your retro experience. Be safe!

[@eromson1]

This is another great reflection, Mahalo! You make many good points. I grew up on Maui, went to the Mainland for University, and then worked in 26 different countries. I came back when my Mom got sick and passed. While we'll travel occasionally, we're here to stay long-term. Maui no ka oe!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Wow, world traveler. How is Maui compared to before? Crowded?

[@eromson1]

@@HelloFromHawaii Gotta remember I grew up on Maui in the '60s (yep, I'm an Ol' Bugga). There were no Wailea Massive tourist places... just lonely sand beaches where we went diving and swimming. We could walk or ride our bikes to Azekas, our local convenience store, for cokes and spam musubi. My graduating class at Baldwin (go Bears!) had just over 300 students. My parents bought our house in Kihei in 1964 for $40k and we sold it in 2015 for just under $4M. We moved Upcounty to get away from the tourist mess in Kihei. I'm happy on the Mauna, coming into town for shopping and some appointments, also doing most of my business and meetings online. Brah, things are good and we are all just trying to Live Aloha.

[@davidbarker5030]

U can live like a king on the mainland, then come back to hawaii to visit, it makes u appreciate hawaii so much more. Plus u have so much more mney that u arent spending on just surviving in hawaii. Think about how much u take advantage of hawaii when u live there. You would enjoy it so much more as a vacation spot

[@yumikofujikura262]

I really appreciate the effort that you put into making your videos. I have a daughter living in HI and we are considering moving out there so the family can be together. Being from CA, the perspective that you share really helps us understand how Locals think and feel. Arigatoo and Mahalo from CA!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Hawaii is a great place for family. At least you are on the west coast so it's easier to visit.

[@leihu7066]

Chris, I really enjoyed watching your videos. Recently I’m dealing with the stress of moving, one I had thoughts of moving to Hawaii and other I’m planning to move back home to nyc. I’m glad you had made your decision.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo! I know it's stressful to move. I've moved a few times before moving back home to Hawaii.

[@christopherberger7991]

Greatly appreciate your perspective on this. I was really surprised to hear you talk about your worry about being perceived as a "failure" for moving back to Hawaii. As a mainlander (and Canadian) I have always regarded moving to Hawaii as an aspirational goal, even a fantasy - for that reason it was interesting to consider your different point of view on it. In Canada, the idea of "going away to college" isn't as big a thing as it seems to be in the States, and I infer from what you're saying (correct me if I'm wrong) that for people in Hawaii in particular the idea of going away to the mainland is especially important and sought-after. Interesting to hear a different point of view on that. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@4thLevelConciousness]

Thank you so much for making this. I've been contemplating going back home after 11 years. The part about being a failure really hits home. Probably the biggest thing to discourage me from going back. The hybrid double life thing feels so on point. Just going back home to recharge and leave again on an adventure. I'm scared to move back but this video helped and I'm certain I will be coming home in a few months. thank you

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Good luck on your move, assuming you're moving back. It may time to adjust, but once you get back, you'll find a routine.

[@baldwind8730]

Thanks!

[@dv1216]

My son will be moving back home (Maui ) in a few months. He went to college in Oregon 12 years ago and the stayed, mostly in Portland. I pray he’s making the right decision!

[@5StarAlcatraz]

Correction: Hawaii was always ‘home’…after returning for the funeral after an absence of about 10 years, I kind of felt like I was a ghost revisiting a former life going by my old house, schools, places I used to hang out, etc. …I had an opportunity to move back 20 years ago but didn’t. I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had? Mahalo for this video.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Wow, yeah, I'm sure you're life would be totally different if you moved back 20 years ago.

[@maxfit68906]

I had a similar experience back in 2000 when my Grandmother passed away and I flew home for her funeral. I was absent 6 years prior and her passing caused me great pain because she raised me. Like you I revisited my past. In some strange way, the trip home made me realize that my life was meant to continue back on the mainland. 22 years later, it was the right decision.

