Hawaii Is NOT What It Seems (Even If It Looks Like It)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Just wanted to talk about how things aren't always what they seem in Hawaii. This works on both a social media level and also in real life. A lot of what you see online related to Hawaii is curated. And I know that a lot of people know that, but it's always good to remind ourselves that. Filmed this in one take in a Zippy's parking lot. Oh, how many times have we all been hanging out there? 😅

[@eddenoy321]

I lived near Kuakini Hospital in 2010. There is a bridge over the freeway at Liliha. It seemed that people were ending their lives at an alarming rate by jumping off that bridge several times a year. It was so tragic. My wife and I were thinking about buying a condo somewhere , but the longer you live here, the more the scale of human tragedy hits home. So we left Honolulu, instead. Families often break under the financial strain. The work places are often underpaid and staffed by angry employees. Treat your family well.

[@just_inhawaii]

Impressive one take. 💪🏽

[@SmallParadiseKona]

Keeping it real.

[@jameskawaikaupejrcwo3usmcr573]

Me to Chris way to go.

[@cardiac161]

Personally think one of the biggest advocates of how much of a paradise Hawai'i is are real estate agents. Their clients cater to very wealthy people given the median price of houses and condos. I wish most of them would be a bit more honest and show the houseless situation, the social issues, the environmental concerns, the lack of respect to oiwi culture, the overtourism, the cost of living, and the frustration of locals towards malahini.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I've got a video about realtors coming soon. :)

[@DALLASSTONEREALTY]

I’m a realtor on Oahu and I’ve always been upfront to a point where I even had clients changed their mind about moving to Hawaii.

[@DALLASSTONEREALTY]

@@HelloFromHawaii I would love to be in it. I got some good and some bad to say.

[@raytokumoto2200]

You keep it real. That’s what I like about your channel.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thank you. Appreciate it 🤙

[@bullfrog5412]

Bruddah..! I appreciate all your content! You honest and keep it real..! Mahalo Nui Loa..! 🌴🤙🌴

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I appreciate that 🤙

[@barbie19604]

You know….. I am from the mainland. I love visiting Hawaii with my husband because he grew up in Oahu. What you are describing is not just a Hawaiian issue. It is a Seattle issue, a New York City issue, a San Francisco issue, et cetera. I fled the Bay Area in the 1980s because of rising costs and settled with my Hawaiian 🌺 husband in the Seattle area…… almost forty years ago. Real estate prices are crazy everywhere. Now….. add the high cost of food in Hawaii and it is depressing…… I hear you. But it is similar in many desirable areas. Just saying.

[@laurakibben4147]

Sadly, the word for it, gouging, still hasnt been uttered. Raising prices after Katrina prompted raising prices to be illegal so why oh why are they allowed to cite all the excuses for it now???

[@alanyoung159]

Congrats on the 30k milestone!

[@rubeniaborge4652]

I do see it, and I thank you for sharing that perspective. I learned a lot from this video.

[@johhnmorgan8329]

Pretending people want to buy a 10000 dollar bag like people telling other people they own property and telling people there rich I like you and the videos thank you

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@matthewpulama106]

As a Native Hawaiian who has lived here his entire life, this video was great to watch. I've seen Hawaii through the eyes of population long before social media was even a thing and I'm glad you spoke about this. Mahalo for this!

[@kanoawai]

Native Hawaiian lol so haole. Your Kanaka Maoli if you have da koko. Hawaiian if your a sovereign citizen living on kingdom soil.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@KITTEEKAT]

The things we think we need, we really dont need. I go to Hawaii, because nature, the culture, the simplicity quenches my soul. It makes me feel I dont need a lot to be happy. It is indeed crazy to afford to live in Hawaii. But to have the basic needs and to afford to sustain a simple lifestyle is already the dream.

[@ppw8716]

Food for the soul…the sun/warmth, the ocean, the breeze, the scenery, the local people, and the food, too. Food is not just nourishment for body.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad that being here makes you feel like you don't need a lot to be happy. 🤙

[@tofu1Ja]

I resonate with your comment. That's one reason why we chose to live in Hawaii as well. There are many valuable lessons that can be learned with my family here in Hawai'i because it's simpler. I knew before moving out here that it's not paradise, but the reality sets in more when one integrates deeper into the communities. Of course, the learning goes both ways as I've learned now that I work with people. It takes time to get to know people, but change in any direction especially with adaption to certain types of technology happens when everybody believes in the collective meaningful impact we can do together. When I moved to Hawai'i, I realize that I'm dealing with people who are still paper and pencil and some who are mobile savvy... how do we move together, I ask myself? It takes trust, respect, and patience. =P

[@weirandeng]

From the opening monologue of The Descendants. "My friends on the mainland think just because I live in Hawaii, I live in paradise. Like a permanent vacation - we're all just out here sipping Mai Tais, shaking our hips and catching waves. Are they insane? Do they think we're immune to life? How can they possibly think our families are less screwed-up, our cancers less fatal, our heartaches less painful?"

[@lorraine928]

I think of that book and movie too. It’s an insightful statement

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@hawaiianheartbreakherstory_tm]

That movie was about my family indirectly. The soundtrack is by my Dad who is Hawaiian royalty. Our great grandfather high Chief Kahope was the first landlowber of Waikiki beach. Now we’re all poor.

[@grigorione]

People do like to Romanticise things / life. Kinda like how I like to romanticise the history of the Ancient Celts / Druids where my lines connect back to. Their life was grand , could pick fruit and take meat from the land , no coins / cash needed. They thanked the Earth for it all and that was that. Sounds great!! Yet ... they died from small infections. They lived in small huts that could easily be destroyed by the winds . Life was good for them .. Then. But compared to now. hmmm .

[@christineboydstrongtower]

Very very well said. It’s so true. Now if money in your life is not an issue you live better without as much stress‼️ but life is life and people hurt us…health issues are a big one!! All in all we all need encouragement ‼️🙏💞🌺🌺🌺💞🙏✔️✔️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@jaybleu6169]

I say that Hawai'i is the tropical paradise everyone thinks it is. But it's also a real place, with real people living their real lives, with all the problems that come along with that.

