The Reality of Life in Hawaii with Kids - Is It Worth It?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

This is sort of a part two to a video that I made back in 2019. That video has gone on to get over 900,000 views and I'm glad so many people found that video helpful. In that video, I talked about the realities of living in Hawaii and some of the challenges that people don't usually talk about online. So I tried to do a similar approach here. When talking about raising kids in Hawaii, I'm coming from the perspective of someone who works a regular job and just trying to raise my family. I don't consider myself an influencer and I definitely don't live that social media influencer lifestyle. So I hope this discussion on parenting in Hawaii is relatable. My experience raising kids in Hawaii isn't endless beach walks and shopping. Like many parents, my schedule is full of driving kids around and managing my energy after a long day of work. 🤙

[@BEZY-vk1hy]

what's a regular job in your opinion? What do you mean?

[@santadam]

Whether it's Hawaii, L.A, New York city or San Francisco, all of these major metro areas are really tough areas to raise families. Props to anyone who can make it work!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@qadir1394]

In the Bay u get paid a little more and their is more opportunities for a home

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

It's all relative. I just read a book about how life is, for the average citizen, in North Korea. They'd be in disbelief hearing people complain about how "hard" life in Hawaii is. People in America complain about lots of things because they have NO CLUE how brutal life is in other parts of the world where people don't even have the most basic human freedoms, where they don't have food to eat, where they don't have clean water to drink, and where you can be placed in a brutal prison camp or even put to death simply for saying something that the government does not like.

[@brianbayer9926]

My wife and I lived in Eva Beach and I commuted to Kaneohe for work, we paid $2,000 a month for a 2 bedroom, I thought it was expensive back in 1993.

[@sharonknorr1106]

The cultural thing happens everywhere. I came from a very white, suburban/rural community in New York. Many of those raised in that community really never left, so they lived out their lives in a self-made island that had very limited diversity of any kind. For me, it was so wonderful to move to Hawaii where there was so much cultural/ethnic diversity. And it was a good experience to actually be in the minority for a change, rather than part of the hugely white majority in so many parts of the mainland. Only lived there for four years, but it had a life-long positive impact on my life. It's all a matter of perspective. Everyone needs to get out of their little comfort zone and understand more about how the rest of the country, and world, lives.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your time in Hawaii and embraced the cultural difference.

[@ggrace1133]

Totally agree. It’s so enlightening to see cultural norms that seem offensive at first but become beloved over time. We literally expand as human beings when we walk, live, and breathe among others and their ways. And they learn from us too. Sharing really is a wonderful thing!

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Aloha Chris, this is Jess here again. I didn't know in which video of your's to post my comment since I don't recall you making any videos on Maui. My heart goes out to all the occupants in Maui, they had no warning at all, I understand the Government could had done better here , but then again , I really don't think it would had made things better, for that fire, being carried by a wind that was 350 mph was like being inside an incinerator, a crematory , like someone standing with a blow torch and aiming that fire. All the things that fueled this fire, the wind , Hawaii's own hot dry weather, the fact that 90% of all homes were made out of wood and were quiet old, and the people from Oahu that have been complaining of all the homeless in that island, the haven't seen nothing yet, with so many that lost their homes , I understand there are over 1000 unaccounted for people, in Maui . If I had been one of the original homeless in Oahu, I would had jump on any airplane carrying stranded tourist from Maui to the main land for free, I would had said I was a tourist in Maui and lost everything. I saw a video, where a lady was crying her heart out, my heart went out to her .Now that reality is starting to sink in, is a sad bitch reality that all these so called home insurance, not just home insurance, any kind of insurance will go out of their way looking for any excuse for not paying. Since this was an act of nature, I doubt it that there are insurances that would cover this lost, if they are, 1;- they probably expensive as hell, 2;- I hope you can find them, I betcha they are going to hide. But the noble and kind people of Hawaii will survive, Maui will be rebuilt better than ever, just hope the stupid law making politicians pass a resolution that from now, all residential homes to be built as of this point on are made of bricks 90%. You look at the devastation in Maui, it doesn't even look like there was a fire, it looks like an "H" bomb was dropped. I understand Orah is dong her share of helping out, but where the hell is Clint Eastwood, Chuck Norris , Pierce Brosnan has a mansion in Kauai and he's lending a hand ,I just hope you ain't got no family members in Maui, if you do, I hope and pray they are ok. Till the next one buddy, God bless the kind and noble people of Hawaii , Mahalo.

