Living In Paradise? What People Wont Tell You About Hawaii

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Most people don't think about these things when buying ocean-front property.
How about people who say "I'll rent for a year and then I'll buy," and then a year passes... how many actually end up buying?
How does inflation & appreciation affect the 2024 Hawaii real estate market?
Is H1 traffic really THAT bad?
We dive into these juicy topics and more in this video.
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SERVICING:
- Oahu Island
- Maui Island
- Hawaii Island
- Kauai Island
Derek Okahashi
RS-82017
Licensed In Hawaii

[@johnsonrepp]

Recently got into the market in Hawaii. $3,500 mortgage for every 400k. Most homes in Hawaii are 1 million for a 3bd 2ba. Rent on an equal property is $3,000-$3,500 a month. Buying is much more expensive than renting but owning in Hawaii will build equity at an “almost” guaranteed 10x over the 30 years. Sit down and talk to core team, they are honest and will hold your hand, no matter how long it takes for to buy.

[@YesYou-zy7kp]

That seems cheap to rent in Hawaii. In Los Angeles a 3bd 2ba would run you $4500. at least.

[@kkirsch3583]

If you buy then sell you can’t leave the state for like a year or you will be hit with a big-ass fee for it - could be over $100k if you have a decent ROI - BE WARNED! Hawaii is paradise in the exact same way Disneyland makes your dreams come true😑

[@ronoconnor8971]

Can you actually own in Hawaii? I thought without bloodline you can only get a 99 year ownership before it reverts to the state

[@shawnsamaniego204]

@@ronoconnor8971 That would be Mexico

[@JS-jh4cy]

The best time to buy in Hawaii was 89 years ago

[@joemcomber4415]

You're probably exaggerating for effect, but when we moved to Hawaii in 1996 the housing market was bad. We moved to a new neighborhood in Kapolei and at least two of the homes on our small street sat empty for more than a year before somebody moved into them.

[@rongendron8705]

My grandfather was in the US Navy (1898-1904) Spanish-American War & visited Hawaii in 1900, when the last Queen was still alive! It's too bad that he didn't buy some property then! Ha Ha! p.s. I'm 78 & have visited Hawaii three times, i.e. 1979, 1991 & 2003 & can't believe how much it's grown!

[@alexcarter8807]

Dis das wy

[@conq3097]

My great grandfather bought property there in 1912, family has been on Oahu ever since.

[@bigbadcreoledaddy]

I knew a kid in high school whose dad blew all their money on two plane tickets to Hawaii, believing that once they got there they could just "live on the beach". He said being homeless there was horrible (as I suspect it is anywhere) and after a couple of years they finally got two tickets back to the mainland.

[@Starship007]

My sister was born in Honolulu 1950’s. I retired on Maui 13 years ago and bought a home. Home is a liability until you sell, then you find out if an asset or not. Meanwhile taking money out of your pocket vs money in your pocket every month like stocks or rental property. Maintenance is 3 times or more on a house in Hawaii as expensive labor. Constantly replacing appliances, roof repair, gecko damage, remodeling cost. You’re using investment money if retired for maintenance. Plus last 3 years terrible inflation compounded yearly not ending soon. Average affordable home 1.3 million. You need solar and an electric car cuz of high energy prices. I saved $500/month with solar/ev. Hawaii is not a tax friendly state. Most people live in multigenerational homes like Mexico. 15 people in 2000sf with 7 bedrooms with 6 cars out front. Huge divide rich and poor as not enough money to invest. Working 3 jobs with no benefits vs 1 job with benefits. I remember a beach in front of Sheridan Waikiki in the 60s, but that’s not the case now due to sea level rise. Hawaii is like a ship in the middle of the ocean with all the hazards of a ship. Maui already lost 20% of its beaches with the other 80% threatened by erosion as ocean able to make it over the reef with sealevel rise. Hawaii becoming warmer with more A/C’s installed with increased energy costs. The future with sealevel rise is what cities should we save or not with levies. Tsunamis are something to think about. The closer to the ocean the higher home owner insurance costs. We decided to leave Maui this year and our home up for sale moving to Nevada, the 9th island. The Lahaina fire changed everything. As climate change causing increased fires and other issues. This out of control inflation from all the QE money(another fancy word for inflating monetary system) is wrecking havoc on already an expensive state. One reason people leaving Hawaii, West coast, and New York to tax friendly states with less crimes, homelessness, high taxes, and poverty. More actual Hawaiians live in Nevada than Hawaii. You can own a home, higher salary, and visit Hawaii. Rebuilding Lahaina will take years. No cheap places to rent or cheap restaurants for mainland workers to help rebuild Lahaina. I thought a tsunami would be the first to wipe out a town not a fire. More hurricanes as water warms. It will be astronomical to rebuild cities. Food shortages in just a few days with major disruptions due to disasters.

