What If I Never Left Hawaii?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm really glad I was able to leave Hawaii for college and live on my own for a while. It wasn't always easy on the mainland, but I'm thankful for those experiences, as they helped me to appreciate Hawaii even more. 🤙

[@whetst0ne]

As someone born and raised and living on the mainland since college for 12 years, your channel has been an invaluable resource in answering so many questions. I'm hoping to make the move after my current lease is done, but just wanted to drop a thanks in the meantime for helping me and probably so many other kamaaina navigate this process of coming back home. Keep it up braddah!🤙

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Appreciate the kind words. Moving back is great. You've gained great life experience and can now come back home with that knowledge and perspective. 🤙

[@vp3970]

If you understand and feel deep in your soul what the old Hawaiian felt re: one hanau or sand of your birth, you would never move away. My heart and soul are here in Hawaii nei. I wouldn’t want to be buried anywhere but here,ku’u one hanau.

[@margaretmaeda2548]

I love these kinds of videos you make when you're thinking about your life - so easy to relate, whatever our circumstances.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thank you for the kind words. I enjoy these types of videos every so often.

[@EvilTheOne]

- First off, I am so glad I left and gave my life direction and career. As your previous video addressed, making a go of it in Hawaii is hard, although there are different avenues to achieve it if one is willing to compromise on their path. - When I think about my 'what ifs', I see if they are still important to me. And if the are, I see if I can integrate them into my existing life; obviously, without disrupting and/or derailing it. Pondering about the 'road-not-taken' can be a cancer in one's heart & mind. After all, we don't want to resent our decisions. - Coming back to Hawaii as a more well-rounded person was important. Impressing one's parents isn't the most important thing, although it kind of is. And since my father passed away just seven (7) years after my return, being able to be his caregiver was one of the most important lessons in my life. - You mentioned about coming back to Hawaii every holiday season/Christmas, I did the same thing also. The thing I found was that things were changing between my family, friends and myself. Yes, I know that they were changing, although I was radically changing my perspective too. When I came back, I hung out with old friends for a short time, although I found myself moving on from them to different sets of friends eventually. - I feel you would've succeeded regardless of where you ended up. I feel that it's a matter of your perspective in and of life. As an example, some people can go to a party and say that it sucks, and there are those who can go to that same party and make the best of it. Life is what we make of it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comments. I felt the same way about my relationships with family and friends. It was just different. They had changed, but I felt like I had changed more because I was away.

[@mkkaneta]

Hawaii has physically changed since I grew up there. Kakaako was a Japanese ghetto back then. It is the people, culture and family that makes Hawaii endearing. When I do go back to visit, my friends who never left, are still doing he same things they did in High School or University. It is part of their roots of who they are and what they have kept them grounded. Leaving Hawaii, I severed those roots and established ties elsewhere. Unfortunately for me, the Hawaii of my childhood and reminisce about, no longer exist.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I definitely can relate to seeing friends doing the same things. It makes you realize there really aren't too many things to do here and people settle into routines.

[@erickim2025]

As a senior citizen l believe you made a wise choice by leaving the nest & experiencing new venues, as you learned theres a big wide world out there with lots of different interesting experiences. I bet you will not regret leaving Hawaii. I feel sorry for those did not take the plunge & travel to new places. It opens up a totally NEW world of experience. Like the saying " No Scared Itm Chance Itm" 😊 mahalo

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I'm glad I went away. One of the best decisions of my life. Grew up and broadened my perspective.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@HelloFromHawaiiI agree Chris with user EricKim. Thank you for allowing the Mainland to charm you! You did well, experiencing living and working on The Mainland. Salt Lake City Utah is popular with Hawaiians, or so I hear.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Chris, since you brought up the subject, what mistakes did you make in Oregon? No shame in elaborating, Brah. No judgement, here.

[@Star-u3t1l]

You are never stuck anywhere! You have the choice to live where you want, as long as you plan.

