Leaving Paradise? Where I'd Go If I Left Hawaii

[@JapanDream808]

Moved to Japan from Hilo 30 years ago, and I'm still here. Hawaii will always be home, but the low crime rate, excellent health insurance, vibrant Hawaii community, amazing food, honor, and respect are what keep me here. Aloha from Yokohama🤙

[@Flying_turnip187]

Yeah Hilo! I moved from hilo to Hokkaido about 10 years ago. Was a good move . Love Japan!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

All the things I love about Japan 🤙

[@JapanDream808]

@@Flying_turnip187 Hilo in da house! I was working at KBIG FM for many years under the radio name, Vance K. Nice to hear your move over is going good🤙🏽

[@JapanDream808]

@@HelloFromHawaii I do miss Zippy’s though🤣

[@Flying_turnip187]

@@JapanDream808 brah….i remember you! Back when they played real music on the radio! Much love to you hilo bro!

[@MokuleiaVibes]

I will never leave Hawai’i. My childhood was spent in Japan so when I moved here to be closer to my family who live here, it was the first time I felt “at home”. I have never felt totally “at home” anywhere on the continent. Yes I am haole but the culture here is unparalleled (and the great weather and beautiful geography can’t be beat). The reverence for kupuna is admirable here. You will never find this level of reverence anywhere on the continent. And also just general kindness and respect for fellow humans, even the houseless. No judgement. Here no one cares if you are rich or drive an expensive car (unless it’s a yoda haha). And also the volunteerism here you will not find at this level anywhere on the continent, that is absolutely for sure. Great video though.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad you felt at home here. Although some people may not care if you're rich here, I do think a lot of us care where you graduated from high school. Just a Hawaii thing 😆

[@alanyoung159]

That shot of the Hawaii State Library in the background... man, reminds me of when i was a kid and would sit in there reading comics for hours each week!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I used to go to McCully Library a lot after school. Homework and then play Pokemon upstairs. 😆

[@freshprinceofdarkness]

I just moved to Vegas 2 days ago. I’m actually kind of surprised by how much influence Hawaii has here. Great community here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Good to know that there is a strong Hawaii community there. And, of course, there will be plenty of locals visiting throughout the year.

[@dorayoung1073]

I told myself that IF I had to move anywhere else, it would be Japan as well. I like the culture and how respectful everyone is. I also like how safe it is compared to the United States. Crime is growing here and there is no accountability for people’s actions. Like you, I hope I never have to make that choice. Being born and raised here, Hawaii will always be home for me because of family.

[@byronharano2391]

Blessings KamaAina

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I agree with the safety in Japan. I can't believe how safe it feels all the time. I can leave my stuff on tables knowing it will be there when I return.

[@vettestripes]

But isn't Japan as expensive as Hawaii? When retired, I and my wife love to go there and stay for 2-3 months every year.

[@dorayoung1073]

@@vettestripes Because the dollar is so strong against the yen, things are so cheap compared to Hawaii now. Since I am retired now, we go a couple times a year since the borders opened last year. I like to explore different cities and even shop for Japanese grocery products that are double the price in Hawaii at Marukai or Don Quiote. We also never had a bad meal in Japan. As you know, the food is fresh and they take pride in everything they do.

[@LilyGazou]

I hope you can stay there. Family is everything.

[@AlohaBlockchain]

Lived in Osaka for 15 years. If you are five minutes early for a business meeting, you are late. It would be a big workplace culture shock for most who grew up here. It is an amazing place for children. Safe an so much opportunity for fun things to do.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I like that type of punctuality. 😆. No more Hawaii time.

[@alexcarter8807]

@@HelloFromHawaii Even on the mainland, you get "written up" for being 1 minute late back from your 15-minute break. You can be "written up" for socializing with co-workers. Are you sure you like the work-to-death lifestyle that much?

[@parkercroft7066]

Aloha Nephew, I left home for Mainland America two years ago for work. I have been back four times while the project progresses. I have another project in India starting this winter. My point is that I have lots of traveling in my life. When anyone asks me where I am from I don't skip a beat in saying Hawai'i. I will drop in my tracks on the road, but I know where my home is. Go see the world and keep aloha in your heart. Shootz, Uncle

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad you can proudly say you're from Hawaii. 🤙

[@brianclark4713]

I try not to dwell on things that I "regret" in life, however, leaving Hilo still hurts almost everyday. Some places you go in life fit like a glove. When you find the glove that fits, do anything you can to not lose it.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Where are you now?

[@brianclark4713]

@@SuiGenerisAbbie Ohio for work. Much lower cost of living, much higher pay for a Nurse. The phrase "Money isn't everything" rings in my ears daily.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

⁠@@brianclark4713The Midwest weather extremes would get to me: stinking hot summers with cloying humidity and verrrry cold Winters. Not to mention the non-presence of cool stores, etc.

[@charliedallachie3539]

@@brianclark4713can’t trade Hawaiian beaches and weather for Ohio…such a bummer.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

You left Hilo? One of the nicest areas of Hawaii. Our roots are on the Hamakua Coast in the area of Ookala. I'd love to live in that area. Many in our family have Ookala as their birthplace. Our Grandmother was born in Honomu.