[@Starship007]

Remember Hawaii sits in the middle of a bathtub in the ring of fire. Our lifespans are too short to witness how violent Mother Nature can be with earthquakes, tsunami, meteorites, volcanic eruptions, tectonic plates, etc. The past 12 years 2 tsunami warnings in Hawaii recommending to go to higher ground. Many tsunami signs removed Honolulu so as not to scare tourists. We have become complacent just like the Lahaina fire as just another nuisance grass fire until it wasn’t. Hurricanes and Tsunamis not so much you can do unless leave the island. Hawaii known for landslide tsunami cuz of fragile basaltic rocks islands form from. Molokai half the size of its former glory due to a landslide and huge tsunami. Big island with many large cracks. If a tsunami minimal warning and the size of Diamond head. It’s not if but when. Another reason to be up on a hill

[@louismartinez4467]

Im stunned after reading that I and most people are prob naive as to what the real story is 5-0 & Magn p i prob did worse for Hawaii image than n e thing else thank u for telling it like it is

[@markmiller8903]

There is no sea level rise. Yhis has been debunked years ago.

[@t-roysnfs117]

I always said when I lived in Hawaii… That the best thing about living in Hawaii was telling people that you live in Hawaii. 😉🤙🏻 I also lived ocean front in Kaneohe. The rust on my appliances and vehicles was definitely a “Con”.

[@dianeschenkelberg8270]

My former in-laws sold their Bay Area home and moved to Hawaii. They didn't have that much equity in their home, but thought they had enough to get a house on Maui. They rented a shoebox apartment, saying they would buy a house in a year. The year became 2, became 3. Then former father-in-law had health problems. He passed away and former mother-in-law moved back to the Bay Area and moved in with my former brother-in-law. I knew when I saw the tiny apartment that they would never end up buying. You confirmed why.

[@floydfarano3284]

Hawaii is a vacation not to live there.

[@VintageSoloHarmony]

I grew up in London, moved to NZ for my work, discovered Kailua Oahu and decided that’s my place. Followed condo market for 30 years and finally bought a 2bd condo in 2015. Immediately found a tenant to share, the rent covers the maintenance fee. The property tax is low. I don’t need or own a car, because everything you need is walking distance in Kailua. You don’t need a family cos you make friends on the beach which is 10 mins by bike. I have a very different story from this video. Ps. I managed to get US per res so all is very cool.

[@Normandy1944]

My first visit to Hawaii I thought I wanted to move there. But upon my first visit to a grocery store, sticker shock arrived. Everything was anywhere between 30-60% higher depending on what you wanted. So folks who don't also incorporate this weekly needed cost into their budgets are going to be woefully surprised. I still love it there, but now I am happy just visiting every few years for a couple of weeks.

[@conqueror03]

Great point, so many people have heard of how expensive Hawaii is, but it doesn't really hit them because they are just visiting. It was the same when I visited Jamaica years ago, everything was way more expensive than in the US.

[@tsarina24honolulu87]

I don't see groceries as expensive. Only rent and real estate.

[@Yohann67]

My wife and I do a lot of farmers markets on the Big Isle, then get the rest at the Choice Mart, if you eat a regular “American” diet it will cost you, the junk food is quite a bit more. Your best bet is to stock up on that crap at Costco, gas too.

[@deeferguson9272]

On Oahu, I saw a lot of homes that looked right out of Compton - chain link fence, pit bulls, junk cars, and hoarding. I’m not paying over a million to live in a rat’s nest. If you choose to buy a condo, you get stuck with sketchy land leasing problems and huge HOA fees, not to mention giant bills to keep the a/c running. Good luck !!!!!

[@broederbond60]

I saw that, too. There is also a real armpit neighborhood around the Maui airport.

[@patricialongo5870]

Loud neighbors with loud dogs and ten cars are the local people.

[@wthomas5697]

Well, there aren't any nice neighborhoods near an airport anywhere. You can easily imagine why. @@broederbond60

[@Galen_G]

One month after retiring and moving into our dream home on the Big Island, the nice neighbor's not so nice daughter moved in on them - with her two very large loud pitbulls. After four years of nonstop night and day without end barking/torture, I finally cracked. It took us another two years to sell the home at a loss because of the dogs. It wasn't the poor animals fault. They were in a small pen in their own filth (the stench was unbearable) and never let out. Many dogs there are chained or penned their entire lives.