[@andrewcabral4847]

I grew up in Rhode Island, I joined the Navy at 18 years old and served 21+ years. Been around the world, travelled on Navy ships around the Pacific, Persian Gulf, the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico. Seen a lot and made a lot of friends and shipmates. Got sober while stationed in the Philippines (yeah, bruddah, da’ PI!). Lived in Hawaii twice (Pearl Harbor and KBay), got married, graduated from college and reenlisted on the Arizona Memorial the first tour. Went back three years later and adopted our “local Kine son (Hapa)”. Retired to the mainland and lived (and worked) in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and now Arizona. Lots of adventures, but getting old and hopefully “back to da’ beach”! Miss the islands, but not the insanity. I appreciate your point of view and the “talking story moments “! I’ve lots of Hawaii locals everywhere I’ve been, including Polynesians, Samoans, Tongans, and so many others. I heard someone talking “pidgin” to another. I looked a smiled, got a “Shaka” from them and we both cried. Sorry if I’m getting sentimental, but I also got reacquainted with Portuguese culture as well. What if? Whatever, live for today, put the rest in His hands. Mahalo Nui Loa, bruddah! Andy

[@Allinmyworld]

Every time i need peace, calm, logic i turn to your videos. I'm thinking of moving away from Hawaii. I think it's time and i take some much knowledge from your videos.

[@dukeloo]

I left Hawaii at 19. I've comeback several times. Now at 58, I see people that never left. No growing up, no change, life is drama. Very sad. Lived in Phoenix, SF Bay Area, Portland, San Antonio, Denver and Albuquerque. Been around. I would have been a bum without a lot of world experience. I never thought that I would have left HI when I was 18. My dream was to live in Hilo and work at a local utility. I tell all local kids, move a way, engage the world. I took care of my dad ten years ago and left after he left. Now, I've been back to HI for 5 months. I miss the free shipping, love the fact that nobody yells here, love being able to relate to a wider spectrum of people. I'm here to take care of mom. Once she goes, I'll probably will move back to NM or CO. I miss the four seasons and the lower cost of living. Why don't you teach at UH, HPU, Chaminade, BYU Hawaii. or a Community College? You could always move back to the mainland for your kids education. You recovered and became resilient.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think it's great that you were able to move back for your dad and now your mom. I also miss the four seasons and fast shipping. I could teach in Hawaii. A colleague brought that up this week. It's an interesting idea, but maybe later in my career.

[@vp3970]

To teach in the mainland one would need to attend Dodge Bullet School.

[@clayton2171]

Thank you for sharing. It’s a normal thing to reflect and review our life journey and keep moving forward as best we can with joy and gratitude. Aloha.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@conniephillips8217]

Great video! It really had my mind sinning there. Forget the "what ifs". They have no values in our lives but, we need to move forward, not be afraid of change and try new things. It may not work out and then it could! We would never know unless we try! I really enjoyed our conversation today! Have a wonderful day and always count the blessings in life!!❤😊

[@Cherrysmith2809]

Glad to see you speaking on what your choices of where you live brought, or did not bring, into your life. Many in Hawaii have to figure this out for one reason or another. Whether you are moving 50 miles or 5,000 it can radically change your options for success, happiness, marriage, children, and so much more.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@mountainapple5638]

Mahalo for sharin’ braddah. So wen made me tink, a lillibit mo, still tinking 🤔…uuuuum wat if nevvah wen leave?? I did up end leaving, I went to work, finished school, and later joined da Marines Corps. Seen and lived many places, CA, SC,NC, VA, NV, LA, MS, and AZ. My military career also took me overseas; Okinawa, Fuji-Japan, and S Korea. During my travels I made lot of friends and acquaintances along da way. My visits back home, I found a few friends still there and doing okay but many had left for da mainland for school and/or careers. I miss ol’ Hawaii and is always in my heart and mind! I stay retired now, lillbit disabled kine so don’t get back as often now, but did enjoy visits back to da islands. Keep up the great work, I really enjoy you sharing your insight and your thought provoking videos. Mahalo nui loa🌴🌺🌧️☀️👀😎🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. That's a lot of places to have lived. Glad you enjoy the videos 🤙

[@Beach92673]

Very thought provoking video. Thank you, as always, for your videos. I always enjoy watching them having lived on Oahu in the early 2000s, now visit 2-3 x's a year. Will always be my second home. Good for you experiencing life and moving/traveling to the mainland.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Even being able to visit a few times a year is great. I'm sure it feels like things have changed, but some things remain the same. 🤙

