The HONEST Pros and Cons of Living on the Big Island of Hawaii

[@TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Another thing that MUST be taken into account living on the Big Island is the fact the specialized surgery and medical care must be done on Oahu, so you will be flying back and forth between the islands depending on your health/age/medical status and what kind of specialty services you need which can be limited on the Big Island (I speak from experience and I work in a hospital), and this is true if you are getting older/aging and/or have special medical needs like cancer/elective joint replacements/need for heart surgery/pacemakers/trauma. If you live in a remote area like Paauilo or more-exposed area like Na'alehu (still rural), the medical care/education for children will still be limited, so if you have young school-aged children, you may think twice about moving to a remote area w/ limited educational resources, or think about home-schooling most of the time. Specialized jobs are also limited, so if you are a surgeon, therapist, attorney, etc who cannot work remotely, you'll be limited in your choices of work unless you are in the real estate, hospitality, agriculture or retail business. Foods grown will be limited to tropical fruits like papayas, bananas, lilikoi, lychee, soursop, citrus, etc. and mostly fruit in your own back yard. You may be able to grown some tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, daikon and squash but for serious agricultural crops like coffee/taro/macadamia nuts, you will need a large-scale operation, and some crops simply do not do well here in Hawaii, like plants that need a cold snap like apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries. Yes, Hawaii is a Blue Zone, but how many of the Blue Zone people factored into the equation for longevity are Okinawan? Or Japanese? - a LOT! A majority of Hawaii's centenarians are Okinawan or Japanese, so ethnicity and race must also be factored into the equation, and not only the 'Hawaiian lifestyle'. Despite the high cost of living here and the gas prices $4.74 a gallon at Kona Costco last week, it's worth living here, but it's not for everyone, and it's not for the aging/young with medical/health/educational needs.

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for your insight! And yes you're right with the medical care. That should be taken into consideration for those that are aging and require specialized treatments. Living closer to medical facilities would be recommended.

[@lewisjohnmichael]

Thank you for your information. My female cousin plans on moving to the Big Island, she is 75 years old and will be living alone. She is moving from Long Island, New York, she used to live in Maui 10 years ago and says the real estate is more affordable on the Big Island. She is not aware of the medical care or Vog on the Big Island.

[@Yohann67]

Having family on the Big Island, I am well aware of the limitations of the health care BUT......Remember what Charles Lindburg said about the subject after his cancer diagnosis. If I remember correctly after the mainland treatment was failing him he opted to return to Hawaii. They told him something like, "you won't last 2 weeks without more treatment" and his response was "I would rather live 2 weeks in Hawaii than 2 months in New York" Or something to that effect.

[@Blublod]

All your points are spot on. Retiring in Hawaii is not a good idea unless you’re wealthy enough to afford frequent trips to California for specialized medical treatment as you age and get sick. Even Honolulu doesn’t cut it with some things, so something to definitely think about.

[@Yohann67]

@@Blublod If you are not wealthy or well insured you won’t be getting that specialized medical care anywhere in the states. Mother in law needed a hip replacement but that was too much for the Kona hospital, it was done at a surgical center in Waimea, apparently a specialist flys in every week and does a few surgeries. Might be the case for other things as well. There may be things that Honolulu can’t do but that will hold true for so many states. I lost an aunt last year in Montana because if a heart valve issue. They could have easily done a TAVR where I live in DFW area, but nope, they sent her home to die. Very similar to Kona. Kona hospital is also extremely overburdened from what I have seen, literally a waiting list to get a room. If you are 92 years old and have an acute gall bladder issue, you are not getting a surgery (ask me how I know). So really, it’s not any worse than any other rural area healthcare wise. Quality of life will probably make up for the rest. Not a fan of lots of medical intervention myself, my plan is to just die when I am ready LOL. Might as well be in a nice place.