[@patricialongo5870]

@@Galen_G I spent ten years tortured by moke dogs on Oahu.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

I grew up in Haiku, Maui. I lived in Maui until I retired and moved to Oregon and then Virginia. Hawaii has cars that are dirty everyday. Here, if its not pollen season, our cars just don't get that dirty. I left when I had to retire due to disability and my broken down house I owned in Kahului had a mortgage over $500k. Disability led to foreclosure and bankruptcy. Bank wouldn't work with me and instead sold that broken down home for $350k to a Filipino family that combine income and could afford it. It was over $600k at on time when I looked back. Now that Lahaina burned down, most people I grew up with left or got caught up in drugs and many died, there isn't much to come home to Maui anymore. I do have family, but I prefer the freedom of Virginia and have since gotten my myself up above 750 credit score, bought 1.6 acres and raise chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. I love the place and am able to go on road trips. I could go on and on about how Hawaii has changed for the worst and has been taken over by developers and speculators, but I'm going to go do some yard work and enjoy the beautiful weather here today.

[@kingtrance307]

Glad all ended well for you! Do you prefer the cost of living in Virginia over Oregon? Both places seem to have favorable climates and nice coastal areas with Virginia having higher dew points and humidity (like Hawaii I suppose.)

[@mikeg3439]

My stepsister married a Hawaiin man when she was fairly young. She has told me stories about life there, random Hawaiin women slapping her in the back of the head just while waiting in line at a store, being called "white whore", you name it. She is now in her 50's, still in Hawaii, said that the best part of her life is her husband and kids, but the worst part is having to live it all in Hawaii. She has a lot of Hawaiin friends now, they aren't all racist and filled with hate, so it's better, but she said do NOT bother living in Hawaii if you are not Hawaiin, unless you are RICH as hell and even then, don't mind people keeping you at arm's length socially if they are Hawaiin.

[@scullysensei]

I was born and raised in Hawaii and have never been slapped standing in line. I’m not Hawaiian. Your statements are so untrue for most of us that live here. I love Hawaii. Don’t talk negative about this place.

[@J3ffdrums]

Thanks for being so real. I’m also a cancer survivor. It’s my dream to be a homeowner in Hawaii 🤙

[@penniewyatt9391]

Currently recovering from surgery and radiation, you may not get the healthcare you are used to. When you do find the dr who is the right fit, they leave, move, quit. Over and over. You may have to island hop to appointments. Flights and hotels will be your expense. Check on that before you give up your current team.

[@J3ffdrums]

@@penniewyatt9391 thank you for the insight. Fortunately (maybe not the right word to choose) I went through my ordeal here in Texas 2 years ago. I hope all of this is now behind me. Wishing you a speedy recovery 💪

[@penniewyatt9391]

@@J3ffdrums thanks. If you have mainland family ties, you could always go back and stay with them for a few months if need be. There is sufficient testing and treatment, to get by, but no ‘state of the art’ anything on Kauai.

[@donbrown1284]

I had friends on the crew shooting Hawaii 5-0. My joke for them was that you NEVER saw the boys stuck in traffic on H-1. I wanted to know where all these backroads were they took from one side of the island to the other!

[@movingtohawaii]

🤣🤣🤣 tell us when you find em

[@robertwilkinson3990]

I lived a very good lifestyle on the big island of Hawaii for 23 years. Ocean front very successful, very blessed. Loved it, but decided retirement will be better in Florida, Naples area and honestly I could not be happier, so much better. As expensive as Naples Florida is, it’s still light years cheaper than Hawaii. Hawaii taxes everything and sadly you get nothing for your tax dollars. It all goes somewhere, but not to the residents and native people, and certainly not the infrastructure. Government in Hawaii is a horrible joke. Tax and spend state. Aloha and Mahalo Hawaii, glad I experienced it, just so I could appreciate better. 🤙

[@joep5358]

Democrats cause high taxes, harmful policies and harmful legislation that cause high prices, high costs. Democrats are the High Cost Party and take that to the bank. Biden promised higher taxes if he wins and that is a fact that Biden had said several times!

[@Normandy1944]

Welcome to FL, I'm in Orlando and travel around the state for work, so I get to Naples every now and then. But, I see Hawaii as you do ..even though I have only visited numerous times. Love the Big Island, the ranches and more country style. Wishing you the best living here in FL, it's not North Shore, but you can still hang loose... 🤙 (sorry, that's the closest emoji they had).

