I'm single with no children, I live in the Jungle of the Big Island (lower Puna) I will say it's all a matter of How you want to live and What type of "lifestyle" you are accustomed too. I live off the grid in a quaint two story loft, with Solar Panels and Catchment water system ,fresh fruit and vegetable trees all around, ocean just a short walk down the road, my "cost of living" is LESS than $1000.00 a month. My ONLY expenses are Car Insurance, Cell Phone, lot rent. It IS Possible to live in Hawaii, comfortably, if you just "simplify" your life !! Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka 🤙🏽🌴😎

The Big island is a very special place. I was born and raised in Hawaii my ancestors from Oahu and Big island. The cost of living is very high but there are ways to survive here.. I grew up in the ocean , diving fishing and surfing , I once moved to the mainland and stayed over ten years but everyday I missed the island, when my children were born I moved them here to raise them the way I grew up. It is a struggle for many but the mana of this island still keeps me here . I’m now 60 yrs old but I still work like everyone built my own house near volcano and live on solar.. too old to surf so I get with family and friends and play music on my days off, or bodysurf , swim , fish.. life is simply what you make it.. mahalo for your truth of the island Aloha

I’m a local born and raised here and it’s a different culture form the Mainland. It’s so important before moving to Hawaii that you do your research of the Aina and know your Hawaiian history so you have a better understand of the Hawaiian culture and the people here.

I'm lucky, my kids were born here and left for a short time and came home years ago, I came here when I was in my early 20's, went back a couple of times then settled here for good. When Iwent back it was to continue professional racing. I came back and got into a local Radio Station management and spent 18 years in Radio then went into my own business for over 20 years, I'm 81 soon to be 82 and doing great after having 3 strokes in 2018 I became fully retired and love it. I'm doing very well now and learning to walk again building a 60's Honda Road racer in my home here in Ocean View in the house I built, a Redwood Cedar custom home on an acre of land with a killer view in Ocean View. I go to rehab 3 times a week in Kona, have my kids and friends are close. I love it and would never trade it off. Aloha Nui Loa.

I grew up on Oahu and moved to the big island in 2017 for 3 years. One main difference someone from the mainland will first notice on Hawaii island is that a lot of things you normally can find/purchase readily are simply not available on the big island. The biggest and most consequential difference on that island though is healthcare or more succinctly the lack of it. There are very few healthcare providers and the system is fraught with corruption sthe ame as the government which is notoriously corrupt in the entire state. I came close to dying from blood loss after I received a deep wound to my hand clearing my property. The machete wound was just the beginning of that nightmare. Lesson is if you're older, have ongoing health issues or are anticipating any then DO NOT move to the big island. a hui hou

So, moral of the story, an introverts DREAM place to live! Alot of the cons, especially involving social or family situations, are not a problem for introverts, and actually could be a good reason why one would move to the Big Island - as an introvert myself, it sounds like heaven - and I have a great excuse not to be at obligated family functions, which give me anxiety. Just a point-of-view from someone who enjoys peaceful alone time ( and actually needs and flourishes on) more often than social time. My husband and I are thinking of moving one day, and we both are the same personality, so this seems like a great place for us. Thank you for the informative video!

Well done! I so appreciate your honesty. During the time we lived on the Big Island, several of the cons you discussed became apparent to us. Keep up the good work!!

Great video, I've been living in New York City for over 30 years... Originally from Puerto Rico. The only family I have in NY is my son - and he just joined the Army. I'm in the process of selling my home and plan to move to Kapolei where I have relatives. I also accepted a really well paying job at Schofield Barracks. My plans is to buy a nice condo near the ocean, live life and enjoy a Mai Tai under Hawaii's sunset 🤙🌴🌺🌞

I’m so happy i found y’all’s channel. I’m moving there in 2 years. My sister is already there but its very nice to see other insights. Very well done video with great information.

This was probably the best evaluation of the Big Island I have seen by some people who moved there. Great video!

Thank you for all the videos. Keep up the wonderful work you guys! I’m looking to move there soon, subscribed, Mahalo 🤙🏼

Another great video! Regardless if people are meant to be part of the Hawaiian life, you guys sure make it look fun! Wish we could've come out there this year, but I trust you are keeping up the place! :) Merry Christmas, and we'll see what this coming year brings if we can make it out there!