[@dlasti]

Being retired now, I could probably survive the cost of living here as I did before. But now, I don't just want to survive, I want to live, and I can't do that here. I will be moving to Texas, being centrally located in the US, I could travel at any time I want, go anywhere I want without having to fly to.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I completely understand. In retirement, I wouldn't want to be barely surviving. I'd like some margin in life and that would include financial margin to do things if I felt like it.

[@hanyoo6043]

So my wife was born and raised Sacred Hearts grad. I graduated from Moanalua. We moved to Washington state in 2015. It was the best decision we made. She works at Boeing. I work for the UW. We own a home and the kids goto a private school. I would say we got lucky. I feel like no other state has that issue where we try to move somewhere that get plenty Hawaii people. I don't think other states have that. I can't see some from Arizona moving to another state that has a strong Arizon presence. But that's what makes Hawaii so special. And I do miss the islands. I miss the family parties. But guess what, we can visit for a week and get our fill.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great points. I think the opportunity elsewhere is almost unmatched here locally. And yes, you can always visit and get your fill. Maybe later in life you both can come back and retire here.

[@naomiaki2962]

I've spent a year in Japan, 15 years in the California Bay Area and So Cal. Bucket list ✅ a year in London. My elderly brother will eventually relocate to NV. My nephews have had serious convo's encouraging me to move. I love driving down the street to the beach. Heading out to Highway Inn for Hawaiian food. Love the music, cultural aspects of this mixed plate island that I thrive in. So move probably not. I've been there done that 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@orbea4]

I live on the mainland. I have a lot of friends that went to UH, graduated and move up to San Fran to start their careers. Then after 5-10 years they moved back home to Hawaii. After they moved home, they all found professional jobs but then needed to have a second job as a waiter at night to make extra money. Some had to live with their parents too save money in Hawaii. So your content relates to all of my friends from Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Sad to hear that some of your friends needed a second job after moving back.

[@gracepeterson7483]

I think the friendly, Aloha spirit is universal, especially if we are projecting friendliness toward others. I am sure this is why you've experienced it, Chris. You seem like a very friendly person.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the kind words. Still, I want to give credit to those who were nice and friendly toward us. They didn't have to, but did it because of the kindness in their hearts.

[@doris3594]

Me and my 4 siblings were raised in Kailua and after high school in the 70s moved to the Mainland for college and jobs and never returned and left my parents behind. Then parents sold their Kailua home in early 2000s and moved to Japan. Dad was a U.S. citizen but Mama had a green card and gave that up. Dad passed away and Mama stayed on in Japan and is now 90s living alone… Long story short… her kids don’t speak Japanese and we are US citizens and it’s a hardship seeing her. And now she wants to get her green card back. Japan is an extraordinary country with low crime, great culture, and it’s easy place to live… but do consider where your kids and grandchildren are before making a decision to move to another country…

[@TheDSquad]

so true about small towns. the most amazing place we lived due to the welcoming and loving community was a small mountain town in colorado. hawaii has been an interesting journey but nothing compares to rural towns in colorado and the midwest America

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Your comment made me think of a TV show called Everwood. One of my favorites, as it's set in a small Colorado mountain town.

[@merrywalsh2809]

Oh yes, Colorado is so beautiful.

[@alexcarter8807]

As we used to say back in Hawaii, *the planes go both ways, you know* you can always pretty much buy your own small Colorado or Midwest small town for 1-2 car payments.

[@darylmiller8911]

Enjoy the moment and journey.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@milessakauye8819]

Thanks for the vlog! I think there are so many factors in deciding where to live, including the people and culture like you mentioned. Other factors are crime rate, education, and access to quality healthcare. Also, I think there are so many places in the world that may be suitable to live given a set of criteria that would be acceptable. The hard things to really find are the people and culture that is best suited for you. An approach I hope to take is to pick a place, then go and live there for 6 months to a year and then maybe find another place and keep on going.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Great suggestion in living in a place for a short-term stay and then determine if it's right for you. With Hawaii, the move would be expensive, both ways, but if it sticks, it's a great place to be.

[@maxfit68906]

Left HI in 86’ after graduating from high school. 38 years later, I own homes in CA, AZ and NV. Retiring Nov 2024 at age 56 with a full pension making $600 more a month than if I was working. Having the courage and ambition to leave the place I was born and raised made all the difference. It’s definitely paid off.

[@miNOTprofessional]

😂🎉❤ I love this and the conversation is so authentic! Yes! Leaving for college after McKinley for 12 years was the best thing. I tell my nephews and nieces that home is a place. Hawaii will always be here, but home is what you make it. My husband is in NY working in the nuclear industry. We are coming up on being apart for 13 months. I made a family with this man and I want to be where he is. Once we sell our home (hopefully to a local Hawaiian family.....crossing fingers and waiting on the DPP!!!!!!) I am looking forward to being home in his arms. Sounds super cheesy and even corny. But I just hate being apart from the guy that makes my entire day so much brighter. I know we'll laugh and cry about this when we're older, but I will NOT regret moving away from my home. It's just a place. My ancestors are dead, and I'm looking forward to that next phase of also seeing them on the other side. Being half Hawaiian, it's sad to see us fighting a fight we'll never win. My mom said to get educated and enjoy your life with what you make it and help those around you. That is exactly what I'll do. Hawaii and the Aloha spirit will go where ever you or I am. ❤ Mahalo for the share!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It sounds like you'll have many wonderful years together in a place you can call home. NY sounds exciting. 🤙

[@LilyGazou]

I have a share in the family home in Montauk, NY. It’s a beach town. A train ride from NYC. Maybe you could enjoy that.