[@lavapix]

That salt spray goes up mauka for a few blocks when the surf is big. Even Kona has bad traffic now. I live 3 miles from where I surf. In the morning before sunrise, it may be an 8-minute drive. Coming home can be 30 - 40 and you idle the entire way. I would add don't buy next to a house with a pool. Especially if it's a vacation rental. Living next to smokers sucks. Like the video. I might add don't move here to change Hawaii. I moved to the Big Island in 91 for what it was. Not what I thought it should be.

[@drregmonster4371]

I remember sleeping over a friend's house right on the beach. You wake up with a layer of salt. That layer is hard to remove from electronics and cars.

[@jimmcdiarmid7308]

I live in Ewa, about a mile from the ocean. 12 years and dont have half the problems he mentions

[@rs5801]

even back in 1975 Cali was an overcrowded rat-race. So we moved to Honolulu,( thought I'd died and gone to heaven)-cheap rent, cheap everything back then. Union construction tradesman- Stayed 30 yrs. Made good living, saved money, retired age 55, sold up, moved away. But not back to the US mainland. Retired to SE Asia now for going on 20yrs. Two of the best decisions in my life: leave Cali for Hawaii/retire to Thailand to live out my time on earth in comfort.

[@hanyoo6043]

I think one important thing you missed is pest. Roaches, Ants, and termites. I hate ants in my kitchen. I really enjoy your videos, btw. Keep it up.

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo for the comment!! You’re right. It’s mentioned several times in other videos, but could’ve made another appearance here.

[@drstephenbecker]

oooh and the centipedes!

[@hanyoo6043]

That's right! I forgot.

[@jamessantiago9724]

Uku's and bedbugs 😬

[@drewjames7791]

Keep your kitchen clean den, no ants.

[@johnanderson9735]

For ocean front property, that is true even here in California. We have cliffs that erode in bad weather and floods are a problem along with fires. Every place, even ‘paradise’ has its downsides. People routinely ruin paradise by wanting to take with them or build everything they had in their non-paradise location!

[@brockjennings]

I grew up on Oahu, but live on the mainland now. Being able to live on several acres has spolied me to a point I cannot move back and retire because there's no space and privacy in Hawaii. Living on the islands exposes you to all of everything all the time.

[@movingtohawaii]

How about big island?

[@lavapix]

@@movingtohawaii Maybe. Be sure of the surrounding property and what it's used for.

[@DewTime]

What do you mean by all of everything?

[@michaelmann8800]

@@DewTime Since lots are often small, your neighbors are often right on top of you, and everything they are doing, you are experiencing. Smoking marijuana, cock fighting, their domestic squabbles, all the meals they are cooking, every time they decide to shoot off fireworks for no good reason, frequent karaoke sessions outside, working on their automobiles, racing their cars or motorbikes up and down the street, their pets running all over the neighborhood unchecked, their dogs barking incessantly at absolutely nothing and everything, etc. etc. If you can think of it, you will experience it at some point. I would strongly suggest that before buying, you visit that neighborhood FREQUENTLY at different times of the day and on different days to try to get an idea what it will be like. I did that when I bought on Kauai, and I still had issues with dog barking that nearly drove me nuts until I got the police and Humane Society involved. And the stray cat problem is positively ridiculous. This is an ecological hot zone, and these idiots are allowing cats to roam around unchecked. It seriously angers me.

[@bi2stayharris23]

I agree, no privacy. Too many STVRs.

[@drstephenbecker]

I have lived in Hawaii for years now, and I love your videos!

[@genedeguzman1293]

Brah keepin it real🤙Like the river metaphor Derek. Mahalo

[@benh3427]

Don't forget to check for location of the house on the lot, and the street. Just on the opposite side of the street make a big difference in good living or paying for AC on all the time. (No trade wind)

[@aloharay]

I have lived in many parts of the US and have never experienced more property crime or disregard for quiet than here in Hawaii. I have seen mopeds chained to a tree be stripped for parts overnight. Friend has been robbed of his bike twice, while he is riding it. Stereos blasting regardless of whether it bothers others or not are a common thing. Street racing in Waikiki and vehicles with no mufflers is a norm. Angst against mainlanders is palpable. Then there are the trucks with train air horns. I have heard more explosions here than anywhere in my life. Its actually quite ridiculous behavior. Weather though is perfect.

[@movingtohawaii]

We could make an entire video about guessing where you live. I’m going to go with Ewa Beach.