Thank you so much for making this video. I felt like this was a genuine way to point out things people may not think of. My husband and I are looking to move to the big island by early 2023. Your video helps give us a great picture.

Yep, 99.9% of the reason I moved back to the mainland (after living on Oahu for 3.5 years) was for family. That said, If I could afford to move my immediate family to the Big Island, I would in a micro-second, but I would never make the move if I had to work - I would have to be retired and be comfortable enough to live the exact same life-style as I do in the Mid-West - Which is not possible. So I stay in the Mid-West and vacation in Hawaii as often as possible.

Deez two haoles get one pass. They are welcome because they have respect for the Aina and people. I love how they came here to blend in, instead of coming and saying it’s their right to live anywhere we want. Respect. Bless up Hawaiians are from a warrior culture. Don’t mistake Kindness for weakness.

I have to say that this is up at the top of the list of informative, helpful videos for those interested in moving to the island. The island is still in my future and thankfully I do not have the worry of needing to seek some type of employment. Mostly my needs are just figuring out the best geographic, temperate location and altitude with a view and a suitable sized lot. Mahalo and Mele Kalikimaka to you and your extended Ohana.

Thank you so much for putting this info together. I've been considering to move over there and had all those questions you gave answers for.

9:48 - 12:15 THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. My dad was raised in Kona most of his life (most of my family was born and/or raised on Big Island or Oahu) but after living on the mainland for quite some time he ended up moving back and when he got a stroke over 15 years ago he had to be flown to Honolulu by helicopter... unfortunately it was too late and he passed away... point is if one is prone to severe health issues this is something crucial to keep in mind. Most of these are pretty spot on, I haven't been back to the Aina in quite a while but I can't imagine it's changed a WHOLE lot in 15ish years, at least not from what I've seen/heard from my Ohana over there... I mean sure there has been SOME development from what I've seen but by and large it seems not a whole ton has changed. As much as I love it there (and I've gotten offers to live there) for the kind of person I am the cons outweigh the pros... same deal with a lot of my Ohana that were born/raised there and ended up leaving to the mainland (various states/cities) for good. I've toyed with the idea a few times a decade or so ago but I ultimately decided against it. I'm blessed to have so much Ohana over there and it's a fantastic place to visit... I COULD live there but I'd literally only be able to afford living with family and working so much that I wouldn't even have time to do ANYTHING ("price of paradise" or "paradise tax" is VERY REAL.) I love my Ohana and HI is an AMAZING place to visit but I'd rather not live there. Aloha from NorCal!

Great Video. Resident of the big island 2002 -2008. For myself a typically punctual person. "Island time" was a little challenging. Your agreed upon appointment time may come and go leaving you to wonder if your repairman, landscaper, ect. forgot.

What a great informative video! I’ve been researching for a few years. I am an EEG Technologist so I’ve researched job and housing. You really nailed a lot of points I think about….job, housing, healthcare and island fever. I’ve used the meet up app to try to make friends and create my island Support since my goal is to live there at least part time. But d/t Covid it’s not easy.

I've followed your KZfaq channel for awhile and my new partner and I just spent 10 days on the Big Island. I'm a kamaina having lived in Paniolo for 15 years where my late wife and I owned and operated Kokoke Lani bed and breakfast and I had Orchid Isle Appliance Service. Taking my new lady around to all the places familiar, one thing that brought back memories of why we left was the trash left by locals everywhere. My driveway was right ar the end of Kealaka'a street and people would trash the end of the street. The private school there couldn't even make an effort to keep their surroundings picked up as the parents of the kids were for the most part, " entitled" so it was always someone else's job and I got stuck cleaning up the whole block as nobody else lifted a finger. Now 20 years since I moved back to the mainland, my partner and I did lots of touring and on out drive from Honaunau bay to Puhuhonua along the coast road, I saw some of the same trash that was there 20 years ago! When is Hawai'i going to wake up? I live on an island in Florida now and we have weekly garbage and recycle pick up where they take everything! We are billed through our property taxes. You don't see trash anywhere. I really thought by now, Hawai'i would have gotten its act together as this is a black mark for tourism. We had designs of moving back to Kona but between the prices and the issues, I now have second thoughts.