[@xenwithapen]

Probably the best Hawaii living video I've seen. The information was accurate, and it didn't come across as just another tourism video. A+ 💯

[@kristicotton]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@jameswulzen590]

They don't say anything about the southern part of the Island, Ocean View. You can get into a very nice place for $300,000.00 on one acre with great views. Kona is a 45 mile drive on the mountain road, very nice with very low traffic to deal with. Hilo is close to 90 miles away. It's rural and is close to Costco, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, to name a few. This area has a country hospital in Pahala and in Ocean View you'll find, auto repair, building supplies, Ace Hardware, places to eat and shop. Not many stores but it's growing. I've been here for 15 years.

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for your comment, yes that's true!

[@Kaniala-l7s]

South point is where it's at! Na'alehu for life!

[@sherikowalski915]

Isn't this where the Vog is strongest when the volcano is active?

[@Random_Number]

@@sherikowalski915 The bigger problem, imo, is that it's in a high risk lava zone on the STEEP side. So while it's the same lava zone as, say, Pahoa, Pahoa side is gently sloped and thus the lava moves slowly. But with Ocean View, in theory, if Mauna Loa were to erupt on that side (which it's done in the relatively recent past), lava can reach the sea in only a few hours. We thought about buying there at one point, but I was concerned about waking up with lava in our living room (this is perfectly possible there), so we ended up buying in the Hilo suburbs instead.

[@stephaniekeck2606]

You must be selling land down there. That is the highest crime, the most remote with next to no services, drug addicts everywhere, yes, there's some nice people that live there but it is super sketchy, really hot in the day and cold at night, no rain, that country road that you said is a curvy road, everyone uses to commute to and from Kona. So don't say there isn't traffic. Utter shock. You've got to be selling property there. Unreal. Be honest

[@benrolaff3796]

You're the best I've been watching you for years you have more knowledge than anybody I've ever seen about Hawaii I just wanted to thank you

[@kristicotton]

That seriously makes my day! Thank you SO much!

[@fijiunlimited4503]

Great video. Thanks! Tip on dehumidifier was my favorite.

[@ColoradoMtnRealEstateTV]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching...Aloha!

[@MRSTEEL15]

They really need to start construction on better highway roads, like West to East from Kona to Hilo with off road Exits to nearest neighborhoods.....

[@kristicotton]

The new Saddle Road aka Daniel K Inouye Hwy that takes you from East to West (Hilo to Kona) has been greatly improved! I've lived on the island for over 25 years and back in the day it was terrible. This highway is an excellent improvement.

[@jameswulzen590]

they have fine roads around the Island and across the Island on Saddle road. All that you talk about is here and they keep the highways clean and very nice. I've been here for over 50 years and have seen a lot of road building.

[@marlonpaio6988]

You live in Hawaii guys

[@kananik5985]

​@@kristicotton nice video where are the cougars at aka attractive women ..😊thank again

[@ChromeLuxx]

NO THANK YOU. Stay where you’re at and enjoy your highway and exits.

[@Michael_Skinner]

There are no negatives to living in Hawaii. Spent three years in the Navy there. I miss it everyday.

[@kristicotton]

Agreed!

[@RG-ds8pd]

I disagree. Have lived here for 3 years.

[@James-sn5mg]

I also disagree. In fact, it is one of the most worst places in the world to live in. Crappy school education system. Lack of jobs or opportunities, too many nepotism, racist locals, lots of criminals, homelessness, druggies, street bums, tons of shady people, crappy weather because it's only summer. I like cold weather better. costly shipping, nothing to do except going to the beaches, way too much diversity, feels like a small colony with many different tribes, boring ass music scene with only reggae music being played, very anti-US culturally and politically. Cost of food and housing is too goddamn expensive, get island fever, and plenty more! Hawaii is overhyped and overrated.

[@thomascoburn]

Certainly better than Guam

[@Ayahuasca98]

@@James-sn5mg>anti-us That’s a pro

[@mindyourplants]

I so cant wait to move back home to the Big Island.... Been in BC, Canada for too long and the cost of living is actually cheaper now in Hawaii than BC so my mum said I can come home... SO stoked

[@kristicotton]

That's great!