[@CookingDudeWhoCooks]

High school teacher from the other paradise of Santa Barbara here (born in Honolulu though). I always tell my students, "Get out of here! Go away to college if you can, as opposed to staying and going to UCSB. 100% you will have adventures and grow and change in ways that you wouldn't if you stay. You can always come back, but you gotta leave first!" Feedback from grown-up students indicates they are so happy to have taken my advice!.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's great advice. I'd give that same advice to local kids in Hawaii as well. You can always come back, but go and experience college away for a while.

[@tracyalan7201]

I would disagree that growth of individuals doesn't require relocating to the mainland after high school for college. Each individual addresses individual growth & maturity at their own time, condition, age at their own pace. Not everyone can afford college or have the grades to be accepted or even want to for varying reasons. I've had classmates who hated school but were willing to join the military. Others must work to help the family due to members being ill, death or providing support for younger siblings. These individuals grow, accept responsibility, have commitments that they must face. Attending college doesn't always mean that the majors become income generating or able to enable them to easily enter the job market. Sometimes, graduates face starting at the bottom, which those without college education, had start earlier and work their way up the ladder. College trains graduate a slew of courses that gives them a broad education, but many times, aren't appreciated as the courses/learning/material is rarely if ever used again, because it pertains nothing to their major. They might major in a field, but the intricacies of the day-to-day operations aren't taught or how to do them. Rising in one's career builds on education, work experience and certifications, which in some sectors, most college degrees are 4 years and still not qualified to start being fully productive to the organization. I've known individuals get multiple degrees in respectable career fields, never satisfied with their education choices. Maturity, responsibility, individual growth, confidence don't require going away from home, but the individual's willingness to make a choice and focus themselves to accepting that responsibility and requirements to keep progressing. Leaving home for college is like seems like parachute jumping, it forces a commitment that stepping out of the plane, there is one action. Not true. People drop out of college, whether locally or far away in college. One can drop out of college from the mainland/locally, they can change majors, they cannot even work in their major. Shouldering responsibility/commitment doesn't require college or going away, just commitment.

[@FrenchFifi65]

I think it is easier to know what you want, when you try different things and development an idea of what you don’t want. If that makes sense. No place is perfect, but home is where you make it:)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I agree. You have to try different things to see what you like and don't like. 🤙

[@A.JOSEPHpmtn]

bra, you dont know how much i needed to hear and see this video!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you watched the video 🤙

[@AngloFrancoDane]

Funny that most people put career ahead of everything else. But also, most people would admit after reflecting about it, that personal relationships, and especially family and children are more important.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think it depends on what people prioritize and where they are in life. If I was single, I'd push hard in my career. However, with a family, I prioritize them so everything else gets pushed down the priority list.

[@tetama2agani]

I love your perspective and I think a lot of people who grew up in the Pacific would think like that I'm from French Polynesia and actually I pursued my studies in France to achieve my English and Polynesian Language teaching degree now I'm back home for my last year before the graduation and I struggled a lot in France at the point I developed depression called "Dépression saisonnière" but meeting communicating interacting exchanging with different students helped me to overcome my depression so that I could pursue my studies✨✨✨and back then I thought a lot about how it would be if I didn't leave or if I didn't come back✨✨✨I had a lot of thoughts in my head✨✨that was a cool video love that you shared your thoughts and experiences✨✨✨ iaorana from French Polynesia 🇵🇫❤️❤️

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Glad to hear that you overcame your depression by meeting and interacting with other students. 🤙

[@GFC-1]

Enjoyed your video, braddah, so much that I subscribed because of the content. The aina is special not only because of our ohana, but the mana. Mahalo for sharing your experience.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed the video 🤙

[@misosoup8030]

Every step you took led to the next step, and so on and so on. Things happen for a reason. I think it was great that you experienced life on the mainland, which gave you a different perspective of life than if you had stayed in Hawaii in your earlier years. You are clearly happy now and you made the right choice to come back, but you have a more worldly view of things and a greater appreciation of what you have now. I also think you don’t miss those Colorado winters- isn’t it much nicer not to spend half your life bundled up in a down jacket, and not to have to worry about black ice or shoveling snow? Your older self (& body) will be thanking you (when you get there, believe me). 😆