[@FrenchFifi65]

Love my neighbor Windsor:) If you are ever near Portland Oregon/ Vancouver Wash, you have to check out Ridgefield Wash, it is a small town 20 minutes from Portland, the airport commute is easy, the town has the essentials, it is family oriented and has happenings almost weekly. The best part is the diversity and welcoming nature of the people! If I moved from CO it would be to this small town.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Haven't heard of Ridgefield. Too bad I never stopped by when I lived in Tigard. Sounds great.

[@mixflip]

We moved to the San Francisco bay area, then Vegas then Reno aka small town USA. Absolutely love our choices. Big house, nice size lot of land, road trips to national parks, 100 degree summers, snowy winters our kids are exposed to more diversity.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think I drove through Reno once. Nevada, in general, just has so much space. Granted, a lot of it is desert. Still, love the open space.

[@mixflip]

Im going to make more videos of Reno because people often ask what its like and they think its desert. But Reno is not desert.Well, not all of Reno anyway. It literally has a river flowing right down the middle of downtown from lake Tahoe lol.The west side is hilly and some neighborhoods are located inside forests. Galena estates and Verdi to name a few. Its really all about the road trips!!!! @@HelloFromHawaii

[@HelloFromHawaii]

@@mixflip I'm sure people will enjoy the videos. A local's perspective on Reno will be interesting. 🤙

[@sleepyvtek9]

Talking about your 3rd choice.. I moved away from Hawaii(born and raised) to a small town in Iowa and I love it here. The neighbor 2 houses down are a retired couple that use to live in Kapolei so thats pretty neat.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's awesome that your neighbors used to live here. Any local kine food in Iowa?

[@sleepyvtek9]

@@HelloFromHawaii Nah, thats one thing I miss not being in Hawaii anymore.

[@lisarogers1392]

Curious what town?

[@SuperFredrickh]

You have a very open mind and joyful “way” about you so far as I can see in your videos. I’m not bragging but I’ve been to more than a few different places and countries in my travels thus far. My home of Oregon will always be home, but I do find folks from the big island to be just a bit more “nice” if that makes sense. Second nice in my opinion would be Australian folks. Don’t know why but I prefer up front folks. If I’ve upset someone I’d like to fix that. I can’t do anything about my face but hey,!!

[@ssglopezvm]

I lived in the island of Puerto Rico for 20 years and over 30 years in New York City. I moved to Hawaii 2 years ago. The best decision I’ve ever made brah 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you're enjoying it. It will be interesting to see how you feel after about the five year mark. I've found that that's when a lot of people start to get the itch to move on.

[@livedeliciously]

Thank you for making this video. This topic always weighs heavy on my mind.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you're able to work through it. This is something I do think about from time to time, but we continue to push on.

[@justinum1297]

It's very tough for Western people to live in Japan or Korea. There are unexpected pressure and competition to survive. Personally, I recommend if you have to move out, you should move to main land and live under the big umbrella, u.s.

[@spikester6407]

As a former UNC co-alumni (separated only by a few decades), I was relieved that you skipped over Greeley since it's now over 100K in population and certainly a different setting from even your tenure there in school. In addition to Windsor, there are many other lovely smaller towns here in Colorado and of course, I can speak for most of the state who don't even know you, we'd love to have you back although a bittersweet proposition as well: I'm sure your presence and personal perspectives would also be sorely missed there as well.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting to hear how Greeley has grown. Not sure I'd ever move back to Greeley, although I really enjoyed my time there. Maybe Fort Collins? Still remember the smell. 😆

[@cesarcanete3402]

I honestly cant ever see myself living anywhere else other than Hawaii. I've divided my time between Mililani & Kailua my whole life, moved to the mainland for a bit & will be moving back home next year but on Maui. I'm true local boy, I always end up moving back home no matter where I move to lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Totally understand. When I was away on the mainland, I figured out that I wanted to come home and that was it. Decision made. Glad I came back home.

[@tracyalan7201]

I had just ordered gifts to some friends in Virginia that I made during a 6-month internship 36 years ago. They were a diverse range of people, age, sex, race and religion but we got along. Coming up is the yearly reunion that they have periodically. Many of them are older, moved away and such but a handful are still there. It's good to live in places, make friends and see what living abroad is like, if you like, tolerate change. I thought about staying there for a federal job, but not being a great change management personality, leaving behind seemed like the bird in the hand versus multiples in the bush. Once the decision is made go for it and have no regrets, as it is a personal, individual decision that depends on the personality making it. For me, I have no regrets as no one can predict success, failures or draws on past decisions and unknown futures. Just enjoy the ride and see where it goes.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's great that you're still meeting up with them after all these years. I agree that it's important to live away for a while and see what you can tolerate. Change is good and if you decide it's too much, you can always go back or move to a new place.

