Aloha from Hawaii!!

[tropitan]

We moved to Kona 2 years ago from Oregon (19 years there). The weather and increasing traffic is going to be hard to get use to after living in Kona. I can’t imagine moving back—visit yes, but not year round. Make sure you can deal with the lack of sunshine in the winter months.

How are you liking Kona? We have been here 18 years. It's funny how a place can become stale; the grass is always greener etc. We are both ready for a change in latitude, for sure.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

We have been here 18 years. It's funny how a place can become stale; the grass is always greener etc. We are both ready for a change in latitude, for sure.

Where in Kona are you? We have looked at homes North Kona and a little south. $850k seems like a good number for a reasonable place. (Zillow)

 

[Christine]

Thank you for this thread and best of luck you you with your plans!


I have been toying with the thought of snowbirding on Hawaii one year. From Norway it's on the other side of the world and extra exotic. And I have a few cousins in Honolulu I've never met.

 

[HI Bill]

Thank you for this thread and best of luck you you with your plans!


I have been toying with the thought of snowbirding on Hawaii one year. From Norway it's on the other side of the world and extra exotic. And I have a few cousins in Honolulu I've never met.

Ah, I thought you said snowboarding! Well, you can do that for a few days a year here!

What do you like to do? Each island is unique and is better for something (Oahu's best for surfing and shopping, Maui for windsurfing, Hawaii Island for scuba diving, etc.).

 

[Cut-Throat]

I live in Oregon and would not recommend moving here. I'm probably going to be moving out in a couple of years. Real estate is expensive, the weather leaves much to be desired, and huge tax increases are on the horizon. I've lived here since 1965 and watched what was once a beautiful state decline. I unfortunately don't see any hope for it.

This is an interesting post.... I am wondering if anyone that has lived in any location since 1965, would not care for the changes that have taken place since then. I am sure that they could say almost the same things as you said regardless of location... I think real estate is expensive anywhere that is desirable to live. (I am sure that you could find cheap real estate in areas such as rural Nebraska or Kansas or other areas that are not 'hot areas' to live in).


If you think the winters in Oregon are tough, try Minnesota where I live. (Our solution is not to move permanently, but only to leave during the winter). Also Minnesota's Taxes are higher than Oregon overall Minnesota is #5 and Oregon is #30 -- https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-highest-lowest-tax-burden/20494/ ----



We're not leaving Minnesota in spite of the Weather, The Taxes etc.... Mostly because other places have different problems. South Florida has Nice weather, but has other issues etc.


The question I have for you, is where will you move to and have you examined that destination's problems? -

 

[tropitan]

Where in Kona are you? We have looked at homes North Kona and a little south. $850k seems like a good number for a reasonable place. (Zillow)

Yes, 850 will get you a nice place in or around Kona. We actually live in Holualoa, 1500' above Kona in the 'coffee belt', on three acres. We built a house on it in 2004 and have enjoyed it very much. Zillow prices are fairly accurate here. PM me if you want more detailed info. Zillow prices seem to be accurate here.

 

[tropitan]

Thank you for this thread and best of luck you you with your plans!


I have been toying with the thought of snowbirding on Hawaii one year. From Norway it's on the other side of the world and extra exotic. And I have a few cousins in Honolulu I've never met.

Yes, you would be amazed how many folks I run into almost every day, it seems, who snowbird here from colder climes. I highly recommend Kona area for rest and relaxation. Very 'small town' vibe here.

 

[tropitan]

This is an interesting post.... I am wondering if anyone that has lived in any location since 1965, would not care for the changes that have taken place since then. I am sure that they could say almost the same things as you said regardless of location... I think real estate is expensive anywhere that is desirable to live. (I am sure that you could find cheap real estate in areas such as rural Nebraska or Kansas or other areas that are not 'hot areas' to live in).


If you think the winters in Oregon are tough, try Minnesota where I live. (Our solution is not to move permanently, but only to leave during the winter). Also Minnesota's Taxes are higher than Oregon overall Minnesota is #5 and Oregon is #30 -- https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-highest-lowest-tax-burden/20494/ ----



We're not leaving Minnesota in spite of the Weather, The Taxes etc.... Mostly because other places have different problems. South Florida has Nice weather, but has other issues etc.