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I do miss those CO winters, though. I still remember the first time I saw snow fall. I was smiling and laughing and the snow wasn't even sticking to the ground. People in my dorm thought I was crazy 😆

[@waynejohnson3214]

Another great video!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed it 🤙

[@nplus1watches35]

Hey, Chris, good thought provoking vid. A lot of philosophical gymnastics going on, but, I think you’ll find that you got to where you are by making your best guesses at all the forks in the road you came up on, even the bad decisions, but yet here you are, this is you. I would also like to add that i would not blame your SO if she reminded you every single day that you’re the luckiest guy in the world. After all, is is not all about ohana?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not sure I'm the luckiest guy in the world, but very thankful for how a lot of things turned out. Some of it was on me; other things happened by chance or by the help of others.

[@daviddonald]

You've shown how fortunate Hawaii locals are to grow up in a place that is both literally and figuratively insular - a small town. You can go away and experience the world, but you can also return and rejoin the community. Deep and lasting community is not something to be found just anywhere.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great point. Locals are able to step outside and then come back home.

[@miyakegaijin]

I moved away from Hawaii during a time that I was in my prime in Hawaii regarding looks, health, undergraduate college brain power and rising popularity among my college classmates. In my new home in Japan, I was out of fashion, I didn’t have any friends (at the start), and I felt like an idiot because I couldn’t read, write or speak the language. I complained about the cold Japan weather, the crowds, and the non existent sidewalks in neighborhoods, but I learned to appreciate the opportunity to live abroad. I wouldn’t change a thing because it would have messed up the path that led me to meet my future wife and the birth of my children. I did not marry a Japanese woman in Japan. It is a long path of many twists and turns which led me to be able to communicate with people who don’t speak English well. I travelled and lived in various places in Asia which somehow led me back to Hawaii where I met my future Chinese wife (da kine that didn’t speak English) and raised a family in Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's an amazing journey. I'm sure it felt like the "long road" at times, but it seems to have worked out with your wife and kids. 🤙

[@Lopezflies888]

Our life turns iut the way its meant yo turn out, your right where you need to be🙏

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@kithg]

Good vid. I feel like we were talking story. So thanks for that. I’m glad you went back.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I'm glad I moved back home too.

[@ChrisParayno]

I'm glad I left, it gave me a better appreciation for home. Similarly, without leaving I would not have the knowledge to help my family and motivation to thrive as I do now.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

So true. I appreciate Hawaii more because I spent time away. 🤙

[@garytellep5392]

Recipe for a satisfying life; to live in a place that you truly love and need and then hopefully land yourself a job or career that allows you to enjoy that place AND that job. A job you like a lot too because you'll be working most of your life. In reality most people will settle for one or the other but optimally the goal is to secure them both - the place and the job. No easy trick anywhere. It's Ok to work a crummy job if you can manage to live in "that special place" and hopefully the job supports you. Or it's Ok to live in a so- so kinda place if you have a job that you really, really like. But it's total disaster to live in a place you hate, working at job that you hate even more. For 50 years I've managed two for two and it's made all the difference in my life.

[@lienecarter6411]

What park did you film this in. I dont recognize it all

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's Kakaako Waterfront Park.

[@homebase967]

Wow!! Very thoughtful musings!! ❤

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@jeannieclark1875]

Exactly! What if?? What part of the island did you tape this??

[@HelloFromHawaii]

This is Kakaako Waterfront Park on Oahu.