[@webodo]

Very good video. My spouse is local (Hawaiian) and we both agreed that you did a great job. Thank you for being thorough and honest! For those considering moving to The Big Island, keep in mind the caveat that health care is less advanced on the Big Island than on Oahu. Thanks again for a very good video! Mahalo!

[@kristicotton]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. And yes I do agree the health care could be a concern for some people. thanks so much for watching!

[@TripsandFeasts1]

Just wondering: within the past 15 months, I’ve spent about 3.5 months on mostly Maui. I quickly became aware of the ‘general’ feelings of the average Hawai’ian as regards their history, and in particular the events in January, 1893. Most native Hawai’ians I met do not consider themselves American and do not consider the islands of Hawai’i as part of the USA. Did that sort of thing ever cause you a problem? Did you ever feel any sort of ‘tension?’

[@kristicotton]

I've never had a problem or felt any tension personally. Only good experiences!

[@user-l4y7r04wy6iv]

@@kristicotton I suppose that depends on your approach. If a person, whether a newcomer or local, is arrogant, a smart-a___, and, or a karen/darren, then there will definitely be blowback. Likewise, a friendly and laid-back disposition goes a long way.

[@IceGuts]

the biggest issue is with the islands is cars. There should be a limit on the number of cars on an island as well as strongly incentivising electric passenger cars over combustion engine cars. In addition, lack of dedicated bicycle paths is a huge problem. Bicycles and electric cargo bicycles could accomplish huge percentage of trips on the island, reduce noise from cars, exhaust emissions and overall wellness of residents. Added bonus, you would get additional tourist demographic - bicycle tourers.

[@kristicotton]

Great idea!!

[@LLWCorp]

Volcanic emissions (vlog) are the Big Islands #1 environmental problem. But you think cars are. I see.

[@mattbradley408]

@@LLWCorpWe can control cars, we can’t control volcanoes. don’t be dense.

[@LLWCorp]

@@mattbradley408 The Big Island has wind and is in the middle of the pacific, if you think cars are an environmental issue on the Big Island you have bigger problems than I care to address.

[@kormrright]

I've visited Big Island for a week 5 yrs ago. Your video reminds me of good memories. I am dying to revisit the island. Thanks for your helpful informations.

[@kristicotton]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!!

[@stevebeimler2579]

The Big Island has Seven distinct Climate Zones which remain relatively the same throughout the year. From Jungle 🌴 to Desert 🌵 to constant Rain 🌧️ to Snow ❄️ cap mountain 🏔️; A two hour drive places you in a different Climate Zone.

[@kristicotton]

A very unique and special island for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@StevenJeffrey-h2g]

Mauna Kea is also considered the highest mountain of the world! Taller than Everest when counting sea level to the peak

[@blakedewberry4114]

Awesome info Kristi!!! Thank you, I look forward to coming and making a decision on where to retire!!!

[@kristicotton]

Thank you!!! Please reach out when you come to the island. Happy to help! [e-mail]

[@Random_Number]

The vog has been really good ever since Puʻu ʻŌʻō shut down in 2018, better island-wide than it was even in South Maui when Puʻu ʻŌʻō was still active (lived Maui for 7 years, moved here in 2016).

[@kristicotton]

I would agree!

[@JustinHight-py2sw]

Its rains over 200 days a year in Hilo

[@kristicotton]

Yes, Hilo side gets a lot of rain!

[@Spekt3r_808]

Very good video. I might be moving to the big island in a couple of months so I'm doing my research. Thanks for the information.

[@kristicotton]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how I can [e-mail]

[@Meltyfairy]

Im shocked how smooth your hair is. Mine goes full mermaid curls from the humidity

[@kristicotton]

Thank you!!!

[@bluemoon3264]

If you don’t like Centipedes ,, Cockroaches and mosquitoes like me you live up at the higher elevations like Waimea ,, Volcano 🌋 or the highest of all the 6,500 ft elevation of ocean view subdivision with its 11,000 thousand lots and 200 miles of paved roads . 🌴 . Nice video 🤙 .