[@timothyzakaria7397]

@@HelloFromHawaii I really hope u could help me man I found out that I was given away at birth in 2020. With the family that I was given to I was very different and this caused me to go through problems as a kid and even not knowing where to work. Causing me to go into homelessness but learning Hawaii has made me feel better it's difficult when u are let go from jobs but I believe Hawaii is the right place

[@timothyzakaria7397]

@@HelloFromHawaii But I'm coming all the way from Massachusetts so it will take time to know the main island. Love Polynesian people but I want to be known in Hawaii I grew up shy and more reserved and I want to meet people for sure

[@theketovorian]

One of your best videos! Great job.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@TN-cz1on]

Your perspective is definitely relatable! We have some common places with you… we used to live in OR, living in CO now :)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Awesome. What parts of OR and CO? I was in Tigard and Greeley.

[@TN-cz1on]

@@HelloFromHawaii lol we were in Beaverton, and have friends in Tigard & bull mountain. We’re now in Littleton near chatfield :)

[@annevertido-fc5ci]

It's ironic that I found your video. My family and I have lived in Colorado for 20 years, and I am ready to go back home to Hawaii to take care of my parents and be with my family.

[@NZDLo]

This is really interesting to me and again, I see parallels in the culture here in NZ. There is an exception, though: it is encouraged and expected that young people will move overseas for a while and come back to raise their families. There is a term for it: “overseas experience” or “OE”. Some people don’t take their OE until their 30s, but most go in their 20s. And some never come back to NZ, but many do, because it apparently is a great place to raise a family. Being at the bottom of the Pacific, we are also far away from almost everything (except Australia). The shortest flight anywhere - to the Pacific Islands, or Australia - is 4 hours. Beyond that, flights are at least 10 if not 12-15 to get anywhere. It makes me feel safe, though, like we are hidden from the rest of the world. (But I also didn’t grow up here.) Love your videos - thanks for this channel.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing about NZ. Appreciate the parallels.

[@Jonidan2]

It's enriching to hear how you view your life experiences and that you have learned from every moment that you have experienced . As I have commented in your past videos , you are wise beyond your years . Your life is full of balance and has somewhat come full circle so to speak . You are right , it's nice to get out of your comfort zone and try new things . Good and bad - those experiences make you grow. You grew up in paradise , stepped out to see what new things you can learn . And then back to paradise . Most importantly , you are able to analyze and ruminate on your life , take the positives and negatives and share those in a beneficial way . Mahalo :)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Appreciate the comment. I just hope that this video encourages locals who are thinking about coming back home or those who made the move but are feeling doubtful.

[@notmyrichie1555]

Great perspective as I live in Vegas and am a local boy . I understand your appreciation of being a transient visitor to Hawaii. I don’t have the urge to move back to Hawaii at all surprisingly . Aloha !

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo! Vegas must be nice. And I heard there are a lot of locals up there too.

[@Cherrysmith2809]

Your words really resonated with me. I lived and worked on Maui for 21 years, longer than I had lived anywhere. I raised my daughters here and was here when three of my four grandkids were born on Maui. I started to yearn to have another spin of living on the mainland before I died, so I moved to Seattle, leaving all my family. I was gone for 15 wonderful years, and got to be that “hybrid visitor” to Maui. When I retired, I moved back to be with my family. I am happy to be back, but as you said, things have changed, as they always do. I miss a lot about the mainland. Maui feels smaller to me now, but this is where I’m supposed to be.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, it's a weird feeling leaving behind that mainland life to return home.

[@sheriandreas8260]

Family is so important! If you can live near your family you probably won’t regret it. That’s my opinion. When you talk about the snow it reminded me of the movie “Cool Runnings”, it’s a cute movie.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Oh yeah. I remember that movie. When I came back to CO after my first Christmas break in Hawaii, I felt like those guys in the movie seeing the Calgary snow.

[@lorrinekaai7489]

I'm just having second thoughts about going back home but in a way I guess being in the mainland for as long as I lived here I have no other choice but to stick it out and be thankful for what I got I been here since 2005

[@zjgvergara]

Reminded me of my time in the Air Force stationed on the East coast and having to deal with the snow for the First time.🤙🏾

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I still remember seeing snow the first time. Halloween in Colorado.