[@reneecollin8825]

Good that you got off the island, to experience other places, people & cultures (it broaden your horizon, and insight on life)! Also, as you were listing your education schedule, I was thinking - how old is this guy?? You look (your appearance) so young - no more than 28- 30 at the most ?!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm closer to 40. 😆

[@reneecollin8825]

@@HelloFromHawaii 40 ??! wow - it's that "island life style", that keeps you looking so young! People assume that I'm 34 instead of (my 44) - which is a good thing, since I have to drive to work, on the (stressful) DC Beltway everday !! 🌸

[@csunju]

Great video! Thank you!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you liked it 🤙

[@SirenaReign]

I call’em Kuku’s! 😂 And I don’t know what my life would be like if I did leave Hawaii. I never could afford to leave so, I never left before. 36 years old, never left my homeland. I would be homesick that’s for sure!! I love it too much!! Hawaii is all I know 😢😊

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think it would be okay if you left, though. It might be tough socially, but I'm sure you'd figure things out and adjust.

[@homebase967]

My husband is from Iowa... so that is a big deal that .... we ended up marrying... so as a family we have been to Iowa and Missouri many times. But we also lived in Idaho for 8 yrs. Yes, lots of experiences.

[@gringo848]

I am a mainland haole who raised two kids in hawaii. I didnt send them to the mainland for school. Now that hawaii isnt a place to raise a family my kids cant imagine leaving, they never have. It would be a real challenge. I wish they had spent some time on the mainland.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It's tough to leave if you've never lived abroad. Can't imagine doing that with my family now, but I know many take the chance because they feel like they have to.

[@BillLinAZ]

I'm in Waikiki now and I really think traffic is worse than when I was here 8 years ago. I have enjoyed my stay though.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Traffic is bad, but maybe only during certain parts of the year, like when UH starts.

[@BillLinAZ]

@@HelloFromHawaii Thanks, I'll remember that next time. We enjoyed our stsy.

[@LifestyleInHawaii808]

Good chat. Mahalo 🤙🏽😎

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@PerrincinaSprecaci]

I'm facing a tough decision. My cousin lives in a beautiful house in Hawaii Kai and has offered me her 1 bedr ohana guest house to live in forever, if I want to. $700 rent to own (asking price $50k), utilities paid. Good deal all around. She's pretty wealthy and we're best friends, so no danger of her losing her home or us not getting along. It seems like a dream come true, since I currently pay nearly $2k a month to live land-locked in Philly. Every day I go back and forth about this. My concerns are the massive bugs and lizards, food prices (though my cousin has a huge veggie garden), and medically not being able to drive. Another concern is my being a "haole" (neither of us are Hawaiian). With all I am learning about Hawaii's history and knowing that my cousin has experienced racism herself for being white, I wouldn't want to feel like I am an invader, I wonder if I'be regretting moving to Hawaii. I also don't want to end up "stuck in Hawaii". I don't know. If anyone has any thoughts or tips to share, or reasons it would be a bad idea to move to HI, please let me know. Mahalo!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's a tough decision. $700 is a great price. What would happen if you get married and want to start a family? Maybe you can consider moving here short-term just to see how it is. Hawaii Kai is a nice place so you might enjoy it there.

[@PerrincinaSprecaci]

@@HelloFromHawaii Thanks, Chris, still mulling it over!

[@richl6725]

Very good conversational video. Aloha

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@wagnerwong9966]

How good are you at Volleyball? You never mentioned that before. Can you explain why Hawaii loves Volleyball indoor or beach

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I started playing when I was 10. I played mostly with friends growing up and then played in high school. Played intramurals in college. Just really love the game.

[@bill2066]

Great Video as Usual. My Biggest fear moving back to Hawaii (former resident 26 yrs)? After all the toil and expense ($$$), feeling "stuck" and feeling like I made a big Mistake. You would've made a great psychotherapist.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think there is that fear, but I also know that if I needed to move, I could do it.

[@david-gg8sk]

I am a 60 year Hawaii resident fortunate for the mobile phone/internet combination.