[@ljrockstar69]

I notice in the advent of social media areas where it has been known to be secluded is now exposed on social media and a lot of people go to those areas, versus pre social media. I miss those days when we could enjoy this places "untouched" and not exploited. But I'm glad I enjoyed these placed in my childhood.

[@MrHeadSets]

I plan on moving to Hawaii 2024 and really needed to hear this Mahalo

[@mrs.d8921]

What I tell all my friends and relatives that visit: Vacationing here is different than LIVING here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

So true 🤙

[@keithbell9348]

One of the wisest words of advice I heard was from a real estate agent who shared rhe following to a newly retired couple, who had their eyes on Costa Rica: "Have you ever visited there?" "No." "What do you know about Costa Rica?" "Just what we saw about it from travel magazines or TV travel series" "I have been there a few times. Here is a suggestion- Why not visit there first. Say about a week vacation. And then if you like it revisit it and the 2nd time stay about a month. Visit the real Costa Rica. Get to know the culture, the people, the foods, the laws, the weather. Then come back amd reassess what you experienced. This will put you in a better position for what life will really be like for you should you decide to move there. And then you will be in a much better position to determine if that Island is truly for you." I was attracted to Hawaii mostly because of the flashy looking magazines, travel books, TV shows that featured it. As I got older I can now appreciate that for someone who moved there and now lives there for many years- THAT is all advertisement and is not the truth. I would love to visit the Islands one day soon. But for now my biggest hangup about living there as a resident- (besides the super high cost of living)- is the limited land areas. Your on an Island. After a year of wandering around on it, how do I know I wouldnt feel claustrophobic?

[@delayedgratification581]

We spent a week in Waikiki and it’s a great place, but left a little disappointed ‘cause we had high TV expectations.

[@mamafromhawaii]

congrats on 30k and props for doing this in one take with no editing. You cover all the hard and real topics of Hawaii and a lot of us really appreciate that!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo! Much faster to make videos when you don't have to edit :)

[@rollercoasterfweak]

This definitely applies to any major place tha gets tourism. Same for New York City.

[@JLS_2023]

My wife and I just moved here from Texas and I followed your channel to help prepare us for the change. Real and raw info!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you've enjoyed Hawaii so far. I'm sure it's a big adjustment. 🤙

[@icebiker3]

I understand completely what you are saying about vacationing vs living in a place. We spent 40 years working and living in a city that had a football team; otherwise it had no good museums, art galleries, restaurants, etc. We decided to retire to a tourist area where we had spent many pleasant vacations. Now we endure the constant flow of tourists year-around, except for "Mud Season". But in May, when the Snowbirds come back here from Florida, the whole "tenor" of the place changes. It's still a beautiful place to live; the air is cleaner, the sky bluer, the forest deeper. But....we see the local people, who struggle to make a living, often working multiple jobs, and the tourists who have "money to burn". We feel guilty because we realize how much better off we are then the people who have lived here their entire life. I would never move back to Green Bay WI which has nothing but football, but living here is very different then vacationing here.

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

I love how you're talking about this. I feel validated -- being from here and everything. When my friends from the mainland come visit they have this idea of hawaii in their heads, they get so excited about everything, and I'm always a little jealous because I can't fully "feel" it the way they do...Then I start feeling bad about myself- like I'm not appreciating it the way I "should" be, or living "the life"-- You know, beach surf everyday, sun bleached hair vibes..when I look at my life here, it is so far from that! Anyway, I love hearing another locals perspective, and I start feeling less bad about myself that i'm not living "That" lifestyle.

[@mrs.d8921]

Of course they love it! What's not to love when your main activity is to hit the beaches, tour the palm tree lined roads, feel the warm sun and sand, eat out every day, and sleep in your fancy hotel room. FOR SEVEN DAYS. Living here is not the same as vacationing here. I tell that to ALL my visitors.

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

@@mrs.d8921 Totally!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Although they feel that "wonder" of Hawaii as visitors, we, too, can feel that as locals. Maybe not to the same extent, but I'm trying to appreciate Hawaii in small ways and enjoy its beauty. I know it's tough because of work and the busyness of life.

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

@@HelloFromHawaii same! I'm trying to get mor einto hawaii's architecture and experience new things. They are def out there! networking, meeting new people.. it all helps live in the moment and start seeing Hawaii with new eyes! Yes the work really makes it hard sometimes!

[@DaisyMom01]

I lived in Hawaii for over 11 years, my husband was in the Navy at the time. I went back for my High School Reunion and everybody was asking where are you living and I said Hawaii and they would say “no you are not tan!” I told them I live in Hawaii! I am not vacationing there! I have 4 little kids and a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house to take care of.

[@laurakibben4147]

I enjoyed oahu in 79-82 and returned in 08 and again in '12. No longer have my then pictures that i would recreate the same picture all the years later but i can assure you, the changes from 82 to 08 alone were heartbreaking and incredible both.

[@samanthaskiba1636]

Please do a video on what locals wear! And add pics or videos of every day people going about their day. Thx

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's a great idea, although I have to make sure it doesn't become a roast. lol

[@lgiamYasmine03]

Enjoyed this video so much. Thanks for you honesty. Coming from Canada to visit Hawaii for the first time at the end of August. So true, people tend to glamourize and end up being disappointed about how real everyday life really is. I am coming for the nature and to see the beauty that is Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you enjoy your trip. 🤙

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Aloha Chris, this is Jess here again. I know what you mean, there are several points I have observed , like, how come the Hawaiian ghetto is never shown ? When we were there, one day we got lost, and we found ourselves in the middle of one, the one by China Town. And don't get me wrong, all Hawaiian islands have their genuine incredible beauty, no one could ever take that away from Hawaii, those mountains that reach up high and look like they are going to touch the sky, awesome, H O W E V E R, there's no way in hell I would want to go camping or find myself lost in the middle of them after dark, R U kidding me ? , all the bugs in the world, spiders, mosquitos, bees , snakes ( I Know Hawaiians say there are no snakes, yeah, right ) and the only light is the one from the moon. I forgot to mentioned , on your video regarding the Sky train, wait till they start getting the homeless in them, it'll be like a rolling condo he he he , we got them in Chicago, New York, Miami. Nothing like having your own wheels. Mahalo my friend, till the next.