[@stevekollen1672]

I lived on Oahu for a decade and am originally from Oregon. I currently live in a small town in Costa Rica (for 20+ years and am now a dual citizen). I also think there's this side to living in Hawai'i and (having to?) moving away. It sort of makes you a missionary for the way people interact in Hawaii. I left Hawai'i a different person from the haole boy I was when I moved there.

[@stevekollen1672]

My dentist knows about the Merry Monarch dance competition because of me and there's a pic of a local guy doing kahiko hula on the wall on one of the examination rooms. It doesn't hurt that he's only dressed in a malo (the dental clinic is all women, but being a mahu is not a big deal in Costa Rica).

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Great point about being able to share about Hawaii if one leaves. In a way, you're able to answer questions about how life is really like here.

[@tofu1Ja]

Love the humor about walking around with a camera and the natural “choke” mention when you were in Oregon. I’m from St. Louis for 4 decades, and now, entering 3 years in Hilo. It’s not for everyone, but I love that I’m raising my family there. It helps we blend in, but when I open my mouth… people will know, so there’s a little imposter syndrome. It’s overall been pleasant for my 6 year old and 10 year old who arrived with me at ages 3 and 7 respectively. Ethnically with my Cantonese-speaking background and my husband’s Filipino background, the people, food, and stories are enriching. The diversity is so integrated here than it is in St. Louis although we have our own cohorts or communities within each ethnicity.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Hopefully you and your family are making the adjustment. Love Hilo and have family there. Still small town feel.

[@gwillis01]

A person has to realize that if you move to Hawaii permanently, you will still have to do your fair share of boring, bland, but necessary things. You still have to do laundry, take out the trash, and sometimes cook at home when you would rather eat out.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great point. Can't escape life's responsibilities.

[@cornbutter3531]

I am from Japan and was in Hawaii for 20+ years. Now in Midwest…. I do miss everything about Hawaii but now I see how affordable and people are more relax here not to worry about expenses and future. We are considering not going back to Honolulu ( or The Big Island ) retire here and visit. Unfortunately it’s three times more expensive for no reasons. All my friends are always on the edge. It’s too bad local kids don’t have much options to stay there job wise. Having say that if my husband pass away, I can picture myself going back to Japan after all but not sure if Americans can really blend in. I even thinks I am too different from people never leave there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you have a beautiful family. Take really good care 🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's too bad that your friends are on edge. It's a tough spot to be in.

[@24BEARCATS24]

What part of the Midwest are you living in now?

[@24BEARCATS24]

@cornbutter3531, which part of the Midwest do you live? Which Midwester state do you live in?

[@dalematthies]

There are a lot of Hawaii folks living here in the Phoenix area, especially Mesa and Tempe. There are 200 people Per Day moving here to Phoenix because there are so many 100K + jobs available. I think a typical nice 3 bedroom house sells for 300 - 400K, but folks have been complaining that rents are increasing faster than low-wage earners can afford to pay. Another interesting thing I have noticed is the number of Hawaii themed fast food restaurants popping up all over town. The only grumble is the summer heat. Some of the public schools are not great, but then, depending upon what part of town you are living, other public schools are first rate.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Interesting that there are a lot of Hawaii food places popping up there. I'm sure the Hawaii folks love the cheap housing prices, relatively speaking.

[@dalematthies]

@@HelloFromHawaii L & L is here. I think the others are local or California based with Hawaii themes and menus.

[@byronharano2391]

My daughter (born in Kuwait 🇰🇼) lives in Henderson, NV. We don't go searching for former Hawai'i residents when i visit and my daughter doesn't care. Henderson, NV is a nice city without the nuttiness of Las Vegas proper 👌 😮😮😮😮😊😊😊😊😊

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@RanalynnNaipo]

I’ve thought about this more often than normal. Tired of the increased property taxes and corruption in politics. But I think that no matter where I was to move there would be similar problems. I would think of Nevada or Arizona. But when I visit is always fun but I have to realize that it’s only because I’m on vacation. My uncle moved back from Vegas and back to Hawaii. And he prefers Hawaii. And he and his wife does travel 2-3 times a year. And he said homes in Vegas is so affordable. Excellent topic of conversation.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Arizona is an interesting option. Hot, but I'm assuming there are locals there too.

[@Lawrence_of_Asia]

White small town America, knows Hospitality! In Hawaii I too often get a cold shoulder and it feels like a rough inner city very often. I wish Aloha was on blast in Hawaii. If it was I’d be there.

[@kelvinyschun]

The decision to move depends on researching: Career, housing, professional development, hobbies, family, friends, culture, taxes, food international laws, environment, and experience.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Which one do you think is the most, or are the most, important?