[@kristicotton]

Thank you, and yes higher elevations do help minimize those things.

[@samblum153]

amazon prime about 2 weeks, regular amazon 3 weeks for delivery time. Hard to get batteries, and heavy stuff like car parts can be 100$ for a 20lb part.

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for sharing, however it can be hit or miss depending on where you are on island. I find that in Waimea Amazon prime is fairly quick, I've received things in a few days at times, others about a week. Yes, shipping batteries can be problematic anywhere in Hawaii.

[@trevorstepoo8838]

I got the stuff on eBay I live here in Honolulu I got it within 2 to 3 days I never waited no longer than 7 days max

[@Feed-My-Mind-Not-My-Ego]

Thank you for sharing. Your video was helpful.

[@kristicotton]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful:)

[@donnafletcher5386]

Hello. Nice video. When you say hot and humid have you ever been to the South in the Continental USA? If so then is it like that hot and humid? I know Florida Keys is hot and humid, but they get a breeze a lot which makes it not as bad. Is it humid all year around?

[@kristicotton]

I don't think it's as bad like Florida. I've only visited there, never lived there. Hawaii gets trade winds that helps make it more comfortable.

[@untalentedthe]

Love this video & looking forward to visiting Hawaii soon. Apparently there are two breed of snakes in the the state; the Brahminy Blind Snake, and the yellow-bellied sea snake.

[@kristicotton]

Happy to say I've never seen one!

[@JoyousVibrantLiving]

So helpful! Thank you 💚

[@kristicotton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brandycortez671]

You mentioned having solar and one more thing to cut your electric cost. What was the second thing after electric? Couldn’t make it out lol apologies.

[@kristicotton]

Photovoltaic system?

[@evelynkrull5268]

Ive lived in S. Oregon and Norcal and it seems like a blend of those two plus nice weather. Smoke, mold, etc

[@kristicotton]

It's a great place to live!

[@BigIslandbbadd]

Aloha. Good video. The thing that is most irritating to me, is how Ebay and Amazon don't ship here. I tied to buy some weights, a solar generator etc...Even cologne sometimes will have the red letters that say, No shipping to Hawaii or Alaska. It's not contiguous, but we either are part of North America or we aren't. Btw...I will have a 3 bedroom house for rent in Honoka'a very soon. If anyone is interested. Clear view of the ocean across the street. Big mango tree in the back.

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for your comment, yes the shipping can be frustrating at times.

[@JarodM]

Excellent information, thank you~

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@jolpk]

Nicely done, thank you KC!

[@kristicotton]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@jesyberg]

Such a great video Kristi. Very informative, thank you! Seriously thinking about a small farm on the big island, my greencard is a few months away.

[@kristicotton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bingoSK9]

Good points. Do you have a feel on how hard/easy it is to transplant yourself into the local community? Are people protective about new comers or the opposite?

[@kristicotton]

I think as long as you respect the island, the culture and the people and embrace the differences and don't try to change things then you shouldn't have a hard time.

[@omardeveraux1418]

Great video and good, helpful information. I've learned a lot of new stuff. Mahalo for sharing!

[@kristicotton]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching:)

[@vasilyberg7320]

Thank you. 🌸🏝. It looks like it’s fixing previous speaker from Hilo site🧐😊🌊🐳🌴

[@kristicotton]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Tunlor]

price of food isnt an issue if your coming from BC canada, seems like we basiclly have the same prices here.

[@kristicotton]

helpful to know, thanks!

[@GhostSal]

I know this was a year ago but how are the taxes? Is being older on a fixed income mean no way to live there? Any small condo options, with low taxes, low HOA and inexpensive to purchase without críme issues?

[@kristicotton]

Not knowing your price point it's hard to answer your question, but you're welcome to contact me and we can discuss further your specific situation. [e-mail]

[@trevorstepoo8838]

Kona has Walmart on Henry Street

[@abehaile2659]

Excellent. Thank you

[@kristicotton]

Thank you for watching!