[@cherylrichards8951]

Oh, and let's not forget the neverending fireworks going off every night to all hours. There are laws stating when fireworks can be fired, but if the police refuse to enforce the laws, you're screwed.

[@manoamana67]

Let me guess. You live in Waikiki! Do you know any locals who live in Waikiki?

[@bi2stayharris23]

Weather? It's rained almost daily for months just a couple miles from desert.

[@hillyseattlenarrowstreets6087]

Appreciate the Channel. Video made me nostalgic - 8:00 see my old condo in the Salt Lake neighborhood - Century West. I left in 95 and when I visit, everyone says .... "Those were the good old days" - which they were when you look at the Traffic, lack of parking and Cost of Living. Your grocery prices are much higher than the Mainland. I feel for the old Mom & Pops businesses - their overhead is so much higher than before. I feel for your young adults Starting Out. Life in Paradise is getting too expensive. You got to be super smart and lucky with your money to get housing you can afford and hope you got a good paying job paying $100K minimum.

[@Jrock4690]

The river metaphor was dope 🤙

[@ronoconnor8971]

I thought Honolulu was LA with a crowded beach. But back in 79 Kawaii was beautiful with only two stoplights on the island and no hotel higher than three stories

[@meathook2448]

Very insightful stuff, appreciate all the great info. We visit every year, and when we retire in 8-10 years we’d love to live there at least a couple months out of the year.

[@elviracatherinetalaoc2070]

Good information. Thank you.

[@wikolib6821]

Great presentation thanks. You make many good points. One that a lot of people don't think about until they're confronted with it is the wind. My wife and I are from Oahu, and at one point we lived in Kaaawa/Hau'ula on the beach. It was great, but there's a reason they call it the "Windward Side". The wind is usually direct onshore and it will wear you down. Also, the windward side weather is usually cloudy because of the proximity of the Koolau mountains. I actually preferred living in town on the leeward side as the trades didn't bother me unless they were really blowing. Also, as much as I loved surfing Crouch, my home spots were in MBay (used to surf big NShore but those days are over).

[@terr281]

Recently been involved in a family estate issue where a house on Oahu was sold. Coming from the rural mainland myself, and having to visit Hawaii a few times as part of the process... you forgot the major thing that will give many shock. The cost of living difference. From my rural mainland (low cost of living) perspective, everything in Hawaii was 150% to 200% (on average) of my expected prices in stores, at restaurants, etc. Everything. Plan for this if you intend to move to "paradise". It costs a lot, daily.

[@sherrillsturm7240]

Moved here 1970. Some really dumb things have been done with traffic, namely dumb, dumb bus system. Used to take my girl over an hour to commute to school 10 miles away by bus. I drove her the first 3 miles in my car. Still one more hour left. Look at the freeway. See any busses? Just one bus on the freeway would remove 20 to 50 cars. But, no, gotta build rail that nobody, no, nobody will want to use. Dumb, again, and a boondoggle. This is my home, though, my forever home. You take the bad with the good and deal with it.

[@sleepy670]

Ocean view homes will be worth more than ocean front in the future. Our dream home is on the cliffs of Diamond Head or Black Point. Elevated enough at 50-100 feet so as not to be in mother nature's way but close enough where you can still smell and hear the ocean. And make out details in the waves and a surfer's shaka. One day...one day.

[@movingtohawaii]

Was literally there today with a client!!

[@HealthglowsNet]

Thank you for this realistic video about the paradise.

[@loosenecka3]

I appreciate your honesty! You are spot-on about all of your topics! Mahalo for your transparency.

[@proudasiangirl576]

I just subscribed. I like your no nonsense straight talk. It's what I want to hear.

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo. We keep it real and real skilled 😆🤙🏽

[@24X7CARZ]

Haha! Yeah, all so true. I never bought real estate when I was in Hawaii. A decade ago, I rented a 1,000-square foot guest house from a wonderful co-worker and her husband for a low $1K a month in Pauoa. I couldn’t save enough to buy property but I was able to invest in other assets that have since gone up in value.

[@jonimaricruz1692]

Excellent information, thank you!

[@55stevieray]

Very enlightening video, thank you.

[@CombatMonkey11B]

I was stationed at Schofield 97-2000, and lived in Mililani a while. I was searching for beachfront till I saw the waves wash over the roads a few times on North shore (washed out the road completely in like 2000). Then I was fine making the short drive for my surfing 😂

[@Me97202]

Thank you. Informative and very well presented. Mahalo. 🌈

[@jezrix7257]

Great video bro🤙🏾

[@YOAAAT]

Hey I’ll be moving to Hawaii in September, I seen your ad on indeed for a photo/video person. Would love to work with you guys in September. Love watching your videos!