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Sorry, I forgot to mention, that day we found ourselves lost in the Hawaiian ghetto, we ran into a stop Hawaii police squad, we told them we were lost, show them our id's , and they were kind enough to give us a ride back to the Ala Moana, Thank heaven for HPD and God bless them.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing your experiences. Glad you were able to get a ride to Ala Moana. And to your point, I guess most places don't want to show their ghetto areas, especially a place like Hawaii. Might hurt our image. Still, those kind of places are there.

[@chriss2295]

If you have lived in high cost areas like New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Hawai’i is just about the same. Ridiculous in other words. Frankly, I’m used to it. Having lived all over the USA where you see the full spectrum, I would say Hawaii life is worth every penny.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I agree that it's worth it too 🤙

[@jasoncarreira3973]

I like you always talk straight let people know the truth about Hawaii facts get to the point facts

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@charlenetherrien3788]

Watching this after the devastating fire. Quite a perspective. Visiting a few yrs ago, I spoke w many people who live there - having to have 2 to 3 jobs etc. The biggest thing I noticed was how beautiful I felt while there. Like I'd never felt before. Mahalo and 💗😢🙏🙏🙏

[@brandycortez671]

You make me not want to move back home because I know some struggle and have to work 2 to 3 jobs just to make it there. However I still miss it and maybe just one day I will get the courage to move back as there is a lot of nice things too.

[@shlomo626]

As some one who's lived in Hawaii only a year, I gotta say I couldn't agree more with you. I also could not think of a more appropriate place to film this than Zippy's parking lot. The real Hawaii was happening behind you as you talked from the pickup trucks to the tightness of the parking spaces compared to the mainland to the people walking by. The funny thing is, the stuff I like most about here is not the glamour shots I see on social media. Yes, life here is not the mainland from the cost of goods to the insanely crowded Costco to the amount of hard work to get by but also the ease someone will let you in to traffic . I get why you mean by the culture, even being so new here. You also made me hungry for a napple, so off to Zippy's I go. This is a long way of saying thanks for everything you do, you've done a lot to get me ready for our move last year and I'm much happier in being here because of you and understanding this place. Congrats on the 30,000 -- many don't make it that far.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed what was going on in the background. Not a lot of people will notice it. 🤙

[@alexusandmichi]

Really enjoyed this video and how unfiltered/unedited it was ☺️ it’s a really good point that everything we see on social media is just people’s highlights. We edit everything, and often don’t share the boring, mundane, and everyday things.. and even the more challenging/difficult parts of our lives aren’t always shared in the same way.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. As a content creator, I'm sure you know how it can be. Tough to balance what you share. 🤙

[@kuulani7384]

Great conversation brother this is how I feel as well. Esp now that I live in Vegas I get asked ALL the time why did I leave paradise for a desert and I say without trying to be annoyed ..Well if I could afford it trust me I NEVER would have left my home! I guess it annoys me bcuz the way ppl see Hawaii is different than how locals do. I didn’t leave bcuz I wanted to have MORE things in life I left bcuz I growing up on the poverty perspective we could barely afford necessities, after paying the rent and all the bills there was nothing left for food and it became a trend to depend on ebt. I didn’t want to stay in that cycle, HI life wasn’t as lavish as they made it out to be. We appreciate the simple things in life but it sucks when u have to choose between surviving or Living’ I was tired of feeling the weight & I barely kept a float as the world evolved so did Hawaii’s prices & I couldn’t keep up after covid hit! I was denied financial assistance while others who forged the system were getting thousands of dollars so they didn’t feel the impact like those of us who were honest and didn’t get the help!

[@Keliiyamashita]

You make of it what you want. Most locals didn’t choose to live here. They were born here. So maybe the mountains, cold, and trees is more your thing. Or large cities away from the sun connected to tech all day is your thing. But Hawaii is about the sun, beach, and island vibes. Friends that move here are always out enjoying the beauty. That’s why they moved here. They were born in Oregon but it wasn’t there thing. Just because you were born here doesn’t automatically make you love the island style. Just another take that should be considered. The beach and ocean is literally a few miles away from anywhere on Oahu… ENJOY it… unless that just ain’t you.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Interesting perspective. Never thought about how not every local born here may not like the island culture.

[@reneecollin8825]

👠 it all depend on what the "mindset" of the visitor or resident is ?! As a child I always wanted to visit Hawai'i, but couldn't afford it until I worked for an airline. However, my expectations of Hawaii lived up to what I had expected (and then some)!!! I was focused on the BEAUTY (mountains, blue water, the weather, and the flowers) of Hawaii * I didn't & don't care about the aspect of what money can buy = "STUFF"! I don't give a rat's azz about that part of Hawaii ! besides - people are always going to try and "keep up with the Jones" wherever you live ! If y'all want to stress over that bull sh* - have at it! t Like I said (imo) it's the BEAUTY of the land, and the NATIVE Hawaiians STRUGGLES, that I sincerely care about !! The rip off & wipe out, of them mean so much more (to me) than a $25k purse, or a damn Telsa!! ! That's superficial bullsh*t, that I've noticed people of a certain "ethnic" bavkground, choose to obsess over?!! smh ! Y'all living in paradise - but focused on STUFF?? - whatever!

[@reelone595]

People are like that about image here in LA too. Too much emphasis on image on the cars they drive, where they live, how they dress etc lol maybe I’m old, but I could care less what others think. I live within my means and i’m happy 🤙🏽

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@dng6121]

living in Hawaii sucessfully takes time.