[@zjgvergara]

@@HelloFromHawaii yeah funny enough I remember it too. We were skim boarding in the snow at my friends house in base housing.

[@kouheimassey]

Moved to Colorado for college a few months ago. Feeling homesick, and considering moving back after college, but your point about being forced to grow is huge. I gotta keep growing, so while I'll visit every so often, it's best for me to go beyond my comfort zone of hawaii

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Which school? CU? CSU? UNC? DU? Enjoy CO. I enjoyed it so much.

[@kouheimassey]

@@HelloFromHawaii CSU!

[@dukeloo]

40% of the kids who grew up on my street moved away from HI and never came back. I would leave for 8 years and then return, moved back a few times. Couldn't hack it. Moved back to the mainland and different states. I missed the adventure. My mom asks me to move back every trip and phone call. I found my home in NM now.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I wonder how many of my elementary school friends are still here.

[@droplever73]

Alan, I share your feelings to a T. Sometimes, watching this channel is like going to the old house (no longer own it) and or Google Maps it, and I get depressed. I stopped going up the hill to see the old neighborhood because it does not feel the same. I moved on, and everyone I knew did the same. Like what "j g" wrote, I feel like a ghost when I visit.

[@bernardtadifa8661]

This is great! The subjects you touched on resonates with me. After 30 years on the mainland I longed to move back to Oahu. (I can already hear my BFF teasing "Wot?! No can handle?") Two years ago I began the process of donating/gifting things away for the transition; however, opportunities for employment and a decent wage keep me here. I'll never get that back home and if I did, the compensation will be a lot less. I've got years left, God willing--before retiring at age 70. Sadly those near and dear will be gone. Sigh...

[@alohatvn]

After living in Hawaii for nearly 10 years and attending the university of Hawaii and BYU Hawaii I moved to California. Met a person who dad grew up on the Big Island 🏝. We have discussed moving to Hawaii at some point in time ⏲.

[@808jin]

Awesome video. I lived in Japan for a bit and had certain expectations of Home being the same. Things have certainly changed over the years. I find we all have to just enjoy and find the positive in wherever we are living at the moment. As much as I miss Japan now, if I were living there again, I would probably want to come back home.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I miss Japan. Can't wait to go back.

[@kelvinyschun]

Great video ... years will go faster ... Learn by experience from the Kupuna. 温故 (On-ko) is to ask old things. 知新 (Chi-shin) is to know new things. -->Literary means "By asking old things know new things". Explaining In order to get to know new things that you have not experienced you can learn from old things like the past. You can get wisdom from the history. This is the Japanese proverb by Chinese thinker and social philosopher Confucius. He gave a big impact to Japanese thinkers.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. 🤙

[@cjmum6161]

This makes complete sense to me. I can relate on so many levels. I am from the uk. Moving away has given me so much more perspective and I feel like my experiences have helped me grow. I can also see how you can compare hawaii to an exhibit also. Unfortunately if feels as if these islands are set up just for tourists, almost like Disneyland. I can see that the job opportunities for the people are limited. I think it would be wonderful if they had more technology based jobs, maybe in an area of growth and wouldn't interfere with the beauty of the land. As you can tell that is not my area of study. Lol I just think it would be good for the youth to have more diversity when it comes to career opportunities. Thanks again for another great video!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Wow, leaving a country must have been quite the culture shock. Appreciate the comment.

[@888meenbeeby]

I’m experiencing the opposite Almost 10 yrs ago, I moved to Hawaii, and now I feel like a failure because I’ve had to come back to the mainland The right thing will work out but I really want to be back on the Big Island Mahalo for your wonderful posts 🌺

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. It's tough to make it here, especially if you move to Hawaii and don't know anyone.

[@guslevy3506]

Sounds like the remedy for you is to take annual weeklong ski trips back to Colorado - and perhaps a few days in Vegas - once your kid is old enough to enjoy it. That would ease your longing for those Mainland days, but long enough to realize it’s better back in Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I was actually thinking about a trip to CO. Maybe next year when things settle down. Would be great to see people and places in the CO area again.