I moved to the Big Isle with my partner in 2002. I was there until 2017, and while I was there I lost my brother's and my mother on the mainland. It was devestating-guilt, regret, etc... I even lost my partner while I was there, but he stayed on the island (awkward) I came back to the mainland, but I have decided to go back to Hawaii, because now I have adopted family there.

After living in Pahoa for two years, i just discovered your videos. This first one is great. Thanks!

What a great video with a matter of fact discussion on life on the island. Just very informative and honest. Thank you! Wish you both a very happy New Year full of adventures and thanks for buying the beautiful Tommy Bahama dress from my ebay store. I appreciate your business!

You guys are doing a great job at explaining facts of the Big Island.

Thank you for this video🤙🏽 yes we have family on the other side of the island Hilo and my wife and I are considering maybe move over there but you gave me a lot to think about before doing that thank you for this video. But I still love Hawaii and Cannot wait to get over there in September

Way too many people are moving here since covid. It used to be so much better 10 years ago.

Aloha! This is a must watch for anyone who contemplates moving to the Big Island. As a long term resident, I can attest you touched on the most pressing issues that new arrivals should consider. Just discovered 365 KZfaq today!

Don't let a little rain stop you - living in Oregon, if you don't get out for a hike in the rain, you're never going to go hiking... We went for a hike last weekend in 43 degrees and rain - no problem!

As an elderly single woman I traveled to and fell in love with Big Island several times. The vibe, that frequency totally resonated with me. I am use to a rural area, so conveniences no big deal. Glad to hear that there is a newbie support group because honestly I did not find the local people friendly or embracing outside of the tourist trade. Unlike Mexico where you are easily adopted into their families.

Another awesome video ~! I've always wondered how I would become if I lived on Hawaii Island. The longest I ever stayed was three months. It was magical. I had the best tan & I felt like I was home. not an easy life. No place is easy & there's the quality of life issues. However, I feel liked I've been called. Your videos are insightful & give a great perceptive of living on an island. See you @ the hour ~! ALoha ~

Pretty accurate..I lived there 27 yrs. I'm very reluctantly on O'ahu which is beautiful but city life...I miss Big Island

I wish my parents lived in Hawaii, I would visit for the holidays and never leave 🎄

Great video and great information! Love your friendliness and transparency. Aloha!

Down sides -prices are super high compared to the mainland. $5-1 gal milk, gas $4.25/gal. Infrastructure has not kept up with the increased amount of vehicles on the road. Lack of respect for cultural places, customs of the islands. Car theft is high.

Thanks for the great info. Still a wonderful island-lovely sharing-From piano player new friend in UK ❤️🎹

This is a wonderful video you have provided! Aloha.

Thank you for this video! I've been long term planning a move there for a few years - trying to do it responsibly instead of mid life crises-y. :D I've lived on Oahu before and am prior Army and an Army brat. I hope the island takes me in and I vibe well with the energy - your points are spot on. Island life is def not for everyone - if you are a city slicker its fun to visit but you'd prob not enjoy full time living there. I enjoy quiet, nature, limited population. So ready to make the move!

This is going to be really interesting in regards to the 'energy'. I'm so sensitive to it, so it will either feel amazing and grounded (or) I'll be kayaking to Maui..lol ... 😆 Looking forward to a trial run. Love your realism with all of your videos! 🖖🤙🌅

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

Totally agree with the whole spirit of the Island and feeling the great power it has. We literally ran from the Volcano once because felt the spirit's power

Very clear and nice to watch this video, thanks!

Aloha! Very good video. Mahalo for sharing. In regards to the Island's "Energy", I can personally attest to this. Unfortunately, this was a positive effect for me and I had to leave due to it being a negative feeling for my spouse at the time. This Energy, once felt and experienced, didn't go away for me. I think about Hawaii every day without fail. I'm an RN in Ohio raising 4 children and I try everything I can think of to not dwell on the Big Island anymore because the rest of my family has very little interest in moving there. I'm cautious about coming back to visit due to the pain of having to leave again. I've never felt this way about a place before and I'm a USN Vet who has travelled all over. This did not start happening to me until I moved to Hilo. After about a week, this weird feeling of euphoria kicked in. I didn't do anything different than I did in Kona. My spouse started to get nausea on a regular basis for no reason after the same week. I can't explain it but it is real.