[@laurengraham9325]

I grew up in Hawaii, and when I moved to the mainland, my class took a trip to Waikiki. I remember on the shuttle from the airport to the hotel, kids being utterly shocked they were in city and there were industrial buildings. Day-to-day Hawaii to me is Pearl City area. Going to the mall, eating chain restaurants, having homework to do, etc. Not being on vacation every day.

[@StyleshStorm]

This one i agree with strong kine. I gotta explain in Texas so much that what they see is all surface level. I apologize for my rant on a previous video, unko chris. It's the frustration of coping with Hawaii isn't the same.

[@billcoleman9144]

Hi Chris. Very recently discovered your channel. Just wanted to mention that I appreciate what you are doing, both the honesty you are delivering (this vid as an example) and also the everyday interesting topics you bring. Thank you my friend.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Glad you enjoy the videos 🤙

[@LoyaFrostwind]

I haven’t been to Hawaii since 2000. I miss all the video game arcades in Hawaii and Taiwan, and in pretty much every mall. They mostly died, and gave way to arcades willed with stupid ticket games.

[@tecate9408]

Visited Kauai over 30 years ago, made decision one day I would live Hawaii. Lived Oahu country 16 years, now Home is Naalehu On Big Island. Found best not worry about others business, focus on you and family number 1.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@e-dog-e619]

😊🤙🏿 Thank you

[@Minion420-o4q]

I live in Hollywood and trust me its not a thing like they portray on tv or films... Yes its crowded and filthy, ill give it that

[@lisahertel2415]

Obviously, it’s worth it. It’s paradise, or people wouldn’t keep moving there.

[@alexcarter8807]

I'm in Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay Area, in the city of San Jose) myself and yeah, people, even I myself, have this idea before they actually go there, that Silicon Valley is super high-tech, and in reality it's really 2nd-world with a few, a very few, techies. There's an area just north of me I've nicknamed Dilbertville, all tech companies, and something like half of the buildings are empty. Most people here are struggling, living many to a house, yeah houses here are expensive but you just stuff like 8 people in there each making minimum wage and it works lol. Tons of homeless, tons of really poverty-stricken people here. I make less than $20k a year and I'm doing better than a lot of people here. I left Hawaii in 1986. I was back for a few months in 2003. I'm returning to Hawaii to retire in a year. I know I'll be totally poor but if I stayed here I'd be totally poor anyway and it's about 1/3 cheaper to live back home in Hawaii. But yeah the glamour-tourist thing .... I was laughing about that as a teenager in the 1970s. There's actually a name for this, they call it "Paris Syndrome" or sometimes, "Jerusalem Syndrome" in other words, people hope their whole life to go to Paris or Jerusalem, some city they've heard of that's supposed to be the greatest place in the world, and they finally go there and find out Paris, or Jerusalem, isn't ideal, it's got crime and poor people and all kinds of real-world problems and it sends them into depression - they actually will end up in the mental hospital. I see this happening with Hawaii. People idealize it and think it will solve all their problems somehow. And it won't because your problems will come to Hawaii with you. And in Hawaii you probably will experience your problems even worse because in Hawaii the pay tends to be lower, housing more expensive than most places on the mainland, and you won't have the social network you had back on the mainland. Plus there are tons of mainland places with the tropical stuff or that are close to it. The West Coast from San Diego on down, and the East Coast from the Carolinas on down to Florida. Both places are tropical or nearly so, nice weather, plus close to places like Mexico and the Caribbean where you can go and vacation cheap and drink drinks with little umbrellas in 'em and all that.

[@lucydantesadventurers2789]

First and foremost, thank you for putting out the honest content about living in Hawaii. As a father of two little girls who are about the same age as your little ones, I thoroughly enjoy your perspective and can truly relate. I have lived in Hawaii for eight years and durring my time there, the hours of work were long, my wallet was tight..but the thing I enjoyed most of all is the accessibility of outlets like hiking or hitting the beach for the cost of waking up early to beat the traffic and some bucks in the gas tank. On the mainland, on the other hand, these outlets are further away and come with heavy price tags. Is Hawaii Instagram perfect? Heck no, but it's my type of perfect. Good honest people trying to make it during these crazy times. Once again, thank you for the videos and blessings to you and your family

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad you've been able to find time for family and the outdoor activities. I'm sure your daughters will appreciate growing up here.

[@chrissnydez]

It's not just Hawaii that gets this. South Florida is like this heavily, in some cases I would say even more so with it being so accessible to the rest of the country. The wealth gap is pretty gnarly here, there's not much of a middle class unfortunately. I was in Hawaii in this past May, can definitely see a lot of the similarities in the tourism based economy.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting to hear about the similarities. Haven't been to Florida, but I can imagine you have an interesting mix of retirees and people just trying to make it.

[@lisahertel2415]

They are doing away with the middle class.

[@JeanneFerrariamas-sr5ml]

Thanks for stressing the importance of authenticity ,I agree that many residents today are being influenced by the shallowness of social media.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, but it's also a worldwide influence. Even as isolated as we are, we are still influenced by what we see and contribute to that narrative.

[@chrisd4841]

Thank you for your video. I have seen the comment Vacation is different from living here. Same can be said about any vacation spot. You leave the stress behind. The more you have to live a real life(not vacation) the less of all the tourist shots you see. I don't drive by the beach too often, I don't eat at all those wonderful places you see in a Waikiki tourist add, and i realize Hawaii is the most expensive place to retire in the United States. Currently my thoughts of retiring in a cheaper state are only hampered by the inability to get a 7/11 Ahi dynamite sushi roll. The the wrapper is genius.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@raiderfrankdatank]

Yeah, I live here, close to da beach, but I working 3 jobs to survive out here, no time fo beach, fishing, staycationing in expensive Waikiki. 😢 the bad thing about people moving here is that they have an advantage over the locals. They have $$$. Now, we no can afford houses cuz they can

[@garytellep5392]