[@Fishingjunkie-y8v]

Love the video brother this applies to where ever we live. Like when I grew up in the Midwest. That's all know it was the center of my universe until I started to travel and spend time in other places. It changed my perspective on things. Now I live in California and love that I'm no too far from Hawaii. 1st time I went there to the big island we stayed there for 2 weeks. Full 14 days and it was quite an experience.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. 🤙

[@tracyalan7201]

Love the video like the other viewers do. I think the decision is dependent on the type of person that you become at that point in time that the decision is made. If the person's confidence, maturity and preferences lean towards independence, individuality, opportunity, variety and adventure then staying outside of Hawaii would have greater opportunity for experiencing it. One can still experience all those things staying in Hawaii, but the ties that bind the individual to stretch beyond their expectations are harder to resist. Like they say, our worst enemy is ourselves, so if its distance that's needed for them to discover their abilities, then, there's nothing wrong. We each grow and develop in our own time. Its all good.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Great insight. I agree that the ties that hold us back from stretching ourselves is hard to resist here. We get so comfortable.

[@peterocon1095]

Hi, new subscriber here from NY and planning of moving to HNL in a year or two. Thanks for sharing your Hawaii life experience.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Awesome. That's going to be quite the move. Good luck when it comes time. 🤙

[@duanekaimana-scottedlao1037]

I can relate...thanks for sharing.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@patrickkemp8047]

Mostly since I left Hawaii in 1976 after high school all I heard from people on the mainland was “why the hell did you leave Hawaii” But once Hawaii is in your spirit you spend your life on the mainland yearning to move back. On the mainland…I’m the ukulele playing dude in an aloha shirt. My dream is to move back. It is a part of me.

[@FFLapin]

You sound homesick for the mainland…feel free to move back any time 😌❤️

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm still enjoying Hawaii, but I may come up to the Mainland to visit.

[@melanieathwal4038]

Thank you for your thoughts. I’ve been struggling with this very thing for awhile. Left the Islands a long time ago. I do feel like a hybrid tourist when returning home for visits. I worry that I’ll be trapped if I return permanently. I love my view of the Puget Sound and the wildlife and try to imagine the Pacific Ocean (if I can even get a view) mongoose instead of squirrels, pigeons instead of eagles. Do I want to wrestle with bulbos instead of deer over my garden? Can I catch a last minute cheapie flight to go somewhere fun? I-5 vs H-1? We consider getting a condo and doing the snowbird thing but wonder if that will create more headaches trying to figure out who will take care of our property in our absence. Perhaps I’m overthinking it but it’s hard to change old habits overnight. I know if we do move permanently I would miss all those things that have become so familiar. Hawaii is a great place to be a kid. I remember being bored and wondering if we should go to the beach or do something else… the beach was an awesome last resort. Is was nice to be brown all year round. I give you credit for returning.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks. Lots to think about when deciding to move back. Cost is probably the biggest thing. But it's been great and I'm glad I made the move.

[@SHINYFUNGAMES]

I just moved here a few weeks ago and it is so different than I ever thought. Even after doing research it’s different than I thought, good and bad

[@HelloFromHawaii]

What's different than you thought?

[@SHINYFUNGAMES]

@@HelloFromHawaii the biggest thing for me is driving from Honolulu to Laie. The one lane road thing is so different! That and how relaxed everyone seems to be. Sometimes it seems to be too slow to get things done

[@yasamash8953]

Love the videos brother

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you like them!