[@DiegoGomez-pk5tg]

I'd recommend watching the TV show Dark Matter. It goes into these kinds of thoughts l.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks for the recommendation 🤙

[@brba1325]

Pokies... If I didn't leave Hawaii, I'd likely still be in retail, selling shoes. Sold shoes for 10 years at Liberty House at Ala Moana and Waikiki. I still have occasional nightmares of being stuck in the Ala Moana stockroom. I'm glad I left, finished school and moved around the mainland. Believe it or not, there are a lot of interesting and beautiful places outside of HI, CA, NY, Las Vegas, and Chicago.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Those dreams must be scary. I used to work in the stockroom at Pottery Barn Kids and Barnes and Noble 😆

[@misosoup8030]

@@brba1325 your comment brought back a memory of mine. I’m from CA, but I remember being in Honolulu in 1977 (my 3rd time there as a twenty-something female). I was working for a cosmetic company who sent us (me & coworkers) to the Liberty Stores to demonstrate the cosmetic, both in Waikiki and Ala Moana. While waiting around for customers, I remember looking over to the women’s shoes area, and seeing all these handsome Asian and Hawaiian shoes salesmen! (Why didn’t we have guys like that on the mainland, I thought). 😂

[@brba1325]

@@misosoup8030 After 1977 they must have allowed the uglies out of the stockroom. LOL. 🤣

[@leilanihimmelmann9190]

I do think you broaden your perspective and tolerance level when you move away and live outside your comfort zone and familiar surroundings for a bit. Just my POV.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I agree. Broadening one's perspective is so important to growth. It can be scary, but it's so important.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Chris, whenever you talk da kine I always want to know what you think of the following two books, assuming you have taken a look at them: 1) Da Kine Dictionary (compiled and edited by Da Pidgin Guerrilla, Lee A. Tonouchi). And, 2) The 25th Anniversary edition of “Pidgin to Da Max” (published by Bess Press) containing all the words and phrases from the books, Pidgin to Da Max and Pidgin to Da Max Hana Hou. Chris, the latter book is especially hilarious! 😂

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not familiar with the Dictionary, but I enjoy the Pidgin to the Max books. I have a couple of copies somewhere in the closet. Good fun to laugh 🤙

[@scottsong20]

It's hard to imagine what life would be like if you decided a different path. What I do know, God has a plan for all of us to be happy. He gives us paths to choose from, but it's up to us to take the first step and make the most of it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@homebase967]

Yes, we each make decisions and sometimes they are not the best?? Good for you that you came home!! Why shame?? No shame in coming home.... there is no place like Home !! .... and now you have a wife and children!!... good for you to have a 20 yr old car!!... I have been learning over the years... it is wiser to have an n older car, ....and just fix it if it needs fixing, ... mo' betta than car payments!! I did that for 3 yrs. Then sold the Toyota Tacoma--- paid it off and paid other bills!! .... in Hawai'i young people want a nice fancy truck, but then live in an old ramshackle house sometimes, ... not a good idea... Anyway, I thibk your are doing well!! And wisely, and glad you are sharing!!... Remember, family/loved ones are forever.... they make our lives meaningful, as do dear friends... I hope your parents are making the most of their time with you and your family. But most of all I believe that faith in Jesus is te most important decision in life!!... and leads to eternal life!! ❤

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I think I felt shame because a part of me felt like the "Mainland had won" and I couldn't handle, which isn't true, but that's how I felt. Looking back, it was just a part of growing up and I'm glad I moved back.

[@MrBoodie1]

Started working with frito lay in halawa 1998 transfer to Modesto, CA n retired in 2020, Paid house off in Waterford, CA. I left Kaneohe in 2006 n now I'm a mailman as a sub in my home town of Waterford, CA, my heart will always b fo my island O'ahu, but realistically I have a home n new family Dat is in my home town of Waterford california

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Waterford looks like a small town, but it must be nice to be close to so much nature. Nearby lakes and Yosemite National Park further east.

[@MrBoodie1]

Yep, it's a small town bout 8,600 population bout 10 miles radius, lots of almond nut n fruits farms, 20 minutes drive away from da big city of Modesto n Turlock, it's like living in da country but not fully deep country

[@Dan-wx8pq]

those spikey things are probably Sand Burs. =)

[@darrylk808]

I got you beat. My car is 24 years old.😂

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Still running strong. Toyota?

[@darrylk808]

@@HelloFromHawaii 2001 Tundra. Best truck ever.

[@allencoffland1685]

nice to see you survived the plague. can film the next Omega Man in that park

[@dennistani1986]

You just never know where life is going to take you. When I was 9 years old, my best friend died in a plane crash. His dad was a private pilot and crashed the plane he was flying and killed the entire family. His 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter were killed. One of my close college friends was shot and killed by a 12 year old boy years ago. She was an LAPD officer investigating an family disturbance. Sometimes you never know where life will take you...........