I'm fortunate to have lived in 2 of America's most exotic places; a few years on the Big Island and Oahu in the mid 1980s and 40+ years in Alaska. Dream travel destinations for millions of visitors all of whom have a very personal "vision" what they hope to experience. Not every Hawaii local knows how to surf or even swim or even likes the beach and Alaskans don't live in igloos and have grizzly bears hiding behind every tree and own dog teams.. The myths and stereotypes happen elsewhere too but not in the percentages #49 & #50 mutually share. Texas, Montana, Florida are good examples of myth overloading reality but not many people living in Delaware or Wisconsin seem to have the problem. Compound it with too many people in the world all competing for the same view, possibly the same experiences, and you get what we have now. As for hypocrisy, two of the big travel destinations for local Hawaii residents for decades has been California, particularly Disneyland and Las Vegas both places of EXTREME make believe basically the same b/s experience that a great big chunk of Hawaii visitors expect to have too. Hawaii depends on repeat customers, Alaska is lucky to snag visitors once or twice in a lifetime. Hawaii's tourism is spaced out over 12 months, Alaska's over a few short summer weeks. Does the average tourist really take the time to get into local history and culture before they ever arrive anyplace? Seldom. But it's hard to bite the hand that feeds you. Both of us, Alaskan and Hawiian alike share a common plight; that there is a big chunk of America who want us locals to live in a never closing theme park to serve them at will when they step off the boat or plane. It's not going to change my friend, it'll just get worse.

[@tracyalan7201]

Good video. Quality content is always good from you. Stuff that you bring up, reflect on are valid, but your fans/subscribers know you are honest about your feelings. People sometimes forget to appreciate what they have, the little things. I think the videos that you mention topics about are about those little things. Those simple pleasures, the simple thoughts, little concerns that bring out a discussion about what is important and what isn't. Counting one's blessing that we can get up each day out of bed, just enjoying those things and appreciating that it is what it is in comparison to what it isn't. Is that half full or half empty? It depends if you've already experienced fully empty, then you realize it that being partially empty is much feeling than fully empty. Looking at others, feeling discouraged, down, upset, angry about 'things' are the negatives. I enjoy your videos, because they remind us that we can be happy with the stuff that we have and that can be enough. If we want more, there are tradeoffs, things we give up or do without, but those are individual choices that we make/accept, but our happiness is self-determined. Each person is different and how we define our happiness is contingent on ourselves and those choices. Been here a lifetime, been to a few places which were great to see, but I know blue skies, blue water, green mountains, a nice trade day and being with the state that I love & people that are what's happiness for me. As Guy Hagi might say, the best place on the planet.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment. I hope to continue to capture more of those little things that make Hawaii special. And it's so important to count our blessings, no matter how small. Something even I need to be reminded of every so often.

[@hori166]

Wow! Hamajang video... 1) It's natural that people form an idea about a place based on media images. The Kodak Hula Show is a dated example, and the HTA's job is to promote stereotypes. They don't show homeless camps. 2) Regarding luxury goods, Asians are particularly keen on them because they symbolize quality and social standing. The only people standing in line at Maison Godard on the rue St. Honoré in Paris are Asians. The French don't buy logo goods. 3) Video production: People who don't make videos or movies have no idea how long it takes to make them. If you can, watch "Two Strangers Meet 5 Times" and the backstory about how it was made. It's just 11 minutes long. I know you'll love it.

[@scuttlebuttz7202]

Hello from Ohio...🙄 I would be happy to escape the depressing sky from the daily chem trail activity here. I often wonder how the air smells when surrounded by the ocean & tropical flowers...🌴🌺🏖🌅...& sunshine. My wake up call was when I watched Dog the Bounty Hunter going after drug dealers & going into the slums of Hawaii. Places that are never exposed otherwise. He would go into places where cock fights would take place, & who knows what other illegal crimes went on. There truly is suffering & pain everywhere in the world. We can still find beauty anywhere if we look for it! 🤗💕

[@sharonknorr1106]

So when I lived in Hawaii in the 1970's, it was both very similar and yet very different from where and how I lived before on the mainland. A lot of the time, it was the same as anywhere else - working my job, cooking meals, keeping the house up and spending time with friends. The difference was the food, which I loved, and the fact that if I had the time and wanted to, I could be at the beach fairly quickly or go down to town and see the beautiful lights at night climbing up the mountains or drive around the island on Kam Hwy and see the breathtaking Koolau's or watch the surfers on the North Shore. I will say that having been back several times since then, there is a little less magic now with all the highways and the traffic, the people everywhere. The North Shore used to be kind of country and easy to drive through to the different beaches, but the last time we were there a few years ago, it was practically bumper-to-bumper the whole way. We lived in the middle of the island with sugar cane and pineapples all around, and it is now just a lot of concrete and houses and highway, so even more like everything on the mainland. But, the islands are still in my heart and will be always, mostly because of the memories from way back when I first was there, got married, had our first child at Kahuku Hospital. It was the people and the culture that I loved the most, the diversity, the beauty, the aloha. Hopefully, that has not changed.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, the traffic in the North Shore is bad at times. And it's always in the same area around Laniakea Beach. Glad you'll have those memories of significant life events here. 🤙

[@XeroJin84]

I went for vacation my second time there last month -- How I feel is that if I didn't have to support myself and my family right now, Hawaii would be wonderful to relax with it's natural beauty -- but having to work and support my current life style with my family, it would be rough. I really appreciate Hawaii, the natives and its beauty! Mahalo!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you enjoyed your time here. And Hawaii is a great place if you don't have financial responsibilities. Getting there is tough, though.