[@kelvinyschun]

@HelloFromHawaii All weighted different for all. I visited many countries and all look great. In Japan, location of work place and government work VISA must take into consideration. Do you plan to purchase property? There are cheap abandoned towns you could live in but how does work fit in with living location? Do you rent in big expensive city like Tokyo? Do you want Japanese education or international school for your kids? Yes, Japan is great for tourists, customer service, etc. The home life of a Japanese family is different from work. In Japan you see presentation up front but find out actual experience from people who did move. How are the health benefits? You will still pay USA taxes. Different regions have various weather from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Earthquake and tsunami are common. So many variables to consider. Maybe you can experiment for a month in a region before the big move. I returned from New Zealand and enjoyed 5 weeks.

[@NST320]

I left Hawaii in 1989. I moved to Georgia. What a major shock. I followed my wife and her family. They from a small town in Georgia. After my wife and I got a divorce. I stayed due my job. I often thought about moving back home. I flew home last year. It is not the Hawaii is not the Hawaii, that I left. It is sad, but Hawaii is my home. I would like to visit more. I have come across a few people from Hawaii who lives a few hours from here.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Hope you get a chance to visit more. I know Georgia is far away. I still remember my flight to ATL. I'm sure there are some Hawaii locals around, though.

[@clarkie0167]

Japan in a heartbeat.

[@alexcarter8807]

Oh, a note, Okinawa is part of Japan and seems to be quite similar to Hawaii.

[@alexcarter8807]

I'm in San Jose California. The puffy jackets show up once it's down to 65 degrees. When it gets down to 60, you see the hats with the earflaps. Below 60, the ski gear appears...

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Fresno. Been here for over 20+ years, and it ain't bad. Like everywhere else, there are the good areas, and the not so good areas. We have some of the best schools, and the weather is outstanding.

[@byronharano2391]

Fresno, Clovis, California. I was stationed at NAS Lemoore,1986, and remained in Hanford until 2005 while working in Kuwait as a contractor. The BIG Valley is a wonderful place to live. Go Bulldogs! Blessings to you.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. The first thing I think about when I hear about Fresno is the UH rivalry 😆

[@markvader8083]

More & more Hawaii locals are moving away, while more & more homeless from the mainland are moving to Hawaii. I lived in Los Angeles for 3 years(for school), but couldn't wait to come home right after I graduated. I missed my friends, family & culture. Henderson, Las Vegas I hear is a nice place to live(for now because it's a growing community that has many new developments), but Vegas overall has a lot of crime, the school and medical systems are not very good. Hawaii has it's own set of problems too, but I rather deal with Hawaii's problems than the mainland's problems.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I know it can be tough when you miss home. Hawaii problems vs mainland problems. Tough call for me on which ones I'd rather deal with.

[@kalihipalama1762]

Being that your wife is Japanese, she would be a good person to ask how a local nikkei boy would do in Japan! How's your Japanese? If you can't speak it fluently, your job opportunities will be limited. Most of the expats I know here are English teachers or in IT. Japan is very safe, the people are nice, if you know them. Outstanding socialized medical implementation and great food! Living in Tokyo, probably the most congested city in the world and the economy is not doing well but much cheap to live here than in Hawaii. Been here for 35 years and overall enjoying it but my dream is to move be to paradise!!! Why is Hawaii so outrageously expensive!!!!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

My Japanese is very basic. I think I'd try for a University job teaching English or writing. I sometimes miss the university environment.

[@kalihipalama1762]

@@HelloFromHawaii My Japanese is also limited and I've been living here for 35 years! I have been teaching English at various universities and to get in requires having a master's degree for most universities, especially in TESOL, linguistics or a related field, experience and good connections will help. My excuse for not being fluent in Japanese is that I don't speak to my students in Japanese, my Japanese colleagues are quite fluent in English and most of my good friends here are expats, still it's just an excuse! While visiting the islands this past summer, I met 2 Japanese women who have been living in Hawaii for over 50 years and I interacted with them in Japanese, one of them refused to speak in English!

[@DulceCatania]

Born and raised on Kaua’i. I’ve lived in Vegas (Henderson) for 4 years and Oregon (Portland/Beaverton) almost 10. I recently moved back home to Kaua’i July of this year. While living on the mainland hands down without a doubt definitely preferred living in Oregon over Vegas. Vegas was ok for its affordability and convenience but in Oregon I had much better quality of life.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Oregon was nice. I was in Tigard for a year. Weather was tough because of the rain, but enjoyed stopping by L&L in Beaverton for a plate lunch each week. 😆

[@briangarnier5714]

I live close to Sonoma in fact l can see the hills of Sonoma from my living room and they said Sonoma is a great place to live but where l am at you can buy a house for the down payment of a place in Sonoma. House's start at around 200k and of course go up from there. And this county is much slower paved than the hectic bay area..