The question I have for you, is where will you move to and have you examined that destination's problems? -

I agree, Cut-Throat. Having left California in 2001 when the population was about 30mil, then going back to visit last year where it is closer to 40 million, I could never go back. I think no matter where you decide to call home, one has to compromise with the local conditions be they good or bad.

 

[cnocmmz]

Hello all,
My wife and I are both 59 and relatively new to the FIRE concept. I am looking forward to retirement in the next couple of years, and am seriously considering relocating to Oregon (Possibly the Willammette Valley, maybe Eugene). If anyone from Oregon has some words of wisdom in that regard, please respond.
Likewise, if anyone is considering a move to Hawaii (esp. the Big Island), feel free to ask any questions you may have. We have been here almost 20 years from California.
Thanks for your warm welcome!

WOW Hawaii Been there on the Big Island several times and loved it while I was stationed at Pearl during my Navy days, although not sure I could afford living there full time.... lol.
Like yourselves, I will be 59 in July and DW is already 65 and we both retire next year around this time frame. We also loved Washington State and Oregon area, although sometimes the weather is dreary and damp. We actually settled in Virginia for several reasons. In any case, welcome to the forum and I wish you guys all the best.

 

[Winemaker]

DW and I love Kona and have visited at least 6 times. I love going to the Volcano park, being a mining engineer, I love all things geology! We enjoy the poke' and love hikink the Pololu Trail!

Any suggestions about Molokai? We'd love to check it out for a week but have heard conflicting stories. Thanks in advance.

 

[Stonewalker]

Oh, welcome btw. You will LOVE this forum. One of the better one's on the internet today, well moderated and cared for.

+1 on this. Great forum, wonderful folks. Sometimes even funny...

 

[Cut-Throat]

DW and I love Kona and have visited at least 6 times. I love going to the Volcano park, being a mining engineer, I love all things geology! We enjoy the poke' and love hikink the Pololu Trail!

Any suggestions about Molokai? We'd love to check it out for a week but have heard conflicting stories. Thanks in advance.

We lived on Molokai for 2 months last winter... We liked it and will go back for another winter in a few years... It is not for everyone however. Tell me the conflicting stories you've heard and I can validate them for you.

 

[pacergal]

Where in Oregon are you headed too? There is such a variety of climates in the state, its not all dark and cloudy! Although, enjoying the rain and fresh air does have benefits! For instance, in Portland and surrounding area, you can be one hour from the beach, one hour from the mountains and skiing, a couple hours to the desert, less than an hour to the vineyards.

 

[tropitan]

Where in Oregon are you headed too? There is such a variety of climates in the state, its not all dark and cloudy! Although, enjoying the rain and fresh air does have benefits! For instance, in Portland and surrounding area, you can be one hour from the beach, one hour from the mountains and skiing, a couple hours to the desert, less than an hour to the vineyards.

Thanks, considering the southern Willamette Valley, for its relatively cheaper housing compared to Portland area. Al!so for all the benefits you just described! We have finally been priced out of Hawaii.

 

[Mr808702]

Born/raised in Honolulu. Retired, sold the house and made enough to purchase a house in Las Vegas (which we kama’ainas affectionately call “the ninth island”) and a condo in Waikiki (second home). Did a years worth of research prior to pulling the trigger to relocate and decided that Las Vegas (Summerlin) gave us the best of both worlds. Thoroughly do your homework if considering a permanent move to the 50th state...all the good and bad ‘stories’ that you’ve heard about Hawaii...are mostly true.

 

[duckcalldan]

Thanks, considering the southern Willamette Valley, for its relatively cheaper housing compared to Portland area. Al!so for all the benefits you just described! We have finally been priced out of Hawaii.

Have you considered Salem? We are moving from Virginia to Tacoma WA this summer, but looked at the I-5 corridor from Eugene to Bellingham for our downsizing city of choice. While we chose Tacoma, we really liked Salem more than we thought. Downtown is turning around nicely, and some really pretty bungalows and mid-century housing stock. A bit sleepy, but you’re less than an hour from Portland. Eugene’s downtown is a bit dodgy for our taste. Salem seems like it’s moving in the right direction; Eugene not so much. Also consider Corvallis (a bit expensive) and also McMinnville if you like a smaller town. Good luck!