[@rolori3]

You are wise beyond your years. I’m 56 in the mainland and you make a lot of very good points. I have lived in tourist locations and visited a lot both in the mainland and Caribbean with relatives that have or do live in the Caribbean so similar settings. People share on social media what they want others to perceive as reality but may not have much semblance to the true reality. I’ve heard, “Oh, you’re so lucky to live here.” The reality is, the choice is yours to be “lucky” or not, to be a victim of others you perceive to be better off than you. The biggest thing that I feel is of value is being in a position to choose where you live. Near a beach? Near family? Mountains? But, like an old song, wherever you go, there you are, make the best of it. Hawaii is very expensive but if your family is there or if you just love the vibe/beach/people you can make the best of it. You seem to be doing exactly that, The reason I found you is that my son will be moving there in the military. It’s FAR from home but a great opportunity for him to learn new things. Thanks for your channel!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment. I hope your son enjoys living here. It's very different from the rest of the country, but he'll learn a lot. 🤙

[@comeup25]

I retired 5 years ago and always wanted to live here because of the Beauty meaning the people and the land. I rent a apartment on Oahu wishing I can afford to buy something but it's too expensive so I rent and will eventually need a job if I want to stay. I'm glad you brought this up because Hawaii is like anywhere else actually worse in some ways because of the cost. People are struggling to live here. I know many people working two jobs. Also it's sad to see the many homeless and drugs on the streets which is in most big cities but a reality here as well. I'm from San Francisco and have seen it most of my life knowing people personally in that situation. It makes it hard for you to enjoy your blessings so, we do what we can to help make it better for others. On another note a positive one this place is beautiful and the locals have shown my wife and I nothing but ALOHA. We've always felt welcomed. There is negative and positive everywhere in this world. One of my favorite things that I love about it here is seeing the families at the parks and beaches with friends, uncles, auntie's, parents, cousins, nieces, nephews, just enjoying their Ohana. I come from a big family so I can appreciate the closeness families share here it's really special. Holidays are taken serious as well, you can always find a BBQ to go to. Ohana has a true meaning here! I know I wouldn't give mines up for all the money in the world... I love your updates and info about the islands. Mahalo BLew

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad that you and your wife have experienced that aloha and sense of community. 🤙

[@pauleasterbrooks7851]

When are the people and or folks going to get it together and make hawaii a paradise again for people living there and most important tourism!

[@PanthasEmpressOracle]

Oh no exactly..it’s tight, and there’s a palpable vibration of contrast/resistance from locals toward visitors and tourists. The tourism they’ve come to rely on economically has become a bitter pill and an obvious annoyance. The alignment is completely off, aloha is bruised. Just a note on glamorization…that happens everywhere…try New York or Santa Fe or even Paris sometime.

[@johntad751]

Hawaii is great not if your between the ages 25-45. When its time for me to retire and relax I'm going back.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@EvilTheOne]

Here's two things . . . First off, I remember watching the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". In the movie, the locals working at the resort was nice to the tourist when they were working. Although when they were just hanging out when not at work, they were dismissive of the tourist/island visitors. I found that to be refreshing honest, and kind of shocked that they were bold enough to put that in the movie. It wasn't indicative of all "locals", although it was representative of a certain amount of our local population. They don't "live" the truth. Secondly, I've lived my life being a "realist". I don't very much care for "optimist", because at times they dilute the truth with their lofty expectations. And some are so optimistic, they refuse to look at the darkness of tough challenges and obstacles. Pessimist are on almost every occasion, they bring their wet blanket to the party, and don't believe that anything will succeed. Your direct approach to confront matters with honesty is very refreshing. Like me, I believe that you are a realist. I don't know if it's partially a result of leaving Hawaii and returning, although I find your viewpoints to be "KEEPING IT REAL".

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment. I'm not sure I'd categorize myself as a realist. I like believing in the best of others, but I do also try to see how things really are from my perspective. Maybe it's possible to be both?

[@EvilTheOne]

@@HelloFromHawaii A few years ago, one of my coworkers told a few people, while I was in attendance, that I seem to lean more to being an optimist/realist, than a pessimist/realist. He said that even though I spoke about the negative points in issues/matters, that I always seem to focus on possible solutions to rectify the problems. His feeling is that true pessimist just complain, and don't offer any type of possibilities to rectify matters, they just merely complain. They potentially add to the problems. You offer insight, without being heavy-handed about these topics . . . it's refreshingly honest and thought-provoking. THANK YOU!

[@30aua]

You are definitely blessed... beautiful children and wife. I always chuckle when I see people flashing brand names. If you really know the person.. usually, it's because of insecurity. I live in a super upper bracket part of Florida and the "filty rich," as we call it, that you see walking around 75% of the time do not flash brand names. The joke in our area is that the "wanna be or the new money or the ones living above their means" are the ones flashing brand names. We love your videos and can't wait for the next one. Thank you for taking the time to post them. Diane

[@auntiebobbolink]

What i see from both Polynesian and indigenous societies on the continent is a different way of being with each other. I love hula and Hawaiian music. That doesn't mean I desire to be Hawaiian or live there. It means i have things to learn. The Hawaiian culture isn't perfect but it has broadened my perspective and made me a better person. For that im grateful.

[@laurakibben4147]

I thought Hawaii didn't have spiders???! 😆 Sadly, geckos apparently couldn't eradicate the roach problem.

[@virgilasuncion5841]

Always on point. Aloha.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@leandabee]

I was in O'ahu a few weeks ago and I was surprised that I didn't encounter any flies or bugs, which was really lovely. I was thinking it just must be an Australian thing, but obviously not😅. The bus driver who drove us to Pearl Harbour, gave us very detailed info on how Hawaii especially O'ahu is not the paradise we all think😔. Mahalo for your perspective 🤙

[@projectc2]

I think locals post stuff more than influencers. They also tag #luckyyoulivehawaii. I know I did. LOL BTW, you stay Zippy's between Young and King St.? IYKYK

[@mayshimabukuro59]

My husband and kids moved here from East coast 2 years ago. We stayed 20+ years in mainland and my hapa children grew up in community that made them uncomfortable. I felt like I will never fit in 😢 My husband n I worked hard to move here.. and now we live in much smaller town house compare to our old house. Yes .. things are expensive here … but I really appreciate cultures and weathers in Hawaii. And also KEIKI can be KEIKI as KEIKI should be. Playing outside, ride a bike with other kids. Say hi to aunties n uncles in neighborhood ❤Just LOVE it. My sis in low told me “why don’t you move to Florida if you like warmer weather?” Well… it’s just not same.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. There are sacrifices to be made to be here, but for many, it's worth it. Glad your kids can grow up here.