[@finned958]

If you’re already established with a good job, you should stay where you are. Moving is hard. Hawaii is an unique place, but it’s the size of a county in another state. Japan is a fun place to visit, but life is a grind. It’s not laid back like Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great points 🤙

[@chrisscott7114]

Aloha Chris, and Mahalo for sharing your thoughts. Sonoma County, CA is a great place for families considering a move to the mainland. While it's considered part of the San Francisco Bay Area, it's far enough north (about an hour) that you don't feel like you're in the rat race all the time, but close enough to the city if you like that kind of thing. It's relatively close (~1/2 hour) to the Pacific Ocean (the COLD part :-)); it's right in the heart of wine county; and there are plenty of different types of farms in the surrounding areas, so there is always fresh produce available. The Russian River sweeps through the northern part of the country side, so it has fun river activities and redwood forests to explore; the Napa valley to the east is close by if you are a wine enthusiast; and not far south west is the Point Reyes National Seashore which is a great hiking, biking, kayaking, camping spot. In the winter, snow skiing and sledding in the Sierra's (including Lake Tahoe and Reno) is within a half a day's drive east. The weather is generally moderate, but it definitely gets hotter and colder than Hawaii. Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College are the main educational institutions in Sonoma County, both great schools. It's worth checking out for anyone considering moving to the mainland.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing about Sonoma County. Haven't heard of it before, but it sounds nice. Seems like a great location. 🤙

[@LilyGazou]

CA- so many added expenses and fees and taxes.

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

@@LilyGazou Like Hawaii, many Californians are moving to other states.

[@user-ld5sb5tq4g]

The place I lived the longest was Texas. I lived there 12 years prior to moving to Oahu. I have been here 6 and half years. I thought about moving to overseas but my parents are older. I love Japan. My cousin lived in Kobe for two years. She was an English teacher.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Twelve years is a long time, but six-plus on Oahu is a lot too. Kobe sounds great.

[@ppw8716]

‘jangling Hawaiian gold on their wrist’ 👍. I, too, would associate that to someone from Hawaii every time I saw it being worn. Most definitely a conversation starter.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😆

[@Lawrence_of_Asia]

Sending Love Brother!

[@the1kidcouple210]

I was thinking I'd move back to Hawaii when I retire but most likely I'll just visit more frequently and for longer stretches of time

[@thumbstruck]

Come Seattle or Tacoma. Get choke local people here, plus festivals and restaurants, canoe clubs, etc.

[@briangarnier5714]

Wee have a few Hawaiian families where l live and housing isn't ridiculous. Small town in a big county with very few people living in it and at the same time only 2 hours from San Francisco. Some of the cleanest air in NorCal

[@Mimlou]

Come to UTAH! It’s the 10th island 😂😂❤️

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I've heard it's becoming like that. I've only been to Utah in passing. Love those rock formations. 😆

[@embazle]

I love that feeling.. being able to tell that that someone is from Hawaii. Happened at Lego land during a vacation with my family. I was outside and just spotted a braddah, talking any kind while waiting for my wife to finish in the restroom, sure enough she was talking to another aunty inside 😂. It truly brings home with and to you.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. That's a great feeling 🤙

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Chris, at 08:47, what is that lovely brick building in the background, please? The columns are cool.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's one of the City and County of Honolulu buildings. I'm not sure what it's used for these days.

[@miNOTprofessional]

That building has all of Hawai'i's ancestry records in there. I used to help my aunty go through our family lines. I don't know if it is still used for that. They transitioned all the paper files to digital, according to my aunty.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@miNOTprofessional Thank you for this response! The building looks lovely, doesn't it?

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@HelloFromHawaii Someone else answered my question in this thread. The building is stunning to look at. The architecture really stands out, doesn't it?

[@Allinmyworld]

I never want to leave Hawaii. I think i would move to the west coast either Arizona but more than likely Las Vegas. I have friends who live there now and i find a lot of the same foods, places, and items are in Vegas not to mention so many locals living there. I also think the weather where it does get close but i don't think I could handle the freezing cold of the east coast or the pacific northwest. I also think the housing and job market of Vegas is something i could align myself with. But i hope to never have to move away from Hawaii for good. Ideally, this would always be my home base. I could travel the world but always want to come back home.

[@destinationsweeteats]

Yup Japan would be my top choice if I ever had to move. Funny you should talk about this because I think this is going through a lot of peoples minds here at the moment, even mine

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think a lot of people are visiting Japan because of the weak yen. And then when they come back, I'm sure they are thinking, "Huh, I wish I could go back. Wouldn't it be nice to just live there?" 😁

[@byronharano2391]

I did 1983 through 2005. From 2009 and never returned! I lived and worked in Kuwait 🇰🇼 for a total of 15.5 years. Currently residing in Huachuca City, Arizona.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's a long time away. Kuwait must have been amazing. What a change of scenery!

[@timallen643]

I'm your typical Haole who fell for in love with living in Hawaii and became a Kamaʻāina respected the traditions and local culture and knew that I was totally accepted when I received my first Red envelope. I consider myself and others around me ohana. Aloha

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you got the red envelope 🤙

[@timallen643]

@@HelloFromHawaii I went to one birthday party and there was a hundred people there. The party was for a little kid and they're waiting for me in a couple other guys to show up to sing, we were just guests not performers. I'd never seen such a big birthday party. Mahalo

[@Georgia_808]

I’m making plans to move to Canada due to cheaper medical

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's not just Canada. There are other places with socialized medicine or cheaper healthcare costs.

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

On KZbin of late, there are tons of videos about immigrants, expats and natives themselves leaving Canada due to housing, cost of living, taxes.