[@syvajarvi2289]

I’ve been gone over 20 years. I started thinking about moving back a few years ago. I don’t have family there, only a few friends still remain…. Most live in Texas, NV, Arizona, the mid west, and Maryland. My reasons for wanting to move back is because I started feeling home sick. I worked on a project in Queensland AUZ and the area reminded me of O’ahu and it got me thinking about moving home. That was 10 years ago. I look at the job market and cost of living to see if I could get started based on what I have saved and other things. It’s not the fantasy of living in paradise that draws me back. I lived in the Salt Lake area the last time I lived there. I didn’t look or was treated different because of the way I looked. I blended in for the first time in my life. The people were welcoming as long as you showed respect to the culture and the land. My son asks me about it from time to time. What it’s like to be in a place that you blend in. I laughed, color your hair black, put in brown contacts, take a trip to O’ahu, and see how it goes…. Just go with an open mind and open heart. Don’t judge, just listen, listen to the people, the ocean, the animals…. Especially the geckos. If the geckos sing to you at night, you are being told you can rest easy. He doesn’t understand the fixation on geckos…. Someday I’ll explain it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Maybe frequent visits can help with being home sick. Or possibly working remote. Definitely can relate when I was in Colorado for long stretches of time.

[@syvajarvi2289]

@@HelloFromHawaii I’m planning a trip for next year to feel it out. Being gone for as long as I have, I know that I have changed and I feel the need to see if I still fit in or not. If it still feels like home then I’ll get my finances in order and look for employment that will allow me to move back.

[@cynthiai9365]

It’s hard to maintain relationships with people from East coast mainland when in Hawaii because of the 5-6 hour time difference too. By the time we’re off work everyone iver there is asleep

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, the time difference is tough. Even tough with those in the Mountain Time Zone.

[@EvilTheOne]

Thanks for your thoughts! The main thing my father told me when I got back was "stop talking about the mainland, especially in comparison to Hawaii . . . locals don't like that". If I had started planting that into my mindset before arriving back here, then I would've been a little more prepared to alter my comments. The hard part is when people like you and I enjoyed the mainland as much as we have, then discussing it would have to be in that context . . . not "comparison speak". There are locals that believe the Earth begins and ends with these islands. If they never left this "rock", then this is reinforced even more everyday. And talk about anything being remotely "better" beyond these shores, is always going to be foreign to them. When I came home, I felt out of sorts. I had a lot of thoughts as to why, because my feelings were all jumbled up. My friends really didn't change their approach to life, although my approach change a whole lot. In the mainland, the "adventure" of doing things myself, were thrust back into conflict with doing things with my former group of friends once again. Even though it was fun to be back in the group, it always seemed a little weird.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I know some people who don't like the "mainland talk", but there is just so much more to do there and it broadens your perspective.

[@EvilTheOne]

@@HelloFromHawaii There are those who go on vacation to the mainland, and think that they know how it is being away from Hawaii. Although nit was lonely at times in the decade I was away, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. The moments that created my memories and experiences I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams. In looking back, I still can't believe that they all happened. Living there is something else altogether. I only hope that everyone that wishes to move to the mainland or elsewhere, has even half of the wonderful memories. After all, there is a world beyond the Pacific Ocean.

[@FFLapin]

You sound homesick for the mainland… feel free to move back any time 😚

[@lizfisher4622]

Would you consider a video on why people move to and then subsequently leave Hawaii after a year or few years? I know that is not your situation but I respect and appreciate your thoughts,

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the suggestion. It's actually an idea I've been thinking about for a while. Most people who move here usually don't last for than five years. Definitely something I'll continue thinking about. 🤙

[@noviceguy2]

Wow. Glad I found your channel.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@dogsense3773]

I have a friend age 65, first twenty years in Hawaii, then twenty years in bay area,then twenty years back in Hawaii,now back in the bay area again!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Oh wow. Lots of moving.

[@alexcarter8807]

I thought Oahu was sooooo booooring but I've known a lot of places on Oahu (we moved around a lot when I was growing up) but now, when I get back, I want to explore Oahu so much. Not just 'Nature' but all the funky old buildings and hamajang old stuff.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Hamajang!

[@nicolebozeman2647]

Did you say Woolworths? That's a blast from the past.

[@piperlani]

You are spot on👍🏼🤙🏼

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@alexcarter8807]

I've lived in Colorado too .... it's nice but it's not Hawaii. And I get it, the whole "ambition" thing, like if you have "ambition" you leave Hawaii, and if you come back it's like you lost your ambition or something ... but things have changed in the US, a *LOT* in case you haven't noticed. Basically these days, if you're getting by OK and not homeless, you've pretty much "made it".