[@Finger_Blast]

Derek knows his stuff. His knowledge about finance, listen up. He's got em licked.

[@movingtohawaii]

Thank you!

[@jimh6254]

One of the best agent introductions, appreciate the candid discussion. I live oceanside in Taiwan. I enjoy it, but also challenges you must know before you buy

[@Lisa-ou3pj]

Great video!!

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo!

[@thomasreto2997]

You are right about all the thieving. They cut my catalytic converter…..WITH A SAWZALL……out and ransacked my piece of crap frontier!🤙makes me think twice about parking in those nice little beach front trailheads

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Derek, great comment about how Mother Nature can erode homes that are near the ocean. It’s not just the outdoor fixtures, it’s the roof, it’s the windows, getting sandblasted at times. It’s part of the price you pay to live next to the ocean. Great video. You did good here Derek. Best wishes from Oregon, my friend, Larry

[@movingtohawaii]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cuttingedgecool7235]

Great video, exceedingly valuable and useful knowledge transfer, thank you Sir.

[@carolpeterson5515]

My brother and his wife upon retirement moved 3 years ago from the San Francisco Bay Area to Maui & bought a 3 bdrm home in a great community overlooking the Kaanapali golf course They love living there and have he wherewithal to travel back to Calif. often to visit family & friends. They are both healthy but I wonder if they’ll regret not being close to major medical services if their health takes a downward turn in the future.

[@ronoconnor8971]

My sister lived close to the beach and always had damp linens. Bath towels were never dry and were musty. She washed and dried them then bagged them in spacebags

[@debrawalton2366]

I lived on the Hamakua coast on the Big Island. Constantly battled with mold in closets. I couldn't have furniture up against a wall because mold would grow on the back of it. Also, the centipedes were ridiculous and neighbors with roosters that woke us up at the crack of dawn!!

[@Finger_Blast]

Commission breath. That's a good one!

[@movingtohawaii]

No commission breath!

[@Mikethecoolguy]

I love these videos

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks for video. I sometimes need my fix of Hi world. Was stationed at KBay and for years I could move back. But videos and TV shows help me so much.

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo for watching

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I love your candour, A-LOT!

[@bb_alexander5385]

Love the River analogy! Well said brother!

[@arizonaarmadillo5829]

Went to Maui in the spring of 2005, when even the cheapest crap white bread was over $5 a loaf. Probably $10 now. Locals went to the grocery with calculators even then to find the lowest prices on everday items. The sadest part were the young women on the beach who were hooking to pay rent. Probably off-islanders who got stranded in "paradise."

[@julioerodriguez6097]

I bought my house in Makakilo back in 2011 when I was stationed in Hickam AFB. I received orders for a remote duty to Kunsan AB Korea in 2014 (My family stayed here). I retired from the US Air Force in 2016 and returned to Oahu. IMHO, I think that was the best decision ever. Take advantage of the BAH while on active duty instead of trowing all that money away in rent. Mahalo for the video!

[@ep2223]

Bro, I am not military, but what you said about your BAH is gold. I have single guy neighbor in the military renting next to me. He has three new cars. Could have combined all of that to at least purchase a townhouse. If he did, he'd at least have some equity to take with him when he's done.

[@TripsandFeasts1]

I stayed on the Big Island for 10 days in March, 2024. A few locals told me that at least 30% of the local population are on food stamps.

[@1113caligrl]

Way, way more than 30%. I would say more like 60-70. There is literally no food in the grocery stores at the beginning of the month. No meat, dairy, produce, etc. it was always nerve racking for us. And on top of all of that, it took about 7-10 days to restock everything.

[@TripsandFeasts1]

It was odd to see security guards at the bus stops :-(((((

[@1113caligrl]

@@TripsandFeasts1 It is not a safe place to live. We are so glad to be out of there. Oh the stories I could tell.

[@bi2stayharris23]

At least

[@jon6309]

Nice video. I grew up in the border of Kaimuki and Kahala so my home is walking distance from Kahala Mall. It is comparably modern in aesthetics to the homes in Kahala. We do have a carport but we also have a gate to block thieves and intruders. We have a Pomeranian and she stays in doors at all times but there are many dogs in my street that are left outside in their yard by the owners.