[@kenth2701]

Some people are lucky. Some are posers, spending money they don't have trying to impress people they don't even know. It is a daily struggle for the average joe.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@donnacacciola1704]

Hawaii votes Blue---this is what your vote got you.

[@qadir1394]

I lived in Maui for a few years. My kids are Hawaiian. People don't understand the struggle is real there. They don't show you on Instagram the grind people endure to survive and make a living.

[@thomasmatthew7759]

Glad to see you corrected yourself when you almost misgendered a spider! Comparison leads to nothing but unhappiness, but also image is not necessarily reality. Everyone's reality is different, everyone has struggles (relative to them), and there's no one reality for either tourists or locals. We all have the same highs and lows and rarely do we want to publicize our lows. That's just part of the human condition. Mahalo.

[@brockjennings]

Sometime it's good therapy to stop, take a breath and do an internal gut-check. Stay true and grounded and don't fall into the trap of trying to live someone else's life. Having spent my youth in Hawaii, I know what life is like there and I had to leave the island as an adult to grow as a person. Island life is special, but it comes with a hefty price sometimes.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@CT-hm1hh]

What your describing is the same talk any parent has with their child reaching adulthood and navigating life thru all its rewards and disappointments and struggling through, ct from sf/ca.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Ydeea-qi8ss]

I gave up my mainland life where I have a job that I love and a 2022 car for a Hawaii bus life.

[@alohastateofmind3565]

Mo bettah?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

How has riding the bus been?

[@Ydeea-qi8ss]

@@HelloFromHawaii Its a new experience and I am enjoying it.

[@AntilleanConfederation]

Nice try. I’m still moving there!

[@eddenoy321]

Bring a few million bucks with you.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

:)

[@AntilleanConfederation]

@@HelloFromHawaii one day soon I’ll move to Oahu, maybe north shore area cus I like the quiet life. I was originally born in Cuba, dearly miss the ocean being landlocked on the mainland.

[@Setthehuk]

Thanks for the discussion. 🤙🏾 perfect back drop in zippys. It’s the simple things and the small things that keep me returning to Hawaii. I come to appreciate the small things and slow down. Yes there are beautiful places and fun things to do but those things that Hawaii makes me appreciate more is the magic.

[@raymondnicolajr.7323]

thank you for a very heart felt video.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Bodhismile]

My goodness, I know Kanaka Maoli who continued to work into their 70s after “retiring” and other younger friends working two or three jobs. Hawaii is truly beautiful but a lot of the most beautiful places are fragile and vulnerable. I appreciate the perspective you share. My mom lived in Kalihi district as a kid and when she returned in the 1970s, she was shocked by the development on Oahu. I have heard about huge development projects on Hawaii Island that generate similar feelings for me and I haven’t lived there-been there mainly to visit friends (locals) or be there solo for a week or so.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I think the experiences you described are pretty common 🤙

[@nathanieltovar5171]

It was boring as hell when I went.

[@briangarnier5714]

You don't need to worry about ot. I watch your channel because you don't glamorize Hawaii except for your expensive slippers and Hawaiian shirts... lol. But l kn9w what you mean and l have had friends that go there on vacation and then want to move there because they think everyday is like vacation on the islands. After living there myself but not because lnthought it was paradise l just wanted winters not to be so cold and live of grid. This was back in the mid 70's very different back then. But l have to explain it to them that it is life just like anywhere And you have cold days and nice days and plenty of bills. You can't go somewhere and spend 10,000 dollars and think that is reality. And all places have a dark side as well as the good things. Wish l could have stayed because my clock works on island time and l loved the culture l did encounter on the islands.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. And just for the record, I only got those expensive slippers to test them out. :) 🤙

[@briangarnier5714]

Yeah l was kidding about the slippers and bought a pair myself after watching the one about them. I have been wearing scotts since 1975 and thought those were expensive at 12 dollars but they lasted so long l have been buying those ever since. Now l have a new slippa l enjoy on my feet. Also bought some hawaiian shirts that you shared. Mahalo

[@parkercroft7066]

Mahalo Nephew, This is true. On the other hand there are fragments of Hawai'i in remote corners. They are not glamours places, but they are intensely real. I have live here for 23 years and I am harried to the end of the dirt road. That Hawai'i still exists, but less and less. It can be intense, but it is not glamorous. Shootz

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@lisafunkyhairedteacher6574]

I really enjoy your videos. We will be moving to Hawaii soon to live with our kids and help take care of the grandkids. It will definitely not be all beaches and shopping! But we will be helping family and that’s what family does. I hope we will be good and respectful citizens in your beautiful state 🌈

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Hope you enjoy your time with the grandkids. Great to hear that you're helping out. 🤙

[@MrBothandNether]

This should almost be a Public Service Announcement. Thank you

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@just88]

One does not have to go to the mainland to further one's studies.

[@marcelsmith1018]

All you really said was there are spiders and it’s expensive. I wish this was a little more detailed Brotha lol

[@mc.808]

Dude I can’t believe that you even have to point out these life lessons to people is unbelievable, are people that naïve OMG!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think some just believe what they want to believe, even if they know it's not true.

[@Tr0nzoid]

I don't understand how mainlanders continue to have a false perspective of Hawaii. Even in the 1980s and before then, TV shows like "Magnum, P.I." and "Hawaii 5-O" showed that Hawaii at least had modern roads, buildings, stores, and a variety of people in clothes and not running from volcanoes. Add to that the huge military presence; I was watching a video someone took from a plane landing at the airport and the guy saw Hickam and said "whoa, they have military here?" After having lived there twice, I was living in a southern town where people snubbed me because I had been from Hawaii. They looked at me like I was from some kind of uncivilized land, yet their little city is a dump and these ignorant people spent and would continue to spend much of their lives there doing the same things forever. So my reaction back then was to downplay the "stereotypical" and cultural aspects of Hawaii.