[@surajomalhotra6154]

As long as there is the channel, it relaxes me ,gives me ideas , lets me seek in my own sourroundig a similar energy. its something that makes me really rich because we can learn from each other.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@johnparsons3454]

I'm a grandpa in Canada living the life your grandparents had with you and your siblings. Your evaluation of wealth really touched me today

[@tofu1Ja]

From Missouri moving to Hawaii, I grew up so excited to see Asian people, and then when I moved to Hawaii, I thought there are so many Asian people. Everywhere! lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

:)

[@momiau-keliikoa4975]

Family closeness is why it is worth it!!!! You are doing the right thing! It's why we are all doing it! Staying close to family❤

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@XeroJin84]

I think a lot of your points can apply to all parents. There's a lot of sacrifice and compromise when you're a parent.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@hauolistreet6620]

I love your perspective on what is really important in life! The way you spoke of your grandparents, honoring them and expressing your love for them was a beautiful tribute and reminds me of the relationship I had with my own grandparents ❤

[@Ippikiokami808]

Another great topic Chris. I raised 4 children and today they are all adults in their 30s with solid government careers, $100,000+ yearly. Yes, they are all public school graduates since kindergarten, including college graduates.They all own their own houses and I didn't provide any cash down payments, they all earned it on their own. In their teenage years to adulthood they never did illegal drugs, smoked cigarettes, swore or used profanity words, unlike me, a private high school graduate. The treasurers they found in the public schools are their forever local childhood school friends which they continue meeting up with to today. My advice to new parents, never give your children free money and always make them earn it, free money will handicap them in their future. My dad spoiled his children with free money, substituting money for family time together, and that handicapped their career potentials and futures.

[@tracyalan7201]

Kudos on being a family that brought up offspring that are independent and responsible adults.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Sounds like great upbringing and glad to hear they've done well for themselves.

[@nereidalopez9507]

Thank you for your honesty and transparency. We plan on moving to keaau within the next 3-4 years and the information you shared is something to consider.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad the video is helpful. Again, this shouldn't deter anyone from raising kids here. Just some things to consider and if you move here, you'll better understand what I'm talking about.

[@tracyalan7201]

The section on education, you might want to rethink it. Public versus Private dilemma, individuality, economics, parents. Yes, private institutions have the luxury of giving more attention and resources than public, but public schools shouldn't be looked down on, as the parents pay attention to their child. If the child needs the greater attention and the costs of home schooling, private and public, comes into play, it is a parental decision on greater attention, financial or letting the offspring have that responsibility to learn. Parents should know their child. I know guys that went to private school and hated being there, didn't do well. Others flourish. I know classmates that came from poor working-class families and did well in school, others didn't (but in later post high school, decided after working/service, to get the college education and do well). Learning, doing well or successful are different achievements for the individual, which doesn't mean that going to a good public school, college means that they will do well in life. I know guys who worked trades, married, still made time to self-educate and rise to remarkably high levels in life, all while still being a parent. It can be done, but it's the drive of the individual and then it needs the support group (family/friends). There are many avenues if one is willing and will work towards it. Waiting for it to be handed to them won't guarantee success, it might jump a step or two, but the rest is all earned by working for it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment. I agree that the education issue comes down to what parents think is best for their child. It's why we chose the preschool we did for my son. We felt he would do best there, even if it's not highly ranked or well-known.

[@ASHEVILLEMOVINGCOMPANY]

Thanks for sharing the story about your grandparents. It reminded me of my life as a young boy, 🙏 #Grateful always enjoy your videos hope I get to see you in #Waikiki one day

[@Tr0nzoid]

I'm lucky to have lived the military dependent life there. It did not bother me at all to be on base. I have noticed in these videos and other videos the emphasis on what people think of where someone goes to school and resides. People in my area of the country do the same thing. The perceptions and reputations should not hinder people from choosing to put kids in certain schools.

[@bkproductions3569]

Welcome to parenthood. Raised 2 boys and can relate to everything youʻve addressed. Things get better and the sacrifices pay off.

[@davidbarker5030]

Make it work, not going be easy but it can be worth it. I hope things fall into place for u and your family.

[@wtxd]

When you talked about memories with your grandparents, it was really similar with me and my cousins growing up (we are from CA). We face a lot of the same challenges as parents in CA (which depending on what part of the state you're in, can easily also cost an arm and a leg 😅). If anything, being with family would always be the reason to stay! Great topic!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing and good to know that that closeness occurs elsewhere.