[@thomaswillemin9181]

I rented in Kapolei for 3 years, then bought home on Big Island, been here a total of 11 years. One negative you did not mention is homeless population. The climate is conducive to it and it is a problem. I now live across road from Ocean and yeah, outdoor rusting is real!

[@pauwelasurfer]

MAHALO FOR THIS VIDEO. WE HOPE THIS TURNS OFF PEOPLE FROM MOVING HERE. DON'T MOVE HERE!

[@dalystevens4871]

Please mention how ridiculous to get a permit to get anything done. It takes years and the more the Mayor gets involved the longer it takes.

[@guesswhosbackg6616]

😂 its like in canada dude its pathetic

[@chrisd4283]

Great vid and appreciate the honesty. Loved the river analogy. We’re looking at the big island and hope to fulfill that dream one day after my parents pass. Mahalo brotha.

[@1113caligrl]

Read my post on the Big Island before you make that decision. It’s must worse then my post. It’s up towards the top.

[@chrisd4283]

@@1113caligrl THANK YOU for making me aware.

[@rastaewabeach]

I’m actually from Hawaii. Lived in Vegas for 23 years. I actually would love to move back but only way I’m doing it is if I’m only able to buy a home straight up. Can’t survive with a high mortgage.

[@Kanotoa]

People move to Hawaii and complain about the rent. They call the locals greedy and feel entitled to pay a rent they feel is fair.

[@linagirl8817]

Great video! I hope to be reaching out to you and your team soon. Keep up the great videos! 😊 We soooooo appreciate your integrity and honesty. It speaks volumes of your business ethics! Mahalo Derek! 🏠🌺

[@movingtohawaii]

Mahalo!

[@user-bk1pv8ho3m]

Fireworks omg. Kailua-Kona July 4th back in 83 was insanity. Crazy crazy fun. Bottle rockets going horizontal instead of vertical. Aah the good old days✌️❤️

[@joemcomber4415]

Shipping. The cost to ship things to the mainland or from the mainland can be so much more. One thing I didn't consider, but probably should have, is how many places dont even ship to Hawaii. You go shopping online and then you hit the dreaded "We only ship to the continental US." Also, the time difference needs to be considered. If you're into any mainland sports teams you watch in the morning or afternoon instead of at night. If you trade stocks you gotta be up early in the morning when the market opens. Then, for daylight savings, you gotta adjust your time differences for everything because Hawaii doesn't do daylight savings.

[@movingtohawaii]

All legitimate points 💯

[@bi2stayharris23]

Those 4AM telemarketing calls are killer.

[@KentKiner-dt5rp]

Lived at trongs on the beach loved it

[@leonoremoore1159]

I am Swiss, currently living in Burbank CA, tne best small city in the US (my opinion !) I am in my 80s and still travel like crazy ... my motto is: visit and enjoy the craziest places in tne world but have a home in the most stable environment !

[@joemcomber4415]

One thing that I didn't know before moving to Hawaii is the number of homes that don't have AC and reliance on the tradewinds to cool the home. Then, if you do have AC, how much your energy bill is gonna be if you run it most of the day.

[@movingtohawaii]

These are valid facts

[@joycemorrice9509]

So true!

[@alreadytired6515]

Before you buy ocean front call your insurance agent.

[@Icarusdecending82]

I recently visited Oahu. Kinda upset me that the locals seemed to be priced out of the real estate market.

[@movingtohawaii]

That does suck! It’s possible though, just not easy

[@fr57ujf]

This is true both physically and metaphorically.

[@jimkalfakis9893]

Good job discouraging the main-landers from moving there. I don’t blame you

[@FreedomFinanceFun]

Damn! that river analogy is golden!

[@wthomas5697]

Wow, an honest realtor. You don't see many of those.

[@bycracky22]

Never had the urge to go to hawaii. I do like hawaii 5.o.

[@dsbmwhacker]

We just returned from Hilo a couple days ago. Our Daughter and her partner have built an "off grid - tiny home" on some acreage. It's in a lush rural area with a water catchment system for water, solar panels with a backup small generator for power. They recently added a small "guest house" for their visitors. They can see the ocean from their location although it is quite a few miles away. Many varieties of mature fruit trees line their property. Security is a big issue. Thievery is common everywhere on the island. It is important to know your neighbors and look out for each other. One, two, and three acre tracts can be found for $20k and up. Partially finished project homes come up for sale occasionally for under $100k. Humidity is high and rain comes and goes often. Insects are minimal from what I saw. We thoroughly love to visit the area but aren't too interested in moving there at this point. We visit for a few weeks per year and enjoy every minute of it. Mahalo

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I like renting because maintenance is DONE for you, and there is always a handyman around to do something for a Senior Citizen.