[@joshkissell8877]

Great video and I basically have a small crush on you now . 😂😂 I live in pahoa now and have been thinking about moving to Kona side. Where’s the best site / app to find housing? Mahalo ❤

[@kristicotton]

Thanks for watching and I'm happy you like my video. Here's a link to my app to search for homes. compass-invites.app.link/X90XGrmNaJb

[@sylvia810]

I already lived in Hawaii 🎉

[@kristicotton]

Fantastic...Aloha! Thanks for watching😀

[@JenniferGraceMartinez]

Aloha! What about the Lava Zones?

[@kristicotton]

Watch my recent video about Big Island lava zones and safest areas where I talk about this in detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4bLZGaoi9yNe9k

[@JenniferGraceMartinez]

@@kristicotton Thank you so much! 🙏 😊

[@michaelabraczinskas6879]

Hello, very informative video, thank you. A friend of mine who used to live in Hawaii, told me they had to move back to the mainland because the air quality was affecting their health. Is this just in certain areas? Are certain times of year that are worse than others?

[@kristicotton]

Yes, some people are more sensitive to vog than others. There are areas of the island that are less effected, and I can help inform buyers of those areas especially if they are concerned with air quality. It's very weather dependent so when the winds change to a certain direction the air quality can be reduced if the volcano is very active. Thanks for watching! Please feel free to reach out with any other questions you may have. [e-mail]

[@foresttemple1380]

I was poisoned by the Vog, indeed, after 20 years or more on Big I, I developed reactive airways syndrome, an incurable condition. It began when I was living in a cabin all the way @ the top of oceanview. A Beautiful place, in the woods..mornings are always clear & bright then the Vog rolls in by afternoon. I now know how best I can deal with it ..after initially being knocked for a loop in 2010. If I stay warm ..I'm in remission mostly of my athsmatic issues. Hot and dry is best for me. I've lived all over the Island, in every part but for Hawi ..Waimea several years.. Puna..never ever again after doing rentals there to the general denizens of the area. In fact I can honestly say, since the tidal pools are gone in 2018 I have no interest in going any farther into lower Puna than the Keeau beach at the end of the trail. Mahalo to them for preserving such a lovely spot. 🥰 Solar..catch your rainwater..have a WoodStove..grow your garden get some chickens..🙂 dumpster dive Waimea Hilo & Keaau..nothing else is possible. But It's changing so much..I bought my acre at HOVE for 5 K cash.

[@aartisan44]

@@foresttemple1380 Can you say what symptoms presented for the syndrome? How long did it take to develop? Denizens does not sound good. Was crime high in that area? Thank you

[@christinelafontant3138]

@@kristicotton Hello, are there a lot of vogs in Keeanu?

[@augustal4243]

​@@foresttemple1380//You can absolutely deal with that condition you are explaining if you have an open mind and only if you have an open mind go to the best Hawaiian healers natural healers and you must be open to taking natural supplements , these are supplements not drugs You have to take the natural supplements often until your body gets into a middle ground which means when you're thriving /when you're back to thriving You can start off doing this with taking *echinacea and goldenseal combo at least 17 days a month..... And you must cut out sugar by at least 60%☯️...I happen to be an expert in "Natural ways" I'm a Holistic Health Practitioner /Advanced Practitioner

[@Ari-pw6nu]

Doesn't Hilo get some great tsunami frequency?

[@kristicotton]

Yes, there have been tsunami's in Hilo as well as in Kona. But any coastal area on the islands are at risk of tsunami's.

[@Ari-pw6nu]

Ya. So want to see Hilo. My place in CA is only worth $260-300k. I'd live on the beach to live in Hawai'i.

[@Ari-pw6nu]

Force of the sea from Japan? Ya? Where are you at?

[@ganeshlange4354]

I don’t like going to a beach to have the hotel property tell me that the parking lot is full and we can go in like at maunakea resort or four seasons

[@kristicotton]

If you get there early it's usually not a problem. Or try Hapuna Beach State Park and go early on weekends.