[@christopherturco197]

You remind me of when I first moved to Hawaii back in the late 70s to attend the UH. I met another guy, who had come to Hawaii for college, who had no idea what Hawaii was like and had never been there before. He was very disappointed when he got there, because he thought it was going to be like Gilligan's Island. I couldn't believe someone could be so ignorant. You'd think he would have done some research before he made such a big decision as choosing a university to attend and thinking it would literally be like some fictitious deserted island on a TV show. Needless to say, he didn't stick around long, and I don't think he even bothered to register for classes at UH. It's probably a good thing he didn't stay in the islands, and not just a good thing for him only.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think that narrative continues because Hawaii is so far away. In the national spotlight, Hawaii is rarely mentioned, except maybe when a volcano erupts. And I think back to what I know about different states. Don't know too much about Alaska or Maine.

[@kithg]

You’ve been concerned with these issues before. What I personally appreciate about your content is that it ISN’T all ‘resort Hawaii’ stuff. When I go, I’m going to see my family, who live there. Yes, it’s nice to do stuff like hike at Turtle Bay or visit the Bishop Museum or HOMA, but I also enjoy shopping for poké at Food Land and stopping for a boba tea along the way. Of course we go to the beach. Their local one. It’s great. But how many thong bikinis can you take pictures of before you realize those women are going to have skin cancer on their rear ends in a few years? Besides my family, the thing I miss most about Hawaii is the Beautiful. Makai on one side and mauka on the other, it’s gorgeous. My kids work hard to live there and I understand. Keep showing us the day to day Oahu. It doesn’t have to be glamorous - because it’s actually beautiful.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. You comment made me laugh out loud with the bikini reference.

[@itsourlocallife]

So true! 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Californiansurfer]

1970 I grew up in Downey California as a kid. My neighbors called me Hawaiian, it was funny, I am Mexicano which white pepper accepted you more if you were Hawaiian. 1990. I meet Mas Shoji from Gardena California. He was from Hilo Hawaii a real Hawaiian. I asked him what is Hawaii like? He grew up on the sugar plantation and he told me of Korean, Chinese , Japanese , portoegies and philipino, Philipino. He insisted me to see, Frank Delema comedian. I remember one time, I told Shoji. I have problem with my nieibors, why? Because i am Mexicano. He laughed racism. Hawaiians don’t have racimsim? He laughed. If, you were not white, you were not allowed into hotels, resultants. He open my eyes.. I thought racism towards Mexicanos was only in California. I had no idea. I surf and meet real Hawaiian at Huntington Beach pier I noticed and now knew they also experience racism in Hawaii.. I asked them how is it being Hawaiian is it like being black. Yes, we have racism everywhere towards local Hawaiian.. I didn’t know. Mas Shoji passed 2004. He was my AIkido Sensei for 16 years. I remember the ceremony , we had an American Flag on his coffin and I was told he was a 442 soldier I meet a Jewish couple. Did you. Know him, yes, he was a great man. He saved us from the camps. Wow, i realized all the stories he told me of Italy. He was in Italy at that time. Frank Martinez Downey California. Mexicano Beverly Hills.. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. He sounds like a a great guy. I had family in the 442nd. Lots of great stories.

[@Californiansurfer]

@@HelloFromHawaii please visit Little Tokyo Los Angeles California. This Saturday and Sunday we will have Niesi week and parade. We have 442 museum please visit. Mas Shoji had three purple harts. He was my Aikido Sensei which he taught on big island with Suzuki Sensei. He never talked of his service, but to be honest when he meet my girlfriends, he talk about Italy and play ukulele He was a great man. A man of Honor. Frank Martinez Downey California

[@mereanawi6194]

I live in a popular tourist destination too 😂 as someone who is from here I totally get it. Little do people know that we are the most impoverished region in our country because of the wealth gap

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@justcallmeassinine]

I live in the 'ninth island' aka Las Vegas. Walk into any Wal-Mart in Vegas and you will see Hawaiians who are in their 70's and even 80's working the late night shift on their feet stocking the shelves and standing on their feet. They don't call it the 'graveyard shift' for nothing.

[@ylana4444]

You want to capture the everyday joe life for local people in Hawaii. It’s a tough road to hoe. You spend most of your time working and preparing for work. The rest of the time if there is any you can go beach, fight the traffic and pay the high food bills! Pretty much just live with bare essentials. You gotta embrace it or Hawaii will eat you up and spit you out. Life is what you make if it, no matter where you live, if you embrace it you can make it work. Moving to Hawaii will not solve your problems. It could even exacerbate them!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@dukeloo]

Great video. Nothing is wrong with people because they have no stuff. Some people that have lots of stuff are in debt. Look at how many homeless are in HI. A humble local boy and family.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, you never know how much debt people are carrying.

[@LifestyleInHawaii808]

Happy Thursday. It’s an excellent topic. I see it when I watch bloggers sharing their experience when they visit Hawaii. I agree it’s beautiful but there is a side where people don’t share. The homeless issue, the high prices for gasoline and the cost of living, corruption in our own government. I have a neighbor who moved to hawaii and since she has been here for three years. She is more aware of the political corruption and I’m not saying all politicians. And how the local people have a beautiful state to live in but the cost of living and how the locals have to pay high taxes in her opinion. But I find that some content creators that come to Hawaii and paint a picture that is false. Drone footage and the positive side of their vacation. And I’ve thought that when some content creators share being in a expensive store. They buy it and then I find out they return it after buying it or just share a photo of it of them using it buy it’s a friends bag or they sell it and rent out their items so they can recoup the money because they just want the commission linked below in their description bar. Such an excellent topic of discussion. Have a blessed and wonderful day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I'm not familiar with all of the tricks to be an influencer, but it's sad that they would have to put up a front about buying things. I still drive a 20 year old car. lol

[@gringo848]

da red pill bra.. haha. you are going deeper. The most red pill site about hawaii is hawaii free press from hilo. All the scoops. enjoying you trying to go a little deeper but still keeping it positive.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@keitranvirgil223]

love the hat