[@LifestyleInHawaii808]

Happy Tuesday. I agree raising children is very expensive to raise. As a child my parents rarely took us to the mi it’s for entertainment so the beach was the place. PB&J and chips, fruit and water for hydration. Your so right after work it’s important to spend time with your children. They grow up fast so enjoy them when they are gone. Me as well as my siblings all went to public school. I’m still amazed after raising just two children and three step children how my parents big worked and raised us. Such an amazing topic to talk about.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, those things you mentioned are what I ate for home lunch 😄. Raising my own kids definitely makes me appreciate what my parents did to raise us.

[@stellamarina4123]

My daughter went to the same college as you in Colorado. It seemed that most of the Hawaii students there had gone to private Iolani School. She was public school all the way and graduated from Kahuku. She was able to graduate from college in 4 years with no college debt.....she paid for school with scholarships and part time jobs while we paid for plane tickets to visit home etc. I think most average parents have big dreams for their kids, but most will just turn out ordinary and it is a waste of money to send them to public schools although even I will admit the education is better there. If the kid is willing to make an effort, they will succeed whatever and a supportive family environment helps every kid. Life in Hawaii is just too expensive to sacrifice so much money for private schools for the average family.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. When I went to UNC, there were some private school kids, but most were public school grads. Agree that while parents have big dreams for their kids, most people are ordinary and that's okay. They can still be compassionate people and good citizens.

[@tracyalan7201]

Supporting/encouraging the child's dreams and helping them to develop them to have their own dreams would be a better mode for parents. From my own family, friends and relatives, sometimes the parents put too much stress on their children or not enough encouragement to follow their dreams. I remember hearing of my older brother developing ulcers in elementary school, he was the best looking, smartest, talented of the 4 offspring, but he wasn't happy. He decided early on, not wanting stress and settled for a job that he was happy with. Each child enters adulthood and along the way, they start having dreams, which sometimes are unsupported, unknown, ill-prepared, unfocused to understand that it's fine to have those dreams, but they never developed their mind and body to take the next step in trying to develop that dream into reality. Our mind, body and emotions get stronger if we develop them. Just as the body gets stronger with exercise, our cognitive and emotional skills needed the same exercise and guidance along the way. My dad only had an elementary school education before kicked out by his step mother. My older sister told me the story of how she couldn't do math and my dad looked at her work & teacher's examples. He couldn't but he helped her do the homework. The teacher said the answers were right but the process was all wrong. Decades later, my sister was helping her daughter doing her math and looked at the work, it was the same process of my father's, but then it was called the 'new math'. I wonder how my dad would have turned out if he had the support/encouragement of the family back then.

[@mirashin8400]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@momiau-keliikoa4975]

Born and raised in Hawaii my kids born and raised as well. Sadly my daughter does not want to have kids because of the costs and how expensive it is in Hawaii

[@HelloFromHawaii]

She may feel differently in the future. Who knows. But great that she's thinking about it.

[@leahcruz791]

Hunger for learning depends on the individual. Education is a life long pursuit.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@gwillis01]

Hello there It sounds like the tuition for a private elementary or secondary school per year is almost the same as an Ivy League university in the Northeast part of the U S. That's a steep price to pay.

[@rileystein6195]

I'm raising my son here for the time being and he's still pretty young, so I haven't felt the pinch much yet. My way to make it work is to continue to try to keep my spending as low as possible and making a career change to make more money. I have no intention of buying a home and don't have a car. Being from New York City kind of makes me used to things being expensive and having to be resourceful to survive.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, the pinch starts when preschool tuition comes into play. Almost like paying another monthly mortgage. 😅

[@rileystein6195]

@HelloFromHawaii I've heard about that. Thankfully, I'll have made my career change, but I am looking into affordable options.

[@puidemare2337]

My parents came here with very little money and couldn't speak the language. They managed to buy an apartment, a used car and always cooked meals for us through hard work. They both worked in entry level jobs. We were considered poverty level but we never felt that way. I never felt I didn't have. My mom passed when I was 13. My dad raised two young girls on his own. He never bought anything he didn't have the cash to pay for, except the house. We used things until it was not useable any longer. Need versus want. The difference between the newer generation and my parents' generation is that the newer generation don't know how to manage money. They spend what they don't have and buy what isn't a necessity. Does anyone really need a $1000 Iphone every other year and be paying over a $100 a month for its services. Cable, Netflix, eating out, this, that and everything unnecessary in between. It's a wonder people are always broke. I agree with you on spending within your means and I, too, love being resourceful. It teaches resilience and creativity. I admire people like you who don't complain about life but just take action to change if something is not working. We need more of them!!