Thank you for this video. I visited a friend of mine at the beginning of May 2022. She lives in Kona. It was so amazing. I met some if her friends. It was great. Pretty sure my soul is still there. Lol. I will be in contact with you guys soon. 🙂

Very helpful thank you for making this 😊

wow! significant effort here, folks. Fantastic!

Thank you for the video, very informative. We've been to Hawaii a couple times and looooove it! However, moving there is a whole nuther story. Thanks again for your experience and sharing the cons. I'm from Montana so I have a lot of room to roam, unlike the big island witch is 143,012 square miles smaller. Makes me think, hmmm. Wishing you the best, aloha from Montana.

Thank you very much for your honesty, I am glad I watched your video. My daughter and I still want to move to the big Island, we are planning to move within the next 2 years.

I absolutely love the effort it took you two to make this video, and the constant change of scenery was fantastic! Thank you so much!

Thank you Great video. We visit HI every year for extended vacations. First time on Big Island for more than a couple days. Do you think one month is too long? We were planning on 2 weeks in Kona and 2 weeks in Hilo. Thanks in advance.

you forgot about the facility in Waimea, and we haven't had a direct hit from a Hurricane in years, flooding does happen on the Hilo side when it rains hard. We lived there for 16 years while I was in Radio then we moved to Kona to continue Radio work. You sound so wound up, relax. We have more than one place to shop.

Visiting Family on the Big Island, your video is pretty accurate from they say and know!

Very informative! Thanks

Thank you for a very informative video. Now I need watch your other videos. Binge watch time!

Thank you for this video! Confirmation for us that we truly belong on the Big Island.

Good Honest Video. Much appreciated.

Hello. I'm a NEW subscriber to your channel and I enjoyed this video. Looking forward to getting the time to watch more of your videos. Thanks!

Possibly moving out in January of next year! This was very helpful!

I commend you for making this video and for being honest about the cons. The island isn't for everyone. A lot have to move over and learn the lesson for themselves though. Have seen it time and again in the 29 years I have lived here. If I may, I will just must take a (slight) exception to the Kona Paradise segment. This is a GREAT community, and we live this far out because we love it. Cool elevation, ocean breezes, low crime, uncrowded, quiet, peaceful, our own beach and bay (steep hill discourages crowds) incredible views, custom homes, and lots of other hidden gems. If we gotta go to town, no biggie, we just do all the errands at once. I am a writer so I work from home but also sub to fill in at the Konawaena schools, 30 minutes away, not bad. The historic Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail crosses in front of the subdivision, so there is literally hiking for miles. Yes, our housing prices have skyrocketed recently, but probably a market blip tied to the pandemic and low interest rates. It's a great place for families. My kids grew up here and were babies when we first came. (we rented for seven years, had to move out, and I was so depressed... but KP calls to you, it's a special place. So in 2004, i could finally buy something and we have lived here ever since.) We wouldn't trade it for the world, it is our home!

OMG! I stay in Kona Paradise when I visit. Great beach and views.

Put an Apple Air tag in your car, attached to your bike, etc. An easy way to track your stuff.

Thanks for sharing. Good information

Love you guys!

Sounds very welcoming!!

Went to the Big Island a few years back and noticed a small homeless population in Kona. My friend told me the homeless don't sleep on the streets but they squat in the numerous vacant homes.

About how much do you spend each month for food? Food costs are going up like crazy in the states...so I can only imagine how high it is there. We are just retiring and thinking about the Big Island ...trying to figure out fixed costs...

The pests killed it for me. Top video. Confirmed a lot of the things I thought about living there; the good and the bad.

Hey guys. I dig your channel. Am from Oahu but my wife is from Florida and I’ve been looking for resources to help her feel more comfortable about our move to Puna. I’ll see if she wants to connect to the 365 Hilo. Mahalo 💙🤙🏽

Thank you for the video. Can you speak about your experience with home insurane on the big island?