[@Sch2155]

May be going to some of these places besides Okinawa, Chichijima ogasawara, Aogoshima ... But it's small, Hachijojima.

[@erickim2025]

It is sad that lots of people end up leaving Hawaii, I know it's a decision not made easily, I feel it more for the kids, economics just work against us. Your point of experiencing the " aloha spirit" in Colorado made me ALOHA exists.in many forms. i hope you find a way to raise your ohana here. Best of luck to you in the new year aloha❤

[@at20rule]

From someone who's been around the United states and spent a considerable amount of time in Colorado I can say without a doubt that your experience in small town Colorado is the exception and not the rule for minority people. Colorado is a very special place with it's culture and people.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

For me, that's why I wanted to highlight how special that place was and I recognize how lucky we were that members of that small town took us in. So grateful.

[@ASHEVILLEMOVINGCOMPANY]

I'm here forever. #Grateful always enjoy your videos

[@michaellui74]

Great video 👍move to Idaho great community . Vegas too hot 🥵

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@charliedallachie3539]

What about southern Florida? Only other place I saw coconut trees 🌴 in the U.S. outside of Hawaii was Miami

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I haven't really considered Florida. It's pretty far from Hawaii and while I can appreciate the no income tax there, the hurricanes seem pretty rough. A lot more there than in Hawaii.

[@dominysynclair]

@@HelloFromHawaii Hurricanes rarely hit Miami directly/

[@merrywalsh2809]

I think I would go to Singapore, Australia, or the Cote d Azur.

[@Lawrence_of_Asia]

1/2 Asian daughters… I’d consider raising them in Hawaii… I think they’d be respected, but as a blue blue eyed, I notice peoples discontent just by the site of me. I’m not military. I’m just a loving positive, well wishing heart felt, sincere, giving person. Always uplifting… But it just doesn’t ever feel like I’m wanted on the island.

[@Sch2155]

Or a house in Kyoto or outside. Kyo-Machia.

[@piperlani]

You are so Spot on👍🏼🤙🏼

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@pmalbright]

Isn’t Japan like super expensive like more than Hawaii? I’m glad you mentioned some mainland places. I figure if its Hawaiian friendly its Filipino friendly. Always looking for places to visit with the wife.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Some places are expensive, but there are some very affordable places. However, the yen is struggling against the dollar so things may feel more expensive in Japan. I'm sure someone who lives there now could probably speak more to that.

[@johnkim163]

FYy if your kid’s education is important; the Las Vegas public schools are terrible. Las Vegas is called the 9th island because so many locals live in sin city.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing about the schools. I haven't looked into the school system in Vegas. I mostly just hear about the home prices.

[@Wahhhheyinfinity]

Come to Florida 🎉

[@okguy1282]

The issue with Hawaii is the Jones Act. Makes it more expensive to buy ANYTHING. Same with Puerto Rico. Is a protectionist act but it hinders affordability for islanders. So yes moving is a constant thought for Hawaiians.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That would make an interesting video topic.

[@gumerzambrano]

You should definitely move to Japan! You wouldn't be too far from home.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

I dont know bro, on the last few vids you have done it look like you are thinking about moving 'in your head' as you share with us. And I understand bro...its getting tight everywhere and you gotta do your best for your family, I have so much fam from the 808 who had to move because it got to expensive.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Nah, not contemplating moving out of Hawaii, but I know it's a topic that many locals are considering. Just want to put out videos for those thinking about it and remind them that they aren't alone in at least contemplating a move.

[@noelhernandez7215]

Good advice!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@alexcarter8807]

If I could hack the language, I'd go to Japan. If it had to be somewhere in the US, California. Hawaii's the least-expensive place I've lived but 2nd place is California. It's more expensive than Hawaii but far better than flyover states. But anywhere in the world, and able to get along language-wise? Japan winds hands down. Cheap-cheap to live, and quality of life off the chart compared to the US.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@SunnyIlha]

Brasil, West Africa, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Taiwan, Portugal Azores, Portugal, Jamaica, Korea, Japan, Paraguay, & Panama. 😂😁💥!!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Lots of good suggestions. Korea would be another great choice.

[@margaretmaeda2548]

Having lived in Japan for forty years, I think you would find it more difficult than you expect, though if you could talk to Japanese Americans from Hawaii who've moved there, you'd probably get a better perspective. That said, I'm happy here and wouldn't want to go back.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Forty years is a long time. Not sure I could live there that long, but maybe in my retirement years. 10-15 years would be nice.

[@kennoma7998]

Lucky you live Hawai'i, Chris.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Nice Nova 0.08 mark. Just saying.

[@BobThebuilder-bh5jz]

my sister when to Pacific Uni in Oregon and joined the Hawaii Club as well

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Was it a big Hawaii Club when she was there?