[@Sokx41]

Interesting what you said about security. I lived in Honolulu in Moilili, near Ala Moana Mall, and in Mililani for 26 years from 1969 to 1995. We almost always left our doors unlocked. Is it different now? I first visited Hawaii in 1957, staying at my Uncle's posh seashore home in Portlock. A bit different then.

[@kaydublin5164]

If you could do a video on visiting Hawaii, I’d love that , I’m hoping to visit-in the next year, I’ve been trying to get there for 20 years, being a responsible couple we wanted to pay off our home and raise our son first, then his college, now it’s our time.😊

[@bi2stayharris23]

I recommend visiting before senior years. It's a rough island and much to explore in hiking boots.

[@Pepeekeo808]

Most the most part, you are addressing problems people can run into Oahu, not the other islands. Other islands have their share of problems, but things there are not the same.

[@timshull59]

My buddy has been on the big island 3 years now, says he cant wait to get back to Oregon.

[@o.o4566]

I’m from Florida currently in Kansas. My boyfriend is in Waianae. He inherited his grandparents condo in makaha valley. Every time I go there it reminds me of rural north Florida where I grew up but with less hand sizes spiders and no alligators or raccoons getting into everything. A lot of the houses with plyboard make it look like my hometown too. I guess to me it’s like home but less dangerous. Less crime, animals, hurricanes, and tornadoes. If my job wasn’t so good in Kansas I’d move. We’re still trying to work out where we should live. He owns that place there and I rent here but my job is better. I also can’t drive because disability and Hawaii has better public transport.

[@movingtohawaii]

Is your hometown Jay, Century, Cantonment..?

[@o.o4566]

@@movingtohawaii really close to there actually. I’m from a little more east in Esto. My mom’s family is mvskoke and affiliated with the poarch creek in Atmore. Some live around century and some in Spring Hill. How do you know the area?

[@bi2stayharris23]

Not in Kona.

[@m8sm8s74]

So true. Mainlander’s think we all have an ocean front view. It’s the paradise only for the rich.

[@chiragmehta8212]

You Are right. I would do anything to be there but I guess reality might be different

[@ryanlemmers5300]

I live within a 10 minute walk to Puget Sound. It’s crazy how much of a difference being 1/2 mile from the water makes from being right on the water. Much windier, colder and houses on the water occasionally fall in due to erosion. No thanks 😂

[@jamesgullo8240]

If you are watching Hawaii 5-0 reruns from 1969 - it's not the same. At all.

[@DesperateForSanity]

That military housing looks pretty sweet.

[@jonnuanez7183]

9:12 Or buying a home in the Vegas area when (sane) housing was on clearance and now look how it's grown.

[@eastcoast16s]

Wish I could get back to HI. I miss it every day.

[@yyzzs]

I stay Mākaha 6 years now - have bought and sold, now renting. Good info. Solid and real. Mahalo!! TRAFFIC?! THE worst! Fireworks?! Neighbors love them, no need wait one holiday- AnY NiGhT braddah! No need touchdown to light ‘Em up! LOUDER than military. Dogs barking, constantly. Yup. It’s sad, and annoying. But it’s the racket from the oh so very very many Rudy the Roosters, as I like to call them - they’re SO! RUDE! in da hood, each clearly devoid of previously purported instinctual internal time awareness or ability to regulate their acknowledgement of the dawn’s new day. Those feral and quite disturbed mother cluckers (er, I mean father cluckers) are over here creaking , croaking and crackling, trying to cock-a-efffing-doodle-y-do out into the salty night air - and into the day air. The 3:00am air. The 11:22am air. Sometimes the noon air, but always some afternoon delight too. Any hour, any time, all day, most of the night. Ah, country living!

[@dng6121]

i love hawaii

[@michaeldiogenesbest6127]

EXPENSE is a relative term. If it's worth it to you, it ain't "expensive"....

[@blinkblink4976]

Son moving with Navy soon....looking to rent. Do you show rentals?

[@melaniewantsabeer243]

I live in housing on the Pearl city peninsula and it's not bad and it's a lot quieter than in Pearl city itself

[@blinkblink4976]

@@melaniewantsabeer243 , I will let him know. I think he is pretty set on living "on the economy" and has read much about the water contamination that has occurred in base housing and the Salt Flats.

[@matthewj9832]

Damn I don’t even want to move but love the vid and honesty

[@brainbeats7555]

Typically Oahu point of view, each island is quite unique.....