I am visiting big island for the first time. The island is calling me. I think I'd love living here

I moved to Kona when there was just one stop light on that side, people used to ride horses down the street moving to different pastures, it was a slow easy life style.. All Kona had was golf and fishing for the most part.. Coffee shacks were easy to get 200 bucks a month or less..

I plan on living there eventually. All I ever hear from people around me when I say that is the negatives. Of course there's no such thing as a perfect paradise. There's a downside to everything in life. But, if you know what you love and you know where you want to be, then Hawaii can be perfect for you.

Feel like I left my heart on the big island. My husband and I adventured the whole island last year. We fell in love with every part, even Hilo… We are from Cali and didn’t see much difference in cost. Shopping sucked yes but wasn’t there to shop! Haha. We can no longer find affordable homes in California not even for investment. Hawaii checked all the boxes. Our fear are : schools, shipping, insurance, and business. We both run our own business and not sure how our line of work would do on the island. Guess we will just keep planning and see where we go… ❤

No noise from frogs in Ocean View and house pests are in every state, that's what you should say. I'm going to be hard on you but that will make you a better blogger. Welcome to the information line of Hawaii, my Island. You both seem like very nice people, if I can help you in any way, I would love it.

I've been big island almost 35yrs .. after swearing never ever to move here ... LOL! i spent the 1st 15yrs kona side .. above ho'okena a lil finger in the kealia ranch .. it was ok, & where babymomma wanted to live .. so there ya are! the vog/so2 got to me and i had to leave .. found pahoa ... i was all in! i have to say as a former 'silly con valley' engineer/multiple business owner, i 'thot i knew'. it took a year for me to learn to stfu .. & listen n learn .. my departure from california was permanent .. so there was no/little dragging up the 'there v here'. if i can say anything to add to this conversation, its .. 'this isn't where you came from' we don't drive, walk, talk or think like wherever it was, you know, the place just had to leave!! also this isnt your personal disneyland, so dont drive like crap, show respect and you will get respect. if you have serious attitude, some 350lber may change your way of thinking .. real quick(along with your body parts!). in my 20yrs this side i have noticed a pattern, most new will leave around 2, 5 or 10yr marks. remember this isnt where you came from ... you dont shove clothes in drawers for 6+months they will turn green. you would be smart not to buy home depot cabinetry ... particle board swells like mad and drawers won't open. also, get familiar with the culture, in 35yrs i think ive sed aloha 25-30 times ... its their culture .. i suggest not 'kidnpping' it, they laff at you! just be you!

Aloha 🤙🏽🌺thank you for this segment. I find it more honest then other pros and cons videos I’ve been finding. So interesting because I’ve been doing a lot of research the last few days and finally gave into the pros and cons videos yesterday so your video was definitely divinely guided I feel 💫. My fiancé and I have had the calling to move there for the last 3years. I am a massage therapist and do much spiritual centered work with clients and soul family. It’s been a calling to start a wellness retreat center there with a friend who grew up there. We’ll hopefully be ready to make our way over in about a year or so after our baby is born. Do you know of any people who have a similar calling? I’m also curious about the housing market in Hawi’i I can’t seem to find any listings there. Might it go by a different district name? Mahalo 🙏

we keep going back to hawaii for vacation several times a year. we vibe with the island, it feels like home, and my wife and i both would be able to secure great jobs.... however, after the math, we could live in kailua kona and do well enough to live, but it would be modest and we wouldnt really be able to save. it works out better for us to upgrade our home here on the mainland by 2000 sq feet, rent out a casita, save for retirement and still live a privileged lifestyle, and just keep going to hawaii several times a year to pay our respects and reconnect with the island. there are a LOT of pros, especially if you do not have kids, family to care for, or health issues... but for a non native to live there in struggle is hard on the islands energy. it is a paradise, but we have to respect the land as much as we do for the health of our own retirement

Gr8 vid..thank u

Healthcare. Glad you mentioned it. Being a war veteran, I am fortunate because the VA covers me. But I need to look at how VA healthcare plays out in the Big Island. Thanks re. the insurance information. Hahha thanks about Amazon. Haha Those are not roaches. Kidding. We call this fancy water bugs in Florida. Great that you explained it to folks from Des Moines.