[@andrewwang3900]

Raising kids in Hawaii is “not hard.” It”s normal if that’s all you know. My dad worked two jobs and my mom had 3 jobs. After UH, I also worked two jobs, because that’s what I know. That was normal to me. Professional job in downtown and Liberty House on some nights and weekends. Only when you compare, then you realize living in Hawaii is hard. I live on the mainland now.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 Mahalo for sharing

[@darrylk808]

A school can give you an advantage, but what's more important is teaching your kids how to be successful. Setting goals, developing a plan, executing the plan, measuring progress, etc. Financial skills, how to generate cash flow in the long run, etc. Schools don't teach these things. Hawaii made me not feel like a minority. When you move to the mainland you don't think like a minority and that gives you an advantage.

[@EvilTheOne]

Although I fully understand the assistance of family to raise one's child/children, my parent chose to go it "alone" because as my dad said, "it is a matter of responsibility". He and my mother chose to have children, so why place any of that specific obligation on anyone else. Parents need to understand the example they set as their children view them having things under control OR requiring assistance regularly/occasionally. The eventual circle of life is that most children will grow up to be more independent around 20 years of age, and they need to be aware of most all the challenges that will entail. School is important, so are life skills, working within a team construct, versatility, adaptability, world consciousness, etc . . . as many children don't full understand WHY they are learning what they are being taught in schools. To understand action/reaction, truth/consequences, etc . . . above everything, understanding WHY matters.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment 🤙

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

My freshman Roomie, at Whitman college, went to Mid-Pac. She was named Gail Kaito. She was from Honolulu.

[@leekshikapinnamneni4835]

Does Hawaii have charter schools, Chris? That might be something that the state wants to consider for some people. We have plenty of charter schools on the mainland. They are independently run schools, but they also receive government funding. They’re kind of a happy medium between a private school and a public school. If 5.0 GPA is possible for people who take honors classes. Grade point averages are weighted.

[@miyakegaijin]

I think Hawaii still has magic about it in regards to raising kids. Everyone being a minority plays a big part in kids feeling a sense of equality growing up. Money doesn’t go as far in Hawaii as in most parts of the mainland but you get a lot of bang for the buck in experiencing growing up color blind and feeling proud of everyone’s ethnic background. I give Hawaii kids a mulligan if their reading scores are slightly below the national average as I think part is due to pidgin English. I didn’t do the research but i think hawaii is above average in terms of math. If not, well my kids and nieces met their quota as their math classes and scores were damn high in Hawaii.

[@AGhostInTheMachine]

color blind...nah, plenty racism here

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I believe math scores are higher than verbal, but both are still relatively low compared to the national average. I do agree that getting up in a mixed culture is a blessing and something that is so unique to Hawaii.

[@kelvinyschun]

Everyone has a different perspective! Did you know McKinley High had Computer Programming back in 1983 on Personal Computers? I taught that class. What I taught in a semester would take a year at other schools. Did you know for over 40 years, McKinley was the top school to beat at the Oahu Mathematics League? Public schools have a lot to offer!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Didn't know that. Where were the computers? In the building under the library?

[@kelvinyschun]

@HelloFromHawaii The Radio Shack, Apple, and Commodore computers were on the 2nd Floor of the Mathematics building. The old building was demolished. See video by searching Mckinley high 1983! My friend who taught at McKinley now teaches at Iolani math department and successfully coached their math league to win 30 consecutive years.

[@wesdaaawg]

Unless your kids plan on living in Hawaii for the rest of their lives, then I would say private school is a waste. Outside of Hawaii, where you went for K-12 is 100% irrelevant. No one is ever going to consider your K-12 education outside of small talk.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's true. Only in Hawaii does that matter as much. Most people only care about college and even that is just to get you in the door.

[@hi8107]

“…If you have that closeness, that real tight ohana, I consider you rich.” - I totally agree 😊!

[@gwillis01]

More than one culture values family closeness. The joke about young men in Italy is that they are reluctant to leave home because their mothers treat them like kings and cook gourmet food for them every day. They don't know how they could duplicate that situation away from home.

[@tjernst6488]

I sent my son to public school, saved the cost difference and invested it. Using the money for his college. He will graduate debt free.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great idea. As someone who had student debt, but eventually paid it off, it felt so good after that was done. Hope he appreciated the relief of no student debt after college.

[@ylana4444]

Kids should pay their own way through college. It teaches them accountability/responsibility…taking charge of their life. It’s not the parents job to pay their kids way through college. My kids all took out loans for college under their own names…we worked for every single thing and learned valuable life lessons because of it. ❤

[@JM-gz1ej]

This is a rather serious question to ask. But if you have to ask question, then it is most likely not worth it. In today's society, i.e. high housing costs issues at public schools, inflation etc, having kids not only causing you financial pressure but also put you in a disadvantageous place in your career.