[@jorgej5916]

Less night life; cost of groceries more expensive than Oahu overall; cars/suvs cost more than Oahu or the mainland.

[@kristicotton]

You're correct!

[@trevorstepoo8838]

I find on eBay and Amazon sellers don't ship to Hawaii

[@robertjosan]

Thank you for sharing? Do you have many mosquitoes and rats?

[@kristicotton]

There are mosquitos and rats on all islands, but depending on where you live you may not have any issues. Mosquitos are more prevalent in areas with lush, dense foliage and standing water. I've lived in Hawaii for almost 30 years and rarely have seen any rats.

[@geanderson9203]

Costco is 100 miles each way from most of the east side. You are not saving on gas if you have to drive there and back.

[@kristicotton]

Correct, but if you live in Kona then you're saving a lot.

[@geanderson9203]

@@kristicotton Oh, so Kona deserves the break but not the East Side. Nice. Privilege has it's perks.

[@kristicotton]

I never said that. It would be nice and very convenient if there was a Costco on the east side. Maybe you should take that up with the local officials not me. I don't exactly have the power to put a Costco in Hilo.

[@geanderson9203]

@@kristicotton If you want to see property values raise on this side of the island, giving you a bigger income and a wider area to represent. it is the real estate community who has to insist on change. We ask and you are the ones to who receive, not us. Yes, I am mad about it, but I have seen it time and again. If the lobby groups ignore our needs, we get nothing, not even the short end. We need the lobbyists to insist we get better services on the east side.

[@kananik5985]

They were gonna build a Costco in shipman park in keaau but Kamehameha schools wanted a road that connects to shipman to their campus in keaau .🤔..

[@ludmilafascia7956]

I’ve been researching cities in the US to move to. A lot of the places in the south and in the islands of Hawaii mentions bugs, and humidity. I’m a Floridian. If gators don’t scare me, the humidity and bugs won’t scare me. 😂😂

[@kristicotton]

I'll take humidity and bugs anyway over gators!

[@fraserallquist4592]

Aloha Kristi

[@kristicotton]

Aloha!

[@michaelahsam4308]

Malahini

[@Ari-pw6nu]

When the service industry dies, so will gluttonous.

[@alexandersupertramp2604]

Planning on moving but ill have to leave my pet python

[@Arshoon]

You never touched on crime. I hear mixed things about the safety of your property on this island, or the drug problems that lead to that crime.

[@FrielFamilyFootball]

It’s just like the mainland. Meth, fentanyl and all kinds of drugs.

[@Puna_G]

Florida! Move to Florida, not Hawai'i.

[@dudedabsworth8023]

They are not equals lmao. Hawaii doesn’t have snakes or bears or mountain lions. Don’t get me wrong, I love Destin and sanibel but they are not equal.

[@Puna_G]

@@dudedabsworth8023 exactly, we don't want them in Hawai'i.

[@mattbradley408]

@@Puna_GWho is them exactly? If I come to Hawaii with respect and humbleness will i be accepted?

[@StevenJeffrey-h2g]

@@mattbradley408 come visit Big Island, don't let the haters bug you, some people hate just because of skin colour, it's silly Aloha ~

[@WHATSAHANDLEIDKIDK]

If the cultural shock here was an actual shock it would be electrocution level, so unless you want peace and quiet the Big Island probably isn't for you, I'm always dreaming the dayI move mainland and would stress myself to death to achieve my dreams

[@vasilyberg7320]

glory to God so nice place He has created. Price creator Christ Jesus 🙏🌾🕊🌹🏝🌊🐬🐳🌴

[@ace2guitar]

Gas is comparable to so cal, I paid 4.79 this morning in so cal, Costco shows 4.59 in Hawaii

[@kristicotton]

Thank you for watching!

[@FrielFamilyFootball]

I just got back last week after 2 months and gas was 5.99 in Beverly Hills. I was shocked! Cheaper in South Bay.