Aloha. I came across your channel when we were looking for a place to retire on the Big island. My wife loves the Kona side of the island but the prices are a bit steep. I saw you had a comparison video of Kona vs Waikoloa that caught my attention. Do you have a video (or can you make one) on Waikoloa (not the Hilton Waikoloa) for someone looking at retiring there? I know the wind is an issue but how is the village? How is the traffic to and from Kona? What are the pros of living in Waikoloa? Mahalo.

We live on Oahu, both own homes and looking at moving to BIg Island. You mentioned you had a blog--where can I find your blog ? Aloha

Aloha, folks! I am moving to the Big Isled soon, and plan to transport my car. I keep hearing that it can be done for close to $1K, but the quiets I am seeing are closer to 2K. Its a Pruis C, so its not a big car. Any recommended shippers?

Can you recommend any good architects?

My extended family have been on the big island for 80yrs etc......I lived south of Kona on the Old Jimmy Strewart ranch ........fantastic memories......but we were out side of the Golden Hour.......which is something to think about on a ranch...........I did move into Kona up in Iilani subdivision, total heaven..........I used the hospital in Kona/Waimaia a couple of times.........I did move back to Vail area Colorado, home, when family turned on my hearts strings........But I would have stayed there forever had it been different. Yes, hard to make a living, I did work at Costco lolol but unlike my other paradise, Colorado Mtns, we did not have to buy snow tires or change of season clothing.

Well that didn't post right......Moved here in 2002 and have experienced many of the issues that you have brought up in the video. Working the trades here can provide a good living. I'll be looking up your group.

I LOVE THE COQUI FROGS ... it's like singing, a bit loud, but i do love their singing . . . .

North Hawaii Hospital; Kapaau has a hospital, too with full time ER....5 total hospitals

Question: Do you know of good custom woodworkers on the big island?

I am autistic and I thrive on being on the middle of nowhere. I lived in the high desert mountain and it would have been great but it was too cold for too many months. I am super excited to be in the jungle. I am very resourceful and I have connected online with better people than in person. I will not be lonely but I am willing to help anyone I can when there. I am all for being supportive in my community but I need my peace.

I'm 23. Im about to graduated with a construction management degree. I will move there in a few years, I promise.

Is there anyway that you guys can do a video about THE COST OF LIVING IN KONA, HAWAII? I live in Anchorage, Alaska so the cost of living is a little bit higher up here, because everything has to be shipped up here , etc . And I have been seriously considering moving there but wanted more information and coming from LOCALS like you guys would be perfect. Thank you -Vinnie from Alaska

If I want to start my small food business on the Big Island, would that be a good way to support myself financially?

On Kauai we try "KEEP IT KAUAI - IT"!

Very enlightening BUT I’ve seen many of similar videos like this and no one ever talks about cell service, internet, cable tv. How are these services on the Big Island? TIA

CHICKENS. How is it that you missed this? When I moved to a small apartment complex in Hilo town, we had 18 chickens that started crowing at 3 a.m. and continued all day. One sounded like someone was getting murdered. I love the frogs and find them soothing and peaceful. Oh, maybe mention plane traffic east Hawaii. Bad now, even with fewer flights during covid. At least 4 or 5 regular flights all through the night. If weather is socked in, altitude is just above houses and this will wake you up far more than the frogs. Sometimes the planes idle on the runway and houses do vibrate. However, Hawaii has captivated me and I am home.

So if you're rolling around with a specialty imported car like a Skyline GT-R, it will be targeted by thieves to part the car out or flat out steal the car?

I've seen one acre I've learned online on Big Island Hawaii for $25,000 can you actually find land that cheap ?

Just moved to the BI and would like to meet like minded people...kayak fishing, hunting, spearfishing, gardening. In Mountain view. Mahalo!

Aloha! What's the park at the beginning?

Are there areas free of coqui frogs? I experienced them in Puerto Rico and they were horrible. I couldn't sleep with the window open.