[@BobThebuilder-bh5jz]

at least 10-15 I think maybe more@@HelloFromHawaii

[@jxudan]

Hahah Las Vegas! :)

[@minc4970]

Excellent idea. I was fortunate enough to be recruited by Samsung and stationed there for more than 10 years. My kid speaks in Korean fluently. Being exposed to another area, and culture is necessary in today's global market. I advise you to live in another country. Hawaiians, local or native, should think about being respectful and curious about other culture. Just because you live your comfort zone or "your land" does not mean that you are ditching your culture. Moving to Japan? Pick a good city :) unless you can deal with Sapporo or Hokkaido cold winter. I would think Okinawa will be close to Hawaii but the you will have to deal with snakes :) LV is good; the housing and the people there but don't you want to see the ocean every once in a while? Why not California? Not all areas are expensive. Happy Holidays!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Korean sounds interesting. I've heard great things about it. And why not CA? Good question. Never really looked closely into it. Just assumed it was all expensive, which I know it isn't.

[@arcticninja21]

I would love to live in Japan, but it doesn’t seem possible for me. Maybe if by some miracle someone there decides to marry me. What are the safest cheapest places to live in Hawaii and Japan?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not sure about the cheapest places in Japan, but Big Island is probably the cheapest in Hawaii.

[@donnabu]

Interesting video. Japan seems nice but Ive heard some bad things as well, like anywhere else. We know it’s important to know about anyplace before visiting or moving there. But the one thing that I heard that scares me a bit more about Japan is how defamation could be the reason why locals in Japan are so polite to each other. And why everyone looks alike. One mistake might be the reason why rumors about you are being spread :(

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I haven't heard about the defamation issues, but could be. It's also a pretty closed off place, where not a lot, but some, foreigners live.

[@EvilTheOne]

Hello From Japan...Hello From 'Lost Wages'...Hello From 'Small-town USA'...doesn't have the same ring to it (lol). I guess to everyone, it matters what/where they want to move to and it may also depend on what stage of their life they are in (eg. single, married, children, career opportunities, etc...). When I was younger, I loved Southern California. The nightlife and the amount of activities there were to experience. Now that I'm older, I would like to go somewhere where the life is simple and carefree, much like I have in my life in Hawaii (on Oahu). I don't have to drive long distances anymore, even though I loved it in my 20's. Where going 100 miles (in one direction) to go shopping was normal. Now I don't even drive a 100 miles in two weeks time. Moving is a choice. And if you choose incorrectly, more than likely, you can move again. Hopefully life hasn't become so rigid for anyone, that they cannot make a course correction somewhere down the road of life.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Lost Wages! Agree that moving is a choice and one that you can do again and again until you find the right fit.

[@eloisedupain]

🥰😍❤❤

[@nancyhatchie1132]

You look alot like RJ Garcia in Mikey Busto's Vlog

[@Foldisfitch]

I don't know too much about Hawaii but it looks like there are some very cool small old towns on the big island...I've checked out Hilo and Kailua-Kona on Google Street View and I think or at least it appears to me those places would be great to live in. But I hear the people there can be pretty mean to Haoles.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

There are some smaller communities on the Big Island. While it's relatively cheap to live there, not sure what I'd do for work.

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

@@HelloFromHawaii Remote work and digital nomadism are growing in popularity. It helps if you own rental property elsewhere.

[@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d]

Every travel blogger/expat says people in the Philippines are very nice and friendly towards outsiders.

[@nicktgbtg]

This is an honest question, not meant to be an attack, feel free to delete it if you want: how is wanting to move to Japan and be the boss of a agency that is "western" and bring "local style" work culture into Japan any different than what local people complain that haoles do?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great question. I think it's different because it would be limited to the workplace. I wouldn't want to change Japan's culture at large.

[@darrylk808]

Be strategic. Which location will get you where you want to be in 10 years from now, 20 years from now?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

So hard to say that far in the future, but good things to think about.

[@1234dvarela]

Come back to Colorado 🙂

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Maybe one day to visit 😄

[@lisarogers1392]

That attitude is similar with the young crowd in America Thinking as a collective verses individually

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Hi there buddy, this here is Jess again. I'm 67, pushing 68, and just to keep me doing something, I'm going into real estate when I get to Honolulu, I already have my license. And i am looking forward for things being more simpler , laid back, Hawaii style, compare to the hustle and bussle of big cities like Chicago, New York, California. It will be a new experience for me, I'll just have to do like the fish, and learn to live underwater . If you were to move to live, I know when you go to gorgeous Japan, your there visiting, it would be a totally different story if you were to stay there permanently. I'm not saying you wouldn't like it, what I'm saying, the Hawaiian laid back way to do things will be going out the window. I know like in Hawaii, there are people who have been dead for 3 days, but they don't know it😅🤣😂😄😁🤣 ( just kidding ) In the early 80's I live in 2 cities at the same time, In Vegas and California, I was doing stunts for " Fall guy " and " Vega$" , commuting back and forth, one week in one, the next in the other ,those 3 years went by like nothing. You my friend have got it made. You live in a place that is consider Paradise by the rest of the world, here in the mainland ,people save for 2, 3 years, just to be able to spend 2 , 3 weeks in Hawaii. Hawaii is the closest to Heaven on earth. Mahalo Nui Loa buddy, may you and your beautiful family have a merry x-mas and a safe New Year's.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Real estate in Honolulu will be an interesting experience. The market is getting tight. And hope you and your family have a happy holiday season 🤙

[@wesharrington5937]

Too many people unless one lived out in the countryside