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the perspective. Glad it's not just me. 😁

[@Pixics]

Hawaii seems like a beautiful place to go back to. I wouldn't mind living there.

[@OceanWolf808]

Whenever I go back home to visit, I always called myself an expatriate rather than a visitor or a tourist. It is like having two lives: the local and mainland. I will always consider myself a resident of both Hawaii and California.

[@raymondnicolajr.7323]

A very thoughtful video. In 1989 our family moved to California. More opportunity for work and a better foundation for an education for our two girls. At that time we lived in Hilo. They both went to private school and both got great educations. My wife and I on the day we left the islands promised each other after retirement we would return to the HOMELAND, and in 2019 we did. Our oldest still lives in California, and our youngest daughter lives here on the Big Island. We had many things to decide on before we left California. New housing, medical, etc. All of our previous generations have all long passed. Just my brother and I and our respective families. I never entertained the thought of "failure"" upon our return the the islands, it was more of a "mission accomplished" attitude. We all left for a reason, accomplished that goal and now our mission is complete. Though, let me tell you there are times we both wish that we both could return to California. But, we are done with California, we miss our daughter and her family, but we are very happy here in the islands with our younger daughter and her family. We are very happy to be home, a bit different, but it is home. Once again thank you for this video. Very much thought provoking and heart felt.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Appreciate the comment. The mainland is such a different world to Hawaii. And things have changed, but still home.

[@bill2066]

Dude..I really believe you should do Television Work (local TV stations, etc..). You are great on camera, etc..Not many people can do that....

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks. I've never thought about doing that, but yeah, it might be fun.

[@kdfooaijfea3asdf]

Love your thoughtful videos as always.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@KibaJovanni]

U are not a failure there’s nothing wrong with trying new things plus it’s harder to make it in Hawaii than the mainland right, And who wouldn’t want to go back home

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@kawikadee9670]

You can move to Las Vegas they call it the 9th island.

[@danhle9454]

Hawaii is very special and many who left their homelands share your thoughts and sentiments. “But do you know this idea of the imaginary homeland? Once you set out from shore on your little boat, once you embark, you'll never truly be at home again. What you've left behind exists only in your memory, and your ideal place becomes some strange imaginary concoction of all you've left behind at every stop.” ― Claire Messud, The Woman Upstairs

[@nermo.artist]

Insightful perspective Here in da Mother Kauai Blessed to see it every day. Also a writer, I get this

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@kaumingo]

"Trapped in the aquarium!" True dat. I wen steh 15 years in Ka'ū. Den kolea fly back to Cali.

[@shenshoon8333]

I'm suppose to fly to Hawaii 2moro but they're saying it's lock down is it true

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Travel to Hawaii is discouraged, but we're not on lockdown. Things are still open.

[@shenshoon8333]

@@HelloFromHawaii really I want to get the whole experience of the beach and the Hawaiian dancers show are they having all of that

[@edwardpileggi7327]

What lense did you use for these shots? 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I used the DJI Osmo Action. I'm not sure what focal length it is.

[@edwardpileggi7327]

@@HelloFromHawaii thanks bro 😎 What was your mic setup? The audio was crisp!

[@mindibear]

Instead of scraping ice off your windshield dump a bucket of hot water on it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I should have tried that. For some reason, I thought it would damage the glass.

[@alohatvn]

Like 👍 and shared amazing 👏 video 📹 🎥.

[@terryleame3313]

it is important to move away from home. having to fend and discover on your own makes you grow on all levels on the road to self. going back home after your adventures makes you a wiser more tolerant human

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's a great experience to have to grow up and figure things out on your own.