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I've lost friends along the way too. Lost a classmate in elementary school. She died at school from an accident. Still remember her face.

[@garytellep5392]

You are too indecisive my friend. Whatever your reason(s) for returning to Hawaii the undertone of your site narrative is consistent - but "I wish things were better". Wishing isn't a plan. You knew, and know, the cost of living on Oahu (both economically & mentally) and what effort's required. A lot. Make two columns, the pros & the cons of staying or leaving and if you are at all honest with YOU, the con column sadly wins the game. Overall. You may not like it, but I think you'll agree. A million+ dollars to own a small home? A congested island that is only going to get more congested. You didn't import the Waianae crime dilemma or other neighborhood crime it's home grown. Crime will only get worse and it's intensified when it's happening in a confined space. Your kids are elementary ages, how much will you spend for junior high and high school private school? One job, two jobs, perhaps your wife working multiples too. Definitely you are at the crossroad now. The litmus test for you will be Lahaina. If by some miracle that tragedy can be remedied by state government in the next few years then there is a chance staying was the right choice and your wish came true. The longer that drags out, time to start internet surfing for a new zip code.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. While I do wish that things were better, I'm not really looking to create pros and cons to staying in the hopes of determining whether we should continue living here. I'm pretty confident we'll be living here, unless some great opportunity comes up. I'm not sure how Lahaina will affect that decision, since I'm not on Maui. But I will keep watching the situation in hopes that those who lost their homes will be able to find new housing.

[@aileensteele7298]

One of the best parts of my job in HR is hiring so that employees could return home to Hawaii and their ohana.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's great that they come back home to work.

[@aileensteele7298]

@@HelloFromHawaii that was a few years back before Covid and the non-residents buy housing.

[@dlasti]

Hmmm...If I never leave Hawaii, I'll be surviving and not thriving. IYKYK. I will be moving from Hawaii but will be able to visit based on my increase margin of income. I am not able to travel now because I have no margin to use, even though I am debt free.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Like my dad always said, "If you move away, you can always come back and visit."

[@barbaraafe1878]

Then I’d see 5,000 hotel workers on strike

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The strike is happening this week. Not sure what will happen or if they decide to continue the strike.

[@808ecobeast7]

If you never left Hawaii, your wife would named Fate Yanagi, and you would have a spare can of resin underneath your bed! 😂😂😂

[@808ecobeast7]

I can't think of it right now, but I think we called them "Kookoos" ... or something like that...

[@808ecobeast7]

Told my step kid, go to the mainland and make a life for yourself! You can always come back to Hawaii after you retire, and all your old friends will still be doing the same old things exactly the same as when you left! 😂😂😂 He has a great job, a wife, and two kids, a boy and a girl. Comes to visit home and yup, tells me, "hey, my friends still doing the same old things!"

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, my Dad told me the same thing.

[@skinnwalker4515]

Well, according to the multiverse theory, there is an infinite version of you living simultaneously in infinite parallel universes. There might be a version of you teaching at a university and married to a former student who befriended you following a lively conversation about balancing school with her skiing hobby. The other day, the front desk agent who checked me in at a Marriott hotel in Virginia looked exactly like you. He might be another version of you.

[@BlakeLawless-qf8ip]

Sounds like you’ve smoked enough for the day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. You lost me at multiverse theory 😆

[@MichaelSoucy-nh8xl]

Do you miss that Greeley smell?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. I don't miss the smell, but you get used to it. 😆

[@stellamarina4123]

Sand burr

[@vktravellog1242]

Hawaii is a great place until the haoles came.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I still think it's a great place

[@oakridgemall-8jl2h9f]

@@HelloFromHawaii Ever been to Waianae, Nanakuli, or Puna? All these outsider, White bloggers go there, instead of Waikiki.

[@streaminncreamin6987]

Hawaii is shitty to live in.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

How come?

[@streaminncreamin6987]

@@HelloFromHawaii I think if you haven't been born and raised here the locals will not talk to you.