 

[Kim451]

Would you recommend Kona for single female? I'm leaving Honozoolu and moving on but was considering the Big Island - it just seemed like it'd be a lot better with a gregarious partner to meet people! Plus was wondering if all the docs you need are there, or in Hilo, or fly to HNL?

 

[HI Bill]

Would you recommend Kona for single female? I'm leaving Honozoolu and moving on but was considering the Big Island - it just seemed like it'd be a lot better with a gregarious partner to meet people! Plus was wondering if all the docs you need are there, or in Hilo, or fly to HNL?

What are you looking for in Kona? Partner? Job? Getting away? Since Kona has population of only ~12,000 folks, and many are retired, it's probably not the best place to meet people. Like Maui, Kona doesn't have the specialties offered at hospitals here on Oahu. At Kaiser, I see folks from Hilo, Kona, and Maui all the time who have to fly over for specialty doctor's visits/treatments. Good luck!

 

[Sunset]

^^^ So what is the cost to fly from 1 island to the other , is there a ferry or boat service ?

This seems pretty expensive if one has to fly over and back frequently.

 

[HI Bill]

^^^ So what is the cost to fly from 1 island to the other , is there a ferry or boat service ?

This seems pretty expensive if one has to fly over and back frequently.

Currently, Southwest has $58 r/t introductory air fares, and Hawaiian Airlines' fares run about $185, depending on the time and day. No ferry. Sometimes, the insurance company pays for the air fare, depending on the coverage.

 

[catii]

I've lived Kaneohe-town for 25 years, & am glad I bought even earlier than that! Check out book called Price of Paradise, in couple of editions. Wife & I earned well into 6-figures before retirement, & still couldn't qualify for our (now paid-off) mortgage in past few years.

Still best place to live, though, & that's after living in 9 other states over past 50+ years. If the damn politicians do manage to chase us away by taxing our taxes, we'll head for a foreign country.

For OP, our daughter & grandson live in Salem, & rejoice when they see the sun, but love their community. Can't afford to buy, though, so they're glad rents are reasonable.

 

[gooddog]

If you are looking at Oregon, Brookings is a great town and right on the ocean. Oregon has very high income taxes. They don't appear to be all that high, but you hit the max rate very quickly. Because of the high taxes, believe it or not, many people choose to live just over the border in Crescent City, CA. Taxes on 100k are about 1/2 in CA than OR in real terms.

 

[tropitan]

Would you recommend Kona for single female? I'm leaving Honozoolu and moving on but was considering the Big Island - it just seemed like it'd be a lot better with a gregarious partner to meet people! Plus was wondering if all the docs you need are there, or in Hilo, or fly to HNL?

Kona is wonderful if you can do without the big city. It is still very much a small town feel here, but we have a wonderful, uncrowded international airport! The medical choices are Kaiser, HMSA, Medicaid and ACA. My experience with Kaiser in Kona has been stellar. Good luck!

 

[Kim451]

What are you looking for in Kona? Partner? Job? Getting away? Since Kona has population of only ~12,000 folks, and many are retired, it's probably not the best place to meet people. Like Maui, Kona doesn't have the specialties offered at hospitals here on Oahu. At Kaiser, I see folks from Hilo, Kona, and Maui all the time who have to fly over for specialty doctor's visits/treatments. Good luck!

I’m not looking for a partner but was wondering about the social scene. I’m older and retired too, it not especially outgoing. I do like Honolulu but leery of buying another condo. Thanks

 

[fasteddie911]

Born/raised in Honolulu. Retired, sold the house and made enough to purchase a house in Las Vegas (which we kama’ainas affectionately call “the ninth island”) and a condo in Waikiki (second home). Did a years worth of research prior to pulling the trigger to relocate and decided that Las Vegas (Summerlin) gave us the best of both worlds. Thoroughly do your homework if considering a permanent move to the 50th state...all the good and bad ‘stories’ that you’ve heard about Hawaii...are mostly true.

Have friends/family still in Hawaii. What prompted you to move? I hear a lot of grumblings from those I know there, though not sure how many would actually move. Do you still have family/kids in Hawaii?