[@JustScuzzy]

One thing I know for sure after living on the mainland for 30+ year's is, you can take the boy out of Hawaii, but you can't take Hawaii out if the boy

[@miyakegaijin]

Pretty much most of your videos makes me think, “That’s what I was thinking-but I too lazy (and not a good speaker) to create that content and post. This video I kind of don’t have your emotion but see where you’re coming from. For me, when I lived in Japan I whined a lot about things that are better in Hawaii than Japan. After I temporarily returned to Hawaii for summer break, I realized that I should appreciate that I can experience everything in Japan (good and bad) and it won’t last forever. Eventually I will return to Hawaii. After living in Japan, Hawaii felt small, slow, and technically behind but that is some of the things I learned to love more from being away. My sister has lived on the mainland like you but she returned to Hawaii about 7 years ago. She had great experiences such as acting on TV and not so great experiences such as being in a church with her family during a mass shooting. I think for her, Hawaii is hard because it is expensive but it is worth it to be home near family and old friends

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It must be a big mindset shift after living in Japan. Hawaii is very slow and small, but you'd never realize it if you didn't go away. Hope your sister is enjoying Hawaii. It's tough, though. Maybe she can get a job in the local TV market. NCIS Hawaii is a starting.

[@reneecollin8825]

👠 I luv this channel. Luv your "low key" personality and your frankness. I love visiting Hawaii - scenery, climate and people are physically beautiful, but, (and I can't quite put my finger on it) their insight into things (other than ISLAND life/Hawaii) is desperately lacking in "reality" or "social awareness"? Nice people to talk to, but only for 10 mins. Aloha from the State of VA.🌸

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Only ten minutes? 😆

[@dr.josefudeyama64]

Hey brudduh! You da hawaiian philosopher ;)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks 🤣

[@B1GJOHNSTUD]

bruh nomo one place like home!! cheee!! 🤙🏾

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@LivingLife128]

i know quite a few hawaiiains that left hawaii . reasons were school or job opportunities. My sister in law left to go to school 40 years ago and stayed after graduating . My nephew who grew up on the mainland went to hawaii to find a job with a criminal justice degree. he ended up coming back and said the nepotism in Hawaii was crazy. you don't know the right person you are not getting a job, especially in the GOV. One thing i can not figure out is how the housing prices are sustained in Hawaii. tourism , mil seem to be the things that support the economy in Hawaii. Those things are not the best paying jobs. So all you hawaiian's , what is supporting the huge housing prices there?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great question as to how the housing prices are sustained. I think the simple answer is that they aren't. It's why it's tough for many locals to compete with outside buyers in the market.

[@hothotheat3000]

The number one thing that I would like for people to know is that Hawaii won’t solve all your problems. You can be in a great locale and still be miserable. You can be in a terrible locale and still be happy. It’s ultimately up to YOU, not the ground under your feet.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@youtischia]

Nice video.There is a little mistake in the title. It should be "3 things I wish I HAD known before...". Its called the past perfect tense and it is required here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the correction 😁

[@islandsnow]

So if you had thought about it more 9 years ago, are you saying you might not have come back? Or you always thought that that was the thing to do. I think people who grow up in Hawaii and never leave or traveled anywhere are a bit sheltered here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I would have still moved back home, but I would have not been in a rush to get back. Take my time and enjoy things in CO, OR, and CA.

[@5rgyyuyrgg]

Don't feel bad. I left the place I was born and raised to go experience the South. After 6 years, I had to come back to this h*ll hole Washington DC.

[@Foldisfitch]

I hope the 'developers' don't 'develop' too much of beautiful Hawaii

[@gordonames1892]

LEFT HAWAII 50 YEARS AGO. BEEN BACK 3 TIMES. 2 OUT OF THE 3VTIMRS, FELT CLAUSTROPHOBIC, CONFINED. SO USE TO THE WIDE OPEN SPACES.

[@crazybeast2]

Love the videos! Going to be there for my wedding on the 4th!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Congrats on the wedding. Make sure to keep up with the new restrictions.

[@lorrinekaai7489]

Colorado must be a nice place

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's great.

[@bill2066]

Work for an airline !

[@SunnyIlha]

Ay-yay! You look warm & comfortable. Clean Hawai'i air. The Island-Body-Feel. Soul-Satisfying.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😁