[@pcdude2394]

Paradise comes with a price

[@travellpc191]

Honest questions: Speaking of intrinsic motivation, is it selfish to have children for the purpose of filling a void (distant, lost relatives, loneliness) when you know their environment will be that of ‘financial pressure’ and ‘ limited opportunities’? Why not just wait until you’re financially secure? I have been watching this channel since my May 2022 Oahu trip ( I’ll be back for Christmas 2023!) and noticed that the owner seems deeply unhappy overall. 😢

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the question. I don't think that establishing your financial situation has to be done before having kids for everyone. Maybe some people want the added security, but if this applied to everyone, I don't think a lot of people would be having kids in Hawaii. And I do hope you made it to the end of the video where I talked about why it's worth it to raise kids here, despite the challenges.

[@prst99]

I encourage everyone to go public school. Make more chance for me to send kids to Punahou. Haha

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😆

[@newstartchannel9216]

I don't think its about the education as much any more. I think its more about your childs saftey. Sure your kids will probably be alright in public school but private school provides a little more peace of mind. Just my thought. I may be wrong.

[@Kulintronica]

Come for the Aloha shirts stayed for the ohana (videos)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

If it was not worth the struggles in the longer haul, to live in Hawai'i, then I don't reckon you would have stayed, eh? Chris, may I ask what is your daily job? You seem to be well off. Thank you always for any replies that you care to give to me.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm an Analyst. Very blessed by the job that I have.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

If it was not worth the struggles in the longer haul, to live in Hawai'i, then I don't reckon you would have stayed, eh?

[@bigkanak797]

I’m gonna be rich when my my kids leave home.

[@gringo848]

this channel is the almost red pill channel about Hawaii. He needs to keep his sponsorship from zippys so he can't go to deep. I like it but my brain is screaming to go deeper.

[@SidVidZid]

Yeah…. For a while now he’s basically saying make Hawaii great again…. Very politely.

[@gringo848]

@@SidVidZid The red pill is on his tongue but no can swallow da bugger. Local culture is polite so he can't say anything Auntie and Uncle won't like. Meanwhile Hawaii is burning down.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Lol 😁 I would "go deeper" but then my videos would be one hour and into podcast territory. Not really related to Zippy's.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. That family closeness beyond just immediate family is special to me. It's what I grew up with and so I know the benefits firsthand. I'd like my boys to experience that too. So yes, it's worth it to me. Maybe not for others, but for me, yes.

[@SidVidZid]

@@GNMi79 An honorable and responsible parent wouldn’t say “Raising kids in Hawaii is hard” for the whole world to see. Sometimes you say those things to motivate your children but to put that burden on them on the web as if they had any choice to come to this world is very short sighted. You see parents in war torn countries and they describe theirs kids as their source of joy, hope, and inspiration. Even look at the hardships parents suffer in places like Baltimore or coal mining towns of West Virginia. He has education, a US passport, family members to look after kids so he can take a break… and I am sure the kids give him enough joy to negate all the hardship he is suffering raising them.

[@me12722]

Hawaii is built wrong. There’s no reason for such an island paradise to have the same infrastructure as Vegas. It’s not the only reason Hawaii is expensive but it is a big contributor

[@HelloFromHawaii]

We haven't maintained what we had so now we're paying the price.

[@keiko1909]

Don't let your kids eat anything that comes in a can, box, or plastic bag. Those would probably be all processed foods...full of killer sugar and chemicals. Try to get them off of any sweets they've gotten used to...some sweet fruits are OK in limited amounts. Buy all your fresh organic veggies on sale only and plan your meals accordingly. Do only free activities. I've lived here off and on for many, many years. I was a single mom...no help from the ex. We made it. Hawaii no ka oi. No regrets.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@terrymunoztrujillo483]

My goal in life is to save up financially to be able to raise children. And then NOT have any children and have all that money to myself!

[@BEZY-vk1hy]

I don't know how you all live and survive in Hawaii with how expensive it is and how little you get paid. I was shocked when I moved here and am still in shock as I go to the grocery store for basics

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It's tougher than most people expect after the novelty wears off.

[@travisgrant5608]

If you don't have the money in the bank for schooling before becoming a parent , pre-school through college, then don't have kids! Use a damn condom!!! Most people only think about sex and not about the consequences or the future. I've seen to many people who should never have had children. The children suffer because of it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for watching 🤙

[@mhsiehmd]

So why are you